By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
A couple of weeks ago Zalgiris Kaunas was almost eliminated from the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs, but Sarunas Jasikevicius’ squad managed to turn the season around with an unbelievable five-game winning streak, and currently with a win in Madrid against Real on Thursday, they can secure a playoff ticket.
Prior to the game in Piraeus against Olympiacos, Zalgiris’ powerful center, Brandon Davies was interviewed by Eurohoops. When he was asked to predict the four teams that will make the Final Four this year, he did not give up on his team: “We’re still in the mix. I’m not giving up on our team. Obviously some things have to go well for us. I think we’ve proven that it’s possible. Last year everyone counted us out as well and we made it to the Final Four. Maybe the people that were doing this interview last year, predicting the Final Four… we weren’t in there. You can’t really count anybody out. Our first step is to reach the playoffs, but I’m not counting us out, until someone tells us it’s impossible.”
Besides, the 27-year old talked about his contract extension with Zalgiris, the relationship he has with the organization, as well as the fans and their massive support. As he says, they make you feel like you’re part of a bigger family. He also talked about his coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius and the influence he has on his players, while also answering if the next step for his career should be the NBA.
In the last couple of years, Davies has become one of the best players in Europe and many EuroLeague teams have expressed their interest in signing him. As he says, he doesn’t necessarily think about the future during the season. Once free agency arrives, he will explore his options. Lastly, he also talked about a potential NBA return that’s always going to be a goal.