By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Sergio Llull added another piece of history to his legendary career, tying for the most appearances in EuroLeague history at 425 with the now-retired Kyle Hines.
Celebrating such a difficult goal, the 37-year-old guard put up 20 points over 5/9 from three, helping Real Madrid beat ALBA Berlin 80-69 on the road in the German capital’s Uber Arena.
In the post-game interviews, Mario Hezonja praised the team’s captain. “I would have to stay here for maybe three hours to explain to you what he means personally for me and for the team. I grew up watching him play and then I played against him as a young guy”, he opened.
“Now I’m lucky to be in the locker room, being around him. He’s an exceptional type of person and then a player. What he did for this club and this team, I don’t think anybody in any other team or anywhere else [could match him]”, Real Madrid’s forward continued.
Sergio Llull also became the played with most minutes played in EuroLeague history at 9391:15, surpassing Vassilis Spanoulis who stays at 9379:14 minutes but in 358 official games.
“To be so many years in the same team, to be an example for such a long time, to be the best player for such a long time, and to carry the weight of the team for such a long time, speaks volumes about his dedication, his character, and who he is as a person and as a player. We need to step because I would keep speaking for hours and hours about him”, Hezonja finished on Real Madrid’s No.23.
“We will get where we want to be”
Continuing in the post-victory interviews by EuroLeague TV, the Croatian forward touched on how Real Madrid wants to bounce back following a difficult start to the season.
“The great part of the season just started today, and this is what the great players have to enjoy in order for the team to have success. Which is what we all want. From now on, another step forward with our mentality and character”, he also said.
“We can’t let any game go anymore, so maximum concentration and preparation, both physical and mental, for every game. Step by step, we will get where we want to be”, Mario Hezonja added.
The 29-year-old player also shared how easy it is playing with his teammates. “I’m lucky to be on a team with so many dominant ball-handlers who know how to deliver the ball. It’s very easy. I have Andres Feliz and Facundo Campazzo on this team”, he started.
“[Dzanan] Musa creates a lot also with his connection with Edy [Tavares], Alberto [Abalde] knows how to play, we just spoke about Sergio [Llull] and what he brings to the team. Today, unlucky that Xavier [Rathan-Mayes] didn’t play but he’s also one of our best creators”, Hezonja said.
After this road victory, Real Madrid entered the second part of this current EuroLeague season on a 9-9 record. They will welcome 2025 by hosting Bayern Munich in Madrid on January 3.
PHOTO CREDIT: ACB Photo
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