Jordan Loyd spoke to Basketball Sphere about the upcoming clash with Partizan, the reasons behind his decision to join Anadolu Efes, his relationship with coach Igor Kokoskov, as well as the potential arrival of Sasa Obradovic to Crvena Zvezda.
Jordan Loyd finished last season wearing Monaco’s jersey and spent some time waiting for the right next step. He was expected to shine at the EuroBasket with Poland, after which Anadolu Efes made the most concrete offer. Now, he stands as one of the key pillars in Igor Kokoskov’s backcourt, ready to challenge Partizan’s defensive structure.
The Turkish team will aim to surprise Zeljko Obradovic’s squad at 8:30 p.m., seeking to bounce back from a poor performance against Hapoel Tel Aviv and improve its record to 2–1.
“Expectations are always to come and get a big road win. I mean, that’s always the goal first, that’s the easy answer, but we obviously mean that. Especially after a disappointing loss at last game, we’d really love to bounce back and try to do better on some of those mistakes we did in last game. So, we know the atmosphere, we know how it’s going to be. We have a couple of new guys that are going to experience it for the first time. So we kind of prep them on what to expect and how to handle everything. Honestly, not worry about it too much.”
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The biggest threat to Anadolu Efes? It was hard for Jordan Loyd to pick just one, but he eventually singled out two names.
“I think Carlik Jones is the head of the team, he’s the leader. So we have to try to make him as uncomfortable as possible. So that’s the first thing, and I think they have great role players as well. But I think also Tyrique Jones, not letting him get offensive rebounds and second chance points for them. I think those two things will be really good for us, if we can manage that. Obviously paying attention to the Shake Milton. Yes, of course Isaac Bonga is great defensively, so they have a great team. Jabari Parker also…”
The American guard was linked with several clubs during the summer, and at one point, Dubai seemed to be the frontrunner — until a sudden twist changed the course of events.
“This is a first class organization. They showed some interest in me and value in me. And to me, that’s really big for me. I just wanted to be a part of something special. They obviously have a great core here. They’re still here and a great team and great guys already. So it was an easy decision to talk to Coach Igor, talk to him. Everybody, management, they made me feel really valuable. I wanted to express my gratitude for that so I was grateful for that.”
Under Kokoskov, he gained a new perspective on the game. The Serbian coach, with his NBA-inspired philosophy, has brought a breath of fresh air to Anadolu Efes.
“Coach is amazing, he has a lot of great things that I’m already learning from him and putting me in position to do well for the team. He puts all the guys in position to do well. He gives us a lot of freedom, but with that comes responsibility and maturity. So he does a great job of making us feel confident and comfortable. And for me coming here, it wasn’t about role. I just wanted to be a part of the team and fit in how I can. I’m very happy with whatever coach decides. So far it’s been great. So I haven’t been worried about it. I just knew myself. I feel refreshed. I feel happy to be here. It’s a great feeling.”
It seems only a matter of time before a change happens on the bench of his former team, Crvena Zvezda. Sasa Obradovic is expected to replace Ioannis Sfairopoulos — a coach who previously worked closely with Jordan Loyd, first at Serbian club and later in Monaco. Few players understand better than Loyd what the Serbian tactician could potentially bring to the Red-and-Whites.
“If he’s going there, I’m extremely happy for him, because I know everything that he’s been through in his career and his time away. He’s going to do great. I think he’s going to be good fit for those guys. I think it’s tough, being a coach in this business, it’s like a thankless job, it’s very tough. So I feel for all the coaches and, you know, what they have to endure. So as players, we want to make it as great as possible for them, but I think it’ll be good. Obviously I have a lot of love for him and for that team over there. So I just wish them the best.”
With the arrivals of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai, along with the return of Valencia — another of Jordan Loyd’s former teams — the overall quality of the EuroLeague has risen considerably.
“You look at all those teams they have. The talent on those teams, all three of those teams, I mean, it’s amazing. So it just makes the league that much more competitive. Every night, I’ve always said this since I’ve been in your league, seven years or whatever. Every game is a tough game. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing. And this year is probably the toughest, having more teams, more travel, more everything. But you want that as a hooper. You love playing against all these different players. And I think it’s great for the league. It’s tough on the players, obviously, adding more teams and more games. But the talent level is amazing”, concluded Jordan Loyd to Basketball Sphere.
