Isaiah Canaan: “Olympiacos has a good chance to win the EuroLeague”

By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net

Crvena Zvezda secured a crucial road against Olympiacos (73-81) in their fight for a direct playoff spot.

One player who contributed significantly to the Piraeus club in the past but returned this time as an opponent is Isaiah Canaan, who was honored by his former team before the game and spoke to Eurohoops after it.

The American guard finished the match with 12 points (3/7 3PT) and emphasized in his statements that everyone at Olympiacos is like family to him. He also added that this season, Giorgos Bartzokas’ team has a great chance to win the EuroLeague title.

At first, he was asked to comment on the common narrative of “revenge games” when a player faces his former team, but he made it clear that this was not the case: “No. Everyone here is my friends and family. I’m here to compete for my team, to try to do whatever I can to help us get the win. I just wanted to have a good game against my former team, against guys I went to war with. It was fun tonight.”

Regarding the warm reception he received at SEF, the American guard said: “I don’t expect anything. It felt good to see that they appreciated what I tried to do for this team. Like I said, they are my brothers, my second family. It was fun playing against them.”

As for what it felt like to play at SEF as an opponent, Canaan added: “It was a little strange. I gave my best over the last two years here. It felt great to play here again, in front of these amazing fans, and I hope they enjoyed the game.”

On his matchups with his close friend Shaquielle McKissic, he said: “It was great to see him, to talk to him, to play against him. We talk all the time. It was fun to meet up with everyone here. I wish them nothing but the best.”

Finally, when asked if Olympiacos has what it takes to win the EuroLeague title this season, Canaan explained: “They are consistent. They can match up with anyone. As long as they stay healthy, they have a good chance.”