By Bugra Uzar/ info@eurohoops.net
It has been a fantastic season for Stephane Lasme in Eurocup and was concluded in the best possible way: By winning the Eurocup trophy and him being named the MVP of the Finals.
The Gabonese center registered a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds in the second Final against Strasbourg, while also holding his defensive ground, disrupting his opponents’ offensive efforts and blocking them twice. After the game, Eurohoops talked with Stephane Lasme about his team and personal accomplishments, coach Ataman, Galatasaray’s fans plus… Diamantidis!
How do you feel after winning the Eurocup?
It was amazing. I never thought I would play for Galatasaray last summer. And when i got the phone call from coach Ataman back then, the first thing he told me that we want to win the Eurocup. And he told me that he wants me to be the main part of this. I believed him and I wanted to win it. And to see this happening now, is simply amazing. We looked at each other now and said “remember what we talked about last summer? It’s amazing. You never know how the future will unfold. I am still shocked to be honest.
You mentioned coach Ataman. After completing the Eurocup season with such success, what do you think of how you worked together?
“I heard a lot of things before I came here. From different people. Body-wise and mentally, this has probably been the most comfortable I have ever been anywhere in my career. He really took care of me and really took care of the team. He knows how to get the best out of his players. I think highly of him.
You were the MVP of the Finals. Were you expecting it?
No, I didn’t. I don’t really play for these things. I don’t play for the personal trophies. The only one that I really care about, to be honest, is the one of the best defensive player. If I get this one… I am going to call Diamantidis! And I am going to tell him “Hey bitc#@$, I got that shi@#$”. I see him every time I see a trophy about best defensive players. But generally, I only care to win games and win championships.
Galatasaray will play in Euroleague in the next season. Will you be here for that?
I wanted to play in Euroleague. Euroleague is the highest level outside of the NBA. I am not saying that Eurocup is not of high level. It is. But you want to play at the absolute top level, and that is Euroleague. Being among the best and fight with the “big dogs”. Galatasaray deserves this. This is a big team and a big organization and they deserve being at the top level.
And what about Galatasaray’s fans? You have a special connection with them.
You know in my career I have played for teams like Partizan, Maccabi or Panathinaikos. So I got to see some amazing fans. And I have to say that Galatasaray is a beast. To come here and win, you have to be a very tough team. Well perhaps, to come here and not be blown by 30, you have to be great. So credit to Strasbourg for being great and playing hard tonight.
Galatasaray fans are the best. You want to win for them. You want to dive for them. You want to bleed for them. Because you know they will do the same for you.