Panathinaikos Head Coach, Argyris Pedoulakis, stated: “It was a game in which it was quite hard to focus, after a Marathon of competitive obligations but also due to the holiday season in which certainly one’s mind relaxes. Surprises are happening these days all over Europe. We had to win, but we also tried to get some guys into the playing mentality, guys like Kapono or Banks, player who has no images from European games. And close to the basket, we wanted to protect certain guys. The players committed quite an honest effort; we had no rhythm in offense especially during the third quarter”.
When asked about Dimitris Diamantidis, he stressed: “He has gone to get an MRI. These are no conditions to be playing in a freezing court. Conditions are bad and especially at the moment that the boys are exhausted from the effort they are inputting”.
Giorgos Kalafatakis, Head Coach of KAOD, stated: “Today, I believe was a special, historical day for Drama as a team and as a city. We played across from the undoubted best team of the last 15 years in Europe in the semifinal of the Greek Cup. I believe that we lived up to the expectations of the game. If not for the whole 40 minutes but then surely for the greatest part of the encounter we performed behind dignity and respect towards ourselves but also towards the opponent. It was the end of the road for us in the Greek Cup; it was our 5th game in the tournament. We knew the possibilities we had facing Panathinaikos. We worked hard; we were matured, measured up as best as possible, according to the game’s analogies. We were facing the issue with Knowles, while Borovnjak will be going to Poland. I don’t think I can make reference to the technical part of the game. The two teams cannot be compared but we played bravely. As far as details, we lost contact when the Panathinaikos defense got tight, it has the experience and we chose poorly. I would like to congratulate Panathinaikos not only for winning and qualifying but also for the image and the quality it has been presenting lately and I wish it only the best next. And to the entire world I hope that 2013 will bring happiness, health and jobs”.
A pulled inner thigh muscle for Diamantidis
Dimitris Diamantidis underwent examinations. The MRI showed that he has pulled a muscle in the inner thigh of his right leg. He will undergo therapy in the next few days and in three days time his situation will be re-evaluated.
