By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos already faced each other four times this season but there are two players in their rosters who will play against their “eternal rival” for the first time this Thursday. Giorgi Shermadini is a veteran of those kind of games – he played two seasons with Panathinaikos and last season with Olympiacos – but he returned at Piraeaus on early March. Zack Wright, also, has experienced being an opponent at SEF but of course in much more quiet atmosphere as player of Rethymno. Eurohoops spoke with the two newcomers about the upcoming battle and their role in their teams.
The importance
This game will decide only which team will finish third and which fourth in Top16 Group E. Both of them qualified to the play offs last week, so there is no pressure for the result. Of course the words “without pressure” and “Greek derby” just don’t belong together, because always the loser of this game – no matter the importance of the result – can’t pretend that a defeat means nothing.
Giorgi Shermadini knows a lot about the Greek rivalry and as he says: “We will both play in the play offs and we are waiting for these games. But every game in the Euroleague is important. The match is on our court and we must do everything to win”. On the other hand, Zack Wright underlnes that “we have no pressure and we will play against Olympiacos in order to have as good game as we can”.
The atmosphere
On Thursday it will be the first time this season that SEF will be full of Olympiacos fans against Panathinaikos. The battle in the Greek league was held behind closed doors due to the Reds punishment from last season’s finals, so the atmosphere will be unique. Zack Wright is awaiting to live the experience: “It’s about the eternal rivalry and the fans live for that most. It will be absolute crazy to live my first game against Olympiacos in a court full of crazy fans. It will be crazy and fun the same time. I’ve played in Greece and experienced all the crazy things that happen here. We just have to be prepared and just play”. Shermadini got excited when he heard the news about the sold out which was a fact just in five hours and he added: “It’s a big derby and we all know what it mean to everyone in the team. It’s too important for our fans. The court will be full. And we want to give them joy”.
The game changers
Both players got signed just before the start of Top16 second round. Zack Wright was Panathinaikos’s choice in order to give an extra solution in the Greens’ transition offense. Since his arrival, the Greens try to run more and the American guard admits that he is ready to fulfill the expectations: “I’m here to help the team. I’m the extra man. I try to push the ball, play defense and run. I’m happy to be here and be part of the team. It’s great honor”.
On the other hand, Olympiacos signed Giorgi Shermadini to give a boost in the front like and in every game he’s getting better and better. He has 8,4 points and 4,8 rebounds per game, but this will be the first time since his return that the Reds will have both Printezis and Perperoglou available. Is it easier for him to play with Dunston or a “lighter” power forward? “During the last games Printezis and Perperoglou were injured. I played five Euroleague games and I’m ready to adapt in every situation. It’s nice for me to play with Dunston, but also with Giorgos. Printezis is one of the best power forwards in the Euroleague and he can make the difference”.