The undisputed star of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season dishes on winning the crown and what a special campaign it was
TJ Shorts, Paris: 'We were built for this'
The 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season is over and one player stood above everyone else in leading Paris Basketball to its first-ever European title. Playmaker TJ Shorts dominated the competition like no one before. He became the first player in EuroCup history to earn quarterfinals, semifinals, finals and season MVP honors. He led the competition in PIR (23.2), assists (7.4 apg.) and two-point shots made (5.8), ranked second in scoring (17.8 ppg.) and third in steals (2.0 spg.). Shorts averaged 18.5 points and a PIR of 24.0 in the finals against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. No other player on either team averaged more than 12.5 points or a higher PIR than 15.5. Shorts said he believes that though his leadership was obvious, the whole team and its hard work allowed Paris to be so strong all season long. "We have a group of guys that are experienced in championship games, and I think that helped us carry this," Shorts told Javier Gancedo of EuroCupBasketball.com in front of the locker room door right after the finals. "And there wasn't one guy that helped us win this championship. It was a collective effort, and this is just amazing."
Congratulations on winning the EuroCup and being named MVP of the Finals. What does it mean for you after such a long season?
"Thank you, thank you. This is what we worked for all year, to finish with the trophy is just the icing on the cake. It has been an incredible season, one loss in the competition. It has been a lot of work since we got here in August and I am just grateful for everybody that has contributed to this championship, from the coaches, the players, the people behind doors, in the offices. Everybody that contributed is great."
Going back to Game 1 of the finals, you had a great start, and that was the key to the game. What allowed you to play so well right away?
"We were built for this. We practice way harder than the way we play. We have seen this before. We have a group of guys that are experienced in championship games and I think that helped us carry this. And there wasn't one guy that helped us win this championship. It was a collective effort, and this is just amazing."
Bourg had a great effort in Game 2 but you prevailed with a great fourth quarter. How did you feel on the court?
"We knew it was going to be tough. They have a great crowd here. It was hostile, they were whistling at us. This is what we expected. But we knew if we took that first initial punch and set the tone, we would be able to close out the game. And that's what we did."
You congratulated all the Bourg players, one by one, before the trophy ceremony. How important was it for you to show that respect?
"At the end of the day, you have to look at people man to man, eye to eye. Every single guy on that court went to battle, and there are no hard feelings. So you have to dap up everybody: win, lose or draw. It is respect between the players, and that's what basketball is about, bringing people together."
You started your career in Ventspils. Four years later, you have won two European competitions with different teams, earning MVP honors everywhere. How great is that?
"It is amazing. This is a run, and I'm still on it. This marathon continues, and this is just another point in my career where I'm going to take a level up and a step in the right direction. To come from Ventspils, to come from college, junior college, where nobody believed in me, to now, this is an incredible feeling and this is something that I would not take for granted at all."
How does it feel to play for a coach who understands you so well?
"It's amazing when you have a coach that believes in you. This is just incredible. And I mean, I'm thankful for him, for believing in me. I'm thankful for him giving me the reins. It is great."
The interview was interrupted when TJ was called back to the locker room for Coach Iisalo's victory speech. He returned covered in champagne, wearing protective goggles and with the EuroCup Trophy in his hands.
You have now qualified for the EuroLeague next season. What does it mean for you and the city of Paris?
"It's everything! Everybody is working to get to the highest level, which is EuroLeague, and for us to be able to punch our ticket is huge. Obviously, this is something that is in the future. We won't really worry about it now. The only thing is finishing the season. And when that time comes, we will be prepared."
You are creating a basketball culture in Paris. A lot of people have tried before you without much success. How important is that?
"That is the goal. When we first arrived here the goal was to create something special. And I think this is a great step in the right direction. I just hope that there is more winning in the future because that is the only thing that matters."
Finally, how are you going to celebrate this?
"I don't want to say it, but drinks and days off..."
Shorts was at that moment cut off by Coach Iisalo, who laughingly yelled: "Days off!?!?! There is a 4 p.m. recovery practice!"
Shorts then concluded the interview by saying: "Make sure you emphasize the days off. Because days off are coming!"