By Stefanos Tatsios/ info@eurohoops.net
After pouring a game-high 23 points against Peristeri in Saturday’s bwin TOURNAMENT AGAINST COVID-19 semifinal, Danilo Andjusic talked to Eurohoops about AS Monaco heading to the 2021-22 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and more.
His side, led by Zvezdan Mitrovic, saw a comfortable lead trimmed after the break but held on to advance to the first-place game versus host Olympiacos, planned to be held on Sunday. The Serbian guard piled up four rebounds and three assists shooting 6/11 from the field and 9/10 free throws for the 23 points.
“We are happy to be here, part of this tournament,” he told Eurohoops shortly after the prep game held at SEF, “The win was important for us. We are a new team. We have to learn together and improve as a team.”
La Roca Team, besides Andjusic, added Brock Motum, Alpha Diallo, Donatas Motiejunas, Donta Hall, Leo Westermann, Yakuba Ouattara, Paris Lee, Armel Traore, and Jerry Boutsiele this offseason. Also re-signed Rob Gray, Rudy Demahis, and Ibrahima Fall Faye.
“We haven’t a set goal. It’s key to go game by game and try our best every time,” the first of all summer additions said regarding revamped Monaco, “We are a new team, but that doesn’t mean we give up. We will be aiming to win.”
Andjusic, 30, since departing Serbia has displayed his scoring and other talents in Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, and most recently France. He has not played for a Greek team but holds them in high regard.
“They are among the top in Europe for many years. It’s a pleasure to face Greek teams,” he noted after the test against Peristeri and prior to the faceoff with fellow EuroLeague participant, Olympiacos, “Greek teams constantly carry great players and coaches, and compete at a high level.”
“Olympiacos has good new players. I haven’t seen many games, but we will see how the team and the players will develop through the season,” he added focusing on the Reds, “They will have a better start compared to last season, considering the players on the current squad.”
Among the latest newcomers for Monaco, Diallo scored 19 points in the win against Peristeri. The young forward and former Providence standout coming off a solid rookie pro season in Greece as a member of Lavrio Megabolt can evolve into a solid option for Mitrovic.
“He just arrived. We haven’t been together for many days. He looks like a good guy,” said Andjusic answering a question on his teammate, “From what I have gathered, he is a very good player. He will certainly help our team.”