Giorgos Bartzokas' statements ahead of the new season

Olympiacos started their preparation for the 2025-2026 season today, Wednesday (27/08), with Nikos Okekuoyen being the new addition available to Georgios Bartzokas for the first stage of training. The Greek coach, along with Sasha Vezenkov, Evan Fournier, and Keenan Evans, spoke to the press before the team's first practice.

The Greek coach addressed the possibility of a new transfer, commented on Keenan Evans, the absence of international players due to the Eurobasket, and the SEF arena, which is now in "red-and-white" hands. He concluded by wishing the Greek National Team "good luck."

Here are his statements in detail:

On whether Olympiacos' roster is complete or if they are looking for another player: "It will be proven if the roster is complete. I think all teams are moving in this direction, to acquire more players, because the number of games will increase even more. Of course, you want bench depth and talent. We have a lot of that. If the question is whether we will get another player, my answer is that it depends. We will evaluate our team during friendly matches and throughout our preparation. Of course, we always have our eyes on the market. The presidents are always willing to help, but you should know that we will only sign a player if we believe they can fit into our team and make it better. We will not sign a player because of pressure from social media. We will do what is best for our team."

On Keenan Evans: "We have a plan. We have some friendly games, which will be the first ones he'll play in. The games will help him find his rhythm. We all know how good of a player he is. I wish him to stay healthy and show his talent on the court."

On the absences during preparation: "Most teams have these kinds of difficulties. Two international players, Milutinov and Antetokounmpo, are absent, as is Fall, who you know is very important. Some moves were made out of necessity. All of these things are seasonal. We believe we have the foundations to be very tough. To be at this level, you have to manage your emotions; you have to be ambitious, persistent, and ready. Any player who wants to play at this level must accept this mentality. If someone wants to play 35 minutes, they have to drop down a level. No team does that; it's practically impossible. The level of intensity in games in Europe is so high. I make some decisions about the players who join based on what the market offers, first, and what our team's needs are, after evaluation and discussion with everyone, including the presidents. The players we brought in, based on what I told you, are very strong additions, who may have been a bit underestimated. Transfers like Tyson Ward, for example, or Keenan Evans. My opinion is that they are very good players who also fit our style of play."

On the Peace & Friendship arena: "I'll be sad if I'm not with the team when it's ready, I don't know (laughs). You never know in life, it will be fantastic according to what I've heard from the presidents."

On the National Team: "Good luck, with health and without injuries."