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// 06.04.2006

As BC Kyiv prepare for their EuroCup Final Four match with DKV Joventut, Lamarr Greer is a contented man.

Greer passed up the opportunity of a move away from the Ukranian champions in the summer but a second consecutive Final Four appearance justifies his decision to stay in a city where he feels very much at home.

LaMarr Greer (BC Kyiv)
LaMarr Greer is averaging a team-best 14.4 points per game in the EuroCup
"I had lots of offers last summer but I decided to stay in Ukraine," he told Megasport newspaper.

"Right now I am pleased with that decision. I like Kyiv very much. Lots of people recognize me on the streets and try to help me when I need something.

"My family likes this place. My kids go to an American school, they've got new friends."

The New Jersey native also accepts the pressure that comes from being the top man for Kyiv.

"Having joined BC Kyiv I knew that I was supposed to be a leader," he said.

"So I don't hesitate in hard moments: if I have the possibility of making a decisive shot, I make it.

"I try to give all my strength in any game - it doesn't matter if we are the favourite or the outsider. That's my job and I can't do it any other way."

Despite his success in Europe, Greer has never managed to break the NBA.

He says the circumstances have never been right.

"It's not enough to just be a good basketball player. You have to be in the right place at the right time.

"I've been at NBA clubs' summer camps several times but something prevented me from continuing. Right now I feel too comfortable in Europe to try for the NBA again."

It hasn't all been plain sailing for Greer - injuries have kept him off the court for lengthy periods and he admits that he and coach Renato Pasquali don't always see eye to eye.

"Of course we sometimes have misunderstandings but we are able to solve them quickly," said Greer.

"I try to keep in a good mood every day. Even if we lose I use my humour to improve the team's spirit."


 
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The All-Star 5 of the EuroCup Final Four 2006 (from left to right): LaMarr Greer (BC Kyiv), Lubos Barton, Elmer Bennett (both DKV Joventut), Oscar Torres (BC Khimki) and MVP Rudy Fernandez (DKV Joventut) LaMarr Greer (BC Kyiv) LaMarr Greer (BC Kyiv) LaMarr Greer (BC Kyiv) LaMarr Greer and Arturas Jomantas LaMarr Greer
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