“Panathinaikos will go to F4, today they will draw 1-1”

In detail what he said:

For bwin Pigeon’s qualification to the BCL Final-4: “It’s a historic moment for the team. It’s definitely a challenge, it’s his first time in the semi-finals. It’s a big moment for Peristeri, who will do their best to reach the trophy.”

For the bwin Dove being the big underdog: “When you get to a Final-4, in any event, the rookie has the biggest “thirst”. He wants to prove, he has nothing to lose, so he is less stressed. Whether he gets the trophy or not, it’s a big moment for Peristeri and it’s certainly a success just to have gotten there. In the Final-4 it is one game, there are no favorites. Certainly there are teams that can be better than Peristeri, but it is important that the team tomorrow (26/04) will make an effort to win in the semi-final. For me, there are no favorites, it’s 50-50. Who will be on the best day, who wants the trophy more, who will have luck in their favor, there are many factors that play a role.”

For Vassilis Spanoulis’ experience of such situations: “Vasilis is a kid who has played at a high level, he has an image from the high level of European basketball. He has put his stamp on Peristeri, he has done a very good and serious job. Together with the team that helps him, since Peristeri is a consistent team, without financial problems, so players and coaches have peace of mind to work. Spanoulis has found a calm climate. He has the experience, he has built a very good team and he is rightly here. I’m sure he will transfer all his experience of these games to the players.”

For the out-of-competition success of bwin Pigeon: “Peristeri has always been a home team. The success of Peristeri is that it had the ability to fight through the problems, to find solutions also financially. The whole effort of Peristeri has to do with the fact that it always works like this, like a family. It’s not surprising that it made a “belly”, other teams did too, in recent years with the crises, the corona virus and all that, things are not easy for anyone. Right now, however, he found the courage with the people he has to be able to turn this situation around and “build” again the foundations of a successful and leading team in Greece and Europe”.

For Panathinaikos’ series with Maccabi Tel Aviv: “Initially, I think that both our teams will be in the Final-4, even if Panathinaikos lost to Maccabi. I think Panathinaikos just had a bad day at home, resulting in this defeat. He was a bit unlucky, because Nan was quickly fouled and after the 3rd quarter he couldn’t find the solutions to get back into the game. Panathinaikos take their opponents down low and control the tempo, but in this game they didn’t. At this level, the primary reason is defense and Panathinaikos should start from there. Nothing has been lost, a match has been lost and nothing more. I think that today (25/04) Panathinaikos will draw 1-1”.

For yesterday’s (24/04) away victory of Olympiacos against Barcelona: “Olympiacos is a “tied” team, it has been rolling in recent years. His victory yesterday was no surprise. It was a team very well set up, very strong defensively, which imposed its pace, played very hard, “hit” the opponent’s weaknesses, had seriousness. Olympiacos played the game they know how to play and, in fact, very well. For me, he has the best heights in the Euroleague. He deservedly won and I think that he too will be in the Final-4″.