Naz Mitrou-Long fond of Panathinaikos' roster, names EuroLeague's biggest surprise / News - Basketnews.com

Naz Mitrou-Long gave a deadline for the expected acquisition of his Greek passport, explained why Kazys Maksvytis is a special coach, and spoke highly of Panathinaikos. He also named the team that has surprised him the most in the current EuroLeague campaign.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Coming off an underwhelming debut season in the EuroLeague,Naz Mitrou-Long is looking to establish himself as one of Europe's top guards at Zalgiris Kaunas.

Zalgiris Kaunas / Schedule

Anadolu Efes Istanbul Zalgiris Kaunas86-82 Panathinaikos Athens Zalgiris KaunasWed19:15 Zalgiris Kaunas FC Bayern MunichFri18:00

The 30-year-old guard has created a backcourt duo with Keenan Evans, a player who made a name for himself last year before the injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

However, the Lithuanian side have dropped three games in a row, following their encouraging 3-1 start in the competition.

Mitrou-Long hasn't been able to make a difference for the Lithuanian champs, as he's averaged only 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over those first seven games.

His playing time has shrunk to just over 11 minutes, and his 3-point shooting percentage (21.1%) has done little to help him become more important to the team.

In this EuroLeague double-week, Zalgiris are playing Panathinaikos in Athens and Bayern Munich in Kaunas. For Mitrou-Long, the arrival in the Greek capital is a return to a territory that has become familiar since he first set foot in the country last year.

His brother, Elijah, plays at Peristeri under a recently acquired Greek passport. It's the same passport Naz has been waiting for for the past few years.

"My little brother recently took his passport and is now recognized as a Greek citizen. That's great for him and, at the same time, favors me," the Canadian-born guard told Vassiliki Karamouza of SPORT24.

"We will settle some things while I am here, and I hope the matter will be over by the end of the year."

Naz said he and his brotherstarted the process at the same time, but it was easier for Elijah to get some things going because he is in Greece.

Free throws this season

81%11,0Points made:11,0Accuracy:81,1%Place in standings:14Record max:21Record min:4Most made FTs:Keenan EvansTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"Things are a bit difficult for me, but we are on the right track," he pointed out.

Mitrou-Long's mother, Georgia, is Greek, and the player hopes the process will be completed by the end of 2023.

By then, Zalgiris will have to pick it up and return to playoff orbit, like they did in their first four outings. Anything less than one win in the next two games will force them to make up for lost ground in the remaining fixtures.

"The goal initially is to get into the EuroLeague playoffs and do what we have to do to get the job done in the domestic league," Mitrou-Long continued.

"Like any other team, we want to be the last ones left standing. If you're not aiming for that as a team, then you've probably misinterpreted the reason why you're playing this game."

The former NBA player spoke highly of Zalgiris coach Kazys Maksvytis, whom he called 'amazing.'

"I keep telling our guys I've been lucky and blessed to have played for some brilliant minds in this game. Maksvytis is up there, along with the best of them. You can see that he studies the game a lot and tries to improve every day. He puts us in the best possible position to win.

Interpersonal relationships with players are also particularly important, and he's been pretty consistent in that part. I have only good words to say about him," Mitrou-Long argued before taking questions on the two Greek teams.

"Olympiacos are playing well," he observed. "They have lost some games, but they've got all the pieces to become successful. They also have injury problems now, with [Shaquielle] McKissic and [Nikola] Milutinov out. But looking at the roster and the coach, you know why they are who they are the last few years. I have a lot of respect for this team."

Mitrou-Long spoke about Zalgiris' next opponent, praising their coach and roster.

"The championships Ergin Ataman has won speak for themselves. No matter what happens, you can't take away their legacy," he stressed.

"By looking at the roster, it's undoubtedly the most talented in the EuroLeague," he emphasized.

"But we like our team, and we're going to play a competitive game. OAKA is a historic court, and Panathinaikos is a very difficult opponent. We know what we are facing."

Mitrou-Long admitted he takes regular breaks from social media but added that he was surprised to see Kendrick Nunn end up at Panathinaikos, especially "given the great talent that was already on the roster."

The Ontario-born guard also mentioned the teams that have surprised him so far in the league.

"Monaco's mediocre start was a bit unexpected, but they have now caught a rhythm. I would say the same is true with Efes because they have a lot of young players, and they are trying to join their system," he said.

"Barcelona and Valencia have surprised me more. Especially Valencia. I knew they would be good, but they are outstanding. I really like what happens there."

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