Bus with Panathinaikos players were attacked with stones, pretty close to SEF Arena and according to latest reports two players got injuries and were taken to hospital.

Stratos Perperoglou and Steven Smith are injured Panathinaikos players and we hope so that injuries are not serious and that everything will be ok with them.

This is really shame that things like this happen in sport, just because group of people support different teams.

Is this reason to attack bus full of athletes, people who promote sport around the world, who promote non-violence society before games with big banners?

I don’t want to talk about who attacked but, I am sure that who ever attacked bus should pay consequences for this violent attack.

I am not fan of Panathinaikos or Olympiacos, just Basketball fan who is sick of things like this and condemn this attack.

According to sources from Greece, game is postponed due to approval of state ministries and the police.

I am sure that there will be some new safety measures for this final series and problem is that all those normal Basketball fans probably won’t be able to watch live games and support their teams because of those barbarians.

Photo: @maric_aleks

After this game everything should be much more clear about Play-off positions, but even today we may say that Partizan mt:s will be number 1.

Radnicki Kragujevac will probably be number 2, Crvena Zvezda Diva number 3, and for last fourth position Vojvodina Srbijagas and Radnicki FMP will fight to the last game.

Quite expected situation except no one believed that Hemofarm Stada will finish as the last team in Serbian Super league.

Most of Basketball fans in Serbia believed that four teams who played ABA Adriatic league will qualify to Serbian Super league Play-off.

But, three teams who played ABA Adriatic league will play in Play-off phase and we will see if Vojvodina Srbijagas or Radnicki FMP will take that last spot.

Tomorrow, at 18.00 CET in “Game of the day” Partizan mt:s will host Vojvodina Srbijagas in Pionir Sport Hall in Belgrade.

With this win, Vojvodina Srbijagas could be almost there in Play-off, but I am sure that Partizan mt:s will do everything to win in this game.

Even they are at first position, there are lot of arguing about Partizan mt:s and their performances in Serbian Super league.

Some fans and people from Basketball criticized Partizan mt:s since all the believed that they shouldn’t lose some game, and at same time they should show much more on some games as well.

In another game tomorrow, at 19.00 CET, Radnicki Kragujevac will host Hemofarm Stada in Jezero Sport hall in Kragujevac.

I expect that Radnicki Kragujevac will win over Hemofarm Stada and even with big difference. Radnicki is at second position and in pretty good form before start of Play-off.

Hemofarm Stada, as we already wrote many time before, have terrible season, both in ABA Adriatic league and now in Serbian Super league.

At Saturday, May 19, at 18.00 CET, Radnicki FMP will host Crvena Zvezda Diva in very interesting game. Both teams have chances for Play-off, even Crvena Zvezda is quite safe at third position at this moment.

Radnicki FMP is at the fifth position and with this possible win, would have identical score as Vojvodina Srbijagas (if Vojvodina Srbijagas lost against Partizan mt:s as expected), 6 wins and 7 losses.

In last game at Sunday, May 20, at 19.00 CET, Mega Vizura will host BKK Radnicki. Both teams are without chances, or with some small chances (require some math calculations).

To be honest, really looking forward for the end of this regular part of Serbian Super league and start of Play-off phase. We will be able to see quality Match-ups in Play-off semifinals, which will be played “the best of three games” system.

So, for Play-off finals, teams in semifinal phase will need two wins.

Photo: kls.rs

According to some Turkish sources, Anadolu Efes is interested in Simone Pianigiani to take over team for next season or even more.

Despite large investments, Anadolu Efes didn’t make big success in Turkish Airlines Euroleague this season, so board of club would like to make changes and have good results in Euroleague.

As one of main reasons for failure in this season, most of people see lack of experienced and quality coach on Anadolu Efes bench.

Anadolu Efes board believes that Simone Pianigiani is the right person for this task. Even Pianigiani has another one year in contract with Montepachi Siena, he already stated that he will think about future after this season.

It is expected that Montepaschi Siena will change roster for next season, with some young players, and this could be a reason if Simone Pianigiani decide to leave club.

Since, it is rumor, we have to wait what will happen in coming weeks. I am sure that following weeks will be very exciting for all of us, Basketball fans.

Photo: invictussportsgroup.com

But according to some predictions, he will be out of Basketball for 8 to even 12 months. This is not good news for Chicago Bulls and their fans.

Rose got injured in first game of NBA Play-off phase in game against Philadelphia. This happened at the end of last month.

Doctor of Chicago Bulls said: “In the best case, he could be back in the middle of January or at the beginning of February. But we will see. We will not push, and it may even happen that he will miss whole next season.

