G. Kalaitzakis: “It was my only choice abroad, because when you are a ‘foreigner’ you are respected more”

After his release from Panathinaikos AKTOR, o George Kalaitzakis she competes in Germany in her jersey Tübingeneven making very good appearances with 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds average.

The Greek guard/forward spoke to EOK Web Radio for the reasons that led him to choose the German club as its new station career of, while referring to how he is experiencing her so far presence of the team and the country.

In detail what he said:

On how he ended up in Germany and Tübingen: “I was released late from Panathinaikos, it was mid-late September and all the teams had closed their rosters. I was looking towards Spain more but most teams didn’t want a player. I didn’t want to wait any longer, I told my manager that I wanted to go somewhere and play, in a good competition like Germany and so I came. I spoke to the coach on the phone 3-4 days before I signed, I liked what he told me and I signed here.”

On whether it was his first choice abroad: “Since the summer when I knew I wouldn’t continue at Panathinaikos, abroad was my only choice, because when you are a ‘foreigner’ you are respected better and more. That’s why I made this decision and I just wanted out.”

For Tübingen: “It is a good and young team. He had been up since last year he just didn’t have the budget to participate. This year they found some sponsors from what I heard and were able to be in the category. It’s a new team, the coach is Finnish, a… tough winner, he brings that vibe to the team. It’s still early, the team is getting better week by week.”

On his reception by the team and life in the city: “Everyone has embraced me, they were very nice, many were waiting for my arrival here. They never expected that a player from Panathinaikos could come here, that’s what they tell me. Everything is very nice over here, everyone is very good at their job, they know what they have to do, they are professionals in general in Germany. The city is very nice, it has a lot of things to do, it has many nice cities nearby, so everyday life is not monotonous. I want to dedicate myself 100% to what I do and become better.”

For the German league: “German basketball has positively surprised me. I knew it was a very good league before I came, but I see things even more positively. Anyone can beat anyone, the league is very competitive. There is a lot of organization, but the racing part has surprised me the most. All the teams are very strong, the basketball is very fast and I think it’s something that will make me a better player.”

On whether the German style of basketball suits him: “It’s definitely something that suits me. It’s a fast game and I wanted to go to that style of league. I’ve been out for a long time, but my coaches and teammates are helping me. I’m finding my footing little by little and I believe that in the future I will be even better.”

On the interest of the people in Germany in basketball: “We are talking about a country that became world champion. It’s definitely in their culture, every stadium I’ve played in so far is sold-out. A lot of people gather, a lot of young kids, the people are clearly basketball fans, that is, they know the sport well and support their team. It’s generally a very nice atmosphere.”

For his first attempt abroad, in Lithuanian Nevezis: “It was a bit difficult, because I was also younger. It was my first time abroad so I didn’t know what to expect. It helped a lot that I had Panagiotis with me, we were in the same team. And there they had welcomed us very nicely. It was very good in Lithuania and we didn’t get to finish the season due to covid. I only remember nice moments and it’s really stuck with me.”

For the two German EuroLeague teams: “I think Alba “invests” more in young and talented kids, who don’t have EuroLeague experience. That’s why she hasn’t been able to be that competitive yet. The players on their roster are very good, very talented and have a lot of potential. On the other hand, Bayern have players with more experience, more played in the Euroleague, they have a coach who is one of the leaders in this field. He has already put his rock in Bayern, they are a very competitive team, they play very fast and hard. I think both teams will get better in the future.”

On what he would be satisfied with at the end of the season: “I definitely want the team to enter the league playoffs. I want to help the team get as many wins as possible and improve as a player.”