Timma: «Olympiacos is an incredible team»
Janis Timma is living - according to his statements at olympiacosbc.gr - "the craziest summer of my life!" The reason? He is a first time dad to a beautiful baby boy that was born in the first days of July and only a few days later he made the next step in his career signing a two year deal with Olympiacos!
"It's crazy! Olympiacos is an incredible team, with such a great past! It's one of the biggest teams in Europe and it's a real joy that I've become a member. I can't wait for the season to begin", was his first comment.
At the end of last season, the Latvian forward would not have imagined such a development in his career, given the fact that he was under contract with Baskonia. Therefore, moving to Piraeus wasn't exactly his decision, or not just his. "Actually, it was Baskonia's decision. Olympiacos expressed their interest in me and after some negotiating my agent came to an agreement with my former team and here I am! Up to a point, it wasn't easy for me to leave, however, on the other hand, I came to a bigger team, like Olympiacos, that has incredible fans, so I had not reservations. On the contrary. Coach Blatt really wanted to incorporate me in the roster. I also have a very good friend on the team, Strelnieks. So, as far as I was concerned, the decision was easy".
The presence of Janis Strelnieks is a great plus for his co-patriot and also Janis, Timma. "With the exception of Janis, I know most of my new team mates only as rivals from the last Euroleague season. Olympiacos has great players and I can't wait to be playing with them. In regard to Strelnieks, I know him and he knows me very well. We've been playing for the Latvian National team. He was excited when he heard the news. He will definitely be of great help to me, not only in terms of adjusting to the team asap, but also as for my family to adjust to the Greek life style. This is very important to me".
Asked on what he talked about with his new coach, David Blatt, he replied: "The coach was very excited to have me on the team, and the same goes for me. He told me that we have a very tough season ahead of us, with a lot of challenges. However, we are going to be ready to and we can't wait to start playing. He told me he thinks of me as a very important member of the team and that he expects a lot from me on both ends of the floors. He also stressed that he knows how to use me and I'm really excited". When asked to define his goals with the reds, he said very little, but it was enough… "The only certainty is that we want to bring titles to Olympiacos. That's the No1 goal".
The news of his transfer was cause for excitement among the ranks of the 'reds' fans. "I have already understood that! Before two hours had gone by from the moment the announcement of my transfer was made, my Instagram and Twitter accounts were full of messages. I feel a 'crazy' level of support and can't wait to see them and play having their support. It will be an amazing feeling. It's amazing to have fans like them".