By Stefanos Tatsios/ info@eurohoops.net
AEK is enjoying generous contributions by Daryl Macon in his first few games wearing the yellow-black jersey.
The Queen added the 25-year-old American guard in early February. It is certainly way early, but his response since shapes up what head coach Ilias Papatheodorou was looking for hoping to guide his side to further success in the Basketball Champions League and at the domestic level.
Macon started the 2020-21 season in Turkey moving on following his NBA and G League stints. He averaged 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the Basketball Champions League Regular Season with Galatasaray. After the mid-season switch, he kicked off the playoffs group stage with 20 points, four assists, and three rebounds in the home win against Turk Telekom on Wednesday.
The Greek club was forced to the market as injuries disrupted the squad, especially the guard positions. The hopes for the incoming player would be a heavy influence on scoring and creating. Macon, fresh off his first BCL experience and determined to extend his campaign despite Galatasaray’s early exit, has indeed delivered.
His arrival coincided with games postponed due to positive coronavirus cases, a concerning trend AEK and most teams around the world have grown accustomed to facing. However, he has made his way to four games, including the Champions League fixture mentioned above. His remaining games played spread from Greece’s Basket League to the Greek Cup.
Macon has averaged 20.5 points versus Peristeri, Lavrio Megabolt, Messolonghi Baxi, and Turk Telekom. His early showings display his ability to lead AEK in scoring and demonstrate swiftly adapting to his new surroundings.
Despite mainly competing at the “2” position, he maintained a focus on generating opportunities for his teammates, either through assists or finding ways to penetrate the opposing defense. It certainly looks like he has lifted some weight off Keith Langford’s shoulders on the offensive end.
Macon through his first four games with AEK:
vs. Peristeri: 18pts (Basket League debut)
vs. Lavrio: 24pts (Greek Cup)
vs. Messolonghi: 20pts (Basket League)
vs. Turk Telekom: 20pts (Basketball Champions League)
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League