Βy Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
In the summer of 2012 Panathinaikos decided to change everything. Argyris Pedoulakis took the lead of the team and in the roster of the team only Dimitris Diamantidis and Kostas Tsartsaris who retired last summer, were left.
For the first time after many years Olympiacos –as Euroleague and Greek champion- had a solid core and looked like the favorite to win at least the domestic titles. After two years, however, the Greens are the back to back Greek league and cup winners, having as leaders two foreign players. Those were Stephane Lasme and James Gist who came in the team during the 2012-13 season and created a great duo with the Gabonese center.
Gist continues with the team, but not Lasme. Panathinaikos decided to release the player using the opt out clause of his contract and after some days he signed with Efes Anadolu. The departure of such a successful foreign player from a big Greek team is rare (as both Greek powerhouses have the money to keep who they want). And Stephane Lasme talks for the first time after his signing with Efes on Eurohoops about his experience with Panathinaikos, everything that happened and how he felt during the crucial last days in Athens!
-In two seasons with Panathinaikos you won two doubles! It was a great achievement with you being all the time one of the key players. How was the experience in Greece those two years and what you have to keep in your mind and heart?
“Greece was great, it was a lot of fun playing in OAKA every night. My family and I enjoyed living in Athens. Playing in PAO was a great experience and I learned a lot from it , PAO has such a great history. It’s hard to comprehend until you are part of the organization”.
-You won four titles in Greece but didn’t reach a Euroleague final four. What was missing in order to qualify to Final Four with Panathinaikos?
“PAO has a great track record in making the final four and I know by now it is kind of expected. The organization, after the owner and the coaching changes was/is going through a rebuilding process, which is challenging for everyone. Keeping that in mind, taking both Barca and CSKA to game 5 is a pretty good Euroleague performance”.
-Many people say that without Diamantidis it would be very difficult for you to show the same effort in offense and be so consistent in scoring. Can you make a comment on that?
“Diamantidis is a great player. It is tough to find that type of teammate nowadays. Players are all small pieces of the overall coaches’ plan. Sometimes plans work out and sometimes don’t. There is time where it works really well, like with Diamantidis and me. Next year, I hope this will still be true”.
-PAO decided to opt out from your contract and after one week you signed to Efes Anadolu. How do you feel about the move of your ex-team? What happened during the negotiations and you signed to another team so early?
“I guess it was a smart business move for them to get out of the contract. It is at times like these you reminded that basketball is a business”.
-It was a surprise for everybody in Greece you didn’t continue with Panathinaikos, specially after the finals and the second championship in row. Your departure was just a matter of money, something else or a combination?
“It was a surprise to me, too. Playing for the Greens was a once in a lifetime type of experience. I had the pleasure for two years! It was nothing short of great! But teams make decisions for the organization first, and players make them for their family and career”.
-A message for the fans of Panathinaikos? We think they loved you and felt connected with you.
“I loved playing for them, the fans, don’t need any other reason to give 100%. They are the best! Always make me smile”!
-What about the new challenge in Turkey and Efes? The TBL is expected to be very competitive next season and Efes already signed you, Dario Saric – great talent – and Nenad Krstic? Do you believe Efes can get the championship by winning Fenerbahce and Galatasaray?
“It is definitely a new challenge. My goal is to go there and win games”.
-You will play under Duda’s Ivkovic instructions. He is one of the most famous, successful and tough coaches in the history of European Basketball. Are you ready for a season with high expectations and difficult obligations?
“We have met and spoke during my decision process, I understand what he expects of me. I will give the team 100%, just like I have all years previously”.
-Compared to the Greek League, in Turkey you have to play much more hard games every week plus the Euroleague contests and the trips. Is this better for you in order to get into rhythm or do you think it would be more difficult to save energy for the crucial part of the season?
“Playing in the Greek league was pretty tough and if the Turkish league is tougher I’ll prepare myself accordingly”.
-The worst and the best moment in your entire basketball career?
“Best was winning a championship in OAKA and Pionir. Worst when I broke my foot in 2010”.
– You have won everything but the Euroleague trophy. Can you get it with Efes’s jersey? You know of course that the last season Ivkovic was coaching a club – Olympiacos – he won the Eurolegue with a legendary way on 2012 Final Four…
“Going to Final Four and winning the Euroleague is a moment I have not experienced, yet. Coach Ivkovic has done it many times, I will follow and learn having him leading the team”.