Τoupane: «I can't wait for the season to begin!»
He's coming to Olympiacos with the best of references and determined to succeed. The word on Alex Toupane, who can't wait to get on floor wearing the red and white!
"I'm really happy and excited to be a member of Olympiacos. They are a historical team that has been leading in Europe for many years now. It's a step forward for me. I repeat that I'm excited and can't wait for the new season to begin!", he said to olympiacosbc.gr
The French forward has had quite a few offers in his hands, however, there were some very specific reasons that made him decide to reside in Piraeus "Olympiacos showed the greatest interest of all in me. I have had a very good conversation with coach Blatt, who made me feel that my playing style will be a perfect fit for that of Olympiacos. I feel that together we can bring some impressive results, always of course through team work".
Asked on what exactly he talked about with Coach David Blatt, he replied: "We talked a little bit about life at first. We wanted to get to know one another a little bit before we start saying anything about basketball. Obviously, we then got to talk about the potential of our cooperation. What I can say in general is that we both felt that the way he coaches and the way I play can be very well combined".
It is obvious that the American - Israeli coach has had a major influence on him, however, there is another basketball coach he has blind faith in. It's his dad, who is also as excited about the change in his son's career page. "He's very happy with my transfer and the fact that I'll be continuing my career with such a brand name. He's very happy for me! As a father and as a coach he advised me to work hard and succeed".
After his moving to Piraeus was made known, there were many to publicly speak very favorably of him, Giannis Antentokoumpo, the Milwaukee Bucks star, being one of them, as well as his former coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius. "It's nice for such important people of the sport to talk highly of you. Saras is a legend of European basketball and Giannis is an idol. It's a great feeling and the fact that where ever I've been I have left a good impression makes me happy. I think that people recognize my working ethos and especially when such great personalities recognize it, it makes it all the more special. It's something that gives me extra motivation".
On how he would describe himself on the floor and what it is he can offer to Olympiacos, he replied: "I'm a very aggressive player. I'm athletic. I can do almost anything on the floor. I can score threes, I can drive, I can pass, I can play defense… So I think I have a lot to offer to the team's game".
Last season, when celebrating qualifying to the Final Four with Zalgiris against Olympiacos, he hadn't even thought about the possibility of wearing the red and white so soon. "To be truthful, it had not even crossed my mind! Those games were very important, so I had really focused on them and I had not idea whatsoever that I would be wearing the Olympiacos jersey next season".
Having had a first impression of the team fans from the rival's perspective, he's anxious to live the SEF atmosphere as a 'red'! "I'm excited about the fns. I can't wait to meet them! I have a small taste from those Euroleague games last season and I can't wait to play having them in my corner. I hope they are always by our side and that they support me and my team mates with their voices".
Finally, asked about the goals of the new season, he did not make any … original remarks, since he explained that: "When you sign for a team like Olympiacos, the goal is to win at all times. You aim for the top in all the competitions you participate. It's very clear to the fans, to the players, to everyone… It's a first class team, with a lot of success during the past ten years, so there is no other goal but to win".