By Bugra Uzar/ info@eurohoops.net
Ekpe Udoh’s first season in Europe with the jersey of Fenerbahce was completed ideally by winning the Turkish Basketball Super League title. And in the last Final against Anadolu Efes, he was pivotal with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while also serving 6 assists to his teammates.
“It was a good season of course”, said Udoh to Eurohoops. “We had a chance to win everything, but these two trophies are special as well. Especially for our fans too. You saw how crazy they were throughout the whole season right? So it’s a blessing”.
The American center has every right to celebrate after a long and demanding year. “We are putting out a lot of hard work. People don’t get to see how much we work day in and day out. It’s great to win a championship after all that effort”.
But how difficult was it for Udoh to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss in the Euroleague Final against CSKA Moscow? “I don’t think I bounced back yet! Just moved on. It was a tough loss indeed, but CSKA was the one to close the game. Hats off to them. We just have to keep getting better. See what happens next year”.
One of the most memorable moments, not only for the 29-year old center but for Fenerbahce in general, was the playoff series against Real Madrid. “My favorite moment of the season probably. The whole series against Real Madrid was amazing. Last year the team suffered a loss in the Euroleague semifinal. And now to sweep them? Amazing. These were also the best games regarding the support from the fans. The gym was full… the fans were even lined up in the grass outside the arena before the game. And when we got in everything was electric. It was great. I need to get these games on DVD”.
Udoh’s has been playing in an intense rhythm for many games. Where does he find such an energy? “God gave me the energy! And then it’s all about hard work and doing your best in order to keep yourself in shape. I do everything for the team, protect the paint, play defense, block shots. That’s what gets the crowd going”.
The fans of Fenerbahce absolutely love him. They have even started twitter campaigns in order to convince him to stay in the team. Will he make their wish happening? “First of all I have to say thank you to the fans for all the love. To be treated like that away from home, away from everything was special. About the future… I have to say that for now I need to get a break. Get my body back to a normal situation. Next is getting ready again and praying about the decision that is coming. Then I’ll take it from there”.