Sakota: “We are improving, but the road is long – We want the people of AEK by our side”

Pleased with her progress AEK Betsson and the last additions that raised the quality of the roster appeared o Dragan Sakotawhile he asked the people of the team to support the new effort. In detail, the “Union” coach spoke to EOK Web Radio:

For the victory over Mars: “We are happy with the result and how we “read” the game. Of course if this has to be our ceiling we will not be happy. We have to improve many parts in the game and it doesn’t matter if it was Aris or some other team. The point is that what we work on we try to implement in a large percentage. It’s not always easy, because the other team can also be in good timing.”

To start the team: “I think it made sense to be a little careful about what we say. At that time at Media Day we didn’t have the team we have now. I tried to be careful and maybe I was misunderstood, because I wasn’t saying some good things about the team. Every coach is careful what he says from a normal person and sports fan. Since then we have 2 more players on the roster and they are protagonists. Let’s not forget that during preparation the last three guys who have come and are supposed to be among the best, we didn’t have them in all the games. Now we look better, but the road is long. It’s good to win and it’s good to feel good, but predicting what will happen in the next match is difficult. In the end we want to be where we said at Media Day”.

About the character of the team: “I don’t think the character can be improved. Either you have it or you don’t, it’s just a matter of how you use it in the team. When we make player selections and “build” a team, we, in addition to talent, also look for character. When small has won it is some kind of sign. We also don’t know things and the coaches see that we have to change and complete many things, it’s a start for those who have lost and for those who have won”.

On the ability of centers to pass: “As we all know, Jokic’s style is one that many teams have started to embrace. Not only that, there are no good low-post players, if the player is that good and makes a difference it’s usually in the NBA. You are looking for another way how to balance the offense with two-pointers and three-pointers. One way is this, for the tall ones to pass and find the short ones in good positions. Gray is still far from his best, but we knew exactly what we wanted from the player. First of all, he plays two positions and we wanted to close two “holes”. At the moment he has exactly the talent we want, although the chemistry is not 100%. We were patient and some believed it would come. It was 1.5 months, maybe more, when the discussions with the manager started. We understand that the kid wanted to stay in the NBA, he finally made the decision and I believe he will have a career here.”

For the Greek players of the team: “There is no stability and success if it does not have good Greeks, otherwise you inevitably go to many foreigners who are unknown. Until they adjust, until you change 1-2 that aren’t going well, things are much more difficult. When you have good Greeks, as Olympiacos and Panathinaikos have, it is easier to choose the foreigners as well. The Greeks we have are at an age where they can still improve.”

For the world: “For so many years at AEK, I have experienced the world in better times. With the trophies we had good times and somehow people always expect big results. There are moments along the way that don’t go well, so we’d like people to come even when things aren’t going well. I’m not asking, but we want them for many reasons. When they don’t come we understand them, but we want them too much. I believe he could give us 30%-40% more. Next year we will have a united BCL and EuroCup league. They will certainly be much better teams and it will be more interesting. We have to say it from now on, if people understand, I believe others will too, sponsors and TV rights will all go up. This interest will bring us to another level.”