By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Before the EuroLeague Playoffs Game 1 clash against 8th-seeded Fenerbahce, the head coach of the red-and-white side shared some words about the series which will put them against Dimitris Itoudis’ team.
First, the Greek head coach underlined the fact that they didn’t choose their opponents in the last EuroLeague Round, winning against Baskonia and only then discovering their fate as 1st seed. “Whoever the opponent was at this point in time, it would be a difficult team. As you know in the last game we could have chosen an opponent, but we didn’t. We are true to what we stand for. All opponents are strong and you have to be ready to meet the challenges you will find in front of you”, he said.
Talking about Fenerbahce’s players, Olympiacos’ head coach praised their depth. “Fener has great depth and has many players who can play in more than one position. A typical example is Nigel Hayes-Davis and DyShawn Pierre, who also play a big role in their way of playing. We don’t care, we can’t guess whether they will play or not. We have to prepare for all eventualities and that’s what we will do”, Georgios Bartzokas added.
Finally, Georgios Bartzokas also shared some love for their beloved fans, who are supporting the red-and-white team potentially on the road to the Final Four in Kaunas. “It is a given that we are happy. That it would be sold out was a given. In all playoff games, this happens. The most important thing, however, is that it happened several times during the regular season. And that’s something we really appreciate. There needs to be excitement and support here, but under no circumstances should we think it’s anything other than a basketball game. It’s Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce. It is not Greece against Turkey, nor Itoudis against Bartzokas. It’s a basketball game and we have to play as well as we can, get what we and Fenerbahce deserve”, Olympiacos’ head coach commented.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague