Former NBA and current Panathinaikos player Yabusele “I’ve seen comparisons between our team and NBA teams, and honestly? I believe we could beat quite a few teams from the NBA. I’m convinced of it. We’re not beating the champions but if we were to face all the teams, we’d certainly win a few games”
In a wide-ranging interview with L’Equipe, Guerschon Yabusele discussed his decision to return to the EuroLeague, the chemistry inside the Panathinaikos Aktor locker room, and his belief that the Greek powerhouse possesses NBA-caliber talent.
Speaking candidly to the press in his home country, the 30-year-old French international power forward emphasized that once the roster develops full chemistry, the Greens have the firepower to compete against and defeat numerous NBA franchises.
Reflecting on the heavy French presence on the roster and the club’s summer signings, Yabusele did not hold back his praise.
“There are a lot of us, that’s true. This Panathinaikos side is truly a great team, perhaps the most talented one I’ve ever been a part of. When I saw the signings being announced last summer, I was blown away. I’ve even seen comparisons drawn between our starting five and those of NBA teams. And honestly, I believe that if everything comes together, we could beat quite a few teams from the United States. I’m convinced of it. I’m not saying we’d play the champions and beat them, mind you, but if we were to face all the teams, we’d certainly win a few games.”
He also credited a longtime friend and compatriot Mathias Lessort for helping him settle into life in Athens.
“Mathias, one of my best friends, welcomed me. We had already spent time together over the summer, physical training, everything except basketball. We had a great time. This is his home. He’s been playing for Panathinaikos for years. He showed me the arena and the facilities. We’re very close, and our families know each other too. He’s a spontaneous guy, a lot like me when it comes to being a bit crazy and joking around. I’m happy that we’re on the same team and that we’re striving to win everything together.”
Addressing his departure from the NBA, he explained that stability for his family outweighed chasing an uncertain role in the United States.
“I felt that I had bounced back well in Chicago toward the end of last season and had proven that I could hold my own. If the start of the year was difficult, it was due to the circumstances and the opportunities. I don’t mean to be critical, but I simply wasn’t playing. Without dwelling on the financial side, the offer I received was very low. I could have taken a step back again, just as I did in Philadelphia. What was offered to me in Minnesota was only partially guaranteed, with the possibility of being traded by the deadline. I’ll always believe in myself, and I could have taken that risk. But for a minimum contract, with no guaranteed playing time, did I really want to put my family and children through two more moves in the span of six months, along with changing schools again? I don’t even want to talk about respect, but when the offer came, I said to myself, ‘Maybe this is the end, and it’s time to turn a new page.’”
Asked if he had any second thoughts about returning to Europe, Yabusele insisted the move felt completely natural.
“I’ll miss the NBA, but I was completely at peace with the idea of coming back. Basketball comes first. I want to play, make mistakes, grow, and win titles. It’s a passion, it’s a necessity. We had good offers in the EuroLeague, and with Panathinaikos, everything just fell into place naturally. A top-tier organization with immense ambitions, incredible fans, a rich history, and one of the world’s biggest rivalries, the derby against Olympiacos. Add to that the chance to play under one of the greatest coaches in history, alongside my close friends, Mathias, Mous, and Sylvain, plus a three-year contract that secures the best possible situation for my family, and that was it, deal done. Our ceiling is limitless. We are players who both want to win and know how to win, while fully understanding that we have to share the spotlight.”
He also offered a glimpse into the craziness inside the Panathinaikos locker room.
“That’s the perfect word for it. There was even one moment where I just sat back, stayed quiet, and watched. It was absolute chaos. Everyone was cracking up. I found myself wondering, ‘What did they do this time?’ Furthermore, others speak French too, Isaac Bonga, Brancou Badio. Then there’s Juancho, who, the moment he sees Sylvain, brings up the fact that he’s beaten us, me and Mathias, our entire lives. At the U20, U17, and U18 levels, and even in the 2022 EuroBasket final. That’s the vibe, lots of teasing and banter, but always in a very good spirit. There’s even a ‘French Corner’, they’ve put all four of us there, right next to the fridge stocked with Red Bulls. They keep telling me to cut back on drinking so many! It’s been a while since I’ve experienced an atmosphere like this. These moments will help us throughout the season, when the inevitable tough stretches arrive.”
Living in Athens has also sparked Yabusele’s interest in Greek history and mythology.
“I have some knowledge of mythology. I brushed up on the Greek gods, Zeus, Athena. It’s always fascinating to discover these things. I watched The Odyssey this summer, and I found it incredible. This culture is amazing. The warrior mentality resonates with me. These are elements you can connect to basketball in terms of mindset, energy, and fighting spirit. For every game, we’re ready to step into the arena.”
Touching on eternal rivals Olympiacos, who captured both the EuroLeague and the Stoiximan GBL titles last season, the Panathinaikos player noted the intensity of the local culture.
“I didn’t dare bring that topic up with them. But after talking to fans, you realize that the rivalry here goes beyond just sports. Unfortunately, that has to be said. The players are treated with respect. Sometimes, Olympiacos fans approach me and are perfectly polite. They know we aren’t Greek. But among the fans themselves, things get absolutely wild. It’s beyond anything you could imagine.”
Finally, Yabusele talked about dreaming of a clean sweep with Panathinaikos.
“It would be incredible, obviously. Furthermore, as I return, I am well aware of the high expectations, and of the fact that the club is counting on me. In 2023, we won, and the emotions were there, but I was forced to just watch my teammates play. I found myself in the shoes of our families and friends. I experienced what they feel when they watch you play under pressure, and I think it’s the worst memory of my life. I never want to be on the outside looking in again. So, just imagine a season where we win everything. I think the whole city would come to a standstill for several days. It would be something unimaginable. That is truly what I want. It’s my dream.”