Greek Champion with Olympiacos: Evan Fournier successfully concludes his return season to Europe
June 9, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Evan Fournier, Greek champion: « I had so much fun in these finals »
Greece - Crowned Greek champion with Olympiacos on Sunday June 8, Evan Fournier told Florentin Bruère about his immense pleasure in finding a stimulating environment for his return to Europe, beyond just winning the title against Panathinaikos.
Photo Credit : Florentin Bruère
In his first European season since 2011-2012, Evan Fournier ended with a championship. On Sunday June 8, the French international guard won the Greek championship title with Olympiacos by defeating Panathinaikos in game 4 of the finals. But even more than lifting this trophy, it’s everything this return has rekindled in him that gives meaning to this season. He spoke candidly to the French journalists present, including Florentin Bruère.
« I rediscovered the pleasure of being myself »
When asked about the merits of his decision to leave the NBA for Europe, Evan Fournier cleared any ambiguity:
« It’s not a good choice because we end up with a title, it’s a good choice because I rediscovered the pleasure of being myself, of playing basketball, of being in an exceptional environment, in a great team, with extraordinary fan support. And just for that, even if we had lost everything, it would have been worth it. »
A strong statement from someone who was often left on the bench during his last two NBA seasons, and who found a central role in an ultra-competitive context in Piraeus.
« In Greece, it’s war »
Known for his straightforwardness, Fournier didn’t shy away from discussing the intensity of these finals against Panathinaikos, in an electric atmosphere:
« I didn’t realize what a Greek derby in the finals meant. I didn’t realize. Even in regular season, it’s not the same. Here, it’s playoffs. The title is at stake, you see. It’s war. It’s really war. And I came back for this too. I had so much fun in these finals »
A boiling context that he fully embraced: « It was almost toxic. It’s the ultimate thrill. »
Tribute to Moustapha Fall
Seriously injured in game 3, Moustapha Fall left a big void in Olympiacos’ roster. Fournier wanted to pay tribute to him:
« He’s a soldier, a reliable guy. We’re all saddened. He’s a pillar for the team. Defensively, he’s our anchor point. It’s a huge loss. I wish him the best, I hope his surgery goes well. »
« A rather remarkable season actually »
Collectively, despite the disappointment of the EuroLeague Final Four, Fournier believes the overall outcome is largely positive: « We had a rather remarkable season actually. We finished first in EuroLeague, we won our championship against Pana despite not having home court advantage. That’s quite an achievement, you see. »
While he didn’t want to exaggerate the impact of the semi-final defeat against Monaco on his end of season (« I wouldn’t say it gave me a boost »), the Frenchman concludes his European year with a sense of accomplishment and genuine personal reconquest.
Commentaires