Jonah Matthews, a player for Besiktas, spoke to the EuroCup website ahead of the decisive third game of the semifinals against Bourg.
For the “Super Eagles,” tomorrow’s game against Bourg is the match of the season. The winner advances to the finals, while the loser heads home with bowed heads. However, he talked about the mindset fostered by Dusan Alimpijevic, which is that of an underdog and a winner deeply ingrained in every team he coaches. Just recall the game between Bursaspor and Partizan, where “Bursa” emerged victorious and eventually reached the final. Before the second game, this inspired the 26-year-old American, thanks to the former Crvena Zvezda coach.
“Coach Alimpijevic and Derek Needham already had experience as underdogs two years ago. Derek has been in Europe for a long time and has seen a lot. I have been in Europe for only three years. I played in the EuroLeague, but just because I played there for a year doesn’t mean I have all the basketball wisdom possible. I think Derek, and especially the coach, helped me change this year and become more mature on the court and reach this level. Derek has been here, the coach has been here where we are now, and step by step, they guided us through it.
The way they handle things shows that they have been here before. We lost the first game in Bourg, and he was very calm. He said, ‘It’s just one game. I’ve been behind in a series before. And I went to the Arena and won. It’s just one game, so it really eased my mind after I didn’t play well in that game. Having Derek as an experienced player here to lead us has really helped us a lot,” said Jonah Matthews at the beginning.
He sent a powerful message before the game tomorrow:
“I want this game tomorrow really bad, just like everyone on the team, and it’s not just about reaching the final. It shows people for next year that wherever you go, if you come to Besiktas, you are a winner. Now it’s about securing the victory. It’s not about the number of points. It’s not about statistics. It’s not about ego. It’s not about any of that.
It’s about winning, showing that you are a winner, and that your team can win – that’s the most important thing for us. Reaching the final after eight years without playing in the EuroCup would be a huge success for the club, and winning the EuroCup would be even bigger. For me personally, it’s just a big goal in my career, for sure. Having these fans in the EuroLeague would be madness… truly madness”.