Moustapha Fall declares willingness to try a 3-pointer, explains extension with Olympiacos / News - Basketnews.com

Moustapha Fall explained why he renewed his contract with Olympiacos until 2025 and admitted that he'd like to take a 3-point shot for the first time in his career.

Credit: Olympiacos Piraeus Credit Olympiacos Piraeus

Moustapha Fall has become a centerpiece in Olympiacos Piraeus' success over the last two seasons.

3-pointers this season

39%10,6Points made:10,6Accuracy:39,4%Place in standings:3Record max:19Record min:6Most made 3FGs:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The French big man thinks everything has to do with the character of the players and the team coach Giorgos Bartzokas has put together.

"Everybody's playing unselfishly, and everything fits with the coach's philosophy. He wants ball movement, for us to share the ball, and not care about individual stats. If we follow his way, everybody's happy. We just try to compete as hard as we can," Fall, 31, told Greek public television ERT.

Over three EuroLeague seasons (2020-23) and a total of 96 games, Fall has never taken a 3-point shot. And even though he admits he's far from the right man for that job, he's nevertheless willing to try his luck in a game where nothing will be at stake.

"My coach is nervous enough, so I don't want to bring him any other problems," he joked, referring to Bartzokas' heated reactions.

"It's better for me to keep doing what I'm doing and let the specialists take care of the 3-point shots," he pointed out, adding that his time will come.

"I think it's going to be in the Greek league. If we're up by 30 or 40 points, I'll take one. I'll be like, 'I don't care today. Even if he goes crazy, it's OK.'"

Fall is a rather rare case in terms of Bartzokas' preferences, as the Greek tactician doesn't seem to opt for traditional big men, who usually lack athleticism. But the former LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne player has been able to combine some theoretically irreconcilable features.

"I think our coach likes athletic big guys who can move fast and play pick'n'roll. But he also likes guys who play really smart and unselfishly. He likes it every time I try to pass the ball, don't try to force my shot, and [he also likes] the way I can switch on defense," Fall commented.

Olympiacos Piraeus / Schedule

Olympiacos Piraeus FC Barcelona77-70 Olympiacos Piraeus FC Bayern Munich102-74 Zalgiris Kaunas Olympiacos PiraeusThu18:00

"He probably didn't expect all that, and as soon as he saw it, he must have thought, 'I really have to keep him with me.'"

That's why Olympiacos signed Fall to a contract extension that runs through 2025. It was also a chance for the player to stay in one place after changing teams almost every year.

"I wanted to play in the EuroLeague. That's why I was moving all the time," Fall explained.

"I was also trying to find a nice place and a good contract. Now, I have all three, and there's no reason for me to leave."

As Olympiacos are leading the EuroLeague, more and more of their players are coming out stating that the team's goal is no other than the trophy.

"Yes, I want to win the EuroLeague," Fall admitted.

"I want to be able to say one day that I won. When you go to the Final Four, it doesn't matter which team you are on. You just want to win, at least one time, not just be there."

Fall has an incredible history in the games against Panathinaikos, whom Olympiacos have beaten 11 straight times across all competitions. Fall looks even more dominant when facing Giorgos Papagiannis and any other big man the Greens may throw at him.

"There's a nice crowd and atmosphere. I enjoy those games. I like competition, motivation, and high expectations. When we played in the Greek Cup, we knew it was just one game. I think I can play my best in this kind of games," Fall maintains.

According to the French international, there's no question about who's the clear frontrunner on the domestic front.

"For sure, we're the favorite, and the goal is to win the Greek league, obviously," he confirmed.

"It's not going to be easy. We need to respect all the players and teams who compete hard. Panathinaikos have very good players, and you never know what's going to happen. We can't be arrogant, but I believe we're the favorite and the better team."

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