Omri Casspi will make his long awaited return to Euroleague action against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night. Ahead of the game the ten year NBA veteran addressed the assembled media to discuss how he almost decided to retire and much more.

“My body and knee feel great. The toughest part right now is the fatigue and getting into game shape. Up until three weeks ago I hadn’t run in almost a year which is a long time, but the practices are getting me back into shape. I’m happy to return to the Euroleague after being out for so long. I’ll have a limit on my minutes but it’s a great feeling to join the team and I can’t wait to get going.”

Did he think of retiring:
“I didn’t think of retiring because it was time, but because my body just wouldn’t let me play. Of course it was something that we spoke about with my family and team and we hd to put all of the options on the table. I went to a doctor with the highest percentage success rate in the type of operation I needed and he had done it for many athletes in the United States. We all believed that if I did the correct rehabilitation, I would be able to comeback. This is just the beginning, but I feel great.”

Feeling about returning to play:
“The toughest part at times is just sitting on the sidelines when you want to help and play with your teammates. I couldn’t fall asleep the night before my first game but as the time goes by I am getting used to it and getting back into the swing of things.”

About the team:
“We have a great group here that puts a lot into the team. We have a terrific locker-room, coach and methodology. We had a lotto bad luck at the start of this season and there is no question that the injuries and a number of important players who were in last year’s rotation haven’t played. Myself, Yovel Zoosman and John DiBartolomeo which is a quarter of the team. The ball goes to John D and Zoos a lot and I believe that there has already been a big change since the game in Valencia form these sense of energy and intensity. We lost a pair of games that you just don’t lose too many like the way we did. Whatever bad could happen – happened, a 3-pointer and foul, a corner three from a player who hadn’t scored one in months. We are hoping that with positive energy, defense and following the game plan we will start picking up the wins.”

How his experience will help:
“I don’t want to do anything special. If it’s the small things, rebounds, an important basket, post-up or talking to the guys, these are the things that I have done for the past 15 years as a professional. At the end of the day we are close to where we want to be. The defeats were very close and we can turn that around. Naturally the coach is the leader of the team as he is the one who dictates ad to where we have to go. I will do the small things that I can and add to our strategy to go forward.”

Getting back into the rhythm he had at the start of last season:
“I haven’t thought about it too much. My main focus is to feel good and get into shape. My game was never one that as athletic or one with fast breaks or to dunk on other players. It’s the small things, offensive rebounds, taking the ball to the basket and the extra pass. I am not going to out any pressure that I have to prove myself. It may happen tomorrow or soon, but the minute I feel good – I can play at a high level.”