By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Former All-EuroLeague guard Kevin Pangos signed with Olimpia Milano this summer after last being with the Cleveland Cavaliers in his first-time stint in the NBA. This experience wasn’t what the Canadian player was hoping for since he averaged just 6.9 minutes through 24 games before getting waived.
Asked if his position and unselfish type of play made it difficult for him to adjust to the NBA, Pangos somewhat disagreed. “There are a lot of guys who can play in the NBA. I think it’s about opportunity and taking advantage of this opportunity,” Pangos said during his presentation by Milano. “I don’t think it’s about characteristics or just playmakers have a difficult time or certain individuals have a difficult time. There are a lot of factors that go into play. It’s a great league and the guys are very talented but I think players in Europe are very talented too. There are so many factors that go into it that it’s hard to pinpoint one.”
Pangos had a successful run in EuroLeague with Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg before he joined the Cavs, posting 14.8 points and 6.7 assists to lead the club to the playoffs for the first time in the history of the club and one win away from the Final Four.
He was to return to EuroLeague and Russia with CSKA Moscow last February right after he was released by the Cavaliers. The war in Ukraine though kept him away from actually playing for the powerhouse.
“There were definitely moments when I didn’t know what the future held for my future and my career,” Pangos said. “In the situation, I was taking place. There were moments when I was definitely unsure. Eventually, it all came through and I was able to sign with Milan and come here with my family. ”