By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
Trey Lyles spoke to reporters ahead of Real Madrid’s EuroLeague semifinal against Valencia Basket at the Final Four in Athens, discussing his expected role without several big men available, Valencia’s rise this season, and his experience playing alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver.
Lyles admitted that reaching the Final Four felt like an expectation throughout the entire season at Real Madrid.
“I realized before the end of the season how much people talk about it and how much it’s pretty much expected when you’re a Real Madrid player and part of this organization. It’s been talked about all year long, so I’m not surprised by any of it.”
With Real Madrid missing key centers Walter Tavares and Alex Len, Lyles confirmed he expects to spend more time playing at the five.
“Yeah, I think I’ll be getting some more minutes at the five, so I’m looking forward to that.”
The Canadian forward also made it clear that he does not view the adjustment as difficult, given his previous experience in the NBA and earlier this season.
“I don’t see it as a challenge. I’ve played the five a lot during my years in the NBA and a couple of times this season too. I actually prefer playing the five. I think it’s a little easier for me offensively and defensively I’m able to guard bigger guys and move around.”
Lyles believes Real Madrid’s smaller lineup could increase the pace against Valencia.
“Not having two seven-footers kind of speeds us up a little bit, so I think we’ll be fine.”
He added that a more up-and-down style suits both him and Usman Garuba.
“Running up and down is good for us. Me and Usman, that’s what we do.”
Asked whether Real Madrid feels less discussed compared to the other Final Four storylines — including the Greek derby and Valencia eliminating Panathinaikos — Lyles downplayed the idea.
“We’re Real Madrid, so I think people expected us to be here. There are other things people want to talk about, so they’re talking about those things. We’re just focused on tomorrow night’s game.”
The former Denver Nuggets player also reflected on his time playing with Nikola Jokic, offering high praise for the Serbian superstar.
“I think he’s shown the world that he’s one of the best players ever to touch a basketball. Playing with him was fun. I don’t even know how to explain it. He was a magician with the ball and he still is to this day. He can literally take over at any point. Playing with him and then watching him now makes you want to play with him again.”
Lyles admitted he expected Jokic to win multiple MVP awards and even believes there was another season when the Serbian center should have won the award.
“I expected it. There was one year he lost it when I thought he probably should’ve won it again. He’s a great player and he’s going to do what great players do.”
Although they are no longer regularly in touch, Lyles revealed the two former teammates were close during their time in Denver.
“We don’t really stay in touch now, but whenever I see him we talk. We actually used to live in the same building, so we were pretty cool.”
When discussing his adjustment to EuroLeague basketball, Lyles singled out Sergio Llull as the teammate who helped him the most throughout the season.
“I think it’s been Llull because he’s been around for 20 years, so he knows exactly what every season brings — the ups and downs. Whenever he talks, we all stay quiet and listen because we respect him and he knows what he’s talking about.”
Lyles also admitted the team would love to help Llull add another EuroLeague title to his career.
“It’d be great for him. I think if he wins another one, it would be the most in history. That’s definitely something we want for him as a team.”
Reflecting on his first EuroLeague Final Four experience, Lyles compared it to the NCAA Final Four atmosphere he experienced in college.
“I played in the Final Four in college and it feels pretty similar with all the hype around it. Obviously this is the professional level, so it’s a little different, but it’s pretty much everything I expected.”
Despite Real Madrid beating Valencia four straight times this season, Lyles insisted previous results will not matter in a Final Four setting.
“It’s a new game. They’re a different team now because it’s the end of the season. We have to respect them like it’s the first game. It’s win or go home, so there are no second chances after this one.”
Lyles also praised Valencia for eliminating Panathinaikos after losing the first two games of the series.
“They were just the better team. They played better and were able to win three games in a row. Kudos to them.”