Karagiannidis: “The G-League is a big challenge for me, Mitoglou is my idol”

A few hours after being selected No.7 in the first G-League International Draft by the Dallas Mavericks affiliate, Texas LegendsThe Antonis Karagiannidis spoke to EEC WebRadio, stressing that he will face his upcoming move to the US as a very good challenge.

In addition, the 21-year-old said that the road is now open in front of him to pursue his big dream of playing in the NBA, while talking about his season with Aia Evosmou, about the Elite League, and about Dino Mitoglou, who is his idol!

In detail what he said:



On his selection in the G-League International draft: “I didn’t stay up late, I didn’t have time to enjoy it. It was a fact that I heard it and even more… I got worried. It’s a big challenge for me, I haven’t realized it yet”.

For the first word that came to his mind when he was chosen: “The word “challenge” immediately came to mind, in general I like to take the difficult path. I think that if I go there it will be the best for me more individually, to improve. The work they do abroad is much more careful and I would like to concentrate on the work”.

For the reason he declared participation in the International draft: “First, I discussed it with my family. My manager told me about the offer and as soon as I heard it I said that I will try to participate and I will apply. Like I said, I like to take the hard road and I thought I could chase a dream that I thought was elusive.”.

For his dream: “I think everyone wants to play somewhere very high. We’ve been watching the NBA since we were little, so our dream is to be on the courts there”.

On whether he had any first contact with the team: “We had a communication, I sent videos, they liked me and said I could be more involved in American basketball. They liked me for that part”.

For the Greek coach of the Texas Legends, George Galanopoulos: “I haven’t spoken to him yet. I was relieved when I heard that the coach is Greek, he will also have the Greek mentality, he will be close to me. So I feel a little more comfortable, the change is not huge”.

For Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic: “Both are very big names and I would very much like to be in the same space as them. Let’s have a chat, get their knowledge”.

For the reactions of Aiantas Evosmos: “Surely the union was happy. They saw one of their children go abroad, it’s a success for them too. Everyone called me to congratulate me. It is generally a very family club”.

For his current year: “It definitely helped me. Since my coaches trusted me and thought I could come in and show what I can do, it all helped my psychology and my individual improvement.”.

For this year’s Elite League: “This year was my first year in the class. The whole league was too strong, too tough, all the teams could win all of them, it was too complicated. I think there’s been a big upgrade to the Elite League with the teams and foreigners that have come in. It’s a harder, tougher and faster sport when you play with strangers. I think the championship went up a level”.

On whether he has a player he wants to be like: “I generally like European players. The one I have focused on and would like to follow his path is Dinos Mitoglou. I think I could very well be like him, in the same style of play. He is something of an idol for me”.