The pre-tournament press conference for the Euroleague Final Four was held today at 13.00 local time in Barcelona’s City Hall on the Placa Sant Jaume in central Barcelona across from the mayor of the Catalonian capital.
The press conference began with opening word’s from Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu, welcoming the clubs and their fans to this exciting tournament.
Representatives from each of the four teams participated in the press conference: from CSKA, head coach Dusan Ivkovic and guard J.R. Holden; from Benetton, head coach Ettore Messina and guard Trajan Langdon; from CSKA’s semifinal opponent Barcelona, head coach Svetislav Pesic and forward Dejan Bodiroga; and from Montepaschi Siena, head coach Ergin Ataman and center Roberto Chiacig.
Pesic had kind words for his team’s upcoming opponent, and noted areas of the game, which would be key to Barcelona’s success.
“We’re playing a very good team in CSKA,” Pesic said. “CSKA has many excellent players from many different basketball schools. We will have to rebound and play defense very well.”
Ivkovic was asked how he intends to stop Bodiroga, a European basketball legend and one of the keys to Barcelona’s success.
“Bodiroga is a good friend of mine and the most experienced player in this Final Four,” Ivkovic said. “But to be honest, I would be happy if we would let Bodiroga do his thing and stop their other dangerous players from hurting us.”
“Maybe we don’t have the stars that Barcelona has,” the CSKA skipper continued, “but we play good team basketball.”
When asked about the keys to the game, Ivkovic said: “We need to adapt quickly to Barcelona’s big men, especially where rebounding is concerned.”
When asked about his general impressions of the tournament, Holden talked about the Red Army team as a Final Four surprise.
“This is my first time here,” the American guard said. “I’m happy to be here representing CSKA. We were the surprise of the league, and I think we’re all caught in the moment right now. But we’re here to play hard and have fun.”
After the conclusion of the press conference, while journalists ate at the buffet in the foyer, Holden gave an interview to several television stations. Eventually, coach Ivkovic came up to the CSKA guard and let him know that it was time to get to work.
“Your not a television star,” Ivkovic said to his point guard with a smile. “Your a basketball player. Let’s go.”
And with that, the two of them left to meet the team and prepare for Barcelona.
VTB Teams:
League&Tournament:
