By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Mission accomplished by CSKA Moscow that became the second team to advance in the 2017 EuroLeague Final Four after beating Baskonia in Vitoria and finishing the series with a stylish 3 – 0 sweep.
Head coach Dimitris Itoudis congratulated his players while revealing that some of them faced injury problems throughout the playoffs and hinted on how much his team wants to make the repeat in Istanbul.”
“I think we have to congratulate my players,” Itoudis said. “The big congratulations go to my players. Like I said before the game, we had the wish and the character and this is because of our players, so congratulations to the team for another Final Four. This is back-to-back Final Fours and it is not easy, nothing is granted. We played against a great team, with a great atmosphere, so congratulations to them. Don’t forget, Baskonia was in the Final Four last year and played an overtime to go to the final. They are a great team. I think our character in the clutch moment was decisive. Although at the end we turned the ball over so many times, they hit some big shots, Larkin and other players, but I think we had the control in the second half, overall. I will say it again: congratulations to the players, this all goes to them.”
“We had some injured players. Teodosic was playing with injections without practicing almost at all,” added the Greek coach. “Other players were injured but wanted to help the team. We made a big statement here going to Final Four again. But that’s just the qualification we want something more. We celebrate now for the 3 – 0, which took place against a great team. In a great atmosphere, with great fans. They play modern basketball. They have a legacy over the years that’s big.”