By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
One of the most noteworthy imports from the NBA in Europe during last summer came from Canada. Tyler Ennis is expected to be a key member of EuroLeague contender Fenerbahce.
“I enjoy every moment of my life in Europe”, he said to Eurohoops just minutes after the overtime win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Athens, during the first day of the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” pre-season tournament.
The reasoning behind his decision to sign with Fenerbahce is simple: “I felt it was a good opportunity for me. I was a free agent and Fenerbahce called me. After I met with the GM and the coach, I realized that it would be a situation where I wanted to be. That is to win, to improve as a player and above all to play basketball”.
The fact that the GM is Maurizio Gherardini who is also a member of Canada Basketball’s Council Of Excellence obviously helped. On the other hand, Ennis was ready for the jump. “Basketball is a basketball wherever you play it. There are certain differences with the NBA, but I personally consider it a profit for me, the whole experience will help me become a player,” the Canadian point guard added.
Ennis had played with Giannis Antetokounmpo – “he can be the MVP – but if the Lakers kept him, he would have the chance to play alongside LeBron James. Does he feel he missed a great opportunity?
“No, okay (laughs). Obviously, everyone would like to play next to LeBron. He is giving you the opportunity to be every year at the Finals, but I am focused on what I have to do here. I’m happy to be here in this team with this coach. Coach Obradovic‘s successes speak for themselves. If he yells at us, it’s because he wants to play up to our potential. We have a good roster even though we are still in a period of adjustment. We are still in the process of preparation, but we are constantly learning and hopefully, we will be able to turn this whole situation into something good”.