THE Matias Lessor last season he was one of the protagonists in the impressive season of Panathinaikos AKTOR. Despite being asked to fill the ‘5’ position almost single-handedly, the French center had a terrible year, emerging as a top five Euroleague and won the event as well as the Greek championship with the “greens”.
In the summer his successes continued, as he participated with the national of France at the Paris Olympics and even won it silver medal. An incredible season for the Frenchman, who continues at the same pace, having entered this season very well.
Lessor gave a long interview to the French “Equipe”, where he mentioned their interest New York Knicks last summer, in winning the EuroLeague with Panathinaikos, in the Olympic Games, in Ergin Atamanbut also to his family.
In detail what he said:
On the fact that he stood on the Olympic podium with the flag of Martinique: “With what’s happening there – looting and rioting because of a movement against the high cost of living – it’s even more important for me today to highlight my island. It is a secluded place that few know about, which deserves the spotlight as it has a lot of potential and new talent in sports, film, music and business.
The cost of living is becoming unaffordable. The people of Martinique are held “hostage” by certain people (s.b. refers to the “beques”, descendants of French settlers who arrived in the French Antilles in the 17th century) who have a monopoly on the food trade, real estate, vehicles, always more or less.
It’s not normal for something that costs 2 euros in mainland France to cost 7-8 euros there. Wages don’t follow, but we pay the same taxes. We have a passport and we represent France, like me, for example, at the Olympics.”
For the silver medal with France at the Olympics: “This medal with France is a childhood dream come true. Even more so since I was away from Tokyo for personal reasons. I thought I missed the train, but God works things out well and fate offered me this second chance in Paris.
I’m from Morne-Vert, a town of 1,000 people – counting the cats, as my brother Gregory says (ss laughs) – a tiny place and almost everyone came to welcome me to the town hall to celebrate when I got back This it makes what happens to me and what I was able to achieve with the French team even more beautiful, almost miraculous, as it was in Athens when we won the EuroLeague”.
On his father and brothers and how they influenced his career: “It’s simple. Thanks to them I caught the orange ball. They are real mentors. I started playing football through my father, who was a goalkeeper and was nicknamed “Manga” (after the Brazilian goalkeeper, Hailton Correa de Arunda, international in the 1960s and 1970s).
I started with my friends and gradually, wanting to follow my brothers, I got involved in basketball. Of course, my father also ended his career playing basketball and although he had opportunities to play professionally, he chose to stay in Martinique and he is respected a lot for that. He’s always pushed me, he’s been there for me, he watches all my matches and we talk on the phone regularly to discuss them.”
On the key point and how he came to be part of the EuroLeague’s top five in two seasons: “Many sacrifices, many hours in the “shadow”, these are the things we don’t see. I do everything I can and everything within my power. I’m not the strongest, I’m not the strongest, but as Vincent Collet would say, I’m tough. I make the most of my strengths. And then the opportunities, which you have to be in the right place at the right time.
In Monaco, I was able to show that I could earn real playing time and dominate the Eurocup (2020-21). My stint at Maccabi Tel Aviv, even in five games, convinced Partizan and there in Belgrade I had the experience that changed my life.
Željko Obradović was not afraid to start me. Believe in me. As for Ergin Ataman, the fact that he said that I was his priority when he came here to win the EuroLeague shows his trust, but also the respect that I have earned today. I’m very proud of that.”
On whether Yabusele’s post-Olympics move to the Sixers gave him ideas: “It gave me ideas, yes. I follow him closely, we spoke again yesterday on the phone. At the beginning of the Olympics, we told ourselves that it was an opportunity to show what we can do to the whole world.
It opened a door for him, which seemed unexpected. This inspires you. For me, it’s different, I was under contract, I didn’t have a clause. It’s no secret that the Knicks, who own my rights, tried to get me here. The club vetoed it. Other teams were interested, who wanted to make trades, but the Knicks didn’t want to trade me. Discussions went no further.
That means if I’m free next summer and have some opportunities and offers, only the Knicks will be able to make me an offer. We’ll see if the opportunity presents itself again one day, but that’s another story. I am happy and focused on Panathinaikos”.
As for how far it can go: “If you had asked me four years ago, I would have told you that I wanted to play in the EuroLeague and be a substitute for some team. But a career can rise as quickly as it can fall. At Salon my first year, I hardly played at all. It took a match where I had a 40 rating to get my chance. Without that match, I might still be there.
At Partizan, again last year, many thought I had reached my ceiling. All I know is that I like being an important player in a team that wants to win. I’m not LeBron (James), but if he can play at 40, and my brother Gregory is still performing well at 39, then at 29, I’m maybe only halfway there.”
On whether he will be in the 2025 EuroBasket: “A lot can happen between now and then. Next summer is a long way off. Will my body allow me to do this? Will I be good enough? Will I need a breather? I know where I come from and I know my destiny. At the moment, I can’t see anything more than the game against Villeurbanne.”
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.
