Jean Montero has arrived in Athens to begin a new chapter of his career with Olympiacos, and the young guard already has a clear idea of what attracted him to the Greek powerhouse.
The 23-year-old arrived at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport on Wednesday evening and spoke for the first time as an Olympiacos player.
Montero received a warm welcome from the club’s supporters and immediately expressed his excitement about joining one of the biggest teams in European basketball.
“First of all, thank you. It was an amazing welcome. Olympiacos fans are incredible.”
The Dominican guard was not surprised by the reception but admitted that it made his arrival even more special.
“Yes, I expected it somewhat and I am very happy about it.”
Montero excited to work with Bartzokas
One of the main reasons behind Montero’s excitement is the opportunity to work with Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas.
The new signing spoke highly of the Greek coach and made it clear that Olympiacos’ style of basketball suits the way he wants to play.
“He plays at the highest level and the basketball that I like. Their style of play suits me. Olympiacos is a team that plays amazingly, so why not?”
Montero’s comments underline the offensive freedom and competitive environment he expects to find in Piraeus.
After establishing himself as one of the most talented young guards in European basketball, he will now face a considerably bigger challenge with a team competing for the highest possible goals in the EuroLeague.
Montero wants to win titles with Olympiacos
The Dominican guard also made his ambitions clear from the beginning.
Rather than setting modest individual targets, Montero wants to contribute to Olympiacos’ pursuit of trophies.
“I am here to give my best and win titles every time, and I want to be perfect in this sport.”
The move represents another important step in Montero’s development.
He described his arrival as a completely new challenge and insisted that he is ready to embrace the expectations that come with playing for Olympiacos.
“It is a new challenge for me, a new team, a new contract. I like challenges and I am ready to take it on.”
Montero ready for the pressure
Playing for Olympiacos brings considerable expectations, particularly in the EuroLeague. However, Montero does not believe pressure will prevent him from performing at his best.
Instead, he intends to focus on enjoying basketball and competing every time he steps onto the court.
“I don’t feel pressure when I play basketball. I focus on enjoying it and competing.”
The guard also explained how he plans to continue improving as a player.
“I work every day. I practice and that is how you build confidence.”
That mentality could prove important as Montero adapts to a new team, a new system and a higher level of expectations.
Montero reunited with Codi Miller-McIntyre
Montero will also have a familiar face alongside him in the Olympiacos backcourt.
The 23-year-old already knows Codi Miller-McIntyre from their time in Spain, where they faced each other and became familiar with one another’s games.
Montero was particularly happy when he learned that Miller-McIntyre would also be joining Olympiacos.
“I know him from Baskonia. We played against each other and it was nice. When I heard the rumors that he was going to come here, I was very happy and said, ‘let’s go, my friend!’ I am happy that I will be with him.”
The presence of a familiar teammate could help Montero settle into his new environment while the two guards look to establish a productive partnership.
Montero has already spoken to several teammates
The new Olympiacos guard has also started making contact with his new teammates before officially beginning his time with the club.
He revealed that he has already spoken with several of the team’s biggest names.
“Some of them. Fournier, Vezenkov and Codi, and many others.”
Montero will now turn his attention toward training and adapting to Bartzokas’ system.
With his confidence, competitive mentality and desire to win trophies already evident, the 23-year-old arrives in Piraeus determined to make the most of one of the biggest opportunities of his career.
For Montero, the message is simple: he likes challenges, and he believes Olympiacos is the right place for the next one
