Vezenkov names 3 standout moments in Olympiacos, reacts to Sloukas' move to PAO / News - Basketnews.com

Reflecting on his time at Olympiacos, Vezenkov cherishes three moments. The first is when they secured a spot in the EuroLeague Final Four in 2022 after a thrilling Game 5 against AS Monaco. Another memorable moment was Game 3 against Fenerbahce, where Sloukas' last-second three-pointer left a lasting impression. Lastly, winning the Greek Cup in 2022 holds a special place in his heart.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix, BasketNews illustration Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix, BasketNews illustration

Sacramento Kings summer addition Sasha Vezenkov visited the Sportal.bg studio to discuss his upcoming career in the NBA and hot European basketball topics.

The Bulgarian forward signed a three-year, $20 million deal with Sacramento this offseason, as Vezenkov spent the last five seasons with Olympiacos Piraeus, becoming a EuroLeague MVP in 2023.

"U.S. fans don't watch as much European basketball. They hear something, they see something, and they see more on paper what is happening here [in Europe] -- with statistics, etc. That's why they are probably more curious. Also, if a Bulgarian is there, they ask themselves who he is, what, and why," Vezenkov said.

"But I'm ready. I will do what I have been doing -- I will fight. Sacramento is on the rise, and that also influenced my decision to come to the U.S. But when I take an offer or decide on something, I don't just look at one component. I look at absolutely everything to make my decision."

On July 1, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news about Vezenkov transferring across the Atlantic.

However, after just seven days, Olympiacos fans faced yet another star player's departure from the team. On that occasion, veteran guard Kostas Sloukas made a surprising move and joined archrivals Panathinaikos Athens.

"It is normal for fans to react like this to the Kostas Sloukas transfer to Panathinaikos," Vezenkov stressed. "This is a professional decision. Everyone makes decisions for themselves, for their family, and for their dreams. Kostas and I experienced three years of successes and disappointments.

"He is my friend and none of this changes. Everyone follows his own path. He is an experienced player, and he knows the whole situation and how to handle the pressure because everyone is looking at him right now. We'll see what happens."

Lastly, Vezenkov named his three best moments during his five-year stay at Olympiacos.

"First of all, it's the first time we qualified for the EuroLeague Final Four [in 2022] after the decisive Game 5 against AS Monaco. I also think this year's Game 3 vs. Fenerbahce should make the list, with Kostas Sloukas hitting the last-second three-pointer. Moreover, I can add the first title we won, the Greek Cup [2022], as it was a bit more emotional because the team won a trophy after a break."

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