Joseph Girard III: I’m coming to Ljubljana for challenges – and to win

With his contract freshly signed, American point guard Joseph Girard III is officially the newest member of Cedevita Olimpija. After a standout season in Lithuania, Girard is now ready to take the next step in his professional career—joining a club with high ambitions and a strong presence in European basketball. In this interview, the sharp-shooting guard shares his thoughts on the move, his goals for the season, and what fans can expect from him on the court.

Girard says the decision to join Cedevita Olimpija was driven by one clear motivation: the desire to compete at a higher level.

“What attracted me was the competition. I like to challenge myself, and this is a big step up from where I was last year. I want to test myself by playing against some of the best teams in Europe, especially in the EuroCup and the ABA League. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to do that.”

Though he hasn’t yet experienced Ljubljana firsthand, he’s eager to arrive and explore what the city and Slovenia have to offer.

“Before coming to Ljubljana, I’m already excited. I don’t know much about it yet, but I’ve heard great things about Slovenia and the capital in general. I’m just happy to be heading there. I know it’s going to be a great experience—with a lot to see, a lot of sights to explore, and of course, high-level basketball. I’m really looking forward to the move.”

When it comes to goals, Girard is focused and ambitious. Team success comes first, but personal motivation drives him just as much.

“My main goal is to win as many games as possible in both competitions—EuroCup and ABA. I want to help the team reach the playoffs and hopefully make a deep run. Personally, I just want to prove that I can play at this level and be a consistent contributor.”

He’s especially motivated by the chance to compete in the EuroCup for a full season, having had a taste of that level while playing in Lithuania.

“I’m really excited to play in the EuroCup this season. Competing in different countries, against different teams—that’s a big opportunity to showcase my game and to be part of a great team. I played against some EuroCup-level teams last year in Lithuania, so I’m excited to be involved for a full season and prove myself at a higher level.”

Girard also took a moment to address Cedevita Olimpija’s fanbase and describe what they can expect from him once the games begin.

“Fans can expect someone who’s going to compete—someone who plays hard every game, every play. I love to win. People know me for my shooting and scoring, but I really want to show that I’m a competitor, someone who thrives on the challenge and wants to win. That’s what I’ve done at every level, and I plan to do the same here. I’ll play with energy and have fun while doing it.”

This summer has been a balance of hard work and family time for Girard, with an emphasis on preparation for the season ahead.

“My plan this summer is to work hard. I’ve been training with a coach Steve Dagostino and some NBA players who’ve helped me a lot. I’ve also been golfing quite a bit. After my morning workouts, I like to head out to the lake and spend time with family. But my main focus is on improving and being ready for the new season.”

To wrap things up, Girard had a final message for the fans eagerly awaiting his arrival in Ljubljana.

“I can’t wait to meet you all. I’m excited to play in Ljubljana and to play in front of our fans. I know it’s going to be a great season—we’re going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of games. I can’t wait to see you all soon!”