Stephane Lasme is taking what he learned during two stints with the Boston Celtics overseas to Greece after signing a deal with Panathinaikos Athens.
The University of Massachusetts alum participated in the Celtics 2010 Training Camp and played on their Summer League teams this July.
"The Celtics have so much history, it gave me extra confidence," Lasme told CSNNE.com in a telephone interview. "To have one of the greatest teams in history tell me that I'm good, I think it's a confidence boost."
The 29-year-old forward continued to soak up as much knowledge as he could playing a second time with the Celtics this summer. He still texts occasionally with former teammates, including Kevin Garnett, and is always seeking out advice.
"(Head coach Doc Rivers) told me to focus on learning the Celtics identity," he said. "I remember we talked a couple of times and he always told me not to worry about trying to show off the things think that I can do, just worry about playing my game."
The Golden State Warriors drafted Lasme with the 46th pick in 2007. During his rookie season, he also played for the Miami Heat and Los Angeles D-Fenders (NBA Development League) before heading to Europe in 2008. After two seasons of Euroleague basketball, Lasme returned to the United States in 2010 for training camp with the Celtics. In spite of a strong showing, the C's waived him and he appeared in 10 games for the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics D-League affiliate, that year.
Lasme once again went back to Europe last season, averaging 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for Obradoiro CAB in Spain. In July he joined the Celtics in Las Vegas and Orlando for Summer League action, where he posted six points, six rebounds, and two blocks in his final game. Now his main goal this season is to help Panathinaikos Athens earn 'W's.'
Boston Celtics
"I just want to win," he said. "I just want to show that I'm a winner. I'm not too worried about showing anybody what I can do. I just want to win games and then after that season I'll go from there."