Messina expects leadership of the Euroleague: “Obviously the season will not go as usual” / News

Photo: BasketNews.lt/D.Lukšta

Photo: BasketNews.lt/D.Lukšta

Photo: BasketNews.lt/D.Lukšta

Photo: BasketNews.lt/D.Lukšta

Photo: BasketNews.lt/D.Lukšta

The WE RE REACK tournament organized by the Euroleague, which started in Kaunas, started with the victory of the AX Armani Exchange in Milan against ALBA in Berlin.

The Italian club crushed their opponents 79:57, and after the match Ettore Messina was also satisfied with the performance of his students.

“It was a good experience, because until now we have not played with a team as aggressive as ALBA, they defend aggressively and cause many errors, it is an intense and physical team. We did quite well, ”said the Italian.

“After the first half, we were smart to pass the ball against trapinimąWe defended well and our game started from there, ”Messina continued. – We don’t have (Kalebo) Tarczewski, who stretched his ankle and thought it wasn’t worth forcing him to play. It’s fun competing with the fans that the Euroleague is back and we hope the season continues as well. “

Speaking about the development of the team, the Italian specialist recalled the phrase of the San Antonio Spurs strategist, Gregg Popovich.

“Am I happy with the improvement of the team? Happy is not the word a coach can use, as Gregg Popovich puts it, but I am not going to steal his joke. It seems we have the tools for a good team and it is up to us if this will happen, ”said the helmsman of AX Armani Exchange.

It is true that the 60-year-old does not believe in a quiet season in the Euroleague and, having given examples, hopes for the help of the league’s leadership and other institutions.

“It just came to our attention then. There are countries where permission is needed so that we can come, there are rumors that Israel will close,” Messina said. – There are countries where you will have to quarantine them when they return. This is a changing situation, we will need a lot flexibility, cooperation between clubs and leadership of the Euroleague. What I mean when I say that there is a lot of work to be done by everyone, it will be difficult for the judges, for example traveling. It will take a lot of work to find solutions.

We must also be open to, for example, the judge traveling with the team or the judge’s local referee. Normal standards may not work, but our goal is for the fans to be in the arenas and enjoy basketball. The Super Cup is now being held in Italy, where 4 teams play in four groups. In this competition it is allowed to fill 25 percent. seats in the sand and the rule is valid until the end of the Super Cup. We don’t know if it will be extended when the Italian league season starts at the end of the month. We are all waiting now to see if this situation is handled when schools open on Monday. “

At the post-match press conference, Messina also praised former Zach Leday of Žalgiris, who scored 13 points in a game for ALBA and scored 17 utility points.

“We love Zach. He is very enthusiastic, very cool and helps us. LeDay was second in terms of performance and best fighter for the balls. “It is a joy for the whole team for their enthusiasm,” Messina said, without saying the nice words to the American.