Cameron Payne has already landed in Belgrade, where he will soon be officially presented as a new player of Partizan Belgrade.
10-year NBA veteran Cameron Payne has already landed in Belgrade, where he is set to officially become the new point guard of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.
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At the airport on Monday evening, he was greeted by Serbian media and shared his first thoughts on his move to Partizan.
He said it is going to be an amazing experience and that he cannot wait to get in the gym and start playing basketball.
“It’s going to be a great experience. Honestly, I’m really ready to play basketball. I was sitting at home and I truly missed the game. I’m simply ready for it. I like being here now — seeing the fans, the arena, getting into the practice gym,” Payne told Meridian Sport.
He said his ultimate goal for this season was to stay in the NBA, but since there were no concrete offers, he decided to make the move overseas.
“As I said, the decisive factor was the time I spent sitting at home,” he said. “Of course I wanted to wait for the NBA, but it dragged on a bit. I was just ready to get back on the court and play basketball.”
Payne revealed that Duane Washington Jr. was the player he spoke with the most before signing with Partizan, and that Washington shared many great things about the club.
“I talked to several players. Duane, of course — he’s on the team now. I played with him in Phoenix. I also spoke with another guy — I forgot his name — but he plays at Arizona State University and previously played for Partizan. I talked to him before coming as well. Everyone told me great things about coming here, so I’m really looking forward to everything,” Payne said.
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When asked what he brings as a player, Payne confidently underlined that he is ready to help return Partizan to winning ways, with the goal of reaching the EuroLeague Final.
“Just wins. The goal is always to reach the EuroLeague Final. But first, we have to start winning — that’s why I came!” he stated.
The former Knicks guard said he cannot wait to meet Partizan fans in person and feed off their energy on the court.
“I’m the type of guy who feeds off the energy around me. Watching games online, they have an incredible level of energy. I love drawing energy from that, so I’m excited. I think this will be a great year,” Payne concluded.
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