By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
AEK Athens multi-experienced guard Tyrese Rice was the first guest of the Eurohoops’ Basketball Champions League Final Eight Countdown. Rice, who signed with AEK for the big event discussed his expectations of the Final Eight stage.
“Lifting a trophy would be ideal, you just prepare yourself for these moments. It is crazy that this moment comes so early in the year, but you have to stay ready”, told Rice.
“It will be difficult anyway. There’s a lot of pressure coming with playing in Athens. Being at home, at our comfort zone it also means the expectations are much higher. A lot can happen in just one game”, mentioned Rice about AEK hosting the tournament.
As for what it feels to start the season with such an important event, Rice explains: “It’s different. Nobody has ever had to do this before. If are able to come out and play good we build from the start. We will have an advantage if we get a championship early in the season, we know the way to get another one”.
The seasoned guard then explained why he chose to sign with AEK, despite not looking to return to action as he had previously stated.
“Honestly, I didn’t think about going to play basketball, it wasn’t even on my mind especially with the pandemic going on. I thought it was over. Then they came to me with this type of contract with the opportunity to win a championship. I want to win a championship and play with one of my great friends Nikos Zisis. That put it over the top for me and along with my son going to virtual school, it made the decision a lot easier”, he said.
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