By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In the last trip of a bid to defend the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship, Panathinaikos Aktor touched down at Abu Dhabi.
“During the playoff run, I told my team, ‘We can’t miss it’, ‘We have to be there’. It’s a great feeling to play two more games and potentially win a championship,” said Kendrick Nunn after landing in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
“I know what to expect a little bit more. I’m going in with a little more experience, which helps,” the 29-year-old guard talked about returning to the Final Four and aiming to capture back-to-back titles in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“Panathinaikos fans must be proud of this team. For a second time in a row, we came here to play in the Final Four,” noted head coach Ergin Ataman, “I hope everybody enjoys the Final Four in Abu Dhabi. And support us as we try to win one more time.”
In a rematch of the Semifinals of the Final Four 2024, in Berlin’s Uber Arena, his side collides with Fenerbahce Beko in Etihad Arena on Friday.
“We are waiting for a very tough game,” team captain, Kostas Sloukas, previewed the next semifinal matchup opposite Fener, after evaluating roster improvements of his former team, compared to the previous meeting in the championship-crowning tournament.
“We are here for business. We know that,” stressed Spanish import Juancho Hernangomez.
“I feel great. I can’t wait to play on Friday. It’s a war, one game, and Finals,” he continued, “I’m ready.”