By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lonnie Walker IV struggled in his first appearance with Zalgiris in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
In his first overseas experience following 343 NBA games, he missed eight shots and committed two turnovers, besides one assist over nearly 13 minutes on Thursday. His side lost to FC Bayern Munich in SAP Garden.
“I could not put a basketball in the ocean, but this is my first game,” he confessed following Round 8 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague Regular Season.
The German club matched the team coached by Andrea Trinchieri at 6-2 and on top of the standings.
“I learned a lot. I have seen a lot,” added Walker, “Munich won. They are on a five-game winning streak now. I played one bad game, but we continue to have a hell of a season. I am not excited nor upset about how I played.”
Switching from Europe’s premier club continental competition to Lithuania’s Betsafe LKL, Zalgiris faces Neptunas in Klaipeda’s Svyturio Arena on Sunday.
“This is a new environment, but I work my tail off day in and day out, and I trust and believe in my work. I want to come back, shoot a lot more shots, and be ready for the next game, both mentally and physically,” he shared his plan.
The NBA veteran also spotted a different rule in the EuroLeague.
“No defensive three seconds, the big stand in there,” he said, “The physicality is a bit higher here, but overall, no differences.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net