All we hope so that this will not happen and that we will see Derrick Rose on the court as soon as possible.

Photo: latino.foxnews.com

I am some anxious to write about him but at least I can share the impression that he left on me, a Turkish basketball enthusiast, after watching  the final four event as a  reclamation  of his greatness again.

Well, I would start with the words that he used in the press conference, after the final, impressed me most: “I feel a little pain in my heart. We won here but I think about those we lost, until we come here” Sometimes, not one but many sacrifices and erroneus trials needed in order to reach success.

In 1983, Yugoslavian league final; his team that included Drazen Petrovic, won against KK Bosna, with the free throws by Petrovic himself. However, right after the match, it was decided, the game needs to be replayed because of the wrong decisions.

Sibenka refused and Ivkovic had to say goodbye to title. In 1992, he was really close to his first European Cup Winners’ Cup with PAOK. Bane Prelevic sent the three pointer from downtown, and the scores were level.

One of US players Mark Simpson missed the free throw after he drew a foul and there were nearly 3 seconds left on the clock. Fassoulas, trying to start a final attack, gave the ball to Rickey Brown after a careless pass and Real Madrid won.

In 2010 World Championship, he was really close to leading the young Serbian team to the final, but there was no luck. Instead, there was Kerem Tunceri, who scored the winning basket and Semih Erden, who made the winning block afterwards.

Last season, Ivkovic couldn’t change the destiny of Olympiacos; again they lost the Greek championship to PAO again. Even the past season, after  the encounter between Olympiacos and Galatasaray at ?stanbul,  he made me write this article, in Turkish, that I show my respect even though they lost the game in overtime, after Sloukas sent a buzzer beater from mid-court.

Taking all those into the account he was a broken heart. However, considering that he led Olympiacos to its first Euroleague title and various crowns at other clubs as Partizan, AEK and  PAOK he was a triumphant personality.

In short, he is a man who knows how to feel victorious and defiant notwithstanding that after all those games, independently from the result, he could start answering your question like: “Look, my friend…”.  Before coming to his coaching skills, he was first of all, a respectable person.

It was not meaningless that he was the first person,  when Partizan won the Euroleague title in ?stanbul, Aleksandar Djordjevic run and celebrate after scoring the game winner. **

His first team, was Radnicki, which means something like “Workers” in Serbian language. May be his humbleness, work ethic and hardworking character can be related to that.

He was the one, who did not let Yugoslavian team alone, when FIBA exclude them from international competitions. In the hardest days of the history of the country, he worked without expecting much, can be counted as a testimony of his “friend of black days” feature.

When the exclusion ended, he made Yugoslavia, champions of Eurobasket again after a controversial final against Lithuania. CSKA was stuck in a hard period when the new millienium began. Ivkovic made them wake up and reclaim their power, their Russian crown.

Same he did to Dynamo Moscow in 2006, who won Eurocup. Serbia was totally defiant in Eurobasket 2007 and he recharged the basketball team of the country and reached Eurobasket final, only two years later, with the youngest team the of the tournament along with Nemanja Bjelica, Novica Velickovic, Milenko Tepic, Milan Macvan, Uros Tripkovic and of course, Milos Teodosic.

The thing that Ivkovic had succeed in, last Sunday, was not just a Euroleague title. With players like Evangelis Mantzaris, Kostas Sloukas and Kostas Papanikolaou as well as Katsivelis, he gave hope to Greek basketball.

The trusted these young Greeks, none of them are beyond 22, became European champions at U20 level in 2009 and Ivkovic gave them a chance to shine in the European top  level club competition.

He motivated and helped them improve their skills and now they become a part of European basketball literature. That was really good for Greece, while the country struggling in political and financial matters.

When Istanbul hosted Euroleague Women’s Final Eight this year, I had a little chat with Steve Costalas, the general manager of Spartak Moscow Vidnoe who worked with many clubs in Greece and Russian and knows Ivkovic well, predicted that the Greeks will find a way. “After Giannakis and Galis retired, everybody thought that it was over. However, then came Ekonomou, Alvertis, Sigalas. After them, there was Spanoulis, Diamantidis. I mean, I believe that despite the current situation, they will find a way again.” Mr. Costalas was right, Ivkovic showed a way to Greece, while putting a new generation in the top stage. With all my respect.

**Vladimir Stankovic, “1992: Partizans miracle year”

Most of Basketball fans in Serbia were looking forward for this game. I am sure that after first 20 minutes they were pretty disappointed.

