Jean Montero: Why I Chose Olympiacos Over Hapoel Tel Aviv
Dominican guard Jean Montero explains why he chose Olympiacos over Hapoel Tel Aviv this summer, detailing his smooth adaptation in Piraeus and EuroLeague goals.
Why Jean Montero Chose Olympiacos Over Hapoel Tel Aviv
Guard Jean Montero was one of the most sought-after names in the EuroLeague this past summer. Although he was linked with Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Dominican star ultimately chose to sign with Olympiacos. In an interview with Sport24, Montero explained his decision to join the red-and-whites of Piraeus after establishing himself as one of the standout players in the competition.
"I am here because I wanted to be here," Montero explained. "I wanted to be on a team like Olympiacos, where you truly feel like you are playing basketball. They have dominated Europe many times, and now we are the EuroLeague champions."
Fast Adaptation and High Expectations
Montero noted that his integration into the team in Piraeus has been seamless. He praised the professional environment and the camaraderie within the squad, emphasizing that many players have been competing together for years.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the guard outlined clear personal and team goals:
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Staying healthy throughout the entire season.
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Competing fiercely in every single match.
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Reaching the EuroLeague playoffs as the primary objective.
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Fighting to defend the EuroLeague title for a second consecutive year.
Working Under Georgios Bartzokas
Reflecting on his first days working under head coach Georgios Bartzokas, Montero admitted that jet lag from the Dominican Republic made his opening session slightly unusual, but he quickly found his rhythm. He expressed full confidence in the team's system and stated that despite intense competition in the guard position, the squad's immense talent and unselfish mentality will drive their success this year.
