By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
It wasn’t like he was happy. But as Jamon Lucas said “if I had to choose anybody else –besides Efes– to go to the Final Four, it would be Olympiacos”. Anadolu Efes’ point guard talks about the love that Olympiacos’ fans have for him, the game and Efes’ next day.
– You got into the game with a great energy and you reached a 15 lead. But after that it wasn’t the same?
“At the beginning the shots got in, Jordan (Farmar) got hurt and it kind of hurt us, but you have got to give them all the credit. They won the game and they deserve to go to the Final Four. Αfter the 15 lead, we started missing some shots, they started having shots, they were at home. I think the home court advantage won the series. Maybe, if we had the home court advantage, we would be the ones who were going to London. But anyway, they are a great team, they know their roles, everybody played hard and made shots and that is why they won the game”.
– What actually happened with Farmar, after he played just 7’ at the second half?
“I don’t know what exactly happened with Jordan. I know he got hurt. I think at his leg. But… I really don’t know”.
– The Reds’ fans applauded you too many times. They didn’t hide… they love you, something it’s not so usual when you have a Final Four ticket at stake?
“For me is the second year in a row I’m playing here and I have to say is good, if you come to think that the fans show me good respect, they cheer for me, even when they are not supposed to. It feels strange that I played here for one year, couple years ago, and all the fans love me. I always feel kind of special, coming back. And it’s strange; I have some good games when I’m coming here. I am happy for them, even though were out of the Final Four”.
– And how it so happens each time you step your foot at Stadium of Peace and Friendship to have good games?
“I know the gym, I know how to shoot in this gym, so… It was a good game. Even though my team didn’t go to the Final Four. If I had to choose anybody else, I would choose them”.
– Did anybody of Olympiacos’ players surprised you?
“I know all of them. I never surprised when I see anyone of them playing good. Each night a different player steps up and that’s why they are good”.
– The season it’s not over. You have to get yourselves together, since you have one more goal to chase after…
“We have got to move on. Of course we wanted to go to the Final Four, but we lost and now he are going to try to win the Turkish league. Then, we will try to go after all to London, next year! It’s not easy, we just have to come back next year and try hard”.