By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
One year after his first Euroleague game, Matt Lojeski can easily be regarded as a rabbit which Olympiacos took of its hat! After six seasons in Belgium and only one season in Eurocup the American forward grabbed his chance and got established in the top European level.
His rookie season in the Euroleague was great and his start in the new season preparation period was even better. As he says on Eurohoops.net “when the upcoming season gets started I am expecting to do more things than I did last year. I’m more comfortable, I’m ready to get a bigger role. I actually did some excellent preparation games and hopefully to be like this in the regular season”.
What must Matt and Olympiacos change to make the needed step and win titles that missed last season?
“For me, I have more experience. I know what to expect. Playing last year in the high level, it was my first time, so I think I’m more prepared now. As for the team, we have to play faster. Especially against Panathinaikos if we play up tempo game we have better chances to win it”.
During the summer it was reported that Real Madrid was interested and CSKA made an offer to buy him from Olympiacos. What Lojeski has to say about this?
“Yes. CSKA made me a three-year offer. I don’t know exactly what happened with Real but I’m here, I’m focused on this season and I’ll worry about that next summer in the off-season. I hope to stay. I’ll see what happens. Obviously basketball is kind of business. But I like Olympiacos, Athens and Greece”.