By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
Jean Montero spoke to reporters ahead of Valencia’s EuroLeague semifinal clash against Real Madrid Baloncesto at the Final Four in Athens, after Valencia completed a historic comeback from 0-2 down against Panathinaikos B.C. to secure the club’s first-ever Final Four appearance.
Addressing the rumors linking him with Olympiacos B.C. shortly after eliminating Panathinaikos, Montero admitted that outside noise is unavoidable at this stage of the season.
“I manage it as best as I can. Obviously, there’s always noise around everybody. You just have to stay focused on your goal. Right now, that’s playing in the Final Four and doing our best.”
Looking ahead to Friday’s semifinal against Real Madrid, the Dominican guard stressed the importance of setting the tone from the opening minutes.
“I’d say the team that controls the game from the beginning.”
Montero also embraced Valencia’s underdog status, pointing out that very few people expected the Spanish side to reach the Final Four before the season started.
“Since the beginning of the season, nobody thought we were supposed to be here. So when you’re the underdog, you need to have the right mentality and try to compete as hard as possible.”
He added that being underestimated actually removes some of the pressure.
“I feel great, man. There’s not a lot of pressure because people think you’re going to lose anyway. So you just go out there and play hard.”
Despite eliminating one of the tournament favorites in Panathinaikos, Montero insisted the team remains focused only on competing.
“It feels good, not just to be here, but to be playing in the Final Four. Tomorrow is going to be a tough game. We have to approach it by playing hard defense, playing at our rhythm and just go out there and compete.”
Asked whether repeated meetings with Real Madrid this season create additional pressure, Montero dismissed the idea.
“No, I don’t think anybody on the team has pressure. We’re just here to have fun and compete.”
The Valencia guard also acknowledged that the surprise factor surrounding the team has largely disappeared after their playoff run.
“Now everybody knows us and everybody knows the way we play, so I don’t think it benefits us the same way anymore. We still just have to go out there and play hard.”
Speaking about the matchup with Real Madrid, Montero described it as a respected domestic rivalry, even if Madrid’s historic rivalry remains with Barcelona.
“We’ve played them a lot this year. Obviously, Real Madrid’s biggest rivalry is with Barcelona, but now that we’ve been playing really well, I think people respect the Valencia-Real Madrid matchup too.”
Montero was also asked about previous reports linking him with KK Partizan before he joined Valencia.
“There were a few conversations when I was in Andorra, but right now I’m only focused on playing in the Final Four and doing my best.”
Reflecting on his first Final Four experience, Montero described it as an important opportunity for both his development and his career.
“It feels great. It’s a great opportunity to showcase my talent and obviously a great opportunity to compete.”
The young guard also revealed that he sought advice from experienced EuroLeague players ahead of the event, including Errick McCollum.
“Obviously, I reached out to a few players who have been in this situation before.”
When asked what McCollum told him specifically, Montero smiled and kept the details private.
“I can’t say that right now, but everybody knows the kind of things players talk about.”