By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Previewing the next game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season as usual in the pregame Media Day was not possible at Panathinaikos.
At least 36 people died in a train crash at Tempi Tuesday night. The Greek government declared a mourning period for three days, Wednesday through Friday.
The Greens are currently scheduled to welcome back-to-back EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes in OAKA Altion tomorrow, Thursday (20:00 CET). However, the focus of players and members of the coaching staff is not on the game.
“I think, honestly, in such a tragedy, possibly playing a basketball game can’t be part of the discussion. If they tell us to play, we will play, of course. If the game is suspended, we will prepare for whenever it is rescheduled,” explained head coach Christos Serelis.
“Everyone is devastated. Obviously, the whole country is devastated,” he described the current situation in his team.
“We are talking about what happened,” confirmed Giorgos Kalaitzakis representing the players, “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and we are praying for those injured. I can’t say much… I really can’t talk about basketball.”
Elsewhere in the Round 26 schedule, Olympiacos is set to visit EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Friday (20:30 CET). Both contests involving Greek clubs can be suspended and rescheduled at a later date.
“Our neighbors recently suffered an earthquake,” Serelis referred to Panathinaikos‘ scheduled opponent and Turkey also dealing with a tragedy leading to postponing respective EuroLeague games, “They mourned thousands of lives. We can’t take anything for granted. We all realize how suddenly a loss of lives can happen.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net