By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid is one of the most famous clubs around the world and that applies also to basketball. The only team that has won the Euroleague eight times has a chance of return to glory for the first time since it’s last Euroleague triumph in 1995 when the Spaniards beat Olympiacos with a team coached by Zeljko Obradovic and anchored by Arvydas Sabonis on the court.
This time, the star on court is Rudy Fernandez and Eurohoops had the chance to catch up with him – despite still being banned by his official twitter account because of this – and he accepted that this final is more than important: “Ιt’s a big challenge because it’s the first time I play in the Final Four and I think it’s a great opportunity not only for myself, but also for the team too. I think I have a lot of experience for this final, from the national team level. We have the opportunity to play in the final, enjoy it and try to win the game”.
– Did you expected Olympiacos to beat CSKA Moscow like this?
“Olympiacos is a very good team. They changed a couple of players, but they are a group that plays very good, they play together in offense and in defense. Olympiacos has a lot of experience in this final. We ‘ll try to play good and enjoy the moment”
– Do you remember the Euroleague final of 1995?
“Honestly I don’t remember it, because it was a long time ago. Real Madrid has a great history in Euroleague and we have the opportunity to be part of this history by winning the final and getting the 9th trophy”.
The last question was made after the interview, asking Rudy how did he explained the fact that in the recent years Greek clubs usually beat their Spanish opponents, but the Spanish national team always prevails over the Greeks. He smiled and said: “Sincerely, I don’t know”. And Olympiacos’ fans are hoping that he doesn’t figured it out, at least until Sunday night.