Papanikolaou about Bayern: «They are better paced now»
Olympiacos hostσ Bayern Munich for Round 21 of the EuroLeague (09/01, 20:15 ΨΕΤ), and Kostas Papanikolaou spoke to olympiacosbc.gr during Thursday’s practice about the team’s current condition, the first home game of 2026, and more.
Our captain referred to his record (becoming the top rebounder in Olympiacos’ EuroLeague history), commented on the team’s improvement over the past month, and spoke about the game against the German side.
Congratulations on your record. What is required from a small forward to reach such a number?
“Thank you very much! Look, every aspect of the game is important. When you feel you can help, you try to do so in every possible way. Certainly, from time to time, because I have a tendency to be involved in auxiliary defense, especially when I’m on the weak side, you often find the opportunity there to help on the boards, because the big men are battling with other big men. So that’s where you can get the best position for a rebound. It’s definitely also a matter of willingness, and I’ve always had a tendency to go for the rebounds. I’m not saying I’m a great rebounder, but by being there and with my height, many times I’ve been able to help in that situation, and I try to do so.”
Which player has set the best box-outs for you all these years?
“I honestly have no idea, I can’t think of anyone specific. Box-out is also a matter of mindset. When you know you’re up against a good rebounder, you’re more focused on boxing out. When you’re facing someone who doesn’t have such a strong tendency for rebounding, maybe you don’t place as much emphasis on it. But it also depends on the game situation and where you are on the court. If, for example, you’ve gone to help, you might not have time to find your man to box out. There are so many things happening during a game, which is why I can’t single anyone out.”
The coach mentioned that he has absolute respect for you, for your consistency at a high level and for the fact that you don’t care about numbers and records. Is that the last trait of a good leader?
“I always liked being part of a group, and I believe that when the group wins, everyone wins, regardless of the individual numbers. That’s how I’ve always approached basketball; that’s how I learned it and how I fell in love with it. That’s what brought me to where I am today. It has worked for me, so I consider it the right way, without criticizing or judging what anyone else does. Beyond that, I never liked labels like ‘leader,’ ‘captain,’ etc. I simply want to be a piece of the puzzle that helps, a soldier of the team who contributes and strives for the best, so that the team can achieve its goals.”
Over the past month the team has picked up the pace and is playing much better. Was it ultimately just a matter of time?
“For all the pieces to fall into place and for a machine to work properly, time and patience are needed. We had injuries; we had bad luck, like all teams, and all of that slowed down the effort to be on the same page at the same time. Little by little, we seem to be finding our rhythm. Additions have been made that are already helping us and will help us even more. Monte has already helped us a lot, and Tyrique will also help us tremendously. Everyone is a symmetrical piece of a puzzle and of a machine that works properly, and of course nothing replaces the work each individual puts in on the court.”
We are one day before the game against Bayern. How do you approach this match?
“It’s a team that has changed coach and seems to be better paced now. It’s a difficult game, one that we must win if we want to continue on an upward trajectory.”