Pablo Laso: 'There Has Been Something in Darius Thompson Since Day One'

As the 2026-26 EuroLeague season is yet to tip off, Pablo Laso has already sent a clear message from Istanbul: Anadolu Efes is no longer a one-man show. In a recent interview, the Spanish tactician not only addressed the departure of legend Shane Larkin but also heaped praise on young guard Darius Thompson – a player he believes is a key piece for a new era. "Since the first day I came to Efes, I have said that there is something in this kid," Laso shared. "Darius understands basketball; he always stands in the right spot." These words are more than mere encouragement; they reflect a coaching philosophy entirely different from the Larkin-dependent era. Laso is building a system where positional intelligence and game reading take precedence over individual ball-handling heroics. Larkin's departure, after leading Efes for years, was summed up by Laso in one sentence: "It is part of the professional world." But beneath that diplomatic phrasing lies a major restructuring. With the release of the team's highest-paid player's salary, Efes has declared it will build an "ambitious squad" – a clear signal that they are not retreating but reallocating resources. The most intriguing part of Laso's statement is his comparison with city rivals Fenerbahce. "In Fenerbahce, the attack is more guard-oriented, while in Barcelona it was area-oriented," he observed. This is not mere observation but a subtle declaration of adaptability: a good system must be built around existing personnel, not impose a rigid template. Fenerbahce, with Wade Baldwin and Horton-Tucker, is pursuing a guard-centric style, but Laso seems intent on a different path – a collective, responsibility-dispersed approach. "Last season, we felt many times that Ercan Osmani had to do everything alone," Laso admitted. "I don't want a hero. I want a 'hero' only in the last ball." This statement shows Laso is proactively fixing a systemic flaw: over-reliance on a single individual. Osmani, who once carried the entire lineup, will be freed to play more efficiently in a clearly defined role system. However, the biggest question remains unanswered: who will assume the "last-ball hero" role? Laso has high expectations for Darius Thompson – a young, intelligent but unproven player at the EuroLeague elite level. "For Darius, our expectation is high," he said. "He needs to play and will continue to develop." This is both an investment in the future and a gamble: if Thompson fails to meet expectations, Efes will face the risk of lacking a reliable playmaker in crunch time. Beyond internal matters, Laso also had high praise for Turkish basketball. "The Turkish National Team is very strong. You have a very good team and coach," he said. "With players like Alperen Sengun and Adem Bona playing in the NBA, I think Turkey will have a very strong national team for many years." This is not mere courtesy; it reflects the reality that the talent pipeline for Turkish basketball is at an unprecedented level – a factor that will positively impact domestic clubs. Looking at the bigger picture, Laso is orchestrating a quiet revolution at Efes. He is not just changing tactics but also the team culture: from a star-dependent collective to a decentralized one. His "no-hero" system could be a double-edged sword – it makes the team harder to game-plan against in playoffs, but also demands every player elevate their sense of responsibility. Will Darius Thompson become the silent hero Laso seeks? Will Osmani rediscover his efficiency without shouldering everything? These questions will only find answers when the season officially begins. One thing is certain: with a coach who has won the EuroLeague with Real Madrid, an ambitiously invested roster, and a promising young player, Anadolu Efes has no intention of stepping back. They are rewriting their story, and Laso holds the pen.