By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
During the media day of Virtus Bologna, Daniel Hackett made an arguably bold prediction for reigning EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos Athens and also for his team.
“Let’s hope we’re the surprise of the year again. As for the disappointment, sorry to say it, Panathinaikos. They won the Euroleague last year, so it’s OK to be disappointed for one year,” Hackett, a former EuroLeague champion with CSKA Moscow, had said.
Since then, Virtus is now tied with the ALBA Berlin for the worst record in the EuroLeague at 3-13. Meanwhile Panathinaikos is 9 -7 and competing to gain a spot in the Top 4 in the standings.
Speaking about this prediction after the lway loss to former Olympiacos Piraeus, where the local fans still love him, the Italian guard answered with a smile.
“You know I can’t speak about that, because our record is not so good”, he said and elaborated: “That was a bold prediction and the media made a big deal out of it. It’s part of the past. These things happen.”
Hackett also explained the context of his prediction: “I actually didn’t say it negatively. In my head, I didn’t think they would go all the way. So this was my prediction that they wouldn’t go back-to-back but not in a negative way. They’re a historic team, with a good roster again and we’ll see at the end. I feel bad it was taken a little bit too far. It was just a bold prediction at a Media Day and I guess it’s part of the game.
Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.
That’s why even when he was asked about it, Hackett didn’t want to make another prediction, this time for Olympiacos.