Bartzokas: «We must improve our defense»

Our team's coach, Giorgos Bartzokas, said the lack of energy in defense and different levels of readiness among the players on his roster were the main things to focus on following the win in the friendly game against Trapani (95-90).

"First of all, congratulations to Trapani for playing a good game and for the hospitality. It was an important game, since this was the last friendly game for us before the season officially starts with the Super Cup competition. Trapani gave us the opportunity to play against a team that plays with a lot of intensity in defense. They really played very well, I have to give them and coach Repesa credit.

It was important that we played with equal motivation, energy levels, match their will to play defense and from that point of view, we did not succeed. Our defense was inadequate. We received 90 points and for the level we compete, we must improve our defensive game. Also, we have many players with varying physical conditioning levels. They all need to be at the same one though, because the season is about to start and we must be ready. Once again, congratulations to Trapani and coach Repesa. I wish them good luck, hope they have a successful season".

Following a relevant question, he talked about the many absentees due to injuries: "We have to point our that we lack our two centers. Moustapha Fall and Nikola Milutinov are not acitive, so right now, our game is more of a 'face up game'. We miss them both. Milutinov is very strong offense wise, and Fall defense wise. All the more, McKissic and Evans are out. Also, many players are coming back from injuries, while others are coming back from playing with their National Teams. As I said before, it's very important that we all are on the same page. I think it's obvious that we have offensive talent, we had an excellent scoring night with 95 points, but defense gives titles and success..."