Moshe Barda
Oded Ketch (Shahar Gross)
After the 60:77 victory over Gilboa/Galil, Maccabi Tel Aviv wants to return to winning ways in the Euroleague. Tomorrow (Thursday, 21:00) the Yellows will be hosted by Elba Berlin after last week they beat Milan 71:77 and then lost 78:73 to Virtus Bologna. At noon , Oded Ketch and his players took off for a game in Germany and before that the coach referred to the meeting with Elba.
“Another big game for us”, he said catch before take off. “Alba plays a little differently from the other teams, both on the defensive side and on the offensive side, we must be ready for her unique game. We are still missing some players. More than anything, we will have to maintain the intensity because they always push to play at a high pace.”
Teams that want to take the ball out of a player’s hands will do it,” the coach referred to the opponent’s defensive style. “You have to attack correctly against them and play mainly with confidence. It’s more mental than professional, but we prepared for that too.
When asked about Alba’s streak of losses, Ketch answered: “During the streak of losses, they also played impressive games, including a game in Andalu, and at home against Barcelona, who had a hard time beating them. Udo Lo is back and looking in better shape and they played an outstanding game in the league. We don’t expect an easy game at all. They are second in offensive rebounding and first in the number of possessions per game. They are a team that wants to push to a high pace and when we lack players it will not be easy for us. They have several center backs on the field. Odu Lu, Tamir Blatt and Sikma who are among the best morals in the Euroleague, we will focus on them as well.”
Bonzie Coulson He also commented on tomorrow’s game: “It doesn’t matter to us their series of losses, we are focused on ourselves. We are not interested in other teams and we do what is necessary to be better as a team. We must be active. They have good chemistry and know how to move the ball so it will be a good test for us. We will have to keep our principles and play good defense as a team.
“When the coach wants me on the field I try to be effective and make the change for the team, Colson said about being placed in the number four position. “I’m just trying to learn and develop as much as I can. When I’m in this position, it helps space the court and gives our guards room to attack, can help us get a few more baskets.”
