By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A few days after being officially welcomed by Olympiacos, Cory Joseph traveled to Greece to join his new teammates and launch preparations for his EuroLeague debut.
“Things happen quickly. That’s the nature of the business. But I am very excited to be here,” he described the brief process leading him to the Reds during a media session at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, immediately after landing in the Greek capital on Monday.
“I haven’t played since the last NBA Playoffs. I’ve been training. So, very thirsty to get out there and just play,” he confirmed apparent eagerness to finally return to action.
“It was an easy decision, to be honest with you. I know some of the guys. I’ve played against a few of the guys in the NBA,” the 34-year-old point guard explained.
From Spanoulis to Olympiacos
The Canadian point guard previously inked a deal with fellow EuroLeague outfit, AS Monaco, but did not suit up in a game of Europe’s premier club competition, nor in France’s Betclic Elite, due to respective league sanctions on La Roca Team.
“I wasn’t there for a long time, but I got to build a good relationship. He’s obviously an amazing person, and an amazing coach,” he went into his connection with Monaco’s head coach and Olympiacos legend, Vassilis Spanoulis.
“Signing for Olympiacos, that name speaks all over the sports world. So, that speaks for itself,” he added to his next challenge.
“Something bigger than yourself”
His new side featuring several former NBA players builds early familiarity for the former NBA champion, a veteran of 953 appearances in the North American league.
“I am very motivated,” the Toronto native said on taking his talents to the EuroLeague. “For me, I feel like a rookie again. Kind of a new professional career for me. It gives me a lot of life.”
“Whenever you put on this jersey, you represent something bigger than yourself. I’m excited to get to work and be a part of it,” he continued.
Furthermore, Joseph was confident in a quick adjustment to the Greek powerhouse, down the stretch of the 2025-26 journey.
“I talked to the coach already,” he went into the play-caller of the Piraeus outfit, Giorgos Bartzokas. “Looked over some of the plays and stuff, that is good for me to get adjusted as the PG, making sure I don’t miss a beat on that stuff.”
“Without Coach Pop…”
Besides Olympiacos, Joseph also reflected on Gregg Popovich and his help at the start of his professional career.
“Without Coach Pop, I probably would not be standing here talking to any of you guys. He’s helped me throughout my whole basketball journey,” he said proudly.
Joseph meets Olympiacos on 15-8 W-L tally, sitting fifth in the EuroLeague standings, ahead of a Round 25 fixture opposite FC Barcelona in the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Thursday. Domestically, a perfect 15-0 run tops Greece’s Stoiximan GBL table.