Laso: 'We'll have to make sure we're fully focused against Baskonia'
'We have to look at the series against Maccabi', reflected Hanga.
Pablo Laso and Adam Hanga spoke to the press in the build-up to the first game of their League semi-final series with Baskonia. The coach explained: “I'm someone who thinks Baskonia have most probably got one of the best squads in Spain and in Europe. I get the feeling we're seeing the best Baskonia right now. Any team who make the semi-finals in the way they have, beating Valencia in two games and the competitive edge they've shown the last three months, it speaks volumes".
“With Baldwin and Granger at point guard they're well covered in that position. They have great shooters in Giedraitis, Fontecchio, Marinkovic... and extremely mobile centers who can shoot from three. That means we will have to make sure we are fully focused and prepared because we know we're up against top quality opposition”.
Potential key areas
“I would like to be able to dominate the rebound at all times and not turn the ball over. If we do those things well in our team, we'll have better control over the pace of the game and that's very important for us. They're a team of great shooters and bringing down their numbers would be great from our point of view".
“With Baldwin and Granger at point guard they're well covered in that position. They have great shooters in Giedraitis, Fontecchio, Marinkovic... and extremely mobile centers who can shoot from three. That means we will have to make sure we are fully focused and prepared because we know we're up against top quality opposition”.
Potential key areas
“I would like to be able to dominate the rebound at all times and not turn the ball over. If we do those things well in our team, we'll have better control over the pace of the game and that's very important for us. They're a team of great shooters and bringing down their numbers would be great from our point of view".
Physical and mental elements
"The physical side of things is crucial but I doubt anyone is going to improve in the final month. Everything depends on the work that's been done over the course of the season. Losing a player as we have with Williams-Goss, or as Valencia have with Hermannsson, is a blow. From a mental perspective, I don't think we have to push anyone because my players are smart and well aware of what we're playing for".
Hanga: “Winning the first game is important"
“We'll take it game by game and the first one is very important. We have to look at the series against Maccabi. When we dominate the rebound, we almost always win, but the defensive side is crucial as well. We have greater options in terms of rotation than they do and that will give us an advantage in a long series. We all suffer from fatigue. It's a season with a lot of games in it, lots of hard work, but now we have to make that final push and with our fans behind us we'll go for it and try to book our place in the final".
"The physical side of things is crucial but I doubt anyone is going to improve in the final month. Everything depends on the work that's been done over the course of the season. Losing a player as we have with Williams-Goss, or as Valencia have with Hermannsson, is a blow. From a mental perspective, I don't think we have to push anyone because my players are smart and well aware of what we're playing for".
Hanga: “Winning the first game is important"
“We'll take it game by game and the first one is very important. We have to look at the series against Maccabi. When we dominate the rebound, we almost always win, but the defensive side is crucial as well. We have greater options in terms of rotation than they do and that will give us an advantage in a long series. We all suffer from fatigue. It's a season with a lot of games in it, lots of hard work, but now we have to make that final push and with our fans behind us we'll go for it and try to book our place in the final".