Tillie: «Olympiacos style fits me well»
Kim Tillie spoke to olympiacosbc.gr on the new chapter in his career, and promised that he’ll give his 100% in every game.
The 29-year-old forward is with his wife and their two-year-old son in Hawaii, where they are enjoying their summer vacation, a few days before Tillie comes to Greece for his physical exams and then to join the French national team’s training camp.
The University of Utah alum spoke to the official website of Olympiacos BC about the big step he decided to take in his career and promised that he’ll always give 100% of his strengths. “For me, Olympiacos’ interest was a huge surprise. It’s one of the best teams in Europe, historically, Olympiacos was always amongst the best and when the best want you, you can’t say ‘no’, you can’t even think about it” said the French forward, who later revealed that before accepting the offer of the Piraeus team, he had phone conversations with both Giannis Sfairoupolos and Vassilis Spanoulis. “I spoke on the phone for quite some time with coach Sfairopoulos and really, the talk was exceptional. He explained what he would want from me, how he imagines this new season’s team in his mind and his project thrilled me. I also spoke with Vassilis Spanoulis. Vassilis explained how if I said “yes” to Olympiacos, I would join a big family. That’s what I’ve always wanted, to be part of a family, to play for teams where I feel comfortable and I’ll be able to contribute. Both of them convinced me that with Olympiacos I will have all that I ask and want. Therefore, for me, it was a very easy decision that I had to make. And I immediately said yes, everything happened fast and I feel excited for this new opportunity that lies ahead”.
In terms of what he can offer to the team, the 29-year-old forward was crystal clear. “The team’s style fits me perfectly. What I will always offer is energy on both sides of the court, I will give everything, and more than 100% on defense and I will do whatever the coach asks of me so that the team will win. I know really well who Olympiacos is, I watched the team in the Final Four in Istanbul and I was a great admirer. They never give up, they are very hard and these are attributes that I also have. I think that I will fit completely into the spirit and attitude of the team. I am really excited and waiting to quickly get to work”.
The former player of Baskonia, who averaged 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, over 32 contests in last year’s Euroleague, wanted to address the fans as well. “I call the fans to come to the arena and support us with their voices. I have played in the Peace and Friendship Stadium and I know what kind of atmosphere our fans can create. I like communicating with the fans and give 100% to every game, that’s what I will try to do this new season, as well as give fans joy. Lastly, I want to thank them for the hundreds of messages they sent me on twitter and Instagram right after my deal with Olympiacos became official. I woke up and looked through my phone and I really couldn’t believe my eyes. I wish and hope that I can repay all this love and this warm welcoming with my strong play during the season”.