The time has come for the long-awaited start of the new Euroleague, with the… curtain opening in Berlin, where Panathinaikos AKTOR will be tested against the home team Alba (19:30, Novasports Prime, News Bulletin 247, sport-fm.gr)!
The “greens” begin the defense of their title from the German capital and from the stadium where a few months ago they were crowned European champions for the seventh time in their history, having strengthened their roster with important additions and entering this year’s competition with their only aim to reach the end of the road again!
Coming off an 86-85 loss in the derby against their “eternal” rival for the Stoiximan Super Cup and having earlier prevailed comfortably (81-68) against Aris, his team Ergin Ataman she will try to put behind her what happened in Rhodes, so that she can start her European obligations in the best possible way.
“We closed the EuroLeague with a title in Berlin, now we start there. We are ready, of course all teams are strong, especially away from home all teams are dangerous, so we have to play well. Maybe in the standings Alba is not a candidate for the play offs, but it doesn’t say anything because especially at the beginning of the season, in the first half every team is fighting to get the victories. Rosters of course on paper are different from games. It is important to be calm, to play aggressively. Every game is dangerous”said ahead of tonight’s match Ataman, who cannot count on the services of Antetokounmpo, Moraitis and Samoturovwhile on the other hand, the three summer transfer additions (Yurceven, Osman and Brown) can compete.
“It’s always nice to come back to this city, especially for me having played there, to see familiar faces and of course for us here last year had a happy ending. In the Euroleague you can’t underestimate any team, whether it’s Alba or Real, you have to be ready and play the same way”stated on his part Marius Grigonis.
As for Alba, they start another EuroLeague season as favorites to finish the regular season in last place. This happened last year, with the German team celebrating only 5 victories in 34 matches, while this year is not expected to be much improved either.
With its very limited budget has made … the hopes of qualifying for the playoffs prohibitive, having at the same time lost the most valuable for it during last season, Thiemann and Brown, his team Israel Gondhaleth she is expected to fight without many… weapons in her quiver.
During last season, Panathinaikos went 2/2 against Alba, winning 99-85 in Berlin and winning 84-75 in Athens and OAKA.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
