By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
BERLIN, Germany – For the third time after 2009 and 2016, Berlin is hosting the EuroLeague Final Four. And while ALBA Berlin is busy with the Bundesliga Playoffs, having already eliminated Telekom Baskets Bonn in the Quarter-Finals, Israel Gonzalez can enjoy the event.
Talking to Eurohoops while taking a break from games in the ANGT Finals, he commented on what hosting the event for the German capital really means. “It’s the greatest event in Europe for basketball, and we’re very lucky to have it here in Berlin and enjoy the Final Four here. For the city and for the people who follow basketball. It will be a very cool experience for the city, for everyone”, he opened.
In a two-day event that can’t be predicted, everything can happen. “Final Four is a lottery. There’s only one game, so it’s very important to have the personality to control all the feelings, all emotions, being able to perform 100% and win games”, Israel Gonzelez said when asked what he expects.
Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos, and Panathinaikos came to Berlin with everybody having the rights and the ability to win it. “Four teams can win, four teams have all the chances. That’s why it’s one of the greatest and most emotional, exciting competitions in the world”, ALBA Berlin’s coach added.
Lastly, the Spanish head coach was impressed by the high-level young players are hooping. “It’s very impressive to see the bodies they have in the U18 teams and the quality and physicality they have. The reading and knowledge of the game is of course a little lower, but there’s a very high level here in Berlin right now”, he concluded when asked about the ANGT Finals taking place simultaneously.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague