Vezenkov, Fournier and Evans on the new season

Last season's protagonists, Sasha Vezenkov and Evan Fournier, as well as Keenan Evans, who has now fully recovered from his injury and is available to his coach, spoke to the press representatives just before the first training session of the season's preparation.

Sasha Vezenkov: "We are all looking forward to the new season"

Sasha Vezenkov began by stating: "I think we are all looking forward to the new season. The summer was nice; we all worked hard individually. But when the season starts, I think we all want to get into the game rhythm. I wish my team good health, it's the most important thing, and everything else will follow."

On the new additions and the time needed for them to "bond" with the "red-and-white" core: "It takes time, yes, it takes patience. And as the EuroLeague has taught us, the most important thing is to be healthy. It's a marathon, so we're starting today. We need to stay healthy, and everything else, as I said, will follow."

On whether the focus this year is on the playoffs and the Final Four: "Talking about what will happen in April or May now makes no sense. We want to play beautiful basketball, win, and be healthy. We need to work very hard. As you said, we kept most of the core. New guys have come who will get into the philosophy, and the international players will return, and the season will begin. I think we are all looking forward to it."

On his health status: "I will join the practices. It was the third injury to the same leg in a year and a half, so it needed a little more attention. We worked very well with the staff, so I will be ready for the first official game of the season."

Evan Fournier: "The goal of this team is always to win"

Evan Fournier, when asked how he feels about his second season with Olympiacos, stressed: "I'm very happy to be back. I'm excited for the new season and, of course, more familiar with everyone. Last year I had a transition period, which will not be the case this year. I missed being here. Now we can finally start working. We are missing a few players, obviously, but I can't wait to get started."

On team chemistry and new additions: "We have a month of preparation. As I said, we are missing some, but everyone is familiar with the system. Milutinov, Papanikolaou, Dorsey, Larentzakis. Everyone knows how we operate. I believe that preparation is mainly about getting back into form, maybe even our roles. I don't think it will be difficult."

On the goals for the new season: "The goal of this team is always to win. When you compete, the goal is to win. Nothing changes. Same goals, same mentality. Now we just have to manage a long season, day by day, and continue to work."

On the renewal of his contract, Fournier stated he was truly grateful to the presidents for the way they welcomed him and his agent to finalize the agreement in person.

Keenan Evans: "I hope this year will be my time"

Finally, Keenan Evans, who is now ready to be available to his coach, noted: "You know, it's hard to sit on the sidelines when you want to help the team, but it just wasn't my time. I hope this year it will be."

On the new season and his return: "I'm happy that I can play. So I just have to wait for my turn."

On whether he will be 100% ready from the start: "I feel like no one is 100% ready in the first game, especially me. I think it will take a little time. When you come back, there's nervousness and excitement that come together. Once I get a handle on those, I think everything will be fine."

THE FULL STATEMENTS IN THE VIDEO THAT FOLLOWS...