By Antigoni Zachari, quotes: Achilleas Mavrodontis / info@eurohoops.net
While the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend is underway, teams in Europe are fighting for their first trophy of the season in domestic cups. Panathinaikos OPAP Athens big man Jeremy Evans, the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest champion, spoke to Eurohoops after the Greek Cup semifinal against Promitheas Patras, expressing his desire to lead his team to their first title for 2022.
“Slam Dunk Contest? I prefer the Cup”, the veteran big commented. Evans, 34, won the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest representing the Utah Jazz, by performing a dunk over Kevin Hart whilst receiving 29% of the votes to be crowned champion. He outscored Chase Budinger, Paul George, and current Maccabi forward Derrick Williams in the final.
A decade later, the Louisiana native is set to play his first Greek Cup final (he was part of the team that won the Greek Super Cup in September) on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game – and the Slam Dunk Contest – in Cleveland. Evans will help the “Greens” defend their title in an archrival derby against fellow Greek powerhouse Olympiacos Sunday.
“Final Four [Greek Cup format] is a really competitive competition”, Evans added. “There was a reason that the top teams got here. It was a strong game, but we had the will, we stayed together and in the end, we won. We got what we wanted”.
After stints with the Jazz, Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks, and Russian side Khimki between 2010-2018, the former Slam Dunk champion landed in Darussafaka for the 2018-19 season. He made his return to Khimki in 2019 and has since played for Olimpia Milano prior to joining Panathinaikos this past offseason with a one-year deal.
Photo credit: Eurokinissi