THE Thomas Walkup found his port in Greece and Olympicwhile he is now also a member of the country’s national team.
It is therefore not surprising that he wishes to stay with us even after he retires from basketball!
This was stated, among other things, in an interview with Cosmote TV by the 31-year-old guard, who also spoke about his team, the National Team and the most difficult opponent he has faced.
What he said in detail:
About when he will be able to speak Greek: “I’m fighting it, I hope to be able to have a conversation in Greek by next summer. This is my goal. I know the result won’t be perfect, I’m sure I’ll sound funny, but I hope to make it by next summer.”
On whether the communication with coach Itoudis and his teammates in the national team was smooth: “It was easy. In general, my adjustment to the team was easy. Communication was excellent. Everyone spoke such good English.”
On whether he enjoyed his presence in the National Team, even though Greece did not achieve anything great in WorldBasketball: “I have to separate the results from the rest of the experience. As a basketball fan, I can step back and say that it was very special for me to play in such a great tournament and compete at this level. I edited it internally. The fact that I am an American, who competed in the Greek National Team, where they welcomed me so nicely and supported me, was very special for me.”
Regarding the statement he made that he was looking forward to returning to Greece while he was in the US this summer: “I found myself wanting to go home while I was sleeping. I told this in front of my mom and she wasn’t too happy. I felt like I just went there to visit, not like my home is there. Of course my family and loved ones are there, but Greece is my home.”
On the serious injuries he faced at the beginning of his career: “They taught me to endure difficulties. I think about the support I had from my friends and my family back then, during those difficult times, when I didn’t know if I would play basketball again. Overcoming these adversities I felt that nothing could be more difficult and that’s why I kept pushing.”
For the collaboration with Giorgos Bartzokas: “He’s a very easy person, he’s very relaxed in training. The guy you see in the games is at the peak of pressure, but during the week he is very calm, relaxed, treats us well and with respect. I love playing for him. He lets his assistants do their work and intervenes only when necessary. We have a great relationship.”
On whether he has regrets or second thoughts about last year’s Euroleague final against Real: “I am thinking about it all the time. I think about my individual performance, one possession, another possession. It’s hard to think about what happened and that we let the title slip away from us. Whatever happened, they took him from us.”
For the toughest player he has faced: “Mike James is tough. You have to be focused throughout the match when marking him. You can’t just play good defense in five possessions, because if you let him get a good shot in the sixth, then from the 7th to the 20th possession it’s going to be very difficult for you. You shouldn’t let him find a rhythm.”
On whether he is thinking of staying permanently in Greece when he finishes his career: “Yeah, that’s definitely the plan. I’ll also come home to see my mum and dad, my siblings and my friends from time to time, but I love life here and I think it’s too good to leave.’
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
