Roko Leni Ukic is the most recent Panathinaikos’roster addition. The Croatian guard, slightly prior to the end of his national team’s practice, spoke of his agreement with the clover, expressing his optimism regarding what’s up next but also his faith in the team which is being built.
“It was a summer different than any other as far as transaction movement is concerned. I didn’t want to rush into anything, because I understand that many countries, not teams, but countries are facing economy issues. The best offers were from Russia, I also had a suggestion from Spain, but money isn’t everything. There is basketball and there is my family. Panathinaikos expressed its interest in me and won me over with its approach. I felt flattered because I have always respected Panathinaikos and the Greek basketball in general. Greeks know their basketball and they know how to win, a very important element. I weighed the pros and cons and decided to say “yes”,since the pro list was much longer. The people that spoke to me from the team were straight-up, honest and explained the situation and their strategy down to the very last detail. I understand that it is going to be tough for the fans, because quite a few things changed in a year. It will not be easy for the new coach either, or the players, but whomever amongst us has agreed to play for the Panathinaikos’ jersey, knows that everyone has expectations and will be awaiting the same quality on court and in trophies. Not a single Panathinaikos friend will accept someone who gives less than 100% at every game. I have lots of energy, will to play and maybe the most important thing, a thirst for titles. And this thirst is the greatest motive for me. It goes for me but I also believe that it goes for my teammates too, that we will do anything in our power in order to conquer titles, first and most important thing being to earn the crowd’s trust. Everyone knows the Panathinaikos fans, I have played as their rival and I know the extent to which they can assist their team. This is the helping hand we need this year. A new but very competent team is forming and I believe that we will manage to make it. To me as a guard, it is a very special thing to be able to compete next to Dimitris Diamantidis, one of the best in European basketball. He knows how to win. Either he scores 25, or 2 points, for him all that matters is victory and I have nothing but the deepest respect for him. I would dare to say that I am flattered to play next to him. We are different players but I believe that we fulfill each other’s game. The rest we shall see on court…What the team needs is actions”.
