By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
BERLIN, Germany – Emotions and tension were flowing in the air of the press conference room in the Uber Arena on the eve of the EuroLeague championship game.
Alongside their respective coach Chus Mateo and Ergin Ataman, Dzanan Musa and Mathias Lessort also took seats to comment on tomorrow’s game, giving their impression about being at the Final Four.
Coming off a great night against Fenerbahce in which he produced a crucial double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, Mathias Lessort will play a huge role against the defending champions as well. “I can’t promise how it will go and score twenty points, make big rebounds”, he said.
However, he expressed his gratitude for being only away game away from lifting the trophy. “Like the coach said we’re very grateful to be in this position, to fight for the EuroLeague title. It’s a big challenge for us to be in the final. We are one step away from being on the top of Europe”, Mathias Lessort added.
The dominant center got also emotional when asked to reflect on his past, coming from the Caribean island of Martinique. “I’m from a place I’m sure 90% of you don’t even know where it is, for me to be able to be on this stage is something I couldn’t even dream of when I grew up. When I was young, even being a pro in France would have been amazing if I could have made it. Now I’m sitting here talking about being one win away from the EuroLeague title and it’s something crazy to me”, he said.
“We had to go through a lot, I personally had to go through a lot. I grew up in a very special and difficult environment, I’m really happy to be there. This is bigger than me because I wanna show people that from where I’m from I grew up the way I grew up. Stuff like this is possible and I’m from a small island. We don’t even think about his. I’m really blessed to be here, and this is not only a great opportunity for me. But also for the people on my island”, Mathias Lessort also commented.
“Being with Ergin in Efes was challenging”
Alongside Mathias Lessort, Dzanan Musa also shared his excitement for being in his second straight championship game, dreaming of the back-to-back achievement. “Real Madrid is the biggest club in Europe. I’m proud of my teammates. We work every day, we fight every game. We have a good opportunity to make the back-to-back and make history”, the Bosnian star said.
Asked about Panathinaikos‘ complete revolution in the summer to get to Berlin, he underlined the stability and the ability to keep the core together of his group. “That doesn’t mean anything. We made the best offseason move by bringing in the best point guard in Europe Facundo Campazzo, he helped us a lot to complete the puzzle”, he praised the Argentinian playmaker.
Later on, he also touched on his past experience with Ergin Ataman in Anadolu Efes. “I know what he can do with new players, he gives a lot of confidence to the new guys. It was rough. Coming back from the NBA and being with Ergin in efes was challenging”, he said.
“I came in the middle of the season and I couldn’t expect to play that much. We had some words outside of practice, but it’s all respect. They were back-to-back, he did an amazing job and I have to respect that. I learned a lot from him, from Vasa [Micic], and from Shane [Larkin]”, he added.
“Then I’m pleased Rio Breogan gave me the opportunity to win the MVP in the best league in Europe. As a reward, being in Madrid is the trophy of my life. So far this is the the peak of my career”, Dzanan Musa finally commented.
Watch the full championship game press conference:
PHOTO CREDIT: Eurokinissi