Shane Larkin has opened up about his decision to leave Anadolu Efes after eight seasons, saying the move to Fenerbahce was driven by his desire for stability and a chance to keep competing for championships.
Speaking on the latest episode of his Off the RECourt podcast, the 33-year-old admitted the constant coaching changes at Efes had taken a serious toll on his mental health.
“It breaks my heart to have to do this, but I can’t keep doing this for my own mental health,” Larkin said, noting that the club went through six different coaches over the past three years.
Larkin also dismissed suggestions that money influenced his decision, revealing he rejected larger offers from other top European teams because his priority was finding the right basketball environment.
“I’ve made good money. I’m good. It’s not about that for me. I genuinely want to give myself a chance to like grow into a role and a responsibility with a club that is stable,” he said.
“For me as a player I want to win. I want to win championships.”
The veteran guard also shared details of his first conversation with new Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, who challenged him on his commitment and willingness to embrace a demanding role.
“His question was more about the availability,” Larkin recalled. “Are you willing to do the little things, work hard, be able to be coached. I’m going to scream at you – he’s going to have his moments.
“How willing are you to deal with those moments and I told him, ‘Listen, as long as we walk out of this season with this trophy, I could not care less. That’s all I care about.’”
Larkin details Fenerbahce goals, opens up on mental health toll of Efes departurehttps://t.co/d1bNIliXzU
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 22, 2026
