Lykogiannis: “Panionios is a special category of team in itself”

THE Panionios prevailed with 86-80 of Lavrionas part of the 16th Stoiximan GBL match and the coach of the “cyanide”, Aris Lykogiannistalked to the Eok Webradio about the course of the team.

In detail what he said:

As to whether they are satisfied with their course so far: “I think right now, based on the basketball we have played, we are wrong. I personally think we should have had at least one win above. Based on what we had in our minds in the summer, we are up and down what we had planned. It is not very easy to form a group from zero. It has played a very big role that we have achieved quite a bit in terms of characters. We have great kids, great athletes, a good atmosphere in the locker room has been created, which is the most important for a team to move forward. “

On whether the two defeats by Panathinaikos and Olympiacos were the ones who “turned the switch”: “These two games gave us confidence that we can” look into the eyes “anyone. But there was this in our minds already from pre-season, we knew we had a good team. In the pre-fascist period we had almost all of our friendly away, in an attempt to test whatever choices we had made. Certainly these two games were very important for our confidence and confidence in what we have made all this time. “

As to whether he feels a justification with the whole image Panionios presents inside and outside the parquet: “I don’t think we can talk about justification. I am a little negative in terms of this word. We have been in this job for many years and we have nothing to prove to someone. Because there has been a great effort in something completely new set up from scratch, it is very pleased to see this result that comes out of something that has been “built” step by step in the summer. Panionios had to manage games that were lost in the last shot several times. If you do not have character and metal, this may turn you upside down. For us this was fuel, to keep trying to get to where we want. There was a great deal of belief from all that our team has quality and at some point the great results would come. “

For the target set for this year’s season: “First of all, we are not rookies in the category. The coaching staff, the players, the majority have experience in this category, even foreigners. The goal that had been set from the beginning was for the team to be able to get into the play-offs. Along the way, during the presentation of the jersey, this goal grew and became six. I think the team, in the way it had fought so far and with its image, has rightfully won the right to say that it can be in the Top-6 and to be placed accordingly. We have hit all the matches, some we have won, but we have lost it, but in general our course is good this season. And as far as this course is concerned, but also about the basketball we have played. “

If all this was “built” by last year: “About 100%of ambition and goals. As soon as the year was over, there were discussions and things were said. About the design, many things have been done from scratch. Especially on the organizational part came completely new faces. There was a restructuring that had nothing to do with the Elite League. It is not very easy for the Elite League to hold a lot of kids in GBL. The kids who stayed since last year are more experienced, Gikas and Kaklamanakis are not considered Elite League players, Milendiyevic had a great year, Dimitrakopoulos is a child of the team. There will be a continuation of the year, no matter how this year will end. There is an ambition for people who are commanding the team to continue trying, so that Panionios can reach as high as possible. “

For Panionios’ long -term plan: “What Panionios has to do right now is to concentrate on the match with Karditsa. This is the goal. From then on, when you have set a goal from the beginning to get into the play-offs and grow it, there is the desire to participate in … double games. It is the next step of evolution that a particular group must have. Playing … double games everyone wants, especially players. It is easier to attract players, especially Americans, when you play in a European event. I think it’s the normal development for a team that has goals and ambitions. “

To support the world: “The biggest motivation for the world to follow the team in Glyfada has to do with two elements. The first is that Panionios had been in lower categories for many years, so a “thirst” was created by the world to watch the team again play against big teams, to claim victories, to relive this atmosphere. The second has to do with the fact that a very nice stadium was created. This has attracted the world, plus the image of the team. These elements have brought to almost all matches on the pitch and a very beautiful atmosphere. “

For the fact that the presidents seem to follow a track a shot without being dragged by their feelings: “When there are people who are not very much related to professional sports, in terms of engagement, there are many external factors that ignore them, but along the way they learn. Because they are successful people on a personal level on their jobs, they tried to run the team at least on such a model. The more experience as they come in and the more they know things and situations, they will be able to manage even better situations for the future. “

For the requirements in a historical group such as Panionios: “There is undoubtedly difficulty. I would put Panionios in his own separate category, which may only be Hercules with him. There is a world that is waiting for a lot, mainly based on the past, but it is a thing of the past and does not play basketball right now. On the other hand, this audience is what in every game fills Glyfada. It is probably the only team that came to Marousi, Lavrio, Pylea, Rhodes. The world is following everywhere. In all groups that have a public, there are requirements that will either take you very high in good results, or bring you a lot of moaning and introversion to the bad results. In recent years with social media fans have been created more fans of victory, not fans of the team. “

For this year’s GBL: “This year there is no weak link. Last season there was Apollo who for a while onwards seemed to have the greatest weakness. This year even the latter can win the 3rd. The differences are small and so there are so many changes every week. The championship is very competitive and the teams are very close. “