By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Both remain highly respected and loved by their former teammates and fans and Eurohoops had the honor of taking a trip with them down the memory lane with them. Olympiacos and Anadolu Efes are again in the same position and it will be interesting to see if history will repeat itself.
As Jamon Gorden said: “I just remember trying to give my all in Game 5. We were up and had everything going our way but they found a way to win and that’s why that team was championship team. We were down 2-0. We really controlled Game 3 and in Game 4 we were down for most of the time but we found a way to get back in the game because of few mistakes by the Reds. I just happen to be in the right position to make a lucky tip!!! It was all luck and we won. This year it will be a great series too. Both teams have great guards and powerful big men but the home court advantage will play a major role in the series. I think it will go to five games but it’s hard to pick who will win that last game… I will be watching every minutes of each game. Good luck to both teams”.
Acie Law adds: “I remember both teams being extremely talented. Both teams took care of home court advantage. And in the final game they got out to a quick start and had a big lead against us. But again we showed what we always did when we were together, we never quit. The crowd got behind us and gave us the energy that we needed to come back and get that win. I remember Kyle (Hines) making a pass to me in the corner. And I made a three that Efes couldn’t rebound back from. One of my biggest shots while I played for the Reds. With home court I imagine another final four is in the future for olympiacos“.
And speaking with Law you can’t but ask what if: “If I never had my injury, I believe that I’d still be on that team. My family and I really enjoyed our time there. We accomplished a lot and the teammates I played with were so unselfish. Kyle, Pap (Kostas Papanikolaou), Billy (Spanoulis) George (Printezis), Mantzaris were such good teammates. It was a perfect mix and I think it showed during our time which is why I believe we were able to win two titles with two different coaching staffs. Who knows what could have happened if we were able to stay together”.