By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
In an interview with Eurohoops, Errick McCollum talked the reasons he signed with Anadolu Efes, getting ready ahead of his first EuroLeague venture, what should he and his teammates do in order to create a strong unit on the floor, the NBA… and more!
– Why did you choose Anadolu Efes? Did you have offers from other teams?
– “I think it’s a better fit. I like the style of play. They play up-tempo. It will be my third season in Turkey. I thought like it was a good opportunity, with a good role for me. I had a few Euroleague offers. I just felt like this was the right place for me. Playing in the Euroleague and Turkish League. I feel that I fit in the coach’s system. I don’t have any regrets.”
– Did Galatasaray want to extend your contract?
– “I think they wanted me back. I knew that they were going to make some changes. They were going to cut the budget. They changed the coaching staff. I knew that they were interested in me because we have a history. I respect the organization.”
– What went wrong in Galatasaray in the previous season?
– “I missed most of the season so I can’t speak what happened before I was there. I am not sure but I know the team was talented. For the time I was there, we have a pretty good group of guys. Sometimes in basketball, things don’t click. I don’t think it was a bad team. There were just some struggles throughout the season.”
– How was the preparation process? How is the team chemistry?
– “The team chemistry is working progress. We have a lot of foreigners. I think 9, 10 new players. We are trying to learn the coach’s system. Offensively, defensively what he likes. We have potential but it is not ready right now. We have a lot of work to do.”
– What are the strongest aspects of this year’s Anadolu Efes?
– “I would say we are young, energetic but we have experienced players. We have a lot of guys who have been there and done things. We are hungry. The ability to adapt will be the key. We have many tools offensively and many weapons. But if we have to kind of come together as a team, we have to sacrifice.”
– What are coach Velimir Perasovic’s expectations from you?
– “He wants me to be the leader. He wants me to maintain the offense, getting everybody involved. I enjoy work with him so far. Perasovic pushes you. Focuses you offense and defense.”
– Is the level of the Turkish League satisfying to you?
– “It is one of the best leagues in Europe. There are a lot of good teams. Guys can play. Many foreigners, good Turkish players. It is a good mix. It always keeps you ready. Internationally, league teams had success. Fenerbahce won Euroleague, we won Eurocup when I was with Galatasaray. Efes and Darussafaka made the EuroLeague playoffs. You see these teams had success in Europe. We have to give credit to Turkish League.”
– Is playing in the NBA in your mind?
– “I live more in present. I am happy where I am overseas, playing at Euroleague level. I take it as a blessing. If something comes, I can listen to it but I am not chasing it. I am okay with playing Europe. It is great.”