Calathes introduced Barça fans: I couldn’t stand Jasikevičius early in my career

At the new club, a player with Greek and American citizenship will wear an unusual 99-number outfit. According to the basketball player himself, he made that decision when asked by his eight-year-old son Luke.

Speaking to the local media, Calathes said it was a great honor for him to represent Barcelona.

“The club hopes to become the best in Europe, and I hope to be an important part of this puzzle. If you ask any basketball player, Barça has always been my first choice. I spent eight years in Greece, but when I received the offer to come here, I did not hesitate for a moment.

Being able to play with basketball players like Nikola Mirotich, Brandon Davies or Corey Higgins was a great incentive for me. Looking at the team composition and talking to the team coach, I think it will be very easy for me to adapt here. “

Speaking of Jasikevičius, who left Kaunas “Žalgiris” earlier this week, the player emphasized that Shar’s appointment as the team’s new strategist also had a significant impact on his decision. It is true that Calathes also remembered his first acquaintance at the Panathinaikos club, who at that time left a negative impression on the young Greek.

“I couldn’t stand it because he was constantly yelling at me. But I was only 20 years old and I didn’t realize that he wanted to help me improve and become a better basketball player. Later I realized this and we became good friends. The truth is who is currently one of the best coaches and will instill in Barça a new psychological approach “.

The roads of Calathes and Jasikevičius crossed in the first Greek season of 2009-10. The duo of players became Greek champions together and made it to the Greek Cup final, but in the Euroleague, Panathinaikos’ journey with Nick and Shar ended in stage 16 above.