By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Nobody expected Olympiacos to make any move in the transfer market, but just before the deadline for the Euroleague Top 16 the Reds surprised everyone by signing Giorgi Shermadini, who was released by Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Georgian center talks on Eurohoops.net about his ambitions with Olympiacos, his… complaints about Maccabi, his return to NOKIA Arena and Panathinaikos.
Which was your first thought after getting Olympiacos’ offer?
I had a lot of thoughts. Ι don’t remember which was the first one actually. Probably the RED colour and the atmosphere on the court of the Peace & Friendship Stadium in the finals of Greek A1 back in 2009.
You are just 23 years old and have already won many titles, and also a triple crown. What do you expect from this season?
As always I expect only successes in this season. We’ll see.
Which are your expectations from Olympiacos? Do you want to stay for more than the end of the season in Piraeus?
I can’t think about the next season now. I’m trying to concentrate to successfully fit the team system in such critical period.
Is it easier for you to be a member of a team that is together 1,5 years and have created their own philosophy?
I like the way team plays. I think it won’t be difficult as I’m used to up-tempo game.
You had Spanoulis and Perperoglou teammates in Panathinaikos. Do you want to send them a message before meeting them?
I’ll wish them as well as the rest of the team good luck with Caja Laboral.
Do you feel that you should take more chances to play in Maccabi?
Yes.
Has David Blatt told you anything about his decision to limit your minutes? Has he asked you something different since the start of the summer?
No. We never talked about my playing time. Not really.
Everything that happened the last four months is an extra motivation for you?
I don’t find any tragedy of what happened. In Maccabi I think we had a lot of problems with our chemistry. Apart from that everything was cool. I’m always motivated to improve and develop my game.
How do you expect your return to NOKIA Arena?
I’ll leave this question stay opened as everybody can understand how do I expect to return to NOKIA Arena.
And some days later you will face one more ex-team. Is it a challenge for you to play against Panathinaikos, the team that you started your Euroleague career?
I spent there great years of my career when I was making my first steps. Every game is a challenge for me, not only against PAO or any other specific team.
Is it true that Panathinaikos made you an offer to come back?
No, it’s not true.
Did you have a lot of offers during the last days before signing with Olympiacos?
I had four offers but I thought only three of them, which were from Euroleague teams.