Reporting from Berlin: Antonis Stroggylakis info@eurohoops.net
After hammering Laboral Kutxa with four blocks, to go with his 14 points and 2 steals, the top blocker of Euroleague, Ekpe Udoh looks 100% ready for the huge challenge of a Euroleague Final.
This season has been sensational for the American center who will compete for a chance to be crowned Euroleague champion, in his rookie year in the competition. Does that… instant success, scare him a bit? “Why would something like that scare you if you have trained for it?” he replied to Eurohoops. “I wouldnt come here if I didn’t think I would put what I putting right now on court. And more!”.
So how does Udoh feel about playing in the title game? “It’s a blessing to have this opportunity, after so many injuries in the last couple of years and lack of playing time. I was able to come here… with one of the greatest coaches, period!”.
Fenerbahce will meet CSKA Moscow for the first time in this season’s Euroleague. And it will be in the title game. “We pretty much run on the same pace. We just have to come out and make shots”. And what adjustments should Fenerbahce make for this game? “Nothing changes. At all. We must stick to our game plan. Just play hard and compete. By the end of 40 minutes, hopefully we’ll be holding up that trophy. 40 minutes PLUS, if need be”.
And what was Udoh’s reaction when we asked him about the match-up against Kyle Hines, the best defender in Euroleague? “No comment”, he simply said. Twice.