The coaches tried to get some extra rest to the heroes of the semifinals. But that didn’t free the entire team. Nikita Kurbanov had to wake up earlier than his partners to wear warm clothes and to go to the windy Alexander-platz where the players interact with the fans. Victor Khryapa replaced his roommate later. Nando De Colo was also busy with the Trophy Tour.
At noon the official press conference on the main arena has started. CSKA was represented by Dimitris Itoudis and Cory Higgins. Zeljko Obradovic and Bogdan Bogdanovic participated on Fenerbahce side. The players promised to play exciting final game and let the coaches talk.
“Obviously also from my side, from my club we are very excited and looking forward to the final,“ Itoudis said. ”Being in the final was a long, long trip. We know why we’re here. At the same time we have to face Fenerbahce for the first time; we haven’t met this season in the regular season or Top 16 or the playoffs of course. We expect a tough final. Fenerbahce is a team that has everything on its roster, big lineup, can play small ball. Of course with Coach Zeljko being in so many final fours and finals, we have a tough opponent, but we know why we’re here. We’re here and we have that desire. We want to be focused, determined and decisive. What has been in the past, remains in the past. We should write history ourselves.”
Short dossier
Fenerbahce-Ulker Istanbul, Turkey
Founded: 1913
Colors: yellow, dark-blue
Homecourt: Ulker Sports Arena (13800)
President: Azim Yildirim
Head coach: Zelimir Obradovic
Website: www.fenerbahce.org/fbulker/
Trophy case: Turkish champions (1991, 2007, 08, 10, 11, 14), Turkish Cup winners (1967, 2010, 11, 13, 16), President’s Cup winners (1990, 91, 94, 2007, 13)
