Coach Zdovc adresses face-off against champions Anadolu Efes 0
Zalgiris Kaunas faces the struggling reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul on Friday, in the second double week game.
Before the duel, Jure Zdovc shared his thoughts about the upcoming challenge with Zalgiris media.
“Anadolu Efes did not start the season well but they have a deep lineup and a lot of talented players,” said Zdovc. “They did not play well in the last game, we will see how they are going to react. Usually, good teams and good players react to such failures.
This is not good for us. However, we need to look at ourselves and work. Let’s see how we will look, I hope everybody can play tomorrow,” Zalgiris bench boss added.
Where do you think Anadolu Efes are struggling the most so far?
Their biggest weakness is that they feel too good. They play their way and are sometimes too arrogant, especially in defense. They try to depend mostly on their talent in the attack.
If we are focused, share the ball, look for free teammates – we will find them. First of all, we need to execute the offense well. Second, we need to improve our defense. Our defense against Maccabi was not that bad but we defended only for about 15 seconds during their possessions.
Sometimes we relax or make mistakes. We need to be more aggressive, put more pressure on the player with the ball; go more physically.
Panathinaikos crushed Anadolu Efes yesterday. What PAO did well in that match?
Panathinaikos started the match very well and had a wonderful night in the attack. Defensively, they were concentrated and played very physically against the main Anadolu Efes players.
The Turkish team struggles because Micic cannot play. Moreover, they miss Dunston, a very important player. But in one game everything can happen.
Elijah Bryant joined Anadolu Efes. What does he give them?
He is a good addition for them, only he needs time to adjust, like Filip Petrusev. This team won EuroLeague and its players have been playing together for many years. It is not easy for new players to come into such teams.
I think a lot of times they struggle because they cannot find their space in the team. But this is their problem.
Bryant is a good player, no doubt. I would like to have him on my team. He takes the pressure off Shane Larkin, Rodrigue Beaubois, and the coach can rely on him when Micic is missing.
Are all Zalgiris players ready to help the team on Friday?
Looking at the current situation, Emmanuel Mudiay is questionable. His chances of playing are 50-50 or maybe 40-60. All the others are ready.
Facebook comments