Montero rejected 10 million to choose Olympiacos

Jean Montero is one of the standout names in the EuroLeague after his move from Valencia Basket to the Greek team. The Dominican point guard recently opened up to Marega Deportes about his journey in the ACB, the negotiations that took him to Athens, and the toughest moments of a season that allowed him to establish himself among the best in the continental competition.

Last season was pivotal for Montero. Alongside Valencia Basket, he had a fantastic campaign where he won the ACB championship and reached the Final Four of the EuroLeague. A year of consistency that the player himself attributes to the groundwork laid four seasons ago. "This comes from the consistency of the last four years and the people around me. They help me showcase my talent," explained the Dominican in the interview.

The early days in Valencia and the finger injury

The start of the season wasn't easy for Montero. A ligament injury in his finger forced him to adapt to new teammates while trying to maintain his competitive level. "The beginning of the season was tough because I had a broken finger ligament, and I wanted to compete with my new teammates because I am very competitive," recounted the point guard. His determination to be on the court, despite physical pain, defined his character during those initial months.

Montero has always been aware of what is said about him and how fans perceive him. He channels that external pressure as motivation. "I read what people say about me, and I am very competitive. I will prove to the doubters that they are wrong," he confidently stated on his country's radio.

Olympiacos decision: money versus project

When it came time to decide his future, Montero was clear on his priorities. Despite receiving several offers, he chose the Greek team's option, even though it wasn't the most financially lucrative. "I always knew it was Olympiacos because with the people I have been working with since 2022, we have defined the teams we wanted at each stage. This transfer was because, for me, it gives meaning to my career," explained the Dominican.

The surprise came when he revealed the numbers of the offers he turned down. Montero received an offer of ten million euros annually, an apartment, and even a blank check, but he decided to decline it. "Olympiacos offered me the least of all the offers I had, but it makes the most sense to me. I had an offer of 10 million a year, an apartment, a blank check... and I turned it down because for me, it's not just about the money," he disclosed in the interview. This confession reflects a mentality different from that of the average player, focused on sporting growth and the coherence of a long-term project.

Work since 2022 defines each stage

Montero has maintained a clear structure with his surroundings for years. This planning methodology has ensured that each move in his career has a defined purpose. It's not just about choosing the highest bidder but ensuring that each step brings him closer to his goals as an elite player.

The toughest moment: defeat against Real Madrid

Despite the successful season, there was a moment that deeply affected Montero. Valencia Basket's elimination against Real Madrid in the Cup left a significant emotional mark. "When we lost to Real Madrid in the Cup, it destroyed me inside. We practiced that serve play all year long," confessed the Dominican. This detail reveals Valencia's meticulous preparation, where even specific plays were worked on in training.

Real Madrid was the team that posed the most challenges to Valencia throughout the season. "Madrid was our kryptonite all year," Montero concluded on the radio. A statement that encapsulates the difficulty the Madrid team presented to the taronjas, beyond that emotionally impactful Cup match.

Valencia, a dream come true

Montero always had Valencia Basket as a goal since his arrival in Spain. "Valencia was a club I wanted to go to since I arrived in Spain," clarified the point guard. That partly explains why his time with the taronjas was so special and productive. It wasn't just a step in his career but the fulfillment of an aspiration.

His relationship with Pedro Martinez, Valencia's coach during that season, was crucial. "Pedro Martinez is a 10 out of 10 as a person, spectacular," praised Montero. Martinez, now the coach of Real Madrid, left a significant imprint on the Dominican's development. This connection between player and coach was key to Valencia reaching such heights in the EuroLeague.

Montero's silent leadership

Despite his importance within the team, Montero describes himself as a different kind of leader. "I consider myself a silent leader. Some leaders like to talk, but I tell you the facts, and that's it," joked the player in the interview. His leadership is not based on motivational speeches but on concrete actions and exemplary behavior on the court.

This work philosophy, combined with his innate competitiveness and ability to turn down million-dollar offers for a coherent project, positions Montero as one of the most intriguing profiles in the current EuroLeague. His stint at Valencia Basket wasn't just another phase in his career but a turning point that solidified him as an elite player in the continental competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Montero rechazó 10 millones por elegir Olympiacos