The big man showed all season why he is one of the best players in the competition
Johnathan Motley lived 'out of body' experience as EuroCup Finals MVP
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3 Mins read
Athletes envision themselves performing their craft beforehand so that when the moment comes they are able to remain calm under all the pressure. Johnathan Motley did exactly that before the BKT EuroCup Finals and it was the reason why the Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv center was so relaxed after being named the Finals MVP.
Motley was outstanding in both games of the Finals and was the logical choice as MVP, especially after he scored 26 points to go with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal for a PIR of 28 in Hapoel’s 94-103 win over Dreamland Gran Canaria in Game 2. The big man tied a EuroCup Finals record of 12 free throws made and set a new best mark with 16 free throws attempted.
“I am just happy we got it done,” said Motley, who tallied 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in the Game 1 win.
“I was very confident in my team. We work really hard. We have a great locker room. Everybody trusts each other."
Motley added after the trophy ceremony: “Right now, I am surprisingly calm … I envisioned myself doing the trophy thing all week. It’s just crazy that I am in it right now. It’s kind of out of body right now.”
The great showing in the Finals was not a surprise as Motley has shined all season, grabbing a spot on the 2024-25 BKT All-EuroCup First Team.
“It was a difficult season, every game was away. But the fans came out. And we have a great locker room. We all love each other. We all don’t care who does what. We all instill confidence in each other. That's what made us get to this point,” said Motley.
The 29-year-old played two seasons in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Now he can start envisaging himself playing at that level again.
