Nikola Milutinov: 'Olympiacos is the ideal destination for every player in Europe' / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Milutinov spoke about his return to Olympiacos, the club's decision to play in Greece's second division in 2019, the legacy of Vassilis Spanoulis and Giorgos Printezis, and his co-existence with Moustapha Fall.

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Nikola Milutinov returned to Olympiacos Piraeus after a three-year break at CSKA Moscow.The Serbian center is currently in Greece, enjoying his summer holiday.

Nikola Milutinov

Position:CAge:28Height:212 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

A few hours after signing a two-year contract with the Greek powerhouse, he spoke to the club's official website and unfolded his thoughts.

"For me, Olympiacos is home," the 28-year-old big man said.

"I didn't know how my career would develop at CSKA Moscow, I didn't know what I would encounter there, but I was sure that one day I would return to Greece and Olympiacos," he repeated once more.

"And I'm excited to be back. A lot has changed in these three years, the team has made leaps and bounds at all levels. I never stopped talking to people in the team and my old teammates and I was learning everything. I am very happy that the team is at this level. Olympiacos is the ideal destination for every player in Europe right now."

Surprisingly, Milutinov was asked about Olympiacos' decision to forfeit the Greek Basket League and self-relegate to the second division following a Cup game against Panathinaikos in February 2019, where the Reds had severe complaints over the officiating.

"Certainly it was a historic decision by the presidents that essentially changed everything. People understood from the first moment that this had to happen in order for some things to change, and embraced this decision. With the help of the fans, the management and the players, Olympiacos got back to the top," he stressed.

The count for the Reds showed five domestic titles (two championships, two Cups, one Super Cup) and two Final Fours in two years.

"The tough times are gone, after a long battle and difficult decisions, and I am very proud because I know well what everyone on the team has gone through in the previous years," he commented.

Points this season

50%82,8Points made:82,8Accuracy:49,9%Place in standings:7Record max:117Record min:60Best scorer:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Now, Milutinov wants tohelp Olympiacos as much as possible to repeat last year's magical season for the team.

"Coach Bartzokas has done a fantastic job. And I want to follow his plan and help the team as much as I can. We should never forget that Olympiacos had to overcome the fact that the two greatest players in the history of the team, [Vassilis] Spanoulis and [Giorgos] Printezis, retired. And the management, the coach, and the team did a great job in that part as well. The transition wasn't just smooth, but completely successful."

Milutinov admitted it will be strange for him not to share the court nor the locker room with Spanoulis and Printezis.

"Vassilis and Giorgos are two real legends. I can call them my friends and we experienced a lot together. They gave everything to the team; great moments and titles. But life moves on, sport is like that, teams always carry on and the imprint of some players remains. I feel proud and blessed to have lived in the time of Spanoulis and Printezis," the Serbian international pointed out.

Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Now, Milutinov wants to create his own era at Olympiacos, something he calls "the ultimate dream."

"Those two guys are myths. Elusive. What I can say and want to do is to follow coach Bartzokas' plan and take out on the court exactly what he asks me to help the team reach its goals."

In doing so, the experienced center will have to work alongside Moustapha Fall, who's been holding the starting center's position over the last couple of seasons. Some wonder if the two can play on the same team, however, Milutinov has no doubt about it.

"Fall has had two great seasons with Olympiacos. He dominated and has become one of the best big men in Europe. I'm excited to be teammates with him. Whether we're going to be the best combo in Europe, we will have to prove it with our work. Words can do nothing."

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