Olympiacos Arrives in Crete: Enthusiastic Welcome and Ambition Ahead of the Euroleague Season

Nikos Kazantzakis airport did not sleep on the first day of September. As the glass doors opened, a sea of people in red and white erupted. Chants of "Olympiacos! Olympiacos!" drowned out the engine noise. Jan Montero, the most anticipated newcomer of the summer, stepped off last, smiling in front of hundreds of raised phones. Giorgos Bartzokas, the head coach, waved to the crowd before quickly moving toward the bus. The atmosphere of a big club preparing for a big season. But the question remains: does this enthusiasm truly reflect on-court strength? Olympiacos is in Heraklion, Crete for the preseason IBT tournament, where they will face Fenerbahçe in the semifinal on Friday (September 4). On the other side of the bracket, Red Star will face Armani Milano. This is not just an opportunity to test the squad but also the first performance before fans after a turbulent summer. According to Euroleague summer power rankings, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are ranked 1-2, indicating that experts rate the Greek duo highly ahead of the new season. The biggest highlight of this trip is the return of Nikola Milutinov. Earlier, the Serbian center left the team in disappointment, raising concerns about internal issues. But according to the latest information, the "alarm" has ended. Milutinov has returned and is training with the team. This is a crucial signal for Olympiacos' defense, as his presence in the paint is key to maintaining strength in the Euroleague - where every game is a physical battle. As for Montero, the Belgian-Dominican player did not hide his ambition. "Olympiacos is a challenge and I like challenges," he said briefly before stepping onto the bus. This statement shows a newcomer who understands the pressure of wearing the jersey of one of Europe's most traditional clubs. But in reality, Montero has yet to prove anything on the court. Fan expectations can be motivation, but they can also become a burden if he fails to adapt quickly to the Euroleague pace. Based on my experience following preseason games, one notable point is that big teams often do not reveal their full tactical approach in friendlies. They use this time to experiment with lineups, rotate players, and test fitness. Therefore, the result against Fenerbahçe will not fully reflect Olympiacos' true strength. However, how they operate on the court - high press or low block, ball movement speed, chemistry between Montero and the core players - will partially reveal Bartzokas' tactical direction for the upcoming season. What the data cannot yet tell is how the atmosphere in Crete might affect competitive mentality. The enthusiastic welcome from local fans, even for a friendly, creates a significant psychological advantage. But conversely, if the team underperforms, pressure from expectations will quickly turn into criticism. This is a double-edged sword that the coaching staff needs to manage skillfully. Another blind spot often overlooked by the media: this FIBA-sanctioned tournament applies FIBA rules, which differ from Euroleague rules in three-point line distance and certain defensive regulations. This difference can affect players' shooting feel, especially those new from the NBA. Montero needs time to adapt, and this is the perfect opportunity to acclimate in a lower-pressure environment. Looking ahead, the Euroleague season will be the real test. Summer rankings are merely indicative; history shows only about 40% of teams ranked top-2 in summer polls finish in the top-4. Olympiacos has a quality roster, an experienced coach, and passionate fan support. But European basketball does not forgive complacency. Every game is a battle, and only teams that maintain focus for all 40 minutes can reach the summit. The arena in Crete may not be as packed as Piraeus, but the chants are enough to create a symphony. Olympiacos is entering the season with great belief. The remaining question is whether that belief can translate into titles. The summer transfer market shows they have prepared thoroughly. Now it is time to prove it on the court. And as I often write in my analysis: data cannot save a game, but data teaches me how to watch it. The Fenerbahçe game will be the first data point of the season - and it will say a lot.