EuroLeague rookie Motley names opponent who impresed him the most / News - Basketnews.com

EuroLeague rookie Johnathan Motley admires Sasha Vezenkov.

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio/Getty Images

One of the most exciting EuroLeague rookies so far -- Johnathan Motley -- spent three years in the NBA environment before experiencing his first taste of overseas basketball.

Johnathan Motley

Team:Fenerbahce Beko IstanbulPosition:PFAge:27Height:206 cmWeight:108 kgBirth place:Houston, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Last season he represented Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar where he faced little of competition in the EuroCup and was the main candidate for an MVP award. However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine halted his run, as all Russian clubs were expelled from the top Old Continent leagues.

In the summer of 2022, getting a lot of interest from the European powerhouses, Motley chose to arrive at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. It seems he made the right decision.

Motley started his EuroLeague debut campaign on a high note. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce had a league-best 9-1 record after 10 games but their flawless journey was interrupted by Motley's and Scottie Wilbekin's injuries.

Motley has played 14 EuroLeague games in the first half of the season, averaging 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 16.5 PIR.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis stands behind these performances giving him the keys to act.

"I love coach Itoudis, he is great. It's tough but he also allows you to be yourself and I really appreciate it. There aren't a lot of coaches out there that have this type of success and allow you to be yourself," Motley told Matteo Andreani of Basket Inside.

EuroLeague rookie has great general experience in Istanbul so far.

"I love Istanbul, the team, the fans, and all my teammates. I think that is part of the reason we're so good, because we have a great relationship off the pitch," the 27-year-old said.

Who impressed him the most?

"Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus," Motley pointed out. "He impressed me a lot when we played against them. He's playing very well."

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