Ambitious targets

Jean Montero, the latest addition to Olympiacos' roster, used a summer interview to lay out his goals for the 2026-27 season. The 23-year-old Dominican guard, who signed with the EuroLeague champions earlier this summer, spoke to Spanish outlet Marega Deportes while on holiday in Spain. He made it clear that the club's history and recent success leave no room for modest ambitions.

“To win titles. When you play for such a big club, that is the goal. To compete for every competition. To fight for the EuroLeague, the league and the Cup.”

Olympiacos, coached by Georgios Bartzokas, lifted the EuroLeague trophy in 2025 and reached the Final Four again in 2026. The Greek giants are assembling a deep squad to challenge on multiple fronts, and Montero's arrival is part of that reload. The guard's comments, published on 24 July, reflect the pressure and expectation that come with wearing the red and white jersey.

The Fournier factor

One of the main reasons Montero chose Piraeus was the chance to share a backcourt with Evan Fournier. The French international returned to Europe after a lengthy NBA career and immediately became one of the most high-profile players in the competition. Montero did not hide his admiration.

“It's something very beautiful. When you have the chance to play alongside players of this level, you can only learn. Fournier has huge experience, both from the NBA and from European basketball. I will try to absorb as much as I can from him and from everyone else.”

Montero also addressed potential questions about how two ball-dominant guards can coexist. He stressed his adaptability, saying he has no issue playing off the ball, moving without it, coming off screens, and shooting. "The important thing is that the team functions well," he added. That flexibility could allow Bartzokas to deploy lineups with multiple creators, a tactic that proved effective during Olympiacos' 2025 title run.

Bartzokas' influence

The pull of working under Georgios Bartzokas was another decisive factor. Montero revealed that a direct conversation with the coach convinced him that Olympiacos was the right destination.

“I know he is one of the top coaches in Europe. I spoke with him and understood from the first moment what he asks of his players. I liked that a lot. He is clear, honest and wants everyone to work every day. Of course it played a role in my decision. When a coach shows so much interest in you and explains exactly how he sees you in the team, you feel trust. That was very important for me.”

Bartzokas, who has led Olympiacos to multiple Final Fours and the 2025 EuroLeague crown, is known for his demanding, system-oriented approach. Montero's willingness to embrace that daily work ethic suggests a smooth integration into the squad.

What Montero brings

Montero arrives with a reputation as a quick, scoring-minded guard who can play both on and off the ball. He spent the previous seasons in Spain and the NBA G League, developing a skill set that blends European tactical awareness with American-style explosiveness. His stated comfort in moving without the ball and coming off screens points to a role where he can be used as a secondary ball-handler or a spot-up threat alongside Fournier. The interview, his first since the transfer was announced, was widely covered by Greek media on 24 July. With the new season set to tip off in the autumn, Olympiacos will count on Montero to provide depth and scoring punch as they chase domestic and continental silverware.