By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes is back on the winning track after taking down Bayern Munich in Antalya, but head coach Igor Kokoskov got another headache.
Shane Larkin got injured in the first half and couldn’t continue the match with what seems to be a groin injury.
At the postgame press conference, coach Kokoskov addressed his injury.
“We currently do not have any confirmed information. We have one of the best medical teams in the EuroLeague, and his condition should be clearer tomorrow after an MRI. Shane Larkin is the face of this club. He is extremely important to us and one of our main offensive weapons. We were not prepared for his absence.
Unfortunately, because we have been facing injuries since the start of the season, our mantra for this season is ‘next man up.’ Poirier is out, Papagiannis is out, we can’t use Beaubois. We also can’t rely on PJ Dozier, who scored 34 points against Milano. Now Larkin — it’s definitely bad luck. We have no other choice but to focus on the next play,” Kokoskov said.
Isaia Cordinier took over and had a great game, leading Anadolu Efes to victory over Bayern.
“When your best player leaves the game, a lot of guys need to step up. That was Cordinier tonight. We moved the ball and found the right shots. Cordinier carried a lot of responsibility, but our other players can also step up when needed. From a defensive perspective, I can say that as a team we did a good job.”