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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
I can’t wait to get on the floor at the Final Four. For me, personally, the most important thing is that this is my first year in the Euroleague and I'm going to the Final Four. There are players who try to go their whole careers and never get there. This alone was something to work for, because no matter what competition I am in - like the ULEB Cup, where I went to the final in Charleroi with Makedonikos - it's about being known as a winner everywhere. At every stage of my career, I've been a winner, with only two losing seasons. To me, it's real important to be known as a winner before any individual accomplishments.
This is why I went to Tau, to have this kind of chance. Last summer, there were a few teams involved - some in the Euroleague, some out of the Euroleague - in trying to sign me. It was a difficult situation, really. The process was a little unbelievable, because I am used to deciding early. In June and July, the teams that were thinking of signing me were trying hard, pressuring me a little to decide, but I thought something better might come up. And in the end I signed with Tau in late August, long after the other offers. But patience paid off for me to end up on this team in the end. I think it's the ultimate showcase to come here and play in the big events like the Final Four. In fact, this was a team I wanted to play on two years ago. My ex-agent represented Luis Scola and I always told him that I wanted to play with Scola. Playing in the Euroleague was a big factor, because at this point in my career, I needed to be among the best. To be able to come to the Euroleague and finally play with a team like Tau, that always plays for titles, is what it's all about.
I am in a totally different situation with Tau. When I was with Makedonikos, I averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds and was player of the year in the ULEB Cup. I loved that situation at the time. But I also love the situation I am in now. I made a big adjustment to come to this team, with so many good players. My job was to fit in as a team player and try to play big in the bigger games. When I am needed most, I want my teammates to know they can count on me when things get difficult.
We had two of the other Final Four teams, Siena and CSKA, in our regular season group, as well as Olympiacos, which came close. It was a great group, very tough games. Even teams coming to your gym were capable of winning there. That was a challenge for us, but we took it, had some ups and downs, and stayed together. That was the big thing, staying together through injuries and losses. When you win, everything's good. But when you lose, it's easy to get down. But we continued to work, and our practices are great now. For me, personally, I'm a guy who likes to practice, and I think we've had a month straight of great practices now. We're going to be ready.
POSTED BY
PETE MICKEAL - VITORIA, SPAIN
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