Baldwin: “I want to write history with Olympiacos"
Wade Baldwin’s moto is F.E.A.R. (Face Everything And Rise) and he’s ready to act on it wearing the ‘red’ jersey! “I want to write history with Olympiacos”, he stated to OlympiacosBC.gr, in his first interview as a member of our team.
The American guard, who has played in the NBA, will be making the trans-Atlantic flight for the first time in his career for the shake of Olympiacos. “I have talked to coach Blatt. He’s a great coach and has proved that with his presence both in the NBA and in Europe”, he said explaining the reasons that led him to give a positive answer to the offer our team made him. And went on to say: “I wanted to be part of the Olympiacos culture. I know how much history this team has. I also know that many American players have had great careers in the past, having gotten a lot of things from Olympiacos. The team had given them the chance to play at the highest Euroleague level and win titles. A lot of them went to go back to the States and the NBA. I have been informed that the atmosphere on the team is exceptional and I’m really looking forward to experiencing it”.
“Little Westobrook”, like Zack Randolph used to call him, appeared to have truly delved into the European history lesson and all the more, that one of the ‘reds’! “Just like I said before, I know a part of the Olympiacos history. Their often times final four participations, especially during recent years and the back to back winning of the Euroleague title in 2012 and 2013. I have only heard good things about the club and I’m repeating that I’m looking forward to being part of all that. I also want to write history with Olympiacos!”.
The change in the way of life, as that of the playing style, does not scare him. “It’s the first time I’m going to be playing in Europe and I obviously need to adjust to the new situation and the different style of playing. However, I feel this is something that will be done fast enough. Anyway, from what I’ve been hearing from other players, the transition is smooth and the team has been making all of that easy. I have been informed that my team mates are responsive and help you adjust to the new situation”.
Asked about his strong suit, he replied: “I believe it is a high sense of competitiveness and my energy. My ability to finding my ‘open’ team mates. My speed and that I play strong. I also shoot with good percentages and I can disrupt and cause imbalance to the opposing defense. I’ll be combining all that, so I can help Olympiacos win the Euroleague”.
Coming to Piraeus, he’s going to be meeting with familiar faces. “I personally know two of my new teammates, two Americans. Brandon Paul, who has had a very good professional career up to now. He has played for the Spurs, in China, for the Euroleague and is very experienced. I have also played against Kevin Punter. We had been opponents when in college. I’m looking forward to working with them”.
As for his goals? It’s one and totally in compliance with that of the team. “I want to win. That’s my goal. I want to win at any level and any competition I play for. When you win, all your personal goals are being fulfilled through the team’s victories. So, my goal is to win all the games we play if possible! No one likes losing. That’s what I’m focused on and that’s my goal”.
A few days following the announcement of his signing, Wade Baldwin met with former ‘red’, Briante Webber, who gave him a heads up on everything and especially on the fans. “Briante talked to me about the atmosphere and the fans. The ‘madness’ and the rivalry with certain teams. He compared this rivalry with that between the Red Sox and the Yankees and that of Michigan and Ohio State… They are baseball and football teams respectively. He made me understand the spirit and the competitiveness, as well as the passion of the Olympiacos fans’ for their team. How much they can ‘lift’ the team up and what a great atmosphere they create. I’m really excited and I can’t see the time to start this new journey in my life and my career with Olympiacos!”.