30:28 for Crvena Zvezda Diva after first 20 minutes. It is not problem about low result, but game quality was pretty low.

Many turnovers, actually 22 turnovers in 20 minutes (both teams by 11), complaints about referees decisions, free-throw low percentage marked this game in first half.

Atmosphere in Pionir Sport Hall was good, but some of spectators were throwing coins and lighters on the court. I don’t really understand that kind of people.

In years before, in these derby games we always had full Pionir Sport Hall with about 7-8.000 fans, but now it is not like that.

I was hoping that we will watch better game in second half.

Quite better game in second half but still with lot of turnovers, nervous and not well organized game.

Both teams had their ups and downs, and Crvena Zvezda Diva finished third quarter with +1, 53:52.

What a nervous game in last quarter, again many turnovers, stupid quick shots and I really couldn’t believe what’s going on.

In some moments it looked like there could be some problems on the court. Rasko Katic were hit in head with something from spectators, mostly Crvena Zvezda Diva fans.

Stupid unsportsmanlike foul for Andreja Milutinovic and Partizan mt:s came to -1 in 2:20 to go. In next 30 seconds, Partizan mt:s had +1.

Much better free-throw percentage in second half for both teams.

Unbelievable, first Bojan Popovic lost ball, actually Dominic James stole ball from Popovic and scored easy lay-up. In next offense, Bojan Popovic made offensive foul, and actually gave this game in hands of Partizan mt:s 37 seconds to go.

Turnover for Danilo Andjusic and ball for Crvena Zvezda Diva in last 20 seconds, Partizan mt:s had +1.

2 free-throws for Filip Covic, he made only one, 67:67. Dominic James missed open shot and we had overtime.

As one of TV commentators said, regular part of this game lasts two hours. Pretty strange game, but very exciting in last several minutes.

In overtime, same things, turnovers, run and gun philosophy, nervous. It was obvious that players of both teams are pretty tired.

I was just thinking, is it necessary to tell players that in such moments of the game you shouldn’t hurry with shooting, that they should play long offenses. They should know that, right?

In right moment Petar Bozic came on the court after Dominic James got 5th personal foul. In next offense Bozic scored 3 points, and it was 78:73 for Partizan mt:s, less than 1:30 to go.

83:78 for Partizan mt:s at the end of this game. Crvena Zvezda Diva had chances but they can be sorry for not used chances they had.

Partizan mt:s used all experience they had and finally I may say that they deserved this win. Milan Macvan led Partizan mt:s with 21 points and 9 rebounds, Dominic James and Vladimir Lucic scored 14 points each.

Omar Thomas had great role for Crvena Zvezda Diva as he scored 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Mile Ilic scored 18 points and had 8 rebounds.

Three games before the end of regular part of Serbian Super league, it is still pretty unclear which four teams will qualify to Play-off.

One thing is known, Hemofarm Stada will not play in Playoff. Team who played in ABA Adriatic league, is at last place and have no chances for Play-off.

With win over Radnicki Kragujevac few days ago, Partizan mt:s is at the top and probably will stay there until Play-off phase.

Tomorrow, Partizan mt:s will play another one derby against Crvena Zvezda Diva, and for all Basketball fans in Serbia it is great day.

Really looking forward for game tomorrow and hope so for good Basketball. Partizan mt:s currently have score of 9 wins and 2 losses, and Crvena Zvezda at third position have score of 7 wins and 4 losses.

In game 5 in Serbian Super league, these two teams meet each other and Partizan celebrates with 76:69 in very interesting and exciting game.

I am sure that Crvena Zvezda Diva will use all potentials to try to win and avoid possible position four in Play-off.

Game is scheduled for tomorrow, May 15 at 20.00 CET in Pionir Sport Hall in Belgrade.

In other games of Game 12 in Serbian Super league, tomorrow at 18.00 CET, Hemofarm Stada will host BKK Radnicki. It is great chance for Radnicki BKK to try to win and come step closer to Play-off.

Also tomorrow at 19.00 CET, in Kragujevac in Jezero Sport Hall, Radnicki Kragujevac will host Radnicki FMP. Radnicki Kragujevac already secured spot in Play-off, and Radnicki FMP is pretty close. Currently at position 5, with 5 wins and 6 losses, one step behind Vojvodina Srbijagas.

At Wednesday, May 16, Vojvodina Srbijagas will host Mega Vizura in Novi Sad at 20.00 CET. With this win, Vojvodina Srbijagas will be almost in Play-off. Currently at position 4, Vojvodina Srbijagas have 6 wins and 5 losses.

