Wiltjer: "I want to become a part of the Olympiacos’ history"
Excited and eager to make the game of the Olympiacos football team was how Kyle Wiltjer appeared upon arrival to the ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ airport of Athnes.
“Elated by the Olympiacos offer!” was his first comment and he then talked about the intensive courses on European history administered by his dad, a former basketball player with a tenure in Greece. “My dad had played in Europe and has talked to me about Olympiacos. He told me it’s onw of the most historic teams in Europe, that the fans are amazing… That they are among the best the in the world and I can’t wait to be playing in front of them. I’m really excited to be here”.
The 25 year old forward was aware of the ‘reds’ success: “I know that Olympiacos has been doing very well in the Euroleague every year. They have made a lot of finals and they have won a lot of titles, so that’s the goal this season as well. I came here to play my role and do the most I can to help the team reach the top once again”.
Nevertheless, he seems to know about the present apart from the past… “My team has began very well this year and the goal is to continue the same way. I also know that right now I’m missing on a very important football game… So I need to rush!”
Asked on what kind of info he has gathered on the Olympiacos’ roster, he answered: “My team mates are very good and selfless in their game. The team has been playing excellent defense and I’m happy to be part of something very special”. As to what is the extra element that he can bring to the game, he said: “The first thing I’m going to offer is my shooting from the three point line, and from that point on, whatever the coach wants me to do. I have been informed that the Euroleague is one of the top leagues in the game. Basketball is really competitive, the fans are amazing and Olympiacos is a unique team. It’s a team with history and I want to be part of that history”.
Finally, asked on whether he contacted the former ‘red’, Khem Birch, before getting on the plane to Greece, he said: “No, I haven’t talked to him, but he’s a friend from Canada, I know he has had a great time here and now he’s back with the NBA. This proves how strong a League Euroleague is and how much the players that play for it get to improve. I hope I can improve my game as well”.