Jared Rhoden speaks exclusively on SKWEEK, opening up about the new season with Paris Basketball, his personal ambitions and the journey that took him from New York and the NBA to European basketball.
The American forward talks about Paris’ EuroLeague campaign and the demanding matchup against Panathinaikos, while also addressing the interest he received from Olympiacos during the summer. He reveals his biggest personal goal in Europe, shares a bold Final Four prediction and names the EuroLeague player he knows will always bring a battle on the court.
Away from basketball, Rhoden shows a different side of himself, talking about life in Paris, his favorite food spot, the French word he uses the most and the teammate he would never let date his sister.
Jared Rhoden, exclusively On SKWEEK.
Making it out of New York
“It’s definitely tough. I mean, New York City is a tough city to grow up in. There are a lot of odds against you, so many people, so many things that you can get into other than basketball. So, just to have the perseverance to make it out, it’s a special thing. I don’t take it for granted, and I’m grateful that I get the opportunity to play and put on for the city.”
A possible NBA return
“I think if the opportunity arises, I would look into it and see if it’s a good situation. But I think right now my heart is set here, and I’m definitely trying to showcase that I can be one of the best players here and build a real, refined career out here. That’s my goal.”
His goals with Paris
“I think individually, first, it’s for me to be one of the best two-way players in Europe. The coaches and the organization have put a lot of trust in me to become a leader this year and, along with Nadir, be at the forefront of the team. I’m looking forward to it.”
Paris’ team goals
“I think we’re trying to make the playoffs. We’re new to the EuroLeague, so we’re trying to showcase to everybody that we belong there and that we’re here to stay.”
The hardest part of facing Panathinaikos
“I think it’s the atmosphere. We have some new guys who haven’t played much European basketball, period. And I think the first game being away at Panathinaikos is a tough game. So, just adjusting and getting ready to play, because after playing some preseason games, there’s nothing like coming to Greece and playing Greek basketball. I’m looking forward to it. It should be fun, though.”
The Olympiacos interest
“Yeah, I had some brief conversations. I had a lot of interest from many other teams as well. But I’m just keeping my feet where they are right now and trying to have a great season. Who knows? Maybe down the line, in the future, you never know where I can end up.”
His EuroLeague hot take
“I feel that Dubai will probably reach the Final Four.”
EuroLeague’s biggest trash talker
“I would say Chima [Moneke]. Great guy, though, man. Tons of energy, great positive guy, but definitely a very tough battle, for sure. You know you’re going to be in for it.”
His favorite Paris food spot
“Food in Paris is… it’s interesting. You’ve got to find a good spot. I forget the name of the spot, to be honest with you, but there’s like the Nobu of Paris. That’s the spot I usually go to. I’m sorry, I’m just having a blank. I can’t remember the name right now, but that’s where I usually go.”
A French word he uses most
“Probably ‘wesh.’ It’s kind of like ‘wow.’ I guess that’s the way to say it.”
A teammate he wouldn’t trust to date his sister
“Momo Faye.”