THE Dionysis Skoulidas spoke to mykonosbc.gr about the historic “double” in Ivanofeio against Heraklis and shared his thoughts and feelings ahead of the first home match with Olympic (26/10, 13:00, ERT2 Sport).
The victory over Herakles in Ivanofeio was not just a result, but a historic moment for the island and Mykonos Betsson. What personal experiences or images from the race have remained etched in your mind?
“First of all, I have to say that the atmosphere in Ivanofeio is fantastic. When I play there, I really enjoy it a lot! The fact that we got the applause from the Heracles fans was a really cool picture. But what stuck in my mind the most was the passion the team exuded from the start. We were focused from the first minute, and the joy at the end, when we got what we deserved, was unique. Of course, I can’t forget the joy of the management people, who were next to the bench, seeing the historic victory in such a difficult venue. They are images that really stay! It is true that our performance in the first quarter in Peristeri was poor, and maybe if things had been different there, we could have had more wins and a positive record. But maybe that defeat was the right push to show up in Ivanovo and win. The game with Hercules showed us how strong we can be when we stay focused and united.”
What is the strongest feeling that comes over you when you think of being part of Mykonos Betsson’s first major league win?
“The truth is that I feel a special bond with the team and its people. They have given me and my family a lot of hugs since I’ve been here last year. If you asked them five years ago, I don’t think they would have believed that today the team would be participating in the Stoiximan GBL, that the first win would come so early, that the stadium would have been built and so much more that is to come in the future. All of this fills me with immense joy and I think it’s something that people here really deserve. Their dedication and work is amazing, and I’m really happy to be a part of this effort.”
How did the mentality of the team change from the disastrous first quarter against Peristeri to the victory against Iraklis?
“I think coach Ziago’s approach played a big role. It made us understand that the disaster did not come. OK, mistakes were made, we discussed them, but we had to keep our heads up. It was not the end of the world and we had to understand that we are better than the image we presented in Peristeri. It was seen from the first practice of the team, mainly what changed was our psychology and mentality, and not so much how we will play basketball, because we already know how we should function as a team, at least offensively. What was the first rule, however, was that we had to be tougher, more physical and more concentrated, especially in a seat like Ivanofeio, where you don’t even hear your neighbor! I find that this was maintained almost throughout the match. We were 100% faithful to the plan that had been built right after Peristeri.”
On a personal level, this year you returned to the big league. What lesson or experience from the past is helping you the most right now? And what is your biggest personal motivation this season within the team?
“I feel more confident in myself. I have more confidence. In the teams I was in before I had a different role, maybe more of a leader. I had to do more things and have the ball more in my hands, score more. This experience gave me a lot of confidence in my game, taught me to improve and do more things. Now, in a category where I need to have a specific role and do specific things, I can fully commit to them. As for personal motivation, I don’t want to prove anything. I think I am ready as a player, at an age that is ideal for me to stand at this level. And why not, to stay in the coming years, and many more. Like every year, I put in the same amount of work in the off-season. This year I have an extra confidence. Having changed my life after the birth of my child, I feel even more confident and better prepared for what is to come.”
What are your thoughts and feelings ahead of the first home match against Olympiakos?
“First of all, I’m really looking forward to it. Just to experience the atmosphere, to see how people will react to seeing the pitch, the changes, and of course Olympiakos, in our first home game in the big division. Hosting a team like Olympiakos is a huge achievement for Mykonos organization Betsson. I’m full of joy, I’m not stressed at all, all I’m thinking is “come on Sunday and let’s play this match”! When you have an opponent like that in front of you, the motivation is huge. I feel those butterflies in my stomach, so to speak. First match in Mykonos, at our home, against Olympiakos… There is nothing better. It’s like writing a fairy tale.”
If you had to describe Mykonos Betsson with one image or one word, what would it be and why?
“It may sound cliche, but the only word I can say is family, and I really mean it. People here love the team. The word “Mykonos” for them is not just the island that is full of tourists in the summer and then the season ends. They have embraced this idea, this vision, and they truly deserve everything that has come and will live in the future. For me, Mykonos is family. They are people who have sweated, who have struggled, who are always welcoming, always warm, ready to hug you and offer you everything you need to feel good at your job. And this is something I would like to see more often in Greek basketball.”
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.
