Krunoslav Simon on Shane Larkin: 'He is above Mike James and Scottie Wilbekin' / News - Basketnews.com

Krunoslav Simon, whose jersey was retired by Anadolu Efes Istanbul after a memorable stint, commented on Shane Larkin and the ambitions of the team.

Credit: IMAGO/Seskim Photo TR Credit IMAGO/Seskim Photo TR

After five years of countless memories, Krunoslav Simon is still an ardent follower of Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

2-pointers this season

55%21,3Points made:21,3Accuracy:55,5%Place in standings:6Record max:31Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Will ClyburnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with Basketball Sphere, the forward talked about his former teammate Shane Larkin and the impact of Tomislav Mijatovic on the Turkish team's underwhelming season.

First on the agenda was the dual contract renewal of Larkin and Mijatovic.

"Surely, that had some impact on him," Simon said about the effect of Mijatovic's renewal on Larkin staying with the club. "It’s clear that the two of them clicked."

"Shane is a symbol of the club. This is his sixth or seventh season, and being with the same club for so long is rare," the forward continued, reflecting on the fact that Larkin's only one-plus year stint of his career was with Efes.

"It might not have been decisive, but it was a plus for him to stay and put an end to the speculations about a new contract," Simon believed.

Later on, "Kruno," as he is passionately referred to by his former teammates and the fans of the club, talked about the team's ambitions going forward.

"I think they are one of the biggest clubs in the EuroLeague. They have shown they are at the top. I think they need to do some team selection. Shane Larkin is the most important player there, and it would be a big problem if he left because who would replace him?"

"There are few players like him, and in my opinion, he is above Mike James and Scottie Wilbekin in that role," Simon stated. "They are playmakers and also the team’s top stars. With smart selection and two or three quality additions, we can see Anadolu Efes in the Final Four," he predicted.

Finally, the forward took some time to praise the positive impact that Mijatovic had after the sacking of Erdem Can in the latter-mid season.

"It's very important for them and Fenerbahce, given the rivalry in Turkey. Unfortunately, Anadolu Efes woke up too late. Actually, when Mijatovic was appointed as coach, that's when they woke up," he noted. "It wasn't enough for a serious result."

"Now, they are focused on winning the Turkish title. They have a realistic chance, good team chemistry, and will be fresher than Fenerbahce. I expect them to play in the Final Four, and I hope Mijatovic will inscribe his name in golden letters in the club's history," Simon concluded with good wishes for the team and Mijatovic.

In five years with Anadolu Efes, "Kruno" won the EuroLeague and the Turkish League twice and was named the Turkish Cup MVP in 2019. Last season, his jersey was retired (number 44) and hung up next to Petar Naumoski's, another legend of the club.

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