Last summer, Nigel Williams-Goss joined Olympiacos team after his triumphant run to the EuroLeague title with Real Madrid. Now, he hopes to help last season’s finalists to reach its goal. The American guard reflected on his previous season and then described his feeling playing for the team that he beat in the 2023 EuroLeague championship game.
“I didn’t feel strange at that moment. Both teams were fighting for the title, which is such a special thing, I was grateful and happy.
It was admittedly a bit strange to come back here this year, some of my teammates remind me of that game, but I’ve already moved on and I’m focusing on the playoffs this year,” the Olympiacos’ point guard said in an interview with meridiansports.rs.
Olympiacos is preparing for a crucial game in Belgrade against Partizan on Thursday. The “Reds” are fighting to remain as high as possible in the EuroLeague standings with 3 games remaining for the end of the regular season. Williams-Goss claimed that Olympiacos is having a successful season so far despite some ups and downs in the EuroLeague.
“Overall, we have a pretty good season, we had a lot of problems with injuries, but we managed to maintain good performances in the domestic league and the EuroLeague. We won both trophies we played for so far (Supercup and Greek Cup prim.out), which is great.
Now we finally have the majority of players back together and the most important thing is to continue playing team-oriented basketball in offense and defense, I believe that gives us the best chance for success.”
Nigel Williams-Goss will face his former team on Thursday as the Gonzaga product started his overseas career with Partizan. It was only right that he had one of his best games in his EuroLeague career against the Serbian powerhouse in last season’s playoffs.
The American guard had 22 points and 6 assists in Game 3 to prevent Partizan from sweeping the series being up 0-2. Real Madrid ended up getting three wins on the row and went to the EuroLeague Final-4 where the “Whites” reached the championship game and beat Olympiacos for the title.
Olympiacos guard looking forward to key matchup vs Partizan
Williams-Goss took his first steps in the European basketball scene with Partizan but now he’s back in Belgrade as a seasoned veteran. The former Utah Jazz guard will take the floor against his former team in EuroLeague Round 32 and he’s looking forward to play in front of Partizan’s fans in Stark Arena.
“We know how important it is for them in the fight for the play-in with three matches before the end. It is equally important for us, for the place where we will end the regular season.
Both teams have a lot on their cards. The situation in the standings is so fluid, every game is crucial, whether we play to get home advantage in the playoffs, or to avoid the obligation of the play-in. The atmosphere will be fantastic with a sold-out hall, I’m looking forward to a great match”.
The Olympiacos guard has appeared in 22 games thus far averaging 8.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists for a PIR of 7.9 in 20 minutes per game.
