By Bugra Uzar/ Buzar@eurohoops.net
BELGRADΕ – During the official press conference, the Italian forward of Fenerbahce stated: “It was a great feeling [winning last year] that I for sure want to feel again. This is a beautiful sport, new Final Four, new game. It will be different, but I am very excited to be here… I think every Final Four is different in my little experience. Our fans are a big part of our success. I always say that. We are very happy about their confidence, it is a great sign of confidence and trust they give us by booking the ticket before the Final Four. I know they will be loud in supporting us, I can only ask to respect all the fans that will be here in Belgrade, to make a beautiful weekend of basketball. But I am sure they are going to do it, and help make it a beautiful weekend.”
Zalgiris Kaunas captain Paulius Jankunas was asked to remember what he was doing back in 1999, when Zalgiris won the EuroLeague title: “I remember it was a big celebration, big thing for Kaunas, for Zalgiris, also for Lithuania. Everybody was happy. They didn’t expect that season Zalgiris was going to win the EuroLeague, but they did it and it was for sure big. A celebration for our club. We have a good example of what to do. That team also wasn’t one of the biggest in the EuroLeague, but worked like a family and we play like a family on the court and act like a family outside the court. So we are trying to do the same and follow that line”.
Last but not least, Sergio Rodriguez asked about his return to Europe and the fact that he will be facing his former team, Real Madrid, in the semifinal, as the floor general of CSKA Moscow: “It is a very special game [against Real Madrid], but when you are at this stage in Europe, you want to be here, ready for this moment at this time of the season. We have a good challenge and have to be really focused to give our best and to accomplish the goal that we set at the beginning of the season. You prepare yourself to be ready at this stage, and it is great to be here, back in Europe after playing last year in Philadelphia, having this opportunity to play this Final Four with a new team. We have to focus on what we have to do and how to do it, and be ready for the game, that’s all. It is going to be special; it is always special when you play a former team, but you also have to be focused on doing your job and be ready. As for assists [he had none in Round 2 of the regular season against Madrid], it is the work of two! They have to make the baskets!”
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