Matt Thomas for Panathinaikos AKTOR: “I went there thinking I would play a lot, it was tough”

One of the players who passed by Panathinaikos ACTOR last (disastrous) season, it was the Matt Thomas.

The American shooter was acquired by the “greens” in February 2023, but his presence in the team actually lasted for only 11 games, 10 of the Euroleague and 1 of the championship. Since the player was not declared on the domestic roster, with the final termination of the European obligations of the team, he stopped playing in the green jersey.

Speaking to BasketNews, Thomas referred to “tough”as he characterized it, his passage from OAKA, while he emphasized that he did not expect this development when he signed with Panathinaikos AKTOR.

What he said in detail:

How did you experience your return to Europe after many years of absence?

“It’s been going well, even though I’ve had to adapt. My time with Panathinaikos last season was strange. Not being registered to play in the Greek league and only playing in 10 games was not what I expected. This was a challenge. But this year, I’m trying to get back into my comfort zone and become the player I know I’m capable of being..

How would you rate your Panathinaikos experience overall?

“I went there expecting to play a lot. But since I wasn’t among the six foreign players in the Greek league, it was difficult. We missed the EuroLeague playoffs. But he taught me to continue to be professional, to do what I’ve done my whole career and to be ready when the opportunity arises.”

Did you and the club discuss the conditions?

“No, I had no idea what the script was or the rules about the changes. I signed there with the previous manager and he was fired 10 days after I got there. So, I didn’t know the circumstances.”

How does it feel to see Panathinaikos back in playoff contention after falling out of contention last year?

“Obviously, last year was difficult for Panathinaikos, especially when I got there. But I believe everything happens for a reason. I live my life like this, so everything happened as it should.”