Bologna, 17 November –
After the game between Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Valencia Basket ended with a score of 89-59, coach Sergio Scariolo spoke to Sky’s microphones and in a press conference to comment on his team’s performance:
“Finally we played 40 minutes of good basketball on both sides of the court. Of course we had a couple of small collapses, but overall it was a tough and solid game. We shared the ball, we played good defence, we pressed everyone, we were closed with every player who was on the floor. We must continue on this path and try to keep playing like we did today.
We played well, especially on defence. When we better understand the mechanics of the game, how to keep concentration as well as communication, we will improve both the defensive and offensive phases, an aspect that is already very present, especially individually: we still have to grow on some aspects, so it is physiological that some time is needed.
I was curious to see how the players involved with the national teams would return, but the response has been exceptional despite some tiredness: they trained with a lot of intensity yesterday and a lot of concentration this morning. We know that in a day and a half, even two, we can prepare a match and be ready.
The Spanish players? I’ve only met them on the pitch, because I don’t like to fraternise too much with other players when we face each other in club competitions. In fact, doing things well when others know them very well is a way to grow and have awareness: by the way, Spanish players often play better in the national team than in the league.
The injured players won’t be back next week, but it’s more an evaluation that we will make day by day’.
