Dwayne Bacon wants to be PAO's game-changer: 'I'm bringing an elite skill set' / News - Basketnews.com

Panathinaikos' latest signing, Dwayne Bacon, explained how he chose to play for the Greens, and how his new team can beat Olympiacos.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Dwayne Bacon arrived in Athens on Tuesday afternoon, in order to be immediately integrated into Panathinaikos' practice sessions.

Dwayne Bacon

Team:Panathinaikos AthensPosition:SG, SFAge:27Height:201 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Florida, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

The American swingman, who signed a two-year deal with the Greek side, said he's very excited about the prospect that was presented to him. The 27-year-old forward explained why he chose Panathinaikos, but also spoke about the club's legacy that he wants to continue.

Bacon stressed that he can act as a game-changer for PAO, and become their leader in the derbies against Olympiacos Piraeus.

"I was talking to Paris (Lee) a lot," Bacon said initially, bringing up his friendship with his former AS Monaco teammate. The two were some of the main reasons why last year's EuroLeague newcomers made the playoffs.

"He's one of my favorite guys since I came to Europe last year. We spent a lot of time together. I'm familiar with the city from playing so many times here last year; in the playoffs and the regular season.

I love the city and I feel like I can really help the team with the kind of game that I have, the scorer and the defender I can be," he went on to say.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

"I thought that's the best place I could go overseas. I wanted to be here. I'm ready to get out here and play. Mike (James) played here, it's a legendary program and I wanted to be a part of it."

Asked about he would describe himself, Bacon replied that he's "a happy guy."

"At the end of day, I like to win and compete at the highest level. I'm always happy and smiling, whether it's losing or winning. Last year, I showcased a wining attitude. I did whatever I could to win in the playoffs and in the regular season. Same thing here. It's a lot that I can do on the court."

Free throws this season

68%15,8Points made:15,8Accuracy:67,7%Place in standings:3Record max:21Record min:11Most made FTs:Mateusz PonitkaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

PAO currently stand at 1-3 in the EuroLeague, having been defeated twice in their home court. However, Bacon pointed out that he's aware of the expectations and expressed his wish to be "a game-changer."

"I'm not here to run away from anyone. I know the situation we're in and I'm looking to change that. It might not be right away, but guys got me for two years. So, I'll give the best version of myself. I'll take those two years to keep winning," he argued.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

His Los Angeles Lakers stint was very short-lived, as he didn't get to sign a contract with the franchise. Nevertheless, he called it "a great opportunity to showcase what I can do."

"I fell short but I don't dwell on those moments. I had played in the NBA for four years," he stressed, "and I'm very excited for where I am right now. I want to be on the floor as much as I can, winning games."

Having been an integral part of an unforgettable EuroLeague playoff series featuring his AS Monaco team and Olympiacos last year, Bacon couldn't refrain from referring to the Reds and the Greek derbies that lie ahead. For starters, he said he's well-informed about the rivalry.

"I definitely know about that. Honestly, that was a big part of coming here too. I love playing and competing against those guys," he conceded.

"It was always tough battles. We actually got to play and battle it out. That's what I want to do here, in an environment where there are mixed crowds."

Bacon is hopeful that with his addition, PAO "can beat those guys. The goal is to win every game, It's not going to happen right away, but if we keep putting in the work, we can turn things around."

"I'm bringing an elite skill set. I can score the ball, I can help others, and I can be a game-changer," he concluded.

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