By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – In what will come out as the upset day of the whole 2023 FIBA World Cup, Puerto Rico shocked the Dominican Republic, beating Karl-Anthony Towns’ team 102-97 to stay alive in the second round of the competition.
Despite only having six points, John Holland was crucial for Nelson Colon’s team, banking in a big three-pointer with 00:31 seconds left in the game to put his team ahead 98-95, keeping the advantage until the very end.
Stopping by in the mixed zone after the victory, the newest Hapoel Tel Aviv forward spoke about his team’s performance. “We just had to get this win. Obviously, the whole tournament we’ve been getting better and better. From the preparation games to now, we’ve been taking the steps to grow as a team and come together. It’s a short time that we’ve been coming together, we are not a team like Serbia or Italy which have been together for years. But we’re doing it: we’re coming together at the right time, and we just got to keep going”, the former Crvena Zvezda player said.
Talking about the upcoming clash against Italy, he came back to their preparation games held in Ravenna on August 13, where Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team won 98-65. “We played them in preparation, they were a great team. They kind of blew us out, but it’s a different place and atmosphere. I think we’re a better team, we’ve been growing a lot in this tournament. I can’t even think about it right now, We have to get the game plan going and I expect a tough game, a battle. It’s what is all about”, he added.
“It’s been a pleasure. As they say, it’s about the journey and not the destination. As a team, we didn’t win a single preparation game, and for us to grow from the first game to the last one, it’s been a great journey. You see the guys coming together as a team, and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Be a part of it. It’s not just the games, but practices and everything else”, he said praising his team.
Finally, he went on to speak about Tremont Waters’ unreal performance of 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists, dragging Puerto Rico to the victory. “He’s amazing. He did what he had to do. He hits big shots, he led us defensively, offensively, and we got the job done”, he said before being interrupted by George Conditt IV, who asked about his defensive effort. “Nah, not defensively: this guy did it!”, Holland followed while laughing. “We’ve all chipped in, man! We’re a great team, and we’re growing”, he then said.
One of those 11 assists came to the hands of Puerto Rico’s number 00. “He made the right decision. I’m happy he did it, I’m happy he trusted me. That’s the growth of our team, we trust in each other and play together. It’s a beautiful thing to watch”, he said commenting on his winning three-pointer. “I’ll do my best”, he said when asked if he would make some also against Italy.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
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