By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
After three points in two games, Cole Swider exploded with 20 points for Anadolu Efes.
Over his first two showings with the Istanbul outfit, he played just six minutes. In Round 4, he logged 14 efficient minutes opposite Olympiacos, helping his side prevail in the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
“I always have it in me. I work really hard and all glory to God for allowing me just to play this game that I love and have and be able to have a performance like that,” he shared with Eurohoops following the win against the Reds.
“I know who I am as a player. Good game, bad game, just back to work, and just trying to help this team win,” he added.
Making 6/10 field goals, including four triples, in SEF, the 26-year-old combo forward does not intend to slow down any time soon.
“I always take those shots, and I’m never gonna be shy. I’m never gonna be afraid, and I’m just gonna keep on doing it and play my game. If I’m gonna go down, I’m gonna go down doing it the way that I train and the way that I play,” he told Eurohoops.
NBA vs. EuroLeague
A veteran of 35 NBA games with the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons over the last three years, Swider compared the league based in North America to Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“I think there are a lot fewer possessions. It’s a much more play-oriented game. NBA is a lot more concepts,” he said on adapting to the EuroLeague, “It’s physical, the refs, the crowds, it’s an amazing atmosphere, and I’m super blessed to be here.”
The former Syracuse and Villanova standout also discussed perhaps considering a return to the NBA.
“I would love to go back, but that’s not at the forefront of my mind. I just wanna keep on developing, keep on getting better, and just keep on playing winning basketball,” he underlined.
“At the end of the day, it’s not up to me. It’s not up to any player in the Euroleague to sign you to a contract,” he explained, “Euroleague’s the second best league in the world without a doubt, and to be able to play well on this stage and in these environments, I think it translates well.”
With the road win on Tuesday, Efes matched the Greek club at 2-2, early in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season.