By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Last night was magical for Greek center Giorgos Papagiannis. After being selected with the 13th pick by the Sacramento Kings, via a trade with the Phoenix Suns, he is ready to absolutely live the NBA dream.
The player is leaving Greece and Panathinaikos. “Everything begins now”, said Papagiannis in Sport-Fm. “The first step was made, which is very important. I will work hard to win as much as I can, give my best self and win a championship with the team. In the USA, much attention is given to the part of exercising in the gym. That’s the thing I spent time with, since I went there. They put some great focus there. The body is what will help you in everything you will do. Hard work and concentration in that department is needed”.
The Greek center was asked to describe his emotions from last night. “I am so much happy. I haven’t realized yet what has happened. Only today and really slowly. Initially I was supposed to be an eighth pick, but the trade happened. Going to the NBA and play for a team like the Sacramento Kings was a dream. I heard the phone of my manager ringing, then I saw the cameras gathering around me and I realized that I would be the next pick”.
In the Sacramento Kings, Papagiannis is going to be teammate with DeMarcus Cousins. “I have been watching him since last year. I watch his moves daily, in every detail. I am very happy that I will be his teammate, he carries a…. craziness that I like. Also, Kostas Koufos is there. It is a positive thing to have another Greek player in the team”.
And what is the plan now? “I will sit in New York for three days and then I will go to Sacramento to sign the contracts and begin training immediately, ahead of the summer league. That’s what I know, for now”.