Bologna –
After the win against Gran Canaria, coach Sergio Scariolo spoke in press conference: “Obviously a nice win against a tough, deep and well coached team. We had to give our best until the end and make an extra effort to win because they never gave up. They are a very good team with good shooters and big players. We have to shoot maybe more from 3, to open the field. In the next game maybe we will be a little more precise in this fundamental but we really put great intensity and energy and it was not obvious against a team like Gran Canaria. The team is gaining more and more confidence in its defensive capabilities and the key will be to keep it when we will be full but adding creativity and talent. We still make mistakes that cost us some bad breaks but there is an important feeling of unity. We all have to be strong defensively regardless of role or name, especially when we need it most. You have to be strong in both halves of the game. We have put in important players who set the example of how to win games. Toko has made two Final Fours and they know that just one side of the court to perform on is not enough. I made a few decisions but it’s obvious that those who are more receptive will jump on the train, those who are not will stay at the station waiting for the next one. The cruising speed given the series of good games, I would say 3 and a half, can be considered good at this point. With three long players we made a break. Kevin Toko and Mam, the three long players on the court together showed that what we had in mind can perhaps be repeated in the future with good results.”
