Clash of the Titans
Today starts the biggest Basketball spectacle in Europe and probably in the rest of the world too.
Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final four will start at 18.00 CET with first semifinal game where Panathinaikos will meet Montepaschi Siena.
According to votes of our visitors 81% expects that Panathinaikos will win Euroleague trophy this season, so it is obvious that most of our visitors expects that Panathinaikos will beat Montepaschi Siena in first semifinal today.
I am the one who also expect that team from Greece will pass easily in final. BUT, we cannot forget playoffs when Montepaschi Siena eliminated Olympiacos after terrible start. Coach Pianigiani did an extra ordinary job with team this season.
On the other side Coach Zeljko Obradovic chasing his 8th Euroleague title. Alex Maric form Panathinaikos said:
“It is hard on Final four, you must play your best. Last year we were just a second away from finals, so every ball is very important. We are ready and well prepared.”
Lester Bo McCalebb, Montepaschi Siena said:
“I am glad that we are here. Hard working payed off. We know what we can expect here. We need to focus on team and not on other outside things. We need to stay together as a team, and I want to get back home with trophy.”
In second semifinal Maccabi will meet Real Madrid at 21.00 CET.
After Ettore Messina resigned from Real Madrid bench, he said that he wanted to “wake-up” team, and it seems that he succeeded. His assistant for years, Emanuele Molin did a great job, and Real qualified to Final four. I believe that everyone expected to see Barcelona on Final four, but after they were eliminated by Panathinaikos, Real won Final four place after beating Power Electronics Valencia.
David Blatt, Maccabi Electra coach said:
“Semifinal Maccabi – Real Madrid is great for Basketball, If we compare tradition and history results. All match-ups are great, since we have very quality teams on Final four. Experience is very important on Final four and could be advantage.”
I am sure that all Basketball fans around the world will really enjoy today in semifinal games. We just need to sit back and enjoy.