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Thomas walkup
| MIN: | 18.67 |
| PTS: | 7.67 (55%) |
| REB: | 2.33 |
| WHAT: | 6 |
| ST: | 1.33 |
| BS: | 0 |
| TO: | two |
| GM: | 3 |
At the end of the Kaunas “Žalgiris” season, one of Kaunas’ leaders in recent years left the team one after another. One of them is Thomas Walkup, hunted by many Euroleague clubs, who chose the Piraeus Olympia team and signed a three-year contract with the Greeks.
The American introduced himself to fans of the legendary Greek club and said he was happy to extend his career in Piraeus.
“I am very excited and happy to play for the historic club. I know the whole history of Olympiacos, which has not been where it should be in recent years. I will do my best to make my last four dreams come true. This team is made up of legendary European basketball players who know how to win, ”the former Žalgiris resident expressed on Oly’s official website.
When asked what he knew about the history of this legendary Greek club, Walkup recalled what his former teammates Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Zach LeDay and Augustine Rubitas had told him.
“I know a lot, and I also know what the Olympiacos and Panathinaikos derby means. Shar told me a lot about that, and I also heard stories from Augustine and Zach who have been to this derby many times. I am very excited and I know this match is something spectacular. I also know how demanding our fans are and I hope the pandemic ends and a wonderful atmosphere is created, “said the American.
When asked why he chose the Olympiacos club, Walkup pointed to two reasons.
“I want to play alongside legendary players who know the Euroleague very well, that was one of the main reasons why I came here. If the pandemic allows it, I will also have the opportunity to experience the great atmosphere that our fans will create, ”said the three-time LKL champion.
Olympiakos has not played in the Greek championship since May 2019, but according to Walkup, he is well aware of the whole situation and that does not bother the American at all.
“I am very aware of what has happened in the last year. LeDay was playing in Piraeus at the time and she shed light on the whole situation for me. I don’t think about it at all, “said Walkup. – Both Zach and Augustine commented on the game here with only the best words: organization, people, city; everything is great here. We players have to be prepared, and not it matters how many games we play a week. “Olympiakos are a great team and the fact that they don’t play in the Greek league has not had the slightest effect on my decision.”
What is the American’s relationship with Olympiacos manager Georgios Bartzok? According to Walkup, the two have found common ground from the first minutes of the meeting.
“Coach Bartzok is great, he is the Euroleague champion and also brought the final four to Lokomotiv Krasnodar. It says a lot about their level. Just as the coaches collect information about the players, the players also collect information about the coaches. I realized that he is not only a good coach but also a good person. He told me what to expect from me, what is his plan for the next season and I really enjoyed it. I want him not to disappoint me by inviting me and I hope that together we will achieve many good stuff, “shared the newcomer to Oly.
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