By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Traveling to Athens with 13 players, Partizan Mozzart Bet left Kevin Punter and Aleksa Avramovic in Belgrade.
The team captain was ruled out for the game versus Panathinaikos Aktor in OAKA Altion on Friday due to an illness. Nearing a return after rejoining team practices, Avramovic (leg) is set to miss another game. All remaining players are available for head coach Zeljko Obradovic en route to Round 22 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.
“I know it will be a phenomenal atmosphere in Athens. After a long time, Panathinaikos is among the top teams at the table in the EuroLeague. They made such a team that they have the biggest ambitions, we talked about all that before our first game in Belgrade. A team that deserves respect, but we also have our chances and can play a good game,” the legendary tactician previewed the contest against his former team.
“We all know that it will be a very tough game. We know how they have been playing lately, that they have good players. Likewise, we also are on a run with two straight victories. We hope to be focused enough and aggressive enough to win in Athens,” added 23-year-old forward Alen Smailagic.
For the Greens, Polish center Aleksander Balcerowski (abdomen) and Argentine guard Luca Vildoza (left knee surgery) are out. In good news for play-caller Ergin Ataman, vice-captain Ioannis Papapetrou (left knee surgery) returned to action on Sunday in Greece’s Stoiximan Basket League.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net