By Vangelis Papadimitriou / info@eurohoops.net
ABU DHABI (United Arab Emirates) – The time is running out before Panathinaikos’ clash with Fenerbahce in the Semi-Finals of the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi.
Among the potential protagonists to decide such a balanced clash, Juancho Hernangomez is ready for the challenge against the yellow-and-blue powerhouse.
Speaking to Eurohoops during the media availability at the Etihad Arena, he described the toughness of the event. “These are four great teams. That’s how EuroLeague goes. You can tell this year it was really tight. Every game matters, and it’s going to be two tough games,” he said.
“We know what the feeling is, and I want the same feeling. I want to win again. Of course, I don’t feel we are the favorites, but it’s two games. Inside the locker room, we really believe; all our fans really believe, that’s all it matters,” he added about wanting to win again.
It’s not clear yet if Mathias Lessort will come back to the court to help Panathinaikos after his long-term injury. “The only thing is that he [Mathias Lessort] can improve us. We know who we are. We know how Mathias is. If he can help the team, he’s going to be there and fight for us,” Hernangomez said.
“We came here without Mathias, but for sure, if he plays, he’s gonna help us. He has been the best big man in the EuroLeague for the last three years, so whatever he does, he’s going to help the team. I’m happy if he steps on the court,” he added.
“[Tarik] Biberovic was really good against Paris. He’s coming in on a great moment. He’s a really dangerous player. For all season long and even last season, [Nigel] Hayes-Davis has been at a high level. [Wade] Baldwin, [Errick] McCollum: everybody can score. He plays a different game. He’s really tough to guard. He has a lot of kinds of moves,” he also added on Fenerbahce’s strength.
“Everybody can contribute. They got great players. They got 14-15-16 players at a high level, and a great coach. They put every player in a position to succeed. He knows every strength of every player. He plays to every player’s strength. So that’s really smart. That’s how Saras is; he has reached five Final Fours in a row. He’s ready for the fight against us, and he probably wants to beat us so bad. But we already know.”