Nikola Milutinov talks about return to Olympiacos, coach Bartzokas / News - Basketnews.com

Former Olympiacos Piraeus player Nikola Milutinov reunited with his ex-team this season, becoming one of the club's most prominent signings this year. In an interview, he talked about his return and his thoughts about coach Georgios Bartzokas.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Nikola Milutinov is treading familiar territory this year, having gotten back with his former team, Olympiacos Piraeus, for which he played from 2015 to 2020.

Points this season

46%77,4Points made:77,4Accuracy:46,5%Place in standings:16Record max:98Record min:53Best scorer:Alec PetersTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with the EuroLeague, the Serbian player talked about his return and coach Georgios Bartzokas, who was the EuroLeague Coach of the Year in both the 2022-23 and the 2021-22 seasons.

"I am really honored to be back in this team that I spent wonderful year," Milutinov said. "I am really happy to be back to work with the coach and to play in front of the amazing fans.

"I know they are one of the best fans in the world, and they are really giving huge support in the previous years for Olympiacos," he said in praise of Olympiacos fans. "This is one of the main reasons why Olympiacos made back-to-back Final Fours."

The Serbian center then reflected on season goals with Olympiacos, which revolve around going all the way.

"Of course, I would like to win the EuroLeague because I haven't won it yet in my career. This is a dream for every player," he stated. "When we were at the Final Four [in 2017], it was one of the greatest experiences I had in my life. I am really glad to be back because now, Olympiacos is in an even better position than they were in a couple of years ago," Milutinov continued.

One of the reasons why Olympiacos is currently in a renaissance is coach Bartzokas, who Milutinov took time to praise.

"Coach Bartzokas is a really good coach. I am really glad that I signed here to play for him," the Serbian had nothing but positive things to say about the Greek specialist. "He really likes to control the tempo of the game. He really wants everybody to know what they are doing [and] to be patient. To know, in every moment of the game, what they have to do."

Irrespective of ambitious goals and a total belief in the coach and the roster, Milutinov remains aware of the high level of competition in the EuroLeague.

"This year, there is a lot of great teams. Also, we lost some very important players. We have to be humble [and] we have to work hard and try to go from game to game."

With the red-and-white team, Milutinov is averaging 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 13 PIR per game in the EuroLeague.

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