By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas definitely had recent history on its side ahead of Friday’s (29/3) do-or-die EuroLeague battle against Olympiacos in Piraeus.
Last season, Zalgiris beat Olympiacos in Game 1 of the EuroLeague quarterfinals en route to ultimately winning the series 3 – 1 and advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1999. The Lithuanian team also had won in the last match of the regular season.
According to Zalgiris forward Aaron White, it was only natural for his squad to travel to Piraeus carrying a highly positive mindset prior to the match vs. Olympiacos. And that was a factor in getting this crucial win that preserves the team’s mathematical chances of entering the postseason.
“We definitely have good feelings coming into this gym. And this locker room. A lot of wins last year. A lot of guys that are back and being in a place we’ve already won makes us feel more comfortable, White told Eurohoops. “We didn’t back down and kept coming back. Good win. I’m proud of our team.”
Zalgiris was down by 12 near the end of the third quarter but rallied for a 14 – 0 run that put them back into the match. As White – his team’s top scorer with 14 points – said, there no other option than keep on fighting for him and his teammates.
” It’s just… there was no reason to give up. Just thinking something like: ‘Sh–t, why not? Let’s keep going’. That was the same thing with Maccabi and the same thing here. Keep going, keep coming and win the game. That’s it.”
“We’re playing together. Playing for one another. And that’s working for us,” White added.
White becomes a free agent this summer. The American forward is 26 years old, packed with athleticism, leaping skills, defensive dedication and being able to contribute in ways beyond what the stat sheet shows. Other EuroLeague clubs may have taken note.
For now though, White has his mind to the task at hand with Zalgiris.
“It’s difficult [not think about free agency]. There’s a level of “team first”. But also looking out for yourself. This summer is important and my family. But it’s I haven’t thought about at all. I’m focusing on finishing this season. All other stuff doesn’t matter before this. It’s great. Teams might be interested because I’m a team-first guy. I care about my team and doing what I need to do for my coaches and my teammates in order to win games. That’s what is my focus now. On summer I’ll think about the rest.”