By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The head coach of the “Orlovi” began by discussing how tough the match was and how his players’ defensive improvement made an impact after the first half.
“It was a very important game to start the EuroBasket. Against a great team that plays under the same coach in the last seven years. Very quick, with ball handlers, experienced. They gained experience, some in the NBA, some in Euroleague. You can see that they have the chemistry and we have to hustle hard to get the win. I’m not happy on how we opened the game. We gave them many easy shots, especially three-pointers. We managed to stop them in the second half. We didn’t give them much. We made them work for every basket. We should have finished the game earlier when we were up by 8 or 10. They came back with big shots and we made defensive mistakes. I expect more from my bench players. Entering the game thinking about defense. What they can bring to the team to create a balance.”
“This game and the one vs Russia are of extreme importance to us. But I’m extremely proud of my players. Maybe I have the best feeling I’ve ever had since I took over the team. I’m extremely proud of my players.”
Djordjevic then commented on some decision made by the referees.
“We were held until 12:30 last night to see the video that FIBA prepared about flopping, how players move their feet. I didn’t see anything on the floor today. I didn’t see my players flopping and going down on the floor. Not even one. And the warning was on my player, Milan Macvan, when he received a foul. From me, this is a strong message to everybody. The competition started. Please watch the video, focus, concentrate and give us the best you can. This today? I’m not happy at all.”
The head coach of Serbia had the following interaction with the referees after the match:
Djordjevic goes after the refs pic.twitter.com/rk3qgLu6Aw
— Alexander Chernykh (@chernykh) September 1, 2017