A three-year deal that Thomas Walkup signed with Olympiacos will keep him in Greece until 2024. On Wednesday player introduced himself to fans by giving an extensive interview to the club's official website.
Walkup (28, 1.93) spent the past three seasons with Zalgiris Kaunas, and he credited Lithuanian champions with much of his development. "They gave me so many opportunities, and they stuck with me, even though I played badly. I learned a lot there under the guidance of Jasikevicius. In Zalgiris, I felt like I was going up a level," Walkup summarized his time in Kaunas.
Thomas Walkup
| Position: | SG |
| Age: | 28 |
| Height: | 193 cm |
| Weight: | 88 kg |
| Birth place: | Texas, United States of America |
The player, who suffered extensive injuries in his youth and did not receive much attention from American universities, paid a lot of credit to his family. "The man I admired and wanted to look like was my older brother, Nathan. He played basketball and was one of the best players in Houston in high school," revealed Walkup. "I was fortunate to have someone close to me who worked so hard and was so good at basketball. I am very lucky to have my family because the way they supported me then was unique!"
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, Walkup went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, he took it as a learning experience, which ultimately led to his landing in Pireaus five years later. "I do not think I deserved to be chosen. I am a realist, and I know that at that time I was not a good enough player to be selected. I am really happy for every step I have taken in my career, and it landed me at Olympiakos!"
When asked about his basketball goals in Greece, Walkup did not hesitate, "My goal is to go to the final four. Olympiacos gives me the best opportunity to play in the final four and win! That's why I signed!"
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