Mega Vizura is at position 7 with score of 3 wins and 8 losses, and it is hard to believe that they could change anything.

Photo: alo.rs

Pretty nervous game at the beggining and of course it was expected. Only one team can be winner. This time it is Olympiacos. Great season in Turkish Airlines Euroleague was crowned with title.

After first 10 minutes result was 10:7 for CSKA. It was obvious that both teams are pretty nervous and that we will watch pretty tough game.

Wonderful game in second quarter, especially for CSKA. With three consecutive three-pointers from Milos Teodosic in just one minute, CSKA came to +12, 25:13. Second quarter finished with score 34:20.

That was tough situation for Olympiacos after first 20 minutes of title game. CSKA were better in all segments and deserves this lead of 14 points.

CSKA continues with good game and domination in third quarter even Olympiacos hardly tried, but without success. Great defense, good shooting percentage and CSKA finished third quarter with +13, 53:40.

Olympiacos started furious in last quarter, they came to -2, 60:58, 1:20 to go. At 61:58, Olympiacos had 2 free-throws, just 10 seconds to go. Papanikolaou made both, 61:60 10 seconds to go. Real drama, even no one expected this after third quarter.

Siskauskas missed 2 free throws, Printezis scored 2 points on other side, and that’s it. Olympiacos won Turkish Airlines Euroleague title!!! Well done coach Dusan Ivkovic and his players, well done guys.

All in all, Olympiacos deserves this title, since they played well during whole season. Even not much people believed that they can go so far in Finals. They raises during season.

Most of people will agree that brain of this success is coach Dusan Ivkovic and main engine Vassilis Spanoulis. Printezis, Papanikolaou, Antic and company did a great job.

CSKA had great season, and most of people believed that they will win this trophy. They invested much in team in this season.

They brought Serbian duo, Milos Teodosic and Nenad Krstic and they were team leaders in many Euroleague games in this season. Andrei Kirilenko brough NBA experience and became fundament of CSKA defense. Ramunas Siskauskas experience and stability as a great scorer. Alexey Shved became great player and it is expected to be even better in coming years.

It was obvious that both teams didn’t care too much about final score and they played as this was an exhibition game.

If this is really exhibition game, Then Euroleague should do something, change system of Final four or even not play third-place game.

Even as a coach I also never enjoyed in third-place game, since all teams came to win trophy, not to play for third place.

But, on the other hand, as professionals they should do much more on the court and promote Basketball in the best positive way.

Zeljko Obradovic was so mad and frustrated especially because how his team played in first 20 minutes. It is obvious that this anger and frustration is accumulated from semifinal game.

I still don’t understand why Diamantidis didn’t take that shot 4 seconds to go in semifinal game and maybe bring Panathinaikos to Finals.

Better game in second half, both teams played with more engagement, but however I believe that this game should be much better.

FC Barcelona Regal played better in this game, actually they played better because Panathinakos didn’t play at all. No defense, no efforts to do anything, especially in first 20 minutes.

Too much turnovers, too much wide open shots allowed, effortless. I don’t like this kind of Basketball.

Fans of both teams came to watch game and support their teams, but what they got for expensive tickets? To watch favorite teams doing nothing on the court.

It was funny to see aggression in defense in last 45 seconds when Panathinakos tried to do something. FC Barcelona Regal had +5 and it was over.

If you even care about, final score was 74:69.

Marcelinho Huertas led FC Barcelona Regal with 21 points, Joe Ingles scored 13 and C.J. Wallace added 12 points.

In Panathinaikos, Dimitris Diamantidis scored 17 points, Aleks Maric scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

At this ceremony best players in this season of Turkish Airlines Euroleague were honoured in different categories.

Andrei Kirilenko was named as the 2011-12 Euroleague MVP and also as Best Defender Award winner. Great honours for Andrei Kirilenko.

McCalebb also took home the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy and Real Madrid forward Nikola Mirotic nabbed the Rising Star Award.

In All-Euroleague first team following players has been choosen: Andrei Kirilenko – CSKA Moscow, Dimitris Diamantidis – Panathinaikos, Nenad Krstic – CSKA Moscow, Erazem Lorbek – FC Barcelona Regal and Vassilis Spanoulis – Olympiacos Piraeus.

In All-Euroleague second team following players has been choosen: Mike Batiste – Panathinaikos, Henry Domercant – Unics Kazan, Bo McCalebb – Montepaschi Siena, Juan Carlos Navarro – FC Barcelona Regal and Milos Teodosic – CSKA Moscow.