By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
After he got waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, swingman Elijah Bryant returned to EuroLeague by signing with reigning champion Anadolu Efes. The Turkish side brought Bryant on board for some much-needed boost after a 0 – 4 start in EuroLeague and he chose to move to Efes for some very specific reasons.
“This is a championship-level team,” Bryant told Eurohoops. “They won the EuroLeague last year. The way they play together and move the ball was really inspiring when they played us in Israel last year. I wanted to come and be a part of a team, not somewhere where I’m going to have to score 40 points every night. I love the unity they have here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
In his debut appearance with Efes, Bryant had a team-high-tying 14 points to help his new team beat Unics Kazan and get its first EuroLeague win.
“I think we all played well and moved the ball well,” Bryant said. “I think I have room for improvement when it comes to turnovers and missing free throws. At the end of the day, we got a win, which matters the most. But there’s always room for improvement. I’m healthy, my body feels good. We’re going to improve each and every day.
“It’s basketball. I knew what my minutes would be like. I made sure I’ll prepare, make sure my body. Other than that, just learned the plays, go out there and play,” Bryant added.
Bryant had the best to say for the Efes organization and how they’ve treated him. “First-class organization. Taking care of me, getting me here, getting me settled in the hotel. My family is coming in a few weeks. They’ve been very helpful to me and I’m very grateful.”