The 37-year-old has seen a lot in his career, but a EuroLeague title could be the cherry on top
Errick McCollum looks to ‘enjoy the ride’ at Final Four
Final Four News
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Now in his 15th season overseas, Errick McCollum has seen a lot. But one thing he lacks is a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship.
McCollum started the season with Turkish side Pinar Karsiyaka and it seemed like his time among Europe’s very best was a thing of the past, having last featured in the EuroLeague in the 2020-21 season – his second campaign in the competition.
On January 10 of this year, however, everything changed. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul signed McCollum to help with a growing injury list, particularly in its backcourt, and it gave the veteran a chance to show that he’s still able to compete at the highest level.
Fast-forward four and a half months and McCollum – who has averaged 11.5 points across 16 EuroLeague games – is now preparing to take on Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the semifinals, with this being the first Final Four he has reached as a player.
“Sometimes life is just unpredictable,” McCollum told Euroleague.net’s Geoff Gillingham during Fenerbahce’s media availability, one day before the EuroLeague Semifinals. “You get to that point and you learn to adapt. You have a plan, you have an idea of how things maybe should go or will go, then life throws a curveball.
“I think the rollercoaster was winding down and now it’s on the way up again. Once we start the Final Four, it’s a thrill. I’m just happy to be here, I’m happy I was able to find a situation like Fenerbahce where I could come in, help the team and be a part of this. I tried to make the best of it with my performances and helping the team, and I think I did that.”
In the stands cheering on McCollum at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will be his two best friends – his wife, Brittny, and his brother, CJ. Back in 2016, Brittny was there to see Errick lift the BKT EuroCup title with Galatasaray Istanbul, but CJ was unable to as he was competing in the NBA Playoffs with the Portland Trail Blazers. This time, assuming Fenerbahce goes all the way, it’ll be different.
“My wife was there [for the 2016 EuroCup Final]. My brother couldn’t make it to that, but he came that same season when we started the Turkish League Playoffs when I was at Gala in the semifinals,” he said. “Ironically, we played Fenerbahce and in the first round we played Darussafaka, and he was there. It’s special to have him here and to just take in these moments and enjoy the ride. I’m 37 years old, I’m still in good shape, I feel fit, I feel like I have years, but you never know if you’ll get back to this stage.”
For the elder McCollum brother, he has the chance to further add to his legacy in Abu Dhabi with a EuroLeague title, but his impact in basketball will be long-lasting.
“I represent the Fenerbahce jersey, so when you put that on there’s a responsibility, there’s a duty,” he said. “On top of that, on the back of my jersey there’s McCollum, so I represent my family every time I play.
“I try to put forward my best effort, I want to set a good example for my kids, and just represent all the older guys out there who have still got some energy left, who’ve still got juice, just to show that your effort and your energy can open up doors for others. That’s how I looked at it when I was a young guy coming in from a small school – my performance could maybe give another guy a chance. That’s how I look at it.
“It’s not just about you – it’s about your club, your family, and also opening up opportunities for others.”