A COFFEE WITH… CHRIS SINGLETON

"The atmosphere in Greek’s matches are not now as It used to be. But you can still see It the flares and the loud fire crackers."

Chris Singleton, one of the best centers of Europe that did not find accommodation in NBA. He uncovered himself as a great player in Lokomotiv Kuban in 2015/2016 season. His performances were worth signing for Panathinaikos. In summer 2018 is free agent, he will have a lot of offers…

If you want to read the interview translated into Spanish, please click the following link.

UN CAFE CON… CHRIS SINGLETON

Q: This year you won the Greek League by 3.2 in the final against Olympiakos. What are the expectations of the team for next year in Greek League and Euroleague?

A: My goal in anything is to be the best. So I want win the cup, greek championship, and euroleague.

Q: In the semi-finals you faced AEK Athenas, where Kostas Vasileiadis played. We interviewed him a few days ago (A COFFEE WITH… KOSTAS VASILEIADIS), and would like to return to Spain but have not yet found team. Nowadays it seems complicated that the players being several years in the same team. What do you think it is due to?

A: I think he will find a job. I think teams are desperate to win more and more that their isn’t any true loyalty. And on the players side its hard to be playing then for some reason to stop playing during season when you know you have something left in the tank and you can still play at a high level. So you try to make the best decision for you and find out other people don’t believe in you like you do.

Q: The year began a little hectic, with a series of poor results that led to the resignation of Argyris Pedoulakis. The club bet on Xavi Pascual, and the results seem to endorse the coach. How has been your relationship with the coach during the season?

A: My relationship with everyone on PAO is good. I like the passion we have for wanting to win. I just want to translate that to the court so we can win everything.

Q: In the 1/4s final of the Euroleague, and after being eliminated by Fenerbahce, the president of the PAO, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, decided that all players will return by bus (1.100 kms.). You and three other players decided to return by plane. What repercussions did that act have for you?. Did the club consider to terminate your contract?

A: I don’t know what was considered. I know I made a decision for me and my teammates understood where I was coming from. Thats all that matters.

Q: There is a lot of talk about the hellish atmosphere that is experienced in Greece in basketball games (more so in the Olympiakos matches). Is it as much as they say? Have you ever feared for your safety?

A: I think It is not as much as It used to be. But you can still see It the flares and the (bombs) loud fire crackers. When a group of people try to run on the court with intent to hurt, you got to fear for your safety. But this shows the passion and how much the game really means to people and how It affects their lives so much. As a player, sometimes we dont realice it in their point of view.

Q: In July of this year, you rejected the PAO renewal offer, so that summer 2018 you will be a free agent. What is your plan for the future?. Do you like change to another team in Europe or try in NBA?

A: My plan right now is try to have the best season the team has ever had and I have ever had. I will focus on that when the time comes. But my eyes are on the 3 trophies I have a chance to get.

Q: In June 2016 and after a great season in Euroleague with Lokomotiv Kuban, you signed by Anhui Wenyi of the Chinese second division. A month later, you signed by Panathinaikos. What was your transfer due to the Asian team?

A: I wanted to keep my rhythm and to see my bestfriend that is living in China, so I told myself, “Why not?”.

Q: Tell us a curious anecdote that happened to you on a basketball court.

A: I broke my leg in 8th grade and I got fouled on the play that it happened. And the first thing my coach said to me was “Get up and make these free throws”.

Q: Any fight on the court that you can tell us…

A: Never got in a fight on the court but I have been close to it a couple of times.

Q: Chris, thank you very much for taking your time for this interview and good luck for your (last?) season with the PAO.