Writing from Berlin: Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
As it turns out, it was all planned and conceived by Zeljko Obradovic: “I called Itoudis during pre-season camp and I told him ‘see you at the final’ “.
Of course Obradovic was jocking and as usual stealing the show in the final press conference as he is getting ready to lead Fenerbahce to its first Euroleague title and get the trophy for the 9th time as a coach, against his longtime assistant in Panathinaikos, Dimitris Itoudis, now the coach of CSKA.
But their connection is something much more. “I never treated Itoudis like an assistant. It is more special, like it is now”, clarified Obradovic and his old friend agreed: “After the 2002 Euroleague title, we had an emotional moment with Obradovic where he told me how much he values our relationship”.
Still now only one will be champion. “History, is history. Fenerbahce‘s accomplishment with two Final Fours in a row is great. But we want to write history”, said Itoudis who has confident in his players: “Lokomotiv is different compared to Fenerbahce. We have to make adjustments. It will require even more focus and determination. Obviously the arena is yellow with Fenerbahce fans! But we played great basketball in front of hostile crowd. So I would take it. After some long travels I had told Hines he should rest and he said “I dont have to”. That’s who Kyle is. I am very confident that the players that will be on court will cover what might appear as a disadvantage”.
And the fans are a key motive for Fenerbahce, but as Obradovic explained the motive is always there for him: “The fans are a very important part of our team’s organization. We must give everything also for them tomorrow. Where do I find motivation? I like my job. I feel very privileged: I do what I like and they pay me good money. CSKA is a very specific team. Everything in their game starts in defense. They use lots of mismatches. Teodosic is fine with creating for his teammates. He is fine with his role as a play maker. Both De Colo and Teodosic are very important, Nando is MVP of Euroleague and he scores a lot”.
As for the epic semifinal against Laboral Kutxa, Obradovic spoke about their opponent and the big game of Greek guard Kostas Sloukas: “Sloykas is very motivated. He decided to come in Fenerbahce to be an important player, a leader in the team. Laboral Kutxa is a good team and they know how to play. Bourousis was excellent”.