By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos head coach Rick Pitino will have team captain Nick Calathes at his disposal for the upcoming crucial EuroLeague game against Khimki Moscow Friday (22/2) despite the player’s ongoing struggles due to a persistent foot disturbance.
“He’s ready to play. Besides being a very good basketball player, Nick is a tough guy. He fights through injuries very well. We rest him every chance we can get. Normally, if he was in the NBA and if this was typical NBA season, he would sit out,” Pitino told reporters during the pre-game presser ahead of the game vs. Khimki.
Calathes was also in pain prior to the Greek Cup Final of his team vs. PAOK. Still, not only did he participate in the game but also won MVP after finishing with 19 points, nine assists and five rebounds en route to leading his team to the title.
“Nick is a tough guy and he plays through pain,” Pitino added.
Panathinaikos is currently tied with Khimki at the 11th spot in the standings with a 9 – 13 record. This match is not a “do-or-die” situation for either team but the losing side will fall way behind in the playoffs race.
“The most important thing is that the team is improving, and that’s what we are looking for. From a preparation standpoint, this game is one of the hardest to prepare. They shoot from all five positions, they don’t have a typical post up game. They run their offense to either get a layup or a three-point shot. We will need our big guys to switch a lot but we have to turn it around and hurt them on the other end so they fall into foul trouble,” Pitino said.