A Barça Anadolu Efes is not just another game. His coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius, knows it well, but also Alex Abrines. Both agreed that there is “a special rivalry” but above all that their team has plenty of arguments to face the Turks. They are motivated, they arrive at a good time and they have the support of the Palau.
Motivation: “I think this is the type of games that players want to play. There will be no lack of motivation, we will face the European champion in our house. We will have to play a good game”.
Rivalry: “It is as it has to be, he is a European champion. Things have happened here in recent years that are interesting for people, for us it’s just another game. It is a point, but the emotions must be there. The rival deserves it. We have a lot of respect for them. Above all it is to focus on the track, to do our job. Be more consistent to win. Improve, improve and improve”
Preparation: “Things have changed, now we are watching videos in the morning individually. For us above all it is to be together. Some training days we talk about what we lack. We would like to be more consistent but we must be optimistic. We are there. I’m still repetitive but it is what it is.
Satoransky: “I think he will not make it to tomorrow’s game. We are not going to risk. Let’s be patient. One day he felt good, another bad… It’s very difficult for a player. We decided to stop and start again and in principle it won’t be there tomorrow”.
Bases: “The outside game doesn’t stop with two point guards, but also with interiors and reaching aid well. Knowing where to risk and where not. Lapro can play point guard, although he is more used to playing guard. He has to adjust. Think more about the team, command and be the boss on the track. Rokas is more pure base. Hopefully he can continue to take steps forward as he has done in recent weeks ”.
Atmosphere: “It always helps. The Palau is very Palau on these nights that are important for the fans. Any hobby reacts to what the team does. If we are not up to the task, the Palau will not win. Those of us who have to do the work.”
Alex Abrines: “With Efes there is clearly more rivalry”
Ephesians: “It is a very motivating game. They are the Euroleague champions and we lost there. We don’t need more. Everyone is aware of the importance of tomorrow’s match”.
Let the shots go in: “I hope the streak continues. We have players with scoring ability. Higgins is in a great moment. The rest of us are adding, some days some and other days others. It is the beautiful thing, that we all add up ”.
Equipment disconnections: “They are lapses in which the rival teams give us an important set. These are things that should not happen to us. What seems like a controlled match is decided at the end and that wears you down. We should better control those moments. Kill the game as soon as possible and rest, rotate and let everyone play ”
Rivalry: “Yes, clearly there is more rivalry, but in recent years there are many EuroLeague teams that are fighting to win it. The rivalry is almost between everyone. We have already seen how the classification can change. Efes has little more incentives. All games are important. We would have to leave the same”.