By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Staying on the fast lane since debuting in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, AS Monaco went from narrowly missing the 2022 Final Four to clinching a berth in the 2023 season-ending tournament of Europe’s top-tier club continental competition.
Donatas Motiejunas shared his excitement about playing in his hometown Kaunas and previewed the Semifinals matchup versus Olympiacos.
“Last year we made the Playoffs, and now the Final Four. This is an incredible achievement for the club and for each of us individually,” he stressed in an interview published on the official site of La Roca Team, “It is emotional already, but we all understand that a bigger goal lies ahead.”
Motiejunas, 32, made his EuroLeague debut with Kaunas’ own Zalgiris back in 2007. After drawing experience all around the world, the return to Europe led to Monaco before the 2021-22 season.
“Every player dreams of playing in the Final Four and especially in his hometown. I am extremely happy. Of course, I expect Lithuanian fans in attendance to support us,” he said hoping for some counter to the Reds chants taking over Zalgirio Arena over the weekend.
Following the last practice at home on Wednesday, Monaco is set to travel to Lithuania.
“It’s a grudge”
Making his way to 39 games of the season so far, including 35 starts, Motiejunas averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest. He had 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game through the 2021-22 season.
“The series was complicated and extremely intense. They were tired, we were tired. Ultimately, they overpowered us,” he recalled the 2022 Playoffs and Monaco being eliminated by Olympiacos in five games, “Offense was always our strength and they managed to beat us. They eliminated us fairly. So, it’s a grudge from last year that carries on.”
Sweeping the 2022-23 two-game regular-season series certainly provides a confidence boost to the players guided by Sasa Obradovic. “I know we can beat them. We all know we can beat them. They can beat us too,” summed up the Lithuanian big, “So, it comes down to who wants it the most, who is ready to sacrifice everything, who will fight for each ball.”
“They are an extraordinary team and we will battle to beat them,” he added, “We have great respect for them, but we will also do whatever it takes to win and reach the final.”
Set in Kaunas, Monaco will face Olympiacos Friday with the winner progressing to the championship game of the Final Four to be held Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net