CJ McCollum shared his thoughts on Fenerbahce’s championship win and praised his brother, Errick McCollum, for a remarkable career capped with a EuroLeague title. CJ highlighted the hard work and sacrifices behind Errick’s journey, offered advice about confidence and consistency, and spoke on the intensity of European basketball.
CJ McCollum had a front-row seat to a special moment in his family’s basketball story—watching his brother, Errick McCollum, win the 2025 EuroLeague title with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul after their win over AS Monaco.
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Nigel Hayes-Davis
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"It was a great final," CJ told BasketNews. "Fener played great as a team and well executed, a lot of guys stepped up. Happy that I could be a part of it and see them win a championship."
While CJ is used to the NBA spotlight, watching his brother lift the biggest trophy in European basketball hit differently.
“I think it’s amazing. He’s had a great career. He’s got some more great years left ahead of him, and we want to celebrate and really enjoy all the fruits of his labor—you know, the 4:30 a.m. wake-ups, the 5 a.m. workouts, the 6 a.m. workouts.”
“All the sacrifices over the years paid off, and it’s a blessing to see him win a championship. I look forward to seeing it again,” he added.
CJ shared that he’s always reminded his brother to stay confident and trust the process.
“Before being a champion, all I tell him is that it’s a blessing for us to be here. We’ve worked extremely hard, and now we let that work show in front of everybody else,” CJ shared. “The hard work we do day in and day out always pays off. Confidence is king, and he’s a successful man in his own right.”
When asked if Errick is a late bloomer, CJ didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely, better bloom late than not at all.”
CJ also agreed with Nigel Hayes-Davis assessment that if Errick had his frame, he could’ve had an NBA career.
“Yeah, if he was my size, he’d be in the NBA. If I was his size, I’d probably be in Europe, and the roles would be reversed. But he’s made a great career for himself,” the NBA star explained. “No excuses—from a Division II NAIA school, 15-year career, two championships, one EuroCup MVP. He’s had a great run.”
As for whether CJ himself would consider a move to Europe down the road?
“I love European basketball and everything about it. Obviously, I have a family in the States. I’m married, I've got two kids, so any decision will go through my wife. But I’ve played for a long time, I’ll continue to play, and when that time comes, we’ll see.”
Asked which country he’d prefer, CJ kept it open.
“I love Turkey. I’ve been here four times. I like Greece, I like Serbia, I like Spain as well.” When pressed on specific teams: “I can’t go into specifics right now. We just want to celebrate Fenerbahce’s championship. But I’ve got some friends in Monaco—had to say hello to Mike James and Theis.”
McCollum also had a strong message for NBA players considering Europe.
“It’s competitive. The culture and passion the fans have—it means so much. There’s nothing like a road game in Europe, nothing like the way those fans travel. It’s something I truly appreciate.”
He acknowledged the idea of NBA Europe and whether it could attract more NBA talent overseas.
“I think so. I think it’s an idea in the works. There’s a lot that can happen, but I think it’s a great opportunity,” he explained.
CJ also revealed his favorites to win the NBA Championship.
“I think the winner comes out of the West. That means Minnesota or OKC.”
When asked which EuroLeague players could make the leap to the NBA, CJ McCollum didn’t hesitate to name a few standouts from the Final Four.
“Fenerbahce has a few guys. Monaco has some as well—Mike James obviously. I think you’ll see some players from Fenerbahce in the NBA in the next three years.”
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