By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
AS Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic is looking to guide AS Monaco past the rocky start to the 2023-24 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Pointing to multiple injury issues, including the absence of Kemba Walker, he opened up about the 0-2 record.
“People don’t know the struggles we went through and how normal it is to be underperforming,” he told Serbian outlet Meridian Sport, “Only five rotation players were available during the training camp. This led to us not meeting expectations, which are now higher.”
Under his guidance, Monaco reached the 2023 EuroLeague Final Four and won both the French top-tier division and Coupe de France, all for the first time in team history.
Kemba Walker update
Walker, 33, has yet to debut with La Roca Team but is on track, confirmed the Serbian tactician.
“He just started participating in team practices,” mentioned Obradovic, “We are still evaluating his physical condition to determine how he can play regularly.”
The four-time NBA All-Star has not been registered by Monaco for France’s Betclic Elite. The current plan focuses on continental action, before considering his potential addition to the domestic squad.
“We are only thinking about how he can play in the EuroLeague,” revealed Obradovic and noted possible future issues, “It is not easy to play only in the EuroLeague.”
“He has been great. I believe he can help the team. I would really like that,” he added describing Walker’s approach to recovering from a knee injury, “His behavior, understanding, and balanced approach are at the top level.”
“Mike is who he is”
Obradovic, 54, also discussed his relationship with Mike James. Despite turbulence, including a team suspension in March, the Natural was the leading player in the historic success last season.
“Mike is who he is. I understand him very well, as he understands me,” explained Obradovic, “Our relationship is not as bad as it has been made out. Understanding him, I found a way to train him and he found a way to be the best player on the team.”
James, 33, averaged team-highs of 17.5 points and 5.0 assists in the losing efforts against Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Valencia, shaping the 0-2 start to the new EuroLeague season.
“I get goosebumps”
Another topic of discussion was Obradovic famously kissing the logo of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet while visiting the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall during the 2022-23 Regular Season.
“Even now, when I think about it, I get goosebumps,” he mentioned reiterating his decision as spontaneous, “I faced quite a lot of trouble, but I would do it again. I am very emotional when it comes to Zvezda.”
After jumping to 7-0 at the domestic level on Sunday, Monaco is set for the 2023-24 away game against Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday, in the top half of the first double-game week of the EuroLeague season.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net