Nikos Papanikolopoulos emphasized that it is important and gratifying for Greek basketball that Panathinaikos returns strong and as a star player, he referred to the many injury problems the Thessalonians have been facing since the beginning of the season, while he spoke separately about Avdala and Diplaros.
Analytically: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos for the victory, but also for all its presence. It is good for Greek basketball that Panathinaikos is returning. We don’t have much to say about the game. We wanted to give participation time to all the players, because really even those who have not made a great effort in this whole situation and everything we have been through in the last period of time.
What concerns us is the condition of the injured. And what we want is to have them with us in the second round where we have many consecutive games at home to stay in the division.”
On the tough time with the back-to-back away games: “The characters of the kids made this transition easier. It was a difficult situation. The 75 days are in buses, airports and anywhere in the country. We had discussed it with the guys and said we would do it. It is an objective difficulty, we have used it properly and now we wait. As with Lavrio, where we won a great victory.”
For Avdala: “Children must find both space and time. Avdalas is a great chapter for Greek basketball. He gets what he gets, because he deserves it. I’d rather he be wronged than be given something. We have a good generation of players. Whoever deserves it will play one way or another. We are there to show them the way.”
Regarding the presence of Diplaros: “Nikos is a kid who is experienced and we have demands. When he’s good, all the guards are good.”
Source: Sport Fm
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