Gershon Yabusele got his first… taste of the Telekom Center Athens, where he was given a tour of all areas of the arena and shared his thoughts: “I’ve already pictured my first dunk here!”

“I feel great. It’s wonderful to be here. It’s definitely bigger than I remembered, because we’ve played here against the Greek national team. But it’s definitely bigger than I remembered. I feel really, really good. I can really feel the energy of this team, and I know it’s going to be something special,” he said in his initial remarks, speaking to paobc.gr.

Regarding the reasons he chose Panathinaikos AKTOR, he noted: “Many things. For example, the club’s ambition. I know that their true mission is to win every trophy they compete for. Of course, Matías and Mustafa also played a very important role in my decision to come here. Also, the fans mean a lot to me. Playing for a club with a fan base like Panathinaikos’. And, of course, the team itself. You have an exceptional team, exceptional people. So I want to be a part of all of this. I believe it will be something special.”

Regarding what he discussed on the phone with Zeljko Obradović, he replied: “We had an excellent conversation. Really, a very good conversation. He’s obviously one of the best coaches in the EuroLeague. Having the chance to play for him will also be something truly special for me. I can’t wait to learn from him. As for what he expects from me, I’d say to play with energy, give it my all on the court, contribute my knowledge and experience, and, of course, help the team win.”

Regarding his upcoming collaboration with Mike Batiste, Yabousele said: “It’s really great. He was an amazing player; he had a great career. The fact that he’ll be part of the coaching staff is fantastic for me. I’ll always try to talk to him and learn from him. If I have any questions about something on the field, I know he’ll be able to help me. Having him with us is very important for all of us. We’ll try to make the most of his advice, his knowledge, and generally everything he can offer us through his experience.”

As for who will become his third closest friend on the team, after Lesor and Fal, he noted: “Look, it’s not just one player. I’m looking forward to having a great time with everyone on the team. I know Nigel Hayes-Davis a little better, too, because we’ve faced each other in the (Spanish) league and also in the EuroLeague in the past. I also know Juancho. This is a team with players who are all striving toward the same goal. I want to have a good relationship with everyone.”

When asked if he’s imagined celebrating his first dunk at the Telekom Center Athens in front of the Panathinaikos fans, he said: “I’ve already imagined it. A big dunk, looking up at the stands and seeing the crowd cheering. Sharing my energy with them, drawing on their energy, and all of us experiencing the intensity of the moment together.”

Regarding his goals with Panathinaikos AKTOR, he emphasized: “To try to win as many titles as possible. To win as many games as possible. To play with a lot of energy and give everything I’ve got. To have absolutely no regrets that I could have contributed more. And, of course, to have a great time here.”

Finally, when asked if he knew any Greek words, he said: “I do, but I’ve forgotten them. Yesterday I went to a restaurant, and the people working there taught me how to say ‘thank you’ and ‘please.’ I’ll work on it, I’ll work on it.”

*photo source: Panathinaikos BC