By Alex Madrid / info@eurohoops.net
VITORIA-GASTEIZ — Dimitris Itoudis talked at the press conference that followed the second semifinal of the Final Four about CSKA’s comeback, the depth, and character of the team, while he also commented on Daniel Hackett and Will Clyburn.
“We had an amazing comeback, congratulations to my team because we kept believing although Real controlled nearly the whole game. We had issues with turnovers and rebounds but in the last quarter we’ve done it again, we have kept a great offensive team to 10 or 12 points in the major minutes of the game, and that was an amazing comeback. We showed the depth we have as a team. We were smaller in size but were bigger in heart”, were Itoudis’ opening remarks.
The difference between Belgrade’s Final Four game vs. Real Madrid and tonight: “Entirely different teams. Doncic is not here for instance, Llull was in better shape. The game there had us with two players coming from an injury. Nando and Kyle were out of practice for 20 days. They couldn’t perform the way we expected to”.
When asked about Daniel Hackett’s contribution against the upcoming game vs. Efes, Itoudis mentioned. “He does things that are not visible on paper. Has a big heart and is surrounded by positivity”.
As for Will Clyburn’s injury, the Greek coached added that the American player has had a small twist in his ankle. “It’s pretty early to tell, I hope he will make it to the final. We hope to make it happen”.