Sfairopoulos: "We have strong motivation"
Thursday's practice (01/03) was held without absentees (except for Dimitris Agravanis that will not be playing for the rest of the season) and in the presence of the Olympiacos Presidents, Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, as well as that of the vice President, Giorgos Skinidlias.
The team's coach, Giannis Sfairopoulos also commented on the full roster, during the Press Conference that was held in view of the game against Panathinaikos at the OAKA (02/03, 20.15 CET), for the 24th day of the Euroleague.
The Olympiacos' coach said at first that "We play an important game for both teams. We are both going to fight for the victory. The main goal for us is to remain focused and be able to implement our plan on both ends of the floor. We play against a team that we know very well and they know us too. We need to stick to our plan and do the things we need to do".
Our team's coach was asked about what his expectations are from Brown (first appearance with the team) and Tillie that comes back from a long term injury … "They are both players that are going to help us a lot in the long run. They can also help us imminently. Tillie has been here all that time recovering from his injury. Brown is a very experienced player, he's been with us for a week now and he has been going through a speed learning course. They are both ready and as time passes they are going to be playing better and adjusting to the team".
On whether a victory will practically seal home court advantage for the 'reds', Sfairopoulos replied "We are not thinking about what is going to happen. We are thinking about the game. We have a strong motivation. We have had a consistently good presence with the Euroleague and we usually perform at very high levels. We want to continue with good performances. I don't think this victory is going to end the battle for home court advantage, or that we will even come really close to it, but it will certainly be a very important road victory, just like any other one in this period in the season".
On the fact that both teams are going to have new players in their rotation and on how difficult this makes to scout the games… "I don't think the fact that both teams are going to be using new players makes it hard for either team. We know how James used to operate on the floor. We have seen Pane at his first game when he took a few minutes and we know his characteristics as a player. The same goes for Panathinaikos and I don't think that either team is going to be surprised by what they are facing".
On whether it's easy to prepare such a game in terms of mentality, he replied: "This is a game that every one knows how important it is and all the players know that they need to be extra motivated and fight for the victory".
He finally talked about who the 12 players for tomorrow's game are going to be… "We are going to see how our roster shapes up. It's one of the very few times I have the whole team available, it is actually the first time we are all working together and I think that we are going to decide on the team at the very end, we are going to chose who the ones that are most ready to play a derby like this one are".
«We really want this game…»
Giorgos Printezis stated: "Each game is special. Panathinaikos wants it following a bad performance against Khimki and we really want this to increase our chances for home court advantage. Each game is different and traditions or what has happened in previous instances plays no role…We both want it a lot and we'll see what happens tomorrow".
On the atmosphere Olympiacos is going to be facing in a packed OAKA, he commented: "As years go by, you feel better when you play in packed gyms, so long the atmosphere is civilized. Panathinaikos gets a lot of energy from its gym and fans. We know that. But we also are doing rather well in Europe, we have played good games and we want to play one more good game tomorrow to get the victory that we really seek".
Asked on whether he believes that his team can seal home court advantage, should they win, he said: "No, there's still a long way to go. There are some very complicated games at home and on the road. I think that nothing solidifies for either team tomorrow in terms of home court advantage lost or won".
On the addition of Bobby Brown, he commented: "He's an experienced player. He has quality. It's was obvious in the friendly game against Lavrio that is a very well respected team. He did very well. He has adjusted. He has the experience to help. I hope we achieve our goals". On the full roster and the return of Kim Tillie that will allow him some breathing time, he replied: "I wish we are many, and not only in my position… It's very important when the schedule is so packed to have a lot of players and a proper rotation, so that you practice better and with more quality. Also, during a night that you do not perform well, you can have someone else to step up".
Finally, on the consecutive lost games against Panathinaikos, he stressed: "Last year, or 1.5 years ago, we were in a similar position. Now, it's Panathinaikos. I don't think it changes something. I don't think that a string of games won by either team means that one team is not good or the other one is a super team. I think that we are both very strong teams, very experienced. These games are special and it may be that results play a role but they don't get to decide anything".
«I'm ready…»
Although less than a week with Olympiacos, Bobby Brown states to be ready for the OAKA derby. "Yes, I'm ready. We have been practicing. Both the coaching staff and my team mates have helped me adjust. It has been a good week. We have worked on the plays and we are ready for tomorrow's game".
On whether he has been informed on the atmosphere he's going to be facing at the OAKA, he said: "I've obviously been watching a lot of basketball. I had seen a lot of games on TV when I was with Aris also. I have seen the atmosphere. I have never been a part of such a game. But I've been told what I should be expecting and I'm going to be ready".
Finally, on KC Rivers, who had talked highly of him in an interview, he said that… "He's definitely a player that can change a game. I've been watching him in the Euroleague and when I was with Siena. He's a great shooter, a great scorer. He's a wholesome player and very competitive. He's certainly a key player and we need to contain him".