Walkup: ‘Final Four motivation is huge, especially if you’ve lost in heartbreaking ways’

In a few days from now, Mr Olympic will be present for the third consecutive year in the Final 4 of the Euroleague, aiming to win the 4th trophy in its history.

At the media day of the “red and white”, o Thomas Walkup mentioned in the previous two Final Four and what they taught his team, while he mentioned what he expects from the semi-final with the Real Madrid and took stock of the season so far.

In detail what he said:

On the level of preparation ahead of the Final Four: “Our level of preparation is good. The preparation did not start now, but from August. We had a good season, we got better and better over time. We were gaining confidence and starting to feel more comfortable. We made it to the Final Four and now we just have to go there and execute properly what we’re used to doing.”

On his feelings after being named the best defender: “I feel beautiful. I don’t really care about individual awards, but having your efforts recognized is always very nice. I am grateful and very happy to play for the coaching staff who support my game and for my teammates who support me on the court. I’m thankful”.

On whether he is ready for the semi-final with Real Madrid: “Yes, it’s my job. We all have to look in the mirror, do our job and know exactly what we have to do. To play defense, to collect the rebounds, to do what is necessary and to execute it correctly.”

For the game against Real Madrid: “It is different from the previous ones. Every Final Four is different, they have a different team and we have a different team. We have a different momentum going into the Final Four. This season is different, we have to believe it and rely on ourselves. Making or missing shots isn’t the most important thing, but it makes your life easier. It doesn’t matter if you play in the Greek league or the EuroLeague or the Final Four. You have to have a good defense, lock the opponent down and build on that.”

For last year’s final with Real: “The motivation for the Final Four is always at the highest level. Especially when in previous years you’ve lost in a heartbreaking way. Last year we were so close, that’s why now the motivation is at the highest level. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing against, if it’s Real or if it’s Berlin (Alba). Does not matter. The motivation to bring the trophy home is the only thing that counts.”

On the fact that in the previous two years Olympiacos was defeated in the final minutes and whether this is his year to get a victory, beating the buzzer: “It’s good not to need the buzzer-beater in the Final Four. The level of competition is so high and it’s so intense, you need a lucky bounce at some point. It would be very good yes (ss. laughs)”.

For the format of the event: “Every format is difficult. We play in a nine-month season, with the regular season and practices. If we played a five-game streak, it would feel like we were dragging out the season even longer. Whether we keep the format or change it, everything will be fine and we will play all the matches.”

For the current season: “I think from the last two years, we have a lot of experience for this year as well. Last year we were healthier throughout the season, we didn’t have those absences. This season we’ve had a lot of injuries, guys coming in and out of training and new signings. We were trying to figure out a lot of things. From the beginning we tried to keep our style to this moment and things slowly started to bond and get closer. We are now an experienced team and we will concentrate to win the title, nothing else.”