By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Dimitris Diamantidis arrived early for the “Diamonds Are Forever” press conference and was willing to answer to all questions concerning him, his future plans and many more!
“The truth is that during the summer I needed time to relax and basketball wasn’t in my mind”, he admits. “Now that I’m back home, it sure crosses my mind and it’s totally reasonable to think about it after playing for so many years.”
He sure has interests to focus on, like his family, and he hopes to find something fulfilling to do now that he has retired. “I have something in mind that is related with basketball, something that I want to do and something that will please me.”
Diamantidis is one of the most respected individuals in basketball and he appreciates every praise he gets from opponents, teammates and coaches. “It feels good to earn people’s respect. You can’t win everyone though. It’s a great honor that some people respect the way I played and acted.”
Humble as he is, he says he doesn’t have a legacy to give in terms of personal achievements. “Players work to do the best thing possible. They learn about statistic achievements from journalists. Their thoughts are on the team’s plan, not to overcome whoever is above them.”
As an emblematic figure in Greek sports, he surely is considered an idol by many, kids included. But what does he have to say to someone who wants to become like him? “I’d say he won’t need to be like me. I’d also tell him he needs to get in the court, do what he loves and not to think about it. What matters the most is to build a strong character. In such a game you need to learn how to cooperate with many different characters and that’s not easy. You don’t have to become someone else, just do what you love and be happy about it.”
Diamantidis’ main focus now is his family and children. “When they grow up, I’ll simply tell them “your dad used to play basketball”. I don’t think I need to tell them anything else. There are videos to look at if they wish so.”