James Gist is as of now the new Panathinaikos member. His transaction from Unicaja Malaga has been finalized, Andy Panko to follow the reversed root towards the Spanish team. Gist is expected to land in Athens tomorrow (22/12) at 16.00.
Gist stated excited about being sign to Panathinaikos: “I believe that it was kind of… meant to be… (he laughs). The move might not have been made in the summer time but now as fait would have it, it happens. I am truly excited to be coming to Greece and to be competing for such a great club as Panathinaikos; a team with a great history. It is my aspiration to be able to help and chip in so as for it to get to new successes”.
His personal goal as he explains is one: “I want to be a positive addition to the team. To offer behind my energy, to help at the rebounds, in defense, which I know is a key for the game. I want to play tough in every clash in order to aid my teammates conquer further victories. I can hardly wait…”
Gist states certain that Panathinaikos can make the next step in Euroleague: “Panathinaikos reached the Top16, but it can certainly proceed further in the tournament. Its history is intertwined with successes in Euroleague; it has reached the Final Four many a times as has it gained the title of the league. It won’t be easy; we have tough games and tough opponents ahead of us, but I am certain that we will all try our best in order to nail this goal. We have Europe ’s best point guard, Diamantidis, we have a player like Sofo, who upon his return from his injury will present us once more with important solutions. I have been watching the team through the regular season and it really has great talent”.
Having competed at the OAKA in the past, James Gist reports to be happy for one more reason:“I am happy that this time the Panathinaikos fans will be on my side. It is tough to play as an opponent in OAKA, so I am really happy that from now on I will have the helping hand coming from the fans’ stands!”
*James Gist (2,07m) was born in Adana , Turkey on October 26, 1986. He played for the team of his High School (Our Lady of Good Counsel High School) and then attended Maryland College . He was drafted at number 57 for the San Antonio Spurts in 2008, but immediately committed the trip to Europe . He competed for Angelico Biella (2008-09) and then for Lokomotiv Kuban (2009-10), Partizan Belgrade (2010-11), Fenerbahce Ulker (2011-12) while during the summer he came to an agreement with Unicaja Malaga. He was named Serbian Cup MVP (2011), while playing for Partizan he conquered both the Serbian Cup and League, but also the Adriatic League title. This season he won the ACB league slam dunk competition in Spain .
*Derwin Kitchen left Greece today, heading to Croatia where he shall be competing for Cedevita
