By Bugra Uzar/ info@eurohoops.net
ABU DHABI – With his 12th NBA campaign in the books since early April, CJ McCollum traveled to Abu Dhabi for the Final Four of the 2024-25 season of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Following the games, he naturally focused on his older brother Errick, helping Fenerbahce Beko win the second EuroLeague championship in team history.
After the championship game in Etihad Arena on Sunday, the 33-year-old American guard took a page out of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s book and his interview with Kostas Antetokounmpo on EuroLeague TV during last year’s Final Four, to ask a question to the newly-crowned champion.
“This is a reward for all the sacrifices, the training,” Errick replied to his brother, “It’s truly a blessing. It’s hard to get here, and I’m grateful to be part of Fenerbahce and to have won this trophy.”
“Thank you to all the fans,” he went on to credit the team loyals, “They gave us energy and filled the arena. This was an opportunity we couldn’t let slip, and I’m overjoyed in this moment.”
“I’m happy he is the champion. I’m happy I can be here and thankful for the journey. He’s been through a lot during his career. He’s played in a lot of different places. He’s faced adversity. And now he’s here, winning a championship,” CJ also talked to Eurohoops.
“A very good team, from top to bottom. They’ve got guys from the bench that could contribute. They’ve got guys that start. Good coaching staff. Great facilities. World-class organization,” he added, on the team based in Istanbul.