Blatt against … Blatt!

Olympiacos is in Heraklion since Thursday morning (20/09) to participate the "3rd International Basketball Tournament Crete".

"For the first time in my career"

Games are going to be of special interest, not only because the numerous international players are back, but also because the 'reds' coach, David Blatt, will be playing for the first time in his career against his son Tamir (he plays for Hapoel Jerusalem).

"The most important thing is for the games to be strong and competitive. But on a personal level, I'm sincerely telling you that is going to be a very unique moment for me and a little sentimental one. Obviously, watching Tamir growing up, I have witnessed his progress, and you know him in Crete, you saw what he did with the U20 Israeli team in the European Championship that was held here last season. He has become a very good player and I'm proud father that has to coach against him! That's both good and bad… It's the first time in my career this is happening. I have dreamt about it and now it's becoming a reality!"

Talking about the tournament, he pointed out: "It's wonderful for the Olympiacos family to be here in Crete. We know it's a well organized tournament and it's going to be very good for the pre-season training of all participating teams. We are happy and anxious to receive the competition and live the atmosphere. We are getting closer to the beginning of the season and it's important that the internationals are back. We are closing in to beginning with our official games and it's important to be playing at a high level, because we need to be ready from the beginning".

"Heraklion is embracing basketball"

Giorgos Printezis talked about the Cretan hospitality. "Crete is in general a very beautiful island that has been embracing basketball. This is really important. The facilities are great for very strong friendly games, as well as the official games the National team has played here. It's a joy to be here. We want to improve as a team playing to strong friendly games in terms of pre-season. We want these games to help us get better, come closer, get to know one another even better and re-adjust to our team's philosophy, because too many players were gone during these past ten days".

Asked about the fans, he replied: "The fans generally embrace basketball here in Heraklion. And whenever Olympiacos has come here, the fans are very warm towards our team, they support us a lot and I'm certain they will be very keen in watching the new team and the new coach".

Papanikolaou out

Kostas Papanikolou was not included in the delegation. The international forward underwent an MRI last night (19/09) on his left hip, a bone edema was diagnosed and he will be inactive for about 15 to 20 days.

ΤHE TOURNAMENTS SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
18:00 UNICS KAZAN – GALATASARAY
20:30 ΟLYMPIACOS – HAPOEL JERUSALEM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
18:00: 3rd PLACE FINAL
20:30 FINAL
The tournament will be broadcast live by ΟΤΕ TV.
Click here for more info on the tournament... www.crete-ibt.com