Spanoulis for Ethniki: “Whatever you have to learn, you will learn”

THE Vasilis Spanoulis spoke to the representatives of the press, at his established media day Pigeon bwin, in view of the commencement of obligations. Of course, he could not help but be asked about the information that he is taking over the reins of the National team, with him… dribbling as he knew how to do as a player. “Whatever there is to learn, you will learn“, he characteristically replied.

About this season’s goals, he said: “First, to be healthy. It is a new team, nobody wants to change 10-11 players. The point is to have a trunk and build on it for continuity. In the team it is difficult to do, because when it is going well it is difficult to keep the players. They want to go to better teams with better money, it fills us with joy and pride. It means the team succeeded. We built a new team with different elements from last year. Quite quickly we have established the philosophy and the way of playing».

Regarding the basketball that Peristeri wants to play, bwin said:To play attractive basketball, with good defense and an emphasis on surprise. The hard part is that we want a five-on-five job until we find our partnerships. Our goal is to fill the stadium, like last year, It is important for the team and the city. For the people to be proud of Peristeri, to come to the field and give impetus to the players».

Regarding the BCL challenge, he emphasized:Our goal this year is to go one step further in Europe. Last year we were in a difficult group and we didn’t manage to go through the play-offs process. The next step is important. Malaga is one of the favorites of the tournament, We want to build a team that can fight against any team. In every game, the goal is to win with good basketball».

Speaking about the new league he said:I wish it would be competitive, there would be culture. To have a good atmosphere with full stadiums».

Finally, he was asked about specific players…

For Vassilis Xanthopoulos: “He is experienced, his presence in the team is a luxury. He is an excellent professional. Even at this age he is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He really loves it. I’ve told him that one day he’ll be a coach, he thinks coaching’.

About Nikos Hugaz: “We should not rush to go to big groups. Nikos is a big chapter for Panathinaikos and for us who have him and for Greek basketball. Unfortunately or fortunately, I remember that I had stayed for four years in Marousi, Diamantidis for several years in Iraklis, Lazaros the same, Zisis also. Hatzivrettas started from Herakles, Dikoudis from Olympia. We have to be patient and work. And to show work. We believe in Hugaz and through the process to improve and get to where he wants to be. He has an appetite for work».

For Jalen Hunts: “He is a super talented kid. His talent is very great, the way he can score is of a high level. What he needs to learn is to improve his defense and creation. Be focused on basketball.”