Sportando interviews Lefteris Bochoridis

Sportando interviewed the Greek young talent of Aris Thessaloniki Lefteris Bochoridis. The young player seems very convinced to be able to get attentions of the Americans GM at the next NBA draft.

Bochoridis played his entire career with Aris Thessaloniki, is considered the new Diamantidis and shows us a great confidence in his own value, built with hard-work.

In Greece many people consider you as the new Diamantidis. What is your feeling about that ?

First of all, it's a great honor that some people believe this. I feel proud that they compare me with this amazing player and I want through hard-working to prove them that one day in future I can be a successful player like him.

You played with Aris Thessaloniki from the beginning of your career. This summer you can decide between Olympiakos or Panathinaikos. Which team do you prefer?

At this period of time my team is Aris Thessaloniki and I want to finish the season by achieving our goals. Every player wants to make the next step in his career, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos are both big clubs in Europe, so if i have offers in summer i will decide which team is more suitable for me.

Greece is full of young talent. Antetokounmpo brothers, Agravanis, Charalampopoulos, Diamantakos and many others. Despite the crisis talents continue to bloom. What do you think is particular in Greek youth sectors?

Greece is traditionally a power in world basketball and it has shown that produces many talented players.The economical crisis made the teams to believe in young guys and give them the opportunity to have a protagonist role.

What do you expect from the draft? Which qualities do you think you have to play at a high level in the NBA?

The dream of every player is someday to play in NBA. I work very hard to improve every aspect of my game and I expect from the draft to be picked.

Do you feel yourself ready for the NBA or otherwise wish to return to Greece to continue improving?

I cannot judge if I am ready or not to play in NBA, this is something that only coaches can say. I want to improve myself day by day and rich as high as possible. If a team gives me an opportunity to make the NBA I will work hard to do it otherwise I will continue playing in Europe in order to be ready in future.

Despite the great talent Greek players have never broken through NBA. Which is your opinion about this lack of results?

Greek players have a tremendous career in Europe (Diamantidis,Spanoulis) but they decide to be legend in Europe than just good players in NBA. In my opinion they could make a great career in NBA but they did not try it hard enough.

What do you think about the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo?

The story of Giannis is unique not only for basketball but for life as well.He was member of a family that were immigrant and he faced very tough conditions. I am proud of him,he is a role model for every young guy that is playing basketball.

Which is the players that inspires you most?

Dimitris Diamantidis from Europe and Rajon Rondo from NBA.

It's time for predictions. Which team will win A1 Ethniki and which Euroleague?

In Euroleage I believe that Barcelona is gonna be the winner and in Greek league its very difficult to predict but Panathinaikos has the home court advantage so its closer to the trophy.