By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Deon Thompson is already a member of the surprise team of this season’s EuroLeague, Crvena Zvezda, however he got out from one of the dissapointments of the season. Thompson left Galatasaray and spoke about his experience in Istanbul to Mehmet Beygirci of FCN Blog.
What he had to say explain a lot about the current situation in Galatasaray and why he parted ways with the club which started the season with high ambitions, but couldn’t deliver.
How would you describe the time during which you played for Galatasaray?
“My time at Galatasaray was unlucky, I came into the season with high expectations for myself and for the team that was put together. Our team was deep at every position, with guys who could be starters and contributors on many high level Euroleague clubs coming off the bench or even sitting out in Turkish league games. With such a deep and talented roster, at the end of the day someone will be left out and won’t get to play big minutes. In that case, I was the unlucky one who was left with the smallest amount of playing time and opportunities. The type of player I am didn’t fit in coaches’ system. In the past I played at the “four” position, but for coach Ataman I wasn’t his type of power forward. In his system I fit in as center. And having already such good centers like Tibor Pleiss and Alex Tyus, I was the third option. I came to accept it while I was there and tried to embrace my role and do the best I could with my opportunities”.
What were the reasons that led you to leave Galatasaray?
“The main reason I left is simple, I wanted to play. For me it was hard to leave, my wife and I enjoyed our time in Istanbul and was comfortable living there. As well as being around my teammates, there is a great group of guys there. I am hoping for the best for them during the rest of this season”.
Did the idea of separation belong to you or was it a mutual decision?
“A little bit of both. Once it was clear that I wasn’t going to get much playing time, it was best for me as well for the club that we came to an agreement”.
Do you have any regret about Galatasaray?
“Regret no, that’s how things go in sports sometimes. You see it often, where players just don’t fit into a system or a style of play. And that was the situation while I was there. Being here in Belgrade, I feel like a different player and when you watch me play I look like a different player. But it’s nothing that I did, I’m still the same player it’s just the style of play and their system has been a better fit”.
How was the relationship with coach Ergin Ataman?
“It was very different. From what I experienced while I was there, coach doesn’t really have a relationship with his players. I don’t want to say anything negative about anyone, I was taught better then that. I will continue to respect him, even though I was never given respect from him”.