Evan Fournier has fulfilled his dream of joining Olympiacos, expressing excitement about reliving his basketball passion after a challenging stint in the NBA. As he prepares for a Euroleague match against Vitoria, Fournier feels at home with a talented team and enthusiastic fans. His smooth transition is aided by the presence of former teammate Moustapha Fall. With a strong performance against rivals Panathinaikos, Fournier embraces the vibrant atmosphere and historic legacy of the club, focusing on this new journey.
Evan Fournier’s Journey to Olympiacos
In May 2022, Evan Fournier expressed his desire to return to Europe, stating, “If one day I had to return to Europe and I had the choice to go wherever I want, I think I would go to Olympiacos. It’s still quite a club.” Fast forward two years, and the 32-year-old French guard has made that dream a reality, now playing at the iconic Peace and Friendship Stadium, home to the renowned Greek club Olympiacos, which boasts three Euroleague titles from 1997, 2012, and 2013.
A New Adventure in the Euroleague
As he preps to face Vitoria this Thursday in the Euroleague, Fournier is calm and ready, stating, “I am here to live an adventure full of emotions,” reflecting on his less fulfilling past 18 months with the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. “I came here to fully relive basketball, and for now, it’s exactly what I expected,” he beams with satisfaction.
Fournier’s transition has been smooth, as he fits seamlessly into a talented and ambitious roster featuring players like Sasha Vezenkov, Tyler Dorsey, and Kostas Papanikolaou, all under the guidance of coach Georgios Bartzokas. Averaging 20.3 points over his last four games, Fournier is finding his rhythm. “We’re getting into the rhythm. It’s important to find your bearings and settle in quietly,” he elaborates.
His standout performance against fierce rivals Panathinaikos, where he scored 22 points, showcased his impact on the team. “It was a great moment. Away, to put the ‘clim’ in the hall… it was a beautiful moment, it was cool. I came for these kinds of matches,” he recalls fondly.
Fournier has quickly charmed Olympiacos fans, sharing in their excitement after games, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds the club. “There is a popular fervor. My arrival has created a buzz here; it’s true that people are extremely enthusiastic when they meet me on the street, in everyday life. During the matches – so far we are undefeated at home – something really special happens. It’s pure joy, up to my expectations or even more,” he shares, relishing the connection with the passionate supporters.
His decision to join Olympiacos was also influenced by the club’s rich history and vibrant fanbase. “When you come back to Europe, you want to go to a historic club, with a particular fanbase. I spent twelve years in the NBA, I experienced great moments; I don’t want to come back to live something mundane. I want to experience something exceptional,” Fournier emphasizes.
In Piraeus, Fournier has reunited with Moustapha Fall, a familiar face from his early days in Poitiers and the French national team. “He played a big part in my recruitment. I wanted to come ‘from the start,’ but that added extra weight. His presence made my transition much easier. When you have someone you’ve known for a long time and trust, it’s easier,” he assures.
As Fournier and Fall prepare to host Vitoria, the French national team, now led by Frédéric Fauthoux, will be traveling to Cyprus for the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Despite his busy schedule, Fournier remains focused on his new chapter. “To be honest, I haven’t thought about it yet. It has been such a big upheaval, this arrival in Europe, that I haven’t projected myself. We’ll see what the project is,” he concludes.