Emmanuel Mudiay: “I wanted to challenge myself and get back on the court” 0

After a long trip across the Atlantic, 25-year-old Emmanuel Mudiay reached Kaunas on Wednesday afternoon. After five years in the NBA, he became Zalgiris’ final signing of the off-season.

Mudiay was quick to get a tour of his new home, Zalgirio Arena, which he soon shared impressions of with Zalgiris Insider.

Mudiay is coming in to see at least one familiar face, as he met head coach Martin Schiller back during the 2019-2020 season, when the guard was representing the Utah Jazz, while Coach Schiller was working in its G-League club, Salt Lake City Stars.

After finishing high school in 2014, Mudiay chose an unconventional path and began his professional career with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China. After being drafted 7^th overall, he played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz.

He now makes a switch to Zalgiris, where he’s eager to get to experience the green-and-white fans.

“Honestly, that was one of the reasons I decided to do it, too. I’ve heard that these are probably the best fans in European basketball. When you’ve got fans supporting you, it always gives you a little bit more motivation. That was a big point in my decision.”

The full conversation with Emmanuel Mudiay is available for subscribers of the Zalgiris Insider platform.