2024-04-12 05:58:08
“Zalgiris” lost to “Real” Madrid 62:64 in the last Euroleague match of this season (27/7).
Having finished the first half of the match with difficulty, the basketball players of the Kaunas team entered the long break with a deficit of 6 points (25:31).
After recovering in the fourth quarter, the basketball players of “Žalgiris” began to dissolve the difference and pushed forward.
The champions of the last Euroleague season shot three-pointers a bit more accurately in the match (28.6% vs. 34.6%).
“Before starting with the questions, two things – congratulations to Real for the solid game they played and a big thank you to all the Zalgiris fans for their support. I’ve felt it since coming here. Today we fought until the end. If the EuroLeague champions have to win with a tough shot in the last seconds, it shows what a good game my players played. I would have liked a different result, but we played well. Thanks to all the fans”, said A. Trinchieri after the match
– Kevarius Hayes hit a 3-pointer, what are your emotions?
– We knew that in order to play in the game, we need to open up on three-pointers. We came back with Brady Manek making 4 3-pointers in the second half of the game. K. Hayes was free and made a wonderful shot. I always say to quit. And after the game he emphasized it.
– How would you compare the team’s change since you arrived?
– I don’t want to answer that. I came because the team needed help. Most often, the coach takes the blame for poor results. I trusted the team, I gave some players more work. I removed Austin Hollins, I didn’t take anything else. First you need to clean your yard, then look at what we have. I saw that we had enough to fight to the end. I wanted a better outcome, but I have respect for Kazi Maksvyčius and I will definitely not compare the lineups.
– Dovydas Butka entered the field in the first half. How did he do?
– I believe that D. Butka, Ned Montvila can play in the last match of the season. Mario Hezonja is not an easy opponent, but D.Butka plays solidly and he will be useful. I want to create a bridge between the youth program and Zalgiris. I want all young people who come to Zalgiris to have a chance to dream of playing in the arena.
– What is T. Dimša’s situation and when can we expect his return?
– His injury is not as serious as that of Arno Butkevičius. It looked bad at first when he twisted his ankle, but he’s getting better every day. I want to find solutions to all problems. We talked to Arn and Tom and I said there is a positive from your injury. You will be able to think better how to help the team, how to contribute more. I’m asking more and more of them and it’s a bit of a shock to them. Now they can see everything from the side and better reflect and prepare.
– Team motivation often drops after the Euroleague season. What is needed to avoid this?
“Are you talking about real things?” This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I always try to be objective. As coaches, we are often contaminated with emotions, goals. We are looking for ways to achieve goals. Our fans, I know they will understand when we don’t play to our full potential. This arena knows basketball. We cannot cheat. They gave us confidence. It’s not every year that a team can make the playoffs. The fans know we can play badly but we will give it our all. Our leaders, K.Evans and E.Ulanov are doing a great job in the locker room as they help the team. I think we will manage. We are in a good position in Betsafe-LKL, so we can relax a bit.
– K. Evans received a lot of support today. What do you think about that?
– K. Evans is one of the best things this team has received. Not because of the game, because of the personality. I am happy to have the opportunity to coach such a player, in such a club with such fans. The support he is getting is what he deserves. Together with the captain, they lead “Žalgiris” forward.
– What are your thoughts about E.Ulanov?
– He is a wonderful player. I know how much he demands of himself. He’s not happy because he missed a few shots, but he gave us stability. He missed, missed a year off. But I am guaranteed to hit them. I won’t judge him for his hitting. He is the captain, he is a serious product of this organization. He does everything for us to improve as a team. I’m not promoting players, but here’s what I think about him.
– Can K. Hayes be a good long shot shooter?
– You don’t explain that during the season, you do that in the summer. Of course it can be. When he realized what I wanted from him, when he realized he could quit, his game showed.
– You played against the first place team. Will they win the Euroleague?
– The final four is a different sport. This is one weekend when you need luck, good physical shape, and the right open doors. Real are first, they deserve it. They know how to play. Olympiakos has been playing well in the last five games. Panathinaikos have a defensive line that can win anything. Everything can happen this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone come out of the shadows more prepared than others.
2024-04-12 05:58:08