By Javier Molero / jmolero@eurohoops.net
Jean Montero has quickly established himself as one of the EuroLeague’s brightest stars. The Dominican guard earned widespread recognition with Valencia Basket before completing a high-profile move to Olympiacos this summer.
Following a career-defining season, Montero spoke to Marega Deportes, a radio station in his native Dominican Republic, about his time in Valencia, his decision to join Olympiacos and what lies ahead.
Reflecting on a campaign that saw Valencia win the Liga Endesa title and reach the EuroLeague Final Four, Montero credited consistency and the people around him for his development.
“It comes from the consistency of the last four years and the people around me. They help me show my talent.”
He also revealed that he played through injury at the beginning of the season.
“The start of the season was difficult because I had a torn ligament in my finger, and I wanted to compete with my new teammates because I’m very competitive.”
Montero admitted he pays attention to criticism and uses it as motivation.
“I read what people say about me, and I’m very competitive. I’m going to prove those who doubt me that they’re wrong.”
Asked about his move to Olympiacos, the 22-year-old said the decision had been planned long before negotiations began.
“I always knew it was going to be Olympiacos because, with the people I’ve been working with since 2022, we’ve defined which teams we wanted at each stage of my career. This move makes sense for my career.”
Despite receiving significantly more lucrative offers, Montero insisted money was never the deciding factor.
“For those who ask, Olympiacos offered me the least out of all the offers I had, but it’s the one that made the most sense.”
He then revealed the extent of one proposal he rejected.
“I had an offer worth €10 million per year, an apartment, a blank check… and I turned it down because, for me, it’s not all about the money.”
Looking back on the most painful moment of the season, Montero pointed to Valencia’s defeat against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
“When we lost to Real Madrid in the Cup, it destroyed me inside. We practiced that inbound play all year.”
He added:
“Real Madrid was our kryptonite all season.”
Montero also spoke warmly about his former club and head coach, now Real Madrid’s bench boss, Pedro Martínez.
“Valencia was a club I always wanted to join from the moment I arrived in Spain.”
And on Martínez:
“Pedro Martínez is a 10 out of 10 as a person. He’s spectacular.”
Finally, Montero described his leadership style with a smile.
“I consider myself a quiet leader. Some leaders like to talk a lot, but I tell you exactly what needs to be said, and that’s it.“
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