By Evaggelos Papadimitriou/ info@eurohoops.net
With a career mainly in Europe with many achievements in the rear-view mirror, Keith Langford moved his scoring attributes to AEK and the Basketball Champions League. The two-times Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy recipient talked to Eurohoops about the 2019-20 season, the new challenge he faces and wrapped up looking back at his past season with Panathinaikos OPAP.
“A couple of things led me here” said Langford explaining his decision to ink a deal with the Queen, “Obviously I talked with many EuroLeague teams last summer. Some offered me a role similar to my role in Panathinaikos last season, others wanted me to wait for them to weigh on their other options. While considering my future, my agent, Ilias Papatheodorou’s agent as well, informed me on an offer I would be interested to hear. I then talked with the coach about his thoughts. To live again in Athens was great for me. After that discussion, my decision was simple.”
“EuroLeague was the first choice for me.” he furthered on his summer options, “Several good teams are featured in this season’s field, but incoming offers made me understand that maybe those years are behind me. I still feel like a better player than half of the current EuroLeague players, but my opinion does not count, the teams’ opinions count and many of them did not approach me. I wanted to be with a team that really wanted me. I talked with the coach, he wanted me in AEK as the player I am. No athlete can reject that.”
“Last year I watched Segafredo Virtus Bologna’s games in the Final Four due to Mario Chalmers.” mentioned the 36-year-old guard turning his attention to the BCL, “I saw many talented players. Some of the best Basketball Champions League players move to EuroLeague. Kevin Punter joined Olympiacos. He is a very good player, was the MVP and moved to EuroLeague. The competition officials are doing an exceptional job, especially in promotion. The presentation is very good. Upon understanding the situation, I saw a good fit for me. It is a new challenge I haven’t faced before in my career. Take Tyrese Rice for example. He is a EuroLeague player, won the MVP title and made his way back. BCL is a very strong competition with a solid surrounding.”
“AEK did a great job building this roster with quality players.” said Langford on his new team. “If we aren’t in the Basketball Champions League title discussion, then what are we doing here? These things take time. This is a new team, which is the tricky part. I still have a lot to learn about the team, the tournament and much more. If we get on the same page, we will get to the point we want as well.”
“From all my EuroLeague years, this season is one I would like to compete in in my prime, at 28 or 29.” he replied to a question on Panathinaikos, “EuroLeague will further its rise with more fans all around the world watching. Everyone will acknowledge the level of the competition. As for Panathinaikos, I have nothing negative to say. Ups and downs always occur. My time there was a pleasant experience, I had fun and made some very good friends.”