Omer Yurtseven is the latest addition to the Panathinaikos star-studded lineup, and the former Utah Jazz center arrived in Athens in order to join the rest of the team ahead of the new season. Yurtseven appeared happy for his decision to join the Greek giants and spoke about his expectations with the Greens.
“I feel particularly excited to now belong to the family of Panathinaikos, the team I watched a few months ago win the EuroLeague. It’s a unique feeling,” the former Heat Center revealed in an interview on the official Panathinaikos channel.
Omer Yurtseven started his basketball professional career with Fenerbahce and expressed his eagerness to meet Kostas Sloukas again. Yurtseven and Sloukas were teammates for a few months during the 2015-16 season. However, Yurtseven was an up-and-coming talent and did not have a role in the team.
“I played with him in Fenerbahce. Of course, years have passed; I was just a kid at the time, but I know he is a great playmaker. I can’t wait to play with him again.”
Omer Yurtseven will offer a good amount of rebounding and finishing around the rim for Panathinaikos. The Greens were searching for a valid option in the backup center position and were able to bring a massive talent that can help the team defend the EuroLeague title.
As for his goal, the Turkish international revealed that he wants to help Panathinaikos win the second straight EuroLeague title.
“I promise that I will do everything to help the team achieve its goals. Let’s meet again in the Final 4 and become back-to-back European champions.”
Yurtseven signed a 1+1 deal and he will earn around 1 million euros for each season, according to various reports from Greek media outlets
