Partizan are rank outsiders going into the Final Four later today, but center, Aleks Maric is coming to Paris to win – not just to make up the numbers in their encounter with Olympiacos.
Partizan are appearing in their first Final Four since 1998 and have no doubt, got the youngest squad in this season’s Euroleague, but Maric know his team have to stay focused to win.
“We have to stay focused and play hard if we want to beat Olympiacos.” Stated Maric.
“Everybody in the team is in good shape, healthy and ready to play. We are not coming here to relax and have fun being happy to be here.
“Defense and mistakes will be the keys to this game.” Maric says.
The only Partizan player that has been involved in the Final Four, Dusan Kecman was in a relaxed mood ahead of the contest with the Greek giants, in what he describes as the ’ the crown in this season.’
“It is a great success to be here with teams like CSKA Moscow, Regal FC Barcelona and Olympiacos. We will try our best to make even one more surprise.” Said Kecman.
“We have a lot of young kids, but I am sure we all will fight like we have fought already. Nobody can take hope away from us.”
Olympiacos, by comparision are appearing in their second straight Final Four, and their sixth overall and forward, Linas Kleiza is excited to be performing on European Club Basketball’s biggest stage.
“We’re very excited to be here. It’s been a long year and a good year, and we are looking to finish on a good note” Kleiza said.
“We want to win and we have a lot of good players who can step in at any time. That’s what’s great about this team.”
John Hobbs for talkbasket.net – in Paris.
