Andrea Trinchieri, the head coach of Zalgiris, shared his expectations ahead of the EuroLeague Round 33 game against Monaco.
With a series of three wins in the Euroleague, Zalgiris has once again found themselves in a position to consider a spot in the play-in. However, they have two very tough games remaining in the regular season where wins are crucial for them. The first of these games is against Monaco as they visit them.
“Two games are still ahead of us. Once again, we are facing a very high mountain, and that’s Monaco. They are very athletic, talented, among the top four teams, with a lot of strength. I always want to see good things, looking back over the past few months and thinking that we are still alive. In the past weeks, after every game, we have kept hope, and that’s a wonderful thing.
I believe we should approach this encounter like sailors with the wind at our backs. We know what a tough game awaits us, we know we have to play the best game possible in offense, defense, concentration, physical endurance, emotional balance, and reason. But all the events that have occurred in the last 2-3 months should push us forward,” said Andrea Trinchieri.
About the chances of advancing to the play-in
“I don’t know any scenario, and I’m not interested in it at all. 1 percent or 0.1 percent, that’s still better than nothing. My team has shown that it’s ready to fight, to play the best basketball possible. Just the fact that we’re still alive and fighting for something is wonderful. It’s not a matter of liking it or not, it’s a question of: ‘Can I change the numbers?’ The only thing we can do is play another great game. Numbers are not something I control, I don’t want to waste energy on them.”
About Jaron Blossomgame
“He played in Germany, so I know him well. We tried to bring him in back then. He is a modern attacker, plays in two positions, is athletic, can shoot, finish plays, he simply has all the elements to become an important player in the Euroleague.”
Mike James – the best ever in the Euroleague?
“You’re asking about my opinion on who the best player is. The package he brings on the court makes him the best. I said that several years ago, not because he became the top scorer in Euroleague history this year. That’s an achievement that highlights his career, but he doesn’t have to prove anything to me, I know what kind of player he is.
Achievements are part of the job, which is good, but it doesn’t change how he plays. There are many members of the NBA Hall of Fame who don’t have a title. Can we say they’re not as good as they actually are just because they don’t have a title? Trophies are for teams, organizations, not for players. I believe James is one of the best. Whether he’s first, second, or third, that’s very subjective. His package is the best, he can do it all,” said Andrea Trinchieri.
“Box and one” defense against Mike James
“Given that he likes to express his opinion and is sociable, he said he didn’t enjoy it, and Alba Berlin didn’t win the game. When I talk about everything he brings to the court, I mean he can assist, score points, finish plays, shoot three-pointers. I don’t believe there’s one defense that can stop him. He can have a good day, a bad day, but I don’t think that’s the essence. After all, you’re playing against a team with Elie Okobo, Jordan Loyd, John Brown, Jaron Blossomgame, Donatas Motiejunas, Alpha Diallo.
That’s a team at the top. Of course, Mike is their leader, the most efficient player, but focusing only on him would be a mistake against basketball because there are other fantastic players. Monaco’s plan is clear, they have tremendous talent. Of course, Mike is a gem, but Okobo can score more than 20 points, Loyd can gather 25-30 points. I don’t think it’s correct to single out James from the club, the organization. I’m his fan, but I’ve been in this business for 20 years, I know what it means to play against such a team.”
About Rolands Smits
“He has severely injured his ankle, but he’s trying to overcome that pain. We don’t know yet. We’ll see, the decision will be made before the game. He still doesn’t have the right rhythm.”
About the team’s mentality
“We’ve had only one practice. Do you really think we could be 7-1 at home if we had bad practices? We have a responsible team, my job is to push them beyond their limits. I wasn’t satisfied with the mentality in Panevezys, but I was satisfied with the win. In 95% of situations, a Euroleague team loses such games against Lietkabelis. 95%.
Real Madrid lost to Manresa, Virtus lost to Pistoia at home, losing the fourth quarter by 10:32. That means they were significantly ahead. That’s the harsh reality of the Euroleague. We didn’t have a good game in terms of mentality, concentration, toughness, but we won. We have a responsible team, the practice was good enough.”
About preparing for a team like Monaco
“I go to church and light a candle, that’s the basic preparation against such players. You simply give your all, knowing that every decision has its consequences, its price. If you regroup your soldiers, your army, to stop one player, other dangers will open up. You have to have a very balanced game plan,” concluded Andrea Trinchieri.
The match between Monaco and Zalgiris will take place on Thursday starting at 7:00 PM.