THESSALONIKI (Greece) - Breein Tyree is ready to step up in the FIBA Europe Cup Finals, and lead PAOK BC to a memorable triumph.
The American guard - who was a mid-season addition - leads the Greek side with 17.4 points per game in the competition ahead of their showdown with Surne Bilbao Basket.
Our fans are some of the best in Europe, if not the world.
And, Tyree believes his side must set the tone on Wednesday in the first leg on home soil as the club looks to avenge defeat in last season's Finals.
"The team has done a lot of work up to this point, we’re looking forward to it," he said. "The mindset is to keep doing what we’re doing. We’re in a good rhythm, and we’re looking to bring it up a level.
"It’s very important to set the tone at home. Our fans are some of the best in Europe, if not the world. We feed off their energy, and we’re trying to go to Bilbao with a lead.”
Tyree has been one of PAOK’s most consistent performers in Europe this season.
He scored 26 points in the first leg of their Quarter-Finals victory over Peristeri Betsson, and put up 29 in the second leg against UCAM Murcia to help send his team to the Finals.
However, across nine FIBA Europe Cup appearances, the guard has failed to reach double figures only twice - both occasions coming against Bilbao.
He managed 9 points in their first meeting in Spain and followed that with just 7 in the return fixture in Thessaloniki, a dip in production he will be eager to correct on the biggest stage.
"I’m trying to be a leader for this team. Be a threat offensively and play defense,” Tyree revealed.
Despite losing twice to Bilbao this season, Tyree and PAOK have reason to believe.
The reigning champions are riding a remarkable 15-game winning streak in the competition, but the form book can be thrown out the window when it comes to the Finals.
If PAOK can disrupt Bilbao’s rhythm and find early offensive flow, they have a chance to secure a historic title and right the wrongs of last season's late disappointment.
They bolstered their roster mid-season with Tyree joined by Timmy Allen, Clifford Omoruyi and former NBA guard Pat Beverley, with their title intentions clear.
"Bilbao are a great team," Tyree admits. "They beat us twice already, but we know that we’ve got better as a team because we have some new additions. We’re not going to think about the past and try to win the championship.
"It would mean everything for the club. It’s been over 30 years since there has been a European title coming back to PAOK. And, for me personally, it would mean the world.
"It would be my first Championship on a European level, and that’s super important not only for my career, but confidence going forward.
"We want to try to control the game, get the win and bring the cup back to Thessaloniki."
PAOK's last European triumph came in 1994, and after coming so close last year, they will be more determined than ever to end that drought.
The first leg of the Finals takes place on Wednesday, April 22 at 18:15 CET, before the champions will be crowned in Bilbao, Spain on Wednesday, April 29.
FIBA