Thomas Walkup's first challenge with Dubai BC is the Euroleague Super Cup, where he and his new team will face Real Madrid in the semifinals.

• The first EuroLeague Super Cup is here, live on Alpha Cyprus.

After practice, Walkup spoke to the press and was asked about Olympiacos, emphasizing that he thinks of the “Red-and-Whites” as family and has no hard feelings.

He also noted that he thanked Giorgos Bartzokas and discussed the goals he has set with his new team.

Here are Thomas Walkup’s comments in detail:

“Overall, I’m happy with my time at Olympiacos. I think of everyone as family; they welcomed me with open arms. There are no hard feelings; everyone was family to me. Every chapter comes to an end, and that’s what happened now.

The way the team treated me was outstanding. Everything was handled professionally. I have no complaints. I have enormous respect for the team and everyone at Olympiacos.

I respect how you feel, but this isn’t the time for me to do anything. It’s not my job to do something like that. There are no hard feelings; I don’t feel the need to explain anything. It’s okay how people think. There’s only respect.

Of course, I spoke to everyone, and I’m thinking of them—all the highs and lows we went through together. You don’t forget what we went through. There were difficult and beautiful moments with the team. Everyone was like family to me. There was a bond there. I thanked Bartzokas for everything, for the kind of person he is. I’m blessed.

The goal is to win the title; that’s why I came here. The way the team has been built is exceptional. In my opinion, it’s the most talented team in the EuroLeague. We’re making progress every day.”

*photo source: Dubai Basketball Club