Jerian Grant: “Panathinaikos is well on its way to the top – I will do whatever the team asks”

The Serbian meridiansport spoke to Jerian Grant. This year’s revelation Panathinaikou he did not hide his optimism for a leading course in the Euroleague, he referred to the role he has in the team, while he talked about today’s challenge against Partizan, their “hot” home and Kevin Pader.

In detail, the 31-year-old ace talked about:

-his tenure in the NBA: “It was nice, I played at the highest possible level, where all the players want to be. It was a great experience to be in Chicago and Orlando, where my uncle (Horace Grant) played.”

-the differences between NBA and Europe: “The NBA is completely different from Europe. Everything happens very quickly, with 82 matches in the regular season, with some of them very important and others not so much, unlike in Europe where every match is important. I have the opportunity to travel all over Europe and play basketball, it’s a special experience.”

-the failed passage from Armani and the launch through Turk Telecom: “In Milan we had two great playmakers at the time, Rodriguez and Delaney, so I had to wait for the opportunity. Coach Chan at Turk Telecom put the ball in my hands, I had great teammates and I had freedom in my game, so confidence.”

– the challenge of Panathinaikos: “I am full of confidence. In Milan I had a very demanding coach and two legends in front of me, but now my moment has come. Coach Ataman gives me freedom on both sides of the floor and I think that shows in my game.”

– this year’s Panathinaikos: “We are a completely new team. It would be unrealistic to expect to play great from the start and we lost two matches in overtime. But as the season progresses, we get closer and closer to where we want to be. I think we are well on our way to the top. I believe that the victory in Berlin helped us, because it gave us the momentum we have until now”.

-his own role: “My role is changing. In one match I will be a scorer and in others I will be tasked with stopping the opponents best striker. I am a player who can adapt to anything. The most important thing for me is to do the work that the team needs from me to win.”

-today’s duel with Pander: “He’s coming back from injury and I’ll probably take over marking him. It will be a big challenge. He is a top-level scorer, but I will try to do a good job, press him and make it difficult for him, with the help of my teammates of course.”

– the atmosphere at Partizan headquarters: “Lesor told me it’s one of the hottest seats he’s ever played. This gives us extra motivation, I’m looking forward to the match. We know how good Partizan are and how difficult it is to beat them in Belgrade, but we are all ready for the challenge.”