Elijah Bryant shares the secret of success that connects Giannis, Larkin and Micic / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages Credit EuroLeague Basketball via GettyImages

One EuroLeague final participant might reach a very rare milestone in today's basketball.

Elijah Bryant

Team:Anadolu Efes IstanbulPosition:SGAge:27Height:196 cmWeight:95 kgBirth place:Georgia, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Anadolu Efes X-factor Elijah Bryant might become a first-ever NBA and EuroLeague champion in back-to-back seasons.

Last year he became the NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. Now he's only one win away from lifting the EuroLeague trophy with Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

"It would be super cool. But the main focus for me right now is to try to stay present," Bryant spoke about being on the verge of a rare milestone with BasketNews.

"There's a lot of media attention around the game, but the main focus is the game for me. If I do everything right, all the other stuff will come."

Bryant scored season-high 16 points in the semifinal game against Olympiacos Piraeus and boosted the reigning champions to the finals.

He became a third guy next to backcourt stars Shane Larkin and Vasilije Micic, who paved the way to the finals with another heroic performance.

Bryant had an excellent opportunity to follow the leadership examples in two very different leagues.

But a 27-year-old swingman found some similarities between NBA and EuroLeague superstars.

"There's a calmness on both sides. I saw a lot of stuff from Giannis (Antetokounmpo), Jrue (Holiday), and Khris (Middleton). I've seen stuff from Shane and Vasa. To see these high-level guys even in difficult situations staying very calm was one of the secrets to their success," Bryant told BasketNews.

"They stay assertive. They're trying to continue to get to their spots. They don't change anything up if it's not working," Anadolu Efes player added.

"They're trying to be consistent at what they do. It allows them to have great success," the American swingman concluded.

Last year, Bryant didn't appear in a single NBA final game. He must deliver with big plays this time to help Anadolu Efes win a consecutive title.

"I think basketball is a team sport. This team has been together for four years. Trying to come in and find a role during the season, learning everything on the fly, is not easy for anyone," Bryant discussed his year with Efes.

"Trying to figure out my niche and role without stepping on anyone's toes takes a little time to learn. But guys helped, the coach has helped me, and finally, I've got the spot where I feel comfortable," Bryant added.

There's no more comfortable spot than the EuroLeague throne. That's where Elijah Bryant will try to get to on Saturday night.

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