After almost two years away from European competitions, veteran center Loukas Mavrokefalidis arrived late to Promitheas Patras, but is doing his utmost to help the 7DAYS EuroCup newcomer reach the playoffs.
Loukas Mavrokefalidis, Patras: 'Everything counts now'
Interviews
6 mins read
After almost two years away from European competitions, few people expected center Loukas Mavrokefalidis to be back to the 7DAYS EuroCup, but at age 35, he joined Promitheas Patras right at the start of the Top 16 -- and has delivered already. Mavrokefalidis earned the Top 16 Round 4 honor in his team's crucial road win against difficult Umana Reyer Venice, scoring 28 points and pulling down 13 rebounds for a performance index rating of 37. Mavrokefalidis is used to getting high PIRs in the competition; in fact, he shares the all-time single-game record PIR of 55, which he registered for AEK Athens on October 14, 2015 by amassing 42 points, 9 rebounds and 11 fouls drawn. Mavrokefalidis is in his seventh EuroCup season, having played previously with PAOK Thessaloniki, Maroussi Athens, Spartak St Petersburg, AEK and Rytas Vilnius. In 72 career games, Mavrokefalidis has amassed 998 points and 386 rebounds, ranking 18th and 17th, respectively. This season, he is averaging 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, and enjoying his time in Patras. "A lot of people really like basketball here, especially the president and the coach," Mavrokefalidis told EuroCupbasketball.com. "The project is great for any player, not only for me."
Loukas, congratulations on beating Reyer in Venice, a tough place to win. What allowed your team to play such great defense on the road?
"Thanks a lot. It was a very important win. Like you said, it is very hard to win on their home court. They are the Italian League champions and have experienced players who were together for a long time. It was like a final for us and we had a great day, defensively, but we also did well on offense. We deserved the win, clearly."
Promitheas also stole a tie-break advantage. How important could that be for your team?
"For sure, it will be important, because if you qualify to the playoffs, wins count but also points. At this moment, any win and any point is important from now on, because in our group, everyone has two wins and two losses. If you look at other groups, it is almost the same. Everything counts now: we must fight for every possession."
"At this moment, any win and any point is important."
You joined Promitheas in mid-season. What convinced you to do that?
"Generally, it is a team that has big goals, not now, but also in the future. I am not young anymore, but I like the project they have and I am trying to help them. I think it is the most healthy club right now in Greece, except Panathinaikos. A lot of people really like basketball here, especially the president and the coach. They like their coach and the president loves what he is doing with the team. The project is great for any player, not only for me."
You debuted in the EuroCup with PAOK more than 15 years ago. How has this competition changed since then?
"There are stronger teams in the EuroCup. After the EuroLeague, this is the strongest competition by far, even compared to the FIBA Champions League, if you see the teams. It is always nice to play at a high level and try to do something with your team. I think it is also interesting that the EuroCup can give you a ticket to the EuroLeague. It is a big thing to play in the EuroCup."
You tied the competition's all-time PIR record, 55, playing for AEK Athens against Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd in 2015. What do you remember about that game?
"Well, the most important thing that I remember is that we lost! It was a good day for me and that can happen to some players sometimes, especially if they are talented offensively, to score and do other things. I had a very good day and tried to help my team but like I said, the most important thing is that we lost."
With all Top 16 Group F teams tied at 2-2, your home game with Brescia this week is critical. What does Promitheas need to avenge the loss to them in Italy?
"First, we need to beat a very strong and experienced team, with very good players. The first goal is to win the game, and then if we can take the tie-break advantage, even better. I hope we will be healthy before the game and see what happens. We lost against them by six points in Brescia and beat Oldenburg by 11."
"Patras is a city that loves basketball."
How is it to play for your new coach, Makis Giatras?
"I had many coaches in my career and what I can say about our coach is that he is a good person, a straight person with everybody. This is sometimes more important that being a very technical coach. For me, it counts more to be straight, it is more important. He is a good person and deserves to have this job and a good career."
Five years ago, Promitheas could not have imagined possibly playing the EuroCup Playoffs. What would that mean for the club and the city?
"For sure, it would be the first time to be at that level, and I believe this is our goal. I am sure all of us in the team will do everything we can to make it happen. Also, Patras is a city that loves basketball and Promitheas has a lot of fans. Everyone will be very happy if we achieve this."
Your best EuroCup season was a semifinals run with Spartak in 2012. Now, at age 35, you have the chance for another opportunity like that. How motivated are you?
"Well, if I were not motivated to play at a high level, I would not play, believe me. I want to succeed with this team. It will be very hard, for sure. We don't have that much experience, in general, as a team, but I think we can go step by step, day by day, and try to improve as a team."