He had almost made it on other occasions, but had failed to ultimately achieve it. This season, matters were different for Stephane Lasme, who was named Euroleague Best Defender of the year. Lasme smiles upon hearing the news announced. He swiftly adds that what counts is titles gained by the team, awaiting the continuance now on, in the Greek League. And laughs his heart out to the idea of getting to tease-even if only a little- Diamantidis, player however to greet the news with a big smile… In any event he had… pre-announced it during the season and certainly the captain knows better when it comes to defense.
-What does it mean to you to be named Best Defender of the season?
“It makes me feel genuinely good… It is certainly recognition and I would like to thank all who voted for me. I must admit that I was not expecting it. I rather expect it more in my first season in Euroleague, but then the title went to Diamantidis”.
-This season Diamantidis is in second place… Is it a small revenge for you? Are you going to tease him?
“(he laughs) Revenge? Yes, yes… But I am not going to tease him though… Only like this, a gaze upon him from above and he will get the message… (he bursts out laughing)… I know Dimitris is happy for me. It is something I know all too well. Our coexistence is what helps me in the first place. When you play next to him, everything becomes easier. He is mighty smart! On the other hand I try to assist him as best I can. He knows I’m there”.
-What pleases you in backcourt?
“I really do enjoy stopping someone in the air! I enjoy that one comprehends that it is not that easy to get to our basket. It is something that pleases me… As also the fact that naturally every blocked shot, means something for the team; it means it has avoided suffering a hoop”.
-What is defense more? Talent, instinct, physical abilities…
“Will! Nothing more, nothing less. You must want to play defense. You must want to play defense!”
-A block you remember most from this season?
“I would say the one on Juan Carlos Navarro in playoffs game 2 versus Barcelona. Though, to tell the truth, I didn’t really remember it straight after the game, because the clash didn’t end there. It still had time pending. So I jumped for the block and then turned immediately for the ensuing encounter… And there somewhere it was forgotten. I actually dwelt with it again much later, when I saw the photos and all the references to it (he laughs); as long as the game is in progress though you can’t just rest at a single play”.
-Where would you like to dedicate this achievement?
“To my teammates! Without them, no matter what I did, I would never have reached this distinction. Defense is teamwork”.
