By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Nikos Rogkavopoulos responded to comments made by Jean Montero of Valencia Basket, addressing their upcoming playoff series in the EuroLeague.
“The opposing team is certain they’ll go through, so let’s see,” said Rogkavopoulos before reflecting on the end of the Stoiximan GBL regular season and what lies ahead. “We had many losses in the Greek league. We’re not satisfied with our overall performance. That’s the reality. We entered the playoffs from 7th place, and in the EuroLeague, unfortunately, we don’t have home-court advantage. I believe it would have been a big advantage, but I don’t think home court plays a huge role. We’ve seen that many times in the EuroLeague given the level of teams. I believe we have the roster, the quality, the staff, the coaches—everything needed to reach the Final Four,” said the forward of Panathinaikos.
On the team’s current condition, the Greek forward expressed optimism. “There is belief that we can qualify, one game at a time. We start Tuesday with a tough game, the first of the series. I see that the opposing team is certain they’ll advance, so let’s see. Of course, there is motivation—there would be motivation anyway—but even more so now, because I think the pride of some players with great value is being challenged.”
On what changed in the last two EuroLeague games against Anadolu Efes and AS Monaco Basket, Rogka was clear. “Since Mathias returned, our image has changed. We’ve improved. I think his presence is huge both in the locker room and on the court. We have a new focal point. Nigel’s arrival has also had the same effect. All of this has completed the puzzle very well, and the team has come together. We’re getting better over time, and I hope we prove it in practice.”
Rogkavopoulos was the second scorer for Panathinaikos against Mykonos with 15 points (16 for Dinos Mitoglou). He shot 3/4 on two-pointers and 3/3 from three, adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and no turnovers in 18:26 of play.
Read the full article here
