Jerian Grant reflects on EuroLeague-NBA differences, new Panathinaikos / News - Basketnews.com

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens's new addition Jerian Grant remarked on differences between the NBA and the EuroLeague as well as the 2023-24 model Panathinaikos.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Jerian Grant was perhaps more of an underdog singing in a summer of remarkable transfers for Panathinaikos Aktor Athens, but the American guard has so far dazzled with his performances.

Jerian Grant

MIN:28.57PTS:9.4 (58.43%)REB:2.2As:4.1ST:2BL:0.1TO:1.1GM:10ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

The former EuroCup MVP's vast resume of basketball experiences encompassing the NBA as well as a year with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has enabled him to make a splash this year. He talked about these queries in detail to Meridian Sport.

"The NBA is completely different from Europe," reflected Grant. "Everything happens very quickly, with 82 matches in the regular season, with some of them very important and others not so much, unlike in Europe where every match is important," said the American guard, evoking the EuroLeague motto "Every Game Matters."

"I have the opportunity to travel all over Europe and play basketball. It's a special experience."

While not an illustrious career, Grant's NBA experience is special in its own right.

"It was good. I played at the highest possible level, where all players want to be.It was a great experience to be in Chicago and Orlando, where my uncle [Horace Grant] played."

The American guard also talked about his rookie EuroLeague season, where he averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 PIR with Olimpia Milano, and his breakout season with Turk Telekom Ankara in the EuroCup where he was named MVP in the 2022-23 season.

"In Milan, at the time, we had two great playmakers, [Sergio] Rodriguez and [Malcom] Delaney, so I had to wait for the opportunity. Coach [Erdem] Can at Turk Telekom put the ball in my hands, I had great teammates and I had freedom in my game, and confidence."

Looking to the recent time and the future, Grant also reflected on the new Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens / Schedule

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens Valencia Basket90-73 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Panathinaikos Aktor AthensThu19:45 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Panathinaikos Aktor AthensTue17:30

"We are a completely new team," he said. "It would be unrealistic to expect to play great from the start, and we lost two matches in overtime. But as the season progresses, we get closer and closer to where we want to be," Grant continued.

"I think we are well on our way to the top. I believe that the victory in Berlin [against ALBA Berlin] helped us because it gave us the momentum we have until now."

In a team full of star players, particularly in the guard positions such as Kostas Sloukas, Luca Vildoza, and Kendrick Nunn, Grant is aware of his role as a "glue guy."

“My role is changing.In one match, I will be a scorer, and in others, I will be tasked with stopping the opponent's best [offensive player].I am a player who can adapt to anything.The most important thing for me is to do the work that the team needs from me to win."

Accordingly, a match-up that most are looking forward to is the Kevin Punter - Grant duel in the Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade game on November 30.

“He's coming back from injury, and I'll probably take over [defending] him. It will be a big challenge.He is a top-level scorer, but I will try to do a good job, press him, and make it difficult, with the help of my teammates, of course."

Finally, the American guard talked about the impressive Partizan atmosphere.

"[Mathias] Lessort told me that it is one of the hottest stadiums he has ever played in. This gives us extra motivation. I'm looking forward to the match.We know how good Partizan are and how difficult it is to beat them in Belgrade, but we are all ready for the challenge."

Jerian Grant is currently averaging 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists to 1.1 turnovers on 50% three-point shooting.

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