Dusan Kecman is one of the two faces that will appear for the first time in Panathinaikos’ practice tonight in Ljubljana, along with Nikola Pekovic. Concluding with his obligations with the National Team of Serbia in the Preliminary Round of Eurobasket 2009 and obtaining a spot for the tournament next year, Kecman says he is ready for another challenge: Panathinaikos.
“Everything is fine. We finished our games, we advanced to Eurobasket 2009 that will be hosted in Poland and we are truly really happy for this, because it’s exactly what we wanted for our National Team. Our preparation lasted three months and we experienced only one loss. This young National Team will be ready for next year, it has ambitions for Eurobasket and I am optimistic that we’ll manage to play well”.
This summer was… non-stop for Kecman, but he feels ready to keep the same pace now with Panathinaikos: “This is true. I only stopped practicing, playing basketball for two weeks. But this is our life. We know that; practices and games. I will be OK. I am ready for Panathinaikos. I am looking forward to be on the floor with my teammates and to do the best possible to help the team. Panathinaikos is not an “x” factor for me. I know the team, I know how good Panathinaikos’ players are and I want to help so that we can all get the best possible, always for the team”.
* Panathinaikos left Moscow today. The team is travelling to Ljubljana, along with Maccabi Tel Aviv, since both teams participate in the tournament of Olimpija Ljubljana, to honour Iztok Rems. Panathinaikos will practice tonight (21.30) in Slovenia. Dusan Kecman and Nikola Pekovic are already in Ljubljana and are expected to practice for the first time with the team.
The schedule of the tournament
Friday 26/9
17.00 Maccabi Tel Aviv – Panathinaikos
19.00 Olimpija Ljubljana – Fenerbahce/Ulker
Saturday 27/9
19.00 Fenerbahce – Maccabi Tel Aviv
21.00 Olimpija Ljubljana – Panathinaikos
Sunday 28/9
17.00 Fenerbahce/Ulker – Panathinaikos
19.00 Olimpija Ljubljana – Maccabi Tel Aviv
