By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Looking to start Turkey’s BSL Playoffs and preparing to defend the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship in the approaching Final Four, Anadolu Efes and head coach Ergin Ataman are dealing with multiple injuries.
French guard Rodrigue Beaubois and Croatian swingman Krunoslav Simon have been ruled out of the best-of-three series opposite Pinar Karsiyaka. Game 1 of the Quarterfinals series will take place on Wednesday.
Beaubois, 34, last played in late April. He was averaging 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per EuroLeague contest, and 15.2 points per game at the domestic level before he was forced to the injury list.
Simon, 36, has been sidelined since Game 2 of the EuroLeague Quarterfinals best-of-five series versus AX Armani Exchange Milan. He had 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per EuroLeague game, plus 9.5 points per BSL appearance.
The current plan is for both to resume training next week, as noted by Ataman. Keeping in mind both players lack in game shape, they are considered questionable to become ready for the Final Four. The defending EuroLeague champions are set to collide with Greek powerhouse Olympiacos in Belgrade’s Stark Arena on May 19 and a couple of days later compete for the championship or third place at the same venue, depending on the outcome of the Semifinals contest.
In addition, Vasilije Micic is facing a minor injury. The latest recipient of the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy and last season’s season and Final Four MVP will be a game-time decision for Game 1 of the series against Karsiyaka.