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There were some raised eyebrows back in the United States when Josh Childress walked out on the NBA to join Greek team Olympiakos Piraeus last summer.

However, the former Atlanta Hawks forward has no regrets about making the move to Europe.

"It has been an eye-opening experience for me and a positive one," said the 25-year-old before Friday's Final Four semi-final against Panathinaikos on Friday.

"I have learned a lot. I have seen a lot. I have just been looking to take on new things and take on new experiences. "On the court, I have learnt different tactics, techniques, a different way of thinking and off the court a lot of different cultures and just experiencing life in Europe.

"Living in the States you are a little closed off. We don't get to hear so much about Europe so it has been good."

Childress made headlines last July when he became the most well-paid player in Europe, signing a deal worth $20 million over three years.

"Whether I stayed there or came here, I was going to earn a good living so it wasn't the money," he insisted. "It was the experience and the ability to get out and expand horizons and my game.

"It was the chance to become a better player and a more rounded person."

Childress may have arrived in Europe to a fanfare but he still had to work hard to settle into a new team and a new style of play.

"The biggest difference between the NBA and Europe is the style of play and the tempo. The style is more controlled and conservative here in Europe, the tempo is slower," he said.

"Here, they take every game very seriously from the last placed team to the first placed team and the attitude carries over to practice, to stretching to the weight room, everything.

"Whereas in the States, it is a little bit more relaxed. I am not saying that's bad or good, it is just a different mindset.

Despite a groin injury that sidelined him for a month earlier this year, Childress has been a big factor as Olympiakos dominated the regular domestic season.

The team are also bidding for their first Euroleague title in over a decade.

"Josh is key because he does a lot of things on the court, he gives energy, he is very athletic and brings another dimension to our game," says teammate Theo Papaloukas.

Childress says he will honour his three-year contract and even sign an extension, although he is not thinking beyond his team's clash with Panathinaikos.

"Whenever I go out, I get Olympiakos fans telling me to beat Panathinaikos," he said. "Those are about the only words I hear so I guess we better go and do it."

Reuters