Larentzakis defends Walkup's naturalization, names Olympiacos' advantages over Fenerbahce / News - Basketnews.com

Giannoulis Larentzakis addressed Thomas Walkup's naturalization, arguing that Greek players should earn their spot on the court and mentioning his case as an example of hard work. He also thinks that Olympiacos has certain advantages over Fenerbahce.

Credit: Gari Garaialde/Getty Images Credit Gari Garaialde/Getty Images

Olympiacos Piraeus made light work of Aris Thessaloniki in Game 1 of the Greek league quarter-final series, prevailing by 97-73.

Points this season

51%84,0Points made:84,0Accuracy:50,5%Place in standings:5Record max:117Record min:60Best scorer:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Reds need one more win to clinch a semifinal spot, something that's likely to happen next Saturday if they down their opponents in the Nikos Galis Hall.

Giannoulis Larentzakis scored 17 points on 4/5 3-point shooting against his former team and, along with Sasha Vezenkov who poured in 23 points, paved the way for Giorgos Bartzokas' squad.

Despite the fact that Olympiacos are facing Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul next Wednesday in the EuroLeague playoff opener at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the issue that has been monopolizing the interest of fans and media alike is the development regarding Thomas Walkup.

The 30-year-old American guard had very recently applied for Greek citizenship and his request was granted on Wednesday. Thus, not only is he eligible to join the Greek national team as a naturalized athlete, but he's also able to play for Olympiacos as a domestic player.

Larentzakis was asked by Greek broadcaster ERT about his sentiments on having Walkup as a teammate both at the club and the national team level.

"Thomas is a kid with whom we've bonded a lot over the last couple of years," the Greek international guard said.

"We all know the class he has as a player. I think he will be very useful for Olympiacos and for the national team if he gets called up," he continued.

"I am happy because he likes Greece and he shows it with his deeds."

Larentzakis confessed he and his Olympiacos teammates knew nothing about the imminent naturalization.

"We didn't expect it because nothing had been discussed or written. It came as a surprise to us," he revealed.

Giannoulis Larentzakis

Team:Olympiacos PiraeusPosition:SGAge:29Height:196 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Marousi, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

"Those who made the decision will have thought it through. It's a really good move," the 30-year-old guard added.

Following the announcement, the Greek Players Union reacted with a press release, arguing that no one had asked for their opinion and suggesting that Walkup retain his foreign player status in the Greek league.

Larentzakis admitted that there are two sides to the issue and that both have a point.

"A lot will be said: 'We are losing spots intended for Greek players', 'Why shouldn't a Greek player be in the national team?', 'Why should a foreigner take a Greek player's position?'

I think there's healthy competition. Every player, whether Greek or foreign, must prove that they deserve to be in the national team or with their club."

Larentzakis maintains that all players should earn their spot on the court by proving their worth, instead of relying on the foreign players' quota and the 6+6 rule that's currently applicable in Greece.

"Let Greek players come to the court, whether it's me or someone else, and fight for a spot. That makes you better. All of us, especially the Greeks, have to work, let go of the nagging and the notion that we are being wronged, and show on the court that we deserve it," the shooting guard reflected, and mentioned himself as an example.

"That's why I've reached this level. Nothing has been given to me for free - quite the opposite, actually. We all need to earn the place we think we deserve. Just because we are Greeks doesn't mean we should rest on that."

Larentzakis also referred to the upcoming matchup with Fenerbahce, arguing that Olympiacos are at acritical point in the season.

"We are practicing with great intensity. We are playing against a very difficult opponent. It will be a competitive series with plenty of tactics. Both teams are at a high level," he pointed out.

According to him, the fact that Olympiacos finished in 1st place and Fener in 8th can make the difference, as well as a full house on Wednesday and Friday.

"The home-court advantage is important. When our gym is full, that gives us tremendous energy. Both teams know each other quite well. I think the intensity we put out in defense is a key element in the outcome of the match," he concluded.

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