Home Other Shane Larkin thankful for Spanish experience as he heads to Celtics

Shane Larkin thankful for Spanish experience as he heads to Celtics

Shane Larkin has officially become the latest player in the exodus of EuroLeague stars as he makes a return to the NBA.

Larkin, who spent one season at Baskonia has joined the Boston Celtics.

Per the team’s policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old played in 37 games for Baskonia in the Liga Endesa, averaging 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.38 steals in 28.0 minutes.

The University of Miami product also appeared in 33 games of the EuroLeague, racking up 12.1 points (34.3 percent, three-pointers) 2.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.27 steals.

Larkin’s return to the NBA after a season out certainly gave the guard a new found level of confidence, calling his time in Spain “a blessing in disguise”.

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Larkin didn’t enjoy the best of spells with Brooklyn Nets and found a new and exciting challenge in the shape of the Vitoria-based side, Baskonia. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

“Going overseas helped me as a player and definitely helped me boost my confidence,” Larkin said to HoopsHype.

“Just going over out there and play 30 minutes and play to my mistakes. Be the main man again like I was in college.

“In many ways, going overseas was a blessing in disguise. I would watch my games in the NBA on my computer. I wouldn’t recognize myself on the floor.

“‘That’s not me, I said. I didn’t recognize that person as a player. Obviously in some games I played well and in other nights I didn’t even impact the game defensively or offensively. In Spain, I was given the responsibility of ‘We need you to play 30 or 40 minutes every night.’, ‘We need you to put everybody in place’.

“It definitely helped me to get my confidence back to be where I needed to be. Now, I’m getting this NBA opportunity this year. Everybody who saw me before will see how everything will be different this time.”

Larkin arrived to Baskonia last summer from the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 7.3 points in 78 appearances.

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