By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shortly after helping Brose Bamberg clinching a Basketball Champions League Final Four spot by winning the quarterfinal series vs. AEK Athens, guard Nikos Zisis said that there is a possibility that he will return to the Greek club this summer when he becomes a free agent.
Zisis, 35, began playing professional basketball with AEK in 2000. He spent five years with the team before signing with Benetton Treviso, thus embarking on a successful career outside Greece with numerous clubs, including EuroLeague powerhouses.
“There is a prospect to return to AEK. My contract will be over. The team and Brose Bamberg management are uncertain. I’m enjoying what we have with the wins and the Cup title. We made a huge effort to turn around the season. We’ll see the option I’ll have in summer. For sure, I would like to play a year more. I started in 2000 and, why not, finish in 2020. It requires a continuous effort to be able to stay at a good level while growing up. AEK is the healthiest Greek team. They are doing things right and kudos for that. They started from zero and slowly they managed to have health regarding the management, coaching staff and the game department. Many things can be done this summer and I don’t exclude anything,” Zisis said to Greek TV channel Nova Sports.
During the post-game presser, Zisis gave credit to his teammates, especially Bryce Taylor and his big-time shooting (three consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth period), plus Bamberg head coach Federico Perego for the Final Four accomplishment.
“We knew it’ll be hard for us to advance. I believe the series could go to any team. I’d like to congratulate my teammates and especially Federico Perego who is a young coach but has changed the whole team. Congratulations to AEK as well. I wish them the best in the Greek League,” Zisis mentioned.
“Taylor made big shots that changed the whole game plus the psychology of the match. It’s not easy at all for me to play this kind of crucial games vs. AEK, since it’s the team I grew up with and I spent many beautiful moments. It’s difficult for me to play in an arena full of AEK fans,” Zisis commented on the fans that flooded OAKA arena.