Argyris Pedoulakis had nothing but positive remarks after the encounter across from Rethymno, while special reference in the Press Conference was made to Panathinaikos’ assists that got to a stunning 28 versus 7 accomplished by the guests.
“I believe that we approached the game maturely as a team. We had energy in defense with team spirit something all the more apparent through the assists. We were aided by the shorter layouts against a team which goes for many pick n rolls and has the ability to bring about problems. During the third quarter we were not as focused. Overall it was an easy night. We hang on to the eagerness to distribute the ball and the mature game. And as of now we are preparing for our next Euroleague game. Today we were missing Xanthopoulos who is ill. All the boys played today and it is important for us in order to have them all ready to go into battle especially as far as guard position”.
When asked about the assist and collaborations amongst players a granted fact from the 28 perfect passes of the clash, he stressed: “Assist are proof of the way this team is meant to be built. Many times we might be overdoing it with the team spirit but this in due time will do us good. One respects the other and the ego has dropped to a half. There are many new faces and this is a step we must win. At some point we were distracted from the game, we based our efforts on personal attempts. We are building character. I think it is obvious, because sometimes they may be more altruistic than they should. In the beginning the players are performing under pressure and I can relate, but if you wish to enforce laws it must be done, otherwise it is difficult for the team to function”.
Mike Bramos stated: “We played very maturely from the very beginning of the game. We faced Rethymno with respect, because we knew that it is a tricky team that seeks for three point shots. We worked at a very high level so much in training as on court and managed to win. Now are attention is steered to Fenerbahce/Ulker our next Euroleague opponent”.
Rethymno Head Coach, Stergios Koufos stated: “Please forgive me initially because I have been down with the flu for the last three days and I feel exhausted. Congratulations to Panathinaikos and to coach Pedoulakis for the great performance. I have stated it in the past that it is hard teams below third place to be able to offer something much better in the two great teams’ home courts. Maybe we could have been a bit better if in our philosophy a creator existed. Last year we had two and this year we have none and we are forced to embark swiftly onto tricks in order to suffice. Our game is based on energy and the players’ personal features. I believe that we will present a better image next and that we will be more competitive because in this championship of 12 teams no one seems to have the upper hand apart from Panionios maybe, team that already has two away wins. We were hurt by Game 1 defeat against Kolossos and I believe that we can present ourselves improved in the future. We are after show-time basketball and specific things are requested from the players but if we are unable to get game off the pick n roll or the one-on-one plays then it is hard to win from the merits of this program”.
When asked if he might make a change on the roster, Koufos stressed: “If we are unable to get creation off the players we already have, if we are unable to do something better then maybe we will have to reach to that point”.
Apollonas Tsochlas stated: “It was an extremely hard game for us. It is one of the clashes of the season in which you cannot expect a lot. We were faced with many issues in preparation, what with coach’s taking sick something that made it forbidden for him to come to practices. We wanted to be more competitive, have a good image but we failed to do so all through the game”. As far as the future:“For us the season starts now. We must work even harder in order to achieve the best possible results”.
