Errick McCollum: 'The BCL has surpassed the EuroCup' / News - Basketnews.com

Errick McCollum weighed in on Europe's international competitions, and explained why Izmir is a different city than anywhere he's been to.

Credit: FIBA Media Credit FIBA Media

Errick McCollum joined Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir last summer and instantly became the fan's favorite.

Errick McCollum

MIN:31.74PTS:24.75 (60.22%)REB:3.25As:6.75ST:0.75BL:0.25TO:2GM:4ProfileBCL2022/2023

The 34-year-old guard is averaging 17.4 points on 44.7% 3-point shooting and 4.7 assists over 7 Turkish league games. In the BCL, he scores 23.6 points per contest, on top of a stellar 42.5% from distance, and 6.8 dimes.

Last season, he led Lokomotiv Kuban in scoring with 22.3 points on 41.4% 3-point shooting over 12 EuroCup games, as the Russian side wasn't allowed to finish the competition after the country invaded Ukraine.

After playing in the EuroLeague and the EuroCup for many years, the American shooting guard spoke highly of the Basketball Champions League, where he debuted this season.

"For me personally, from what I have experienced and seen when it comes to international competitions, the Basketball Champions League has surpassed the EuroCup in terms of talent, team level and success," McCollum told Anadolu Agency.

"Yes, the EuroLeague is top-level, but the BCL is definitely the No.2 basketball tournament in Europe. I think the model of the BCL is good, but I wish teams could play more games in the group stage," the experienced guard said.

"Sometimes, teams that are not as good as others can advance. Maybe, games can be played in two groups," McCollum suggested.

Evaluating Karsiyaka's performances so far, McCollum appeared optimistic about the Turkish team's future.

"When there are so many new players who have not played in the Turkish League or the Champions League, there is an adjustment period. I think if we keep working, practicing and understanding each other, people will see us improve.

We haven't gotten to that point yet and we're still below our potential. These things take time and we have to be patient. We have to try to win enough games until we reach the top at the right time," McCollum said.

The former Anadolu Efes player expressed his thoughts on the city of Izmir, where, as he said, "the weather is nice, it is by the beach and the people are very friendly."

"The support of the fans for the club is huge. It's my first time in a basketball city. Sometimes when you're in Europe you're usually in a football city, but here you feel the love for basketball," McCollum pointed out.

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