By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid power forward Guerschon Yabusele was among the key factors for Real Madrid in Thursday’s Clasico (18 points, 8 rebounds), leading his team back to the EuroLeague championship game.
The French Olympian and former Boston Celtics big talked to Eurohoops’ Antonis Stroggylakis during a media availability Friday at Stark Arena about how these two experiences shaped him and prepared him to step up at the Final Four stage.
“With the Boston Celtics we went to the playoffs, we went to the finals of the conference against LeBron James when he was with Cleveland the first year”, said Yabusele. “The second year we played against Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo, he was the best player of the series. Those experiences, like the Olympic Games last summer have been preparing me for this type of games, this type of competition, this type of high level. I feel comfortable in those moments and I just go on the court, bring my energy, and help my team”.
As for whether the Real Madrid veterans have shared any secrets for the Final Four with him, he says there’s none other than working and sticking to the goal.
“I don’t think [there’s any] secret”, Yabusele admits. “It’s work, staying calm, playing together, staying together no matter what happens. There are going to be ups and downs, we just have to be prepared. They have a lot of experience, they’re really calm before the game, they’re calm during the game, and they’re calm after the game. They know how to play this type of game.”
Yabusele is headed to his first EuroLeague championship game with the Spanish side this Saturday (May 21, 19:00 CET) against reigning champions Anadolu Efes.
“I believe in my team and I’m really excited to go to the final with them, and be able to compete at the highest level. Can’t wait!,” comments the Frenchman on the upcoming clash.