Sfairopoulos: «Fener is a tough team»
Olympiacos hosts Fenerbahce for the 15th day of the Euroleague and Giannis Sfairopoulos commented on the game against the Turkish team.
"Tomorrow is the last game of the first round and it certain that following the game in Bamberg we would like to return to good performing and winning, we play against a tough opponent, but we are also a tough team for them. I believe it's going to be a good game, we want to take advantage of their weak spots, impose our rhythm to the game on both ends of the floor. We need to stop their scoring. And on the other hand, we need to be patient with our offense, move the ball, rotate it and find the best possible option to attack the basket. We want our fans at the gym, I hear that the demand for tickets is high, I do hope we play in a full gym and the fans become our sixth player and gives us the boost we need".
Asked about the Bogdanovic factor, the Greek coach said that "Fener has adjusted to playing without him in the last couple of months, and whether he comes or not, he will certainly not be in the best possible shape. Fener has a lot of good players that have filled in for him and have had positive results. But I also think that we should remain focused on both their front line and the perimeter".
About Sloukas and Dixon: "Fener has two creators and scorers. Dixon and Sloukas, who attack mainly through pick n' roll, so defense on the pick n' roll is crucial".
The Greek coach was asked on who the favorite for tomorrow's game is and wondered «why do we have to attribute such labels. It doesn't matter who the favorite to win the game is, what's important is who's going to be play a good game".
About Sloukas' performances with Fener up to now «He's been doing very well this season, Fener depends its game on him. He's especially good this season and Fener depends on him much more in comparison to last year».
On choosing Waters and the state of injury for Agravanis and Printezis, the 50year old coach said that "what do you think my opinion on Waters would be, I'm the one who chose him. I think he's going to help us a lot. He's a point guard that can both organize and score, plays the pick n' roll really well, so he fits our game and our philosophy. He's different than Hackett, he doesn't have the height or the defensive predisposition, he's a good defender on the ball, but he's not like Hackett. It's not easy to find similar players so as not to have to adjust your style of playing. I think though that Waters is going to contribute, just like Hackett was contributing as well. He's going to be a link in the chain. As far as Printezis and Agravanis are concerned, it is really doubtful that either will be able to play. Waters came to help the team, he's going to be joining after tomorrow's game and depending on how he performs at practice will be decided when he is to be used".
Finally, the 50year old coach was asked to comment on the statements Matt Lojeski is supposed to have made in regard to his future «Have you seen him not focused enough? I don't think this has any impact on his game. When someone asks an athlete about his future, actually makes him say something about his future. So, it's not a voluntary statement. When a player is asked to comment on supposed offers from Barcelona or Maccabi, he needs to respond. He's polite; he wants to give a polite response and falls into the 'trap'. But this is not going to affect him on the floor. He's an athlete that knows what he's doing on the floor, knows what he wants and is committed to the team".
KOSTAS PAPANIKOLAOU: "We have already lost two games in our home court; we don't want to lose another one. We certainly have to play against a very good team, we want to move on and react to the loss against Bamberg. Fener has a lot of offensive talent, they have two guards that can both create and score. They have good shooters; they are a team that plays a lot with its front line. They are a complete team, we need to be focused, not allow easy baskets, be good with our defense, not allow them make their game and run through our defense. We have grown up together with Sloukas, but this doesn't mean anything. Our friendship and love for one another is undisputable, but we both want our teams to win".