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Josh is a pipedream he ain't coming. http://www.xpatathens.com/news/19930
Childress hit the headlines in the summer of 2008 when he signed to play for Olympiakos. The 25-year-old became the highest paid sportsman in Greece when he agreed a deal worth 20 million euros over three years. Perhaps more telling was the fact that he walked away from the NBA, where he played for the Atlanta Hawks, while his career was still on the rise - unlike many NBA players who come to Europe on the downside of their career. His arrival in Greece has prompted numerous column inches on both sides of the Atlantic about the lure of European basketball as speculation has mounted that other NBA stars will be joining him this year. The former Stamford University graduate's impact on Olympiakos has been telling as the Reds have secured top spot in the regular season of the A1 league and have reached the Final Four of Euroleague where they face fierce rivals Panathinaikos in the semi-finals.
BS: So Josh, have you enjoyed your first season in Greek basketball?
JC: I have so far. I have definitely enjoyed it. It has been an eye-opening experience for me and a positive one. I have learned a lot. I have seen a lot. I have just been looking to take on new things and take on new experiences.
BS: You say you learnt a lot. You arrived from the NBA where you had a pretty successful career going. What have you actually learnt in Europe?
JC: I have learned about a lot of different cultures, not just on the court. On the court, I have learnt different tactics, techniques, a different way of thinking and off the court a lot of different cultures and just experiencing life in Europe. Living in the (United) States you are a little closed off. We don't get to hear so much about Europe so it has been good.
BS: There are some important differences between NBA and playing in Europe. What are the major aspects that you have had to come to terms with?
JC: The biggest difference is the style of play and the tempo. The style is more controlled and conservative here in Europe, the tempo is slower. But it is still basketball and that's universal. When you are on the court you have to go out and perform and that's the bottom line.
BS: Perform is an interesting word when it comes to basketball because a lot of NBA, the way the players play, the razzmatazz around the edges, makes it look more like showbiz. The players look like they are having a lot of fun. Is that the same in Europe?
JC: There is definitely a difference. Here, I think, they take every game very seriously from the last placed team to the first placed team and the at ude carries over to practice, to stretching to the weight room, everything. Whereas in the States, it is a little bit more relaxed. I am not sayinthg that's bad or good, it is just a different mindset.
BS: Do you miss the NBA?
JC: I miss my teammates. I miss being in familiar places but at the same time I have gained new teammates and new experiences so it's an even trade off.
BS: Do you find yourself staying up late to watch the NBA on cable?
JC: No [laughs], I try to get my sleep. I try following them on-line, keep up with what's going on.
BS: Many people have made a lot of your decision to come here at the age of 25, still approaching the peak of your career. Many have written about the money. Was that the deciding factor in coming to Olympiakos?
JC: No. Whether I stayed there or came here, I was going to earn a good living so it wasn't the money. It was the experience and the ability to get out and expand horizons and my game. It was the chance to become a better player and a more rounded person.
BS: Did you get a lot of curious calls from your former teammates?
JC: Of course. But all the curiosity has gone now. I am sure it is going to open up again this summer for many players in the US because they are probably going to get some offers - so I would expect to get a lot of calls this summer from players wanting to know more about it. Initially, it was a case of how is it, how's the game, how are your teammates, what's the travel like, the lodging, everything. Now it is more about me. You know, how am I doing, how am I adjusting, am I enjoying myself, am I lonely, mad, angry. They just want to know if I am okay and I am the same with them.
BS: It has been a successful season. Top of the A1 league and a final four meeting with Panthinaikos. A pretty good first season...
JC: Yes. I think we are playing good basketball but I also think we can play better. There is plenty of room for improvement. We really haven't had a team at full strength much this season.
BS: You were out with a groin injury for a while weren't you?
JC: I had a groin injury, but it wasn't just me. We have had nagging injuries throughout. At full strength we are very tough to beat. I am looking forward to these next few weeks, everyone back fit, find a rhythm, be ready for the final four and the play-offs for the A1.
BS: You meet Panathianikos in the semi-final in Berlin. They have had the edge over Olympiakos the last decade and beat you in the Greek Cup final in February. But do you see this as the year when you break that spell?
JC: I think so. In the past I think it has been more mental than physical. In films that I have seen, it looks as though the team just didn't believe that it could win. I think now that has changed. We beat them here (at the Peace and Friendship stadium) and I know we lost in the Cup but I don't think there is that fear of them. We are a better team than they are so it is now just a matter of us going out and proving it.
BS: Now if you do get past Panathinaikos, you then have to beat either CSKA Moscow or Barcelona...you are really going to have to work for this le, aren't you...
JC: Oh yeah, it is definitely a tough final four. This year you really do have four of the very best teams in Europe there. It is going to be a very fun weekend but very challenging as well. But you know as a player that is what you want. You want to play the best and beat the best and be the best so we are looking forward to those games.
BS: I have to ask you about the fans. When you were in Atlanta and you were playing an NBA game, did you ever have riots stadium -or inside for that matter.
JC: (laughs) No. Never. I have never experienced that. Not with my college, high school, never. It is definitely different.
BS: We can laugh about it but it is quite a serious issue isn't it. Other players have highlighted the problem of player safety on the court especially when things kick off. Have you felt that nervousness?
JC: I certainly have. Actually when we were in the game against Real [Madrid] I was guarding a guy when all of a sudden I hear this loud boom so both of us jump. It was an M80 [firecracker] somebody threw which landed just, I don't know, 15 feet from us. You know, what do you do? I mean the referee stopped play but it's crazy, a crazy experience. I never knew how it would be until I was there first hand.
BS: So, although you like the support would you ask the Olympiakos supporters to be a bit more sensible in the way they show that support?
JC: I think they are right on the border. A little more would be too extreme and a little less they would lose their edge. So, maybe they could throw their M80 a bit closer to the stand and further away from the court [laughs]. But they have been great all season and I look forward to them rooting for us at the play-offs.
BS: Are you going to stay at Olympiakos for the remainder of the three-year contract?
JC: Yes. That's the plan. I want to honour my contract and if they want to sign me to an extension then I will do that too. I am enjoying my time. I would love to stay as long as they allow me to.
BS: Are you enjoying life off the court?
JC: Yes, I live down in Glyfada in a nice neighborhood and I can't complain. My teammates have tried to help me out as much as possible, making me feel comfortable.
BS: So the guys pitch up at your place and take you off to Delphi and Sounio for the day for a bit of archaeology?
JC: No (laughs) N, not quite. We don't have a lot of time for the tourist things. We just hang out. Go eat. Go bowling. Go to the movies. Just hanging out and being normal.
BS: So when you go out you are recognised by Olympiakos fans?
JC: Yes, they are very passionate about the team and they let me know that.
BS: So what do they say to you?
JC: It's kind of inevitable I guess but whenever I go out I get Olympiakos fans telling me to beat Panathinaikos, those are about the
only words I hear.
BS: Well, good luck in Berlin and for the rest of the season and thanks to talking to sportingreece.com
JC: Thank you.
