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GoogleŠtelmahers: "We will hold on to the idea that offense starts from defense"
@ciiruls
BC “Ventspils” head coach Roberts Štelmahers:
“This is the first time for me as a head coach in Eurocup. In the past I have participated only as a player. I think that in this tournament there are teams with different levels – some have very high, but some even higher than that. In my career as a player I have played against many of these teams, therefore I approximately know each team’s game style.
Our first opponent is from Montenegro “Budučnost” and I know them very well. I can say that this team plays smart basketball. The have very good native Montenegro players, whose game is supported by American players. I am sure that this team is going to show a very good performance and they are strong in all positions.
We had big changes in our team during the summer; new players were added to the roster. I believe that at the beginning of the season all teams are not 100% ready, and sometimes even during the spring it is impossible to conclude whether the team has performed to its maximum during the season – the same applies also to our team. However we will hold on to the idea that offense starts from defense, therefore we will continue to patiently play in defense.”
BC “Ventspils” team captain Akselis Vairogs:
“This year we have managed to return in Eurocup and this is something “Ventspils” was not able to do for 6 years. In the previous seasons we played in other tournaments and I must say that now, when I see the teams we are going to play against, I feel much different. Our main task is to show thoughtful performance. If we manage to do that during all the game time, then we have a chance to fight for victory in every game.
According to player’s age, our team is very young. Many players have not yet played in tournaments of such a high level; therefore this is going to be a serious test for them. If we will find the right approach to the game, motivation and not lose our spirit until the last minute, then I am sure we can be successful at anything. Our first opponent “Budučnost” is a high level European team. They had a good start in Adriatic League, there are players whose names do not need any further comments, and therefore we understand that the game is going to be very hard. We will go, fight, and do everything that we can do!”
