By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Giorgos Printezis is the hero of Istanbul for all Olympiacos fans, he is the man who “killed” Barcelona with a recent buzzer beater and he is the player who appears in the end, whenever a big shot is needed. How does he do it? So here are his answers.
– Giorgos, three final fours in 4 years. 2012, 13, and 2015. Which one did you come to with the best mentality?
“The truth is that this year we’ve come feeling less pressure than the other years. If we look at all the data, it’s normal. The season started off very badly, a goal was missed early on and we all… came back down to earth. Then we had many injuries. We overcame all of these obstacles, we fought, the series against Barcelona was another hurdle and ultimately we made it. When this qualification came new motivations and goals were quickly born. The enthusiasm of the qualification belongs to the past. Now we are here. We might not feel great pressure but we want to give everything we’ve got and exhaust every possibility that we have in order to get back to the top.”
– What ultimately prevails in a final four, talent or the team chemistry? The most complete roster or the most… relaxed mentality?
“All these past years in the final fours, the most important role is which team steps on the court and does the simple things. Everything they’ve gotten used to throughout the entire season. What also counts is which team will go out on the court to enjoy the game and the chance that they have and not view it as the final game that they have to win at all costs.”
– For many, CSKA are clearly better and more efficient than they were in 2012 and a better team than the one you defeated easily in 2013. What do you have to watch out for the most?
“They have a lot of really good players. De Colo has made a difference along the perimeter and he helps Teodosic a lot and the whole team. From the moment Kirilenko was added and he found a rhythm, I think that in defense now, as in offense, they possess a 100% complete team. They’re not missing anything. Itoudis is doing a really good job and you can tell that they are very well prepared and place an emphasis on the details.”
– How do you interpret the fact that you’re facing such a powerful and complete opponent?
“Even more motivated, even less stressed. We know that we have to give more than 100% in order to make it, but I believe we will be very calm in the game.”
– You make it sound like the ball is going to weigh less for Olympiacos.
“That remains to be seen on the court. We are definitely happy that we are here, but we didn’t come to Madrid to leave it at that. At the back of our heads is winning the trophy.”
– What will be the last thing you’ll think about tonight before you go to bed and the first thing when you wake up in the morning?
“I don’t think! Not a lot. The basics. How we have to play, everything we’ve worked on. What will happen if we win or lose in the semifinal does not exist as a thought. I don’t even let that enter my head!”