By Stefan Acevski/ info@eurohoops.net
On Monday, Nigel Hayes-Davis had his first practice at OAKA as a player of Panathinaikos, after undergoing fitness evaluations.
The American forward and MVP of last season’s EuroLeague Final Four (2024-25) will travel with the “greens” on Tuesday to Heraklion, Crete, for the Final 8 of the Greek Cup and the quarter-final against PAOK on Wednesday.
Speaking at “CLUB 1908”, Hayes-Davis, among other things, talked about his adaptation and revealed what Ergin Ataman told him.
“As I always say, I will work hard and do my best to contribute both defensively and offensively. I talked to the coach before we got on the court to see the systems and he wanted to remind me: Don’t come here trying to adapt. Be yourself. We will make sure everything works around you. That was very encouraging.”
Regarding his decision to come to Panathinaikos, he emphasized.
“Discussing it with my family, my friends, my agent, and myself. I feel that, of course, everyone knows that Fenerbahçe was an option, with what I did there the last three years and especially with what we achieved there last year, I felt like a chapter closed. I gave everything, I think I did the best I could. I hope they appreciated it and enjoyed it. Now a new chapter in my life and basketball begins.”
He also spoke about being teammates with Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas, who have also been named MVP, Hayes-Davis stated:
“It’s an opportunity to try to make it work. Obviously, it sounds great to mention these titles on paper, but the goal, the challenge, and the fun come from making it work on the court. I will do my best, as I am sure they will too, to build good chemistry and cohesion as quickly as possible. I hope this leads us to win games.”
As for the fans of Panathinaikos, the American star explained:
“Cheer for us when we are doing well, cheer for us even more when we are not doing well, and remember that we are always giving our best.“