By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid will visit Belgrade on Friday, February 13th, before heading to the Copa del Rey next week. Scariolo’s team, after three consecutive EuroLeague losses and a drop in their record from 16-8 to 16-11, will face Partizan.
The Italian coach reviewed his team’s current situation, noting the return of Theo Maledon and Gaby Deck, and their focus on the medium term.
“Everyone will travel to Belgrade,” Scariolo confirmed. When asked about the absences of the French point guard and the Argentine forward, he clarified that they might be tested. “They might play tomorrow, but with a limited number of minutes,” he explained.
He also took the opportunity to give his opinion on Hayes-Davis’s signing with Panathinaikos and the “independent rhythm” that Real Madrid has for the future.
“It’s been like this all year. Big teams signing big players. Clearly, each signing increases the potential and strength of these teams,” Scariolo explained. “Even those with practically no ambition to win the EuroLeague have done it. Sometimes due to injuries, sometimes due to opportunities that arose, maybe they realized they didn’t have a position covered at a high level… as happened with Fenerbahçe,” he continued.
“Hayes-Davis was just named MVP of the EuroLeague Final Four; he’s a game-changing player who makes a difference,” he told the media present.
“We’re focusing on our own goals, following the direction we’ve taken from the beginning, knowing that ours is perhaps a medium-term process. We intend to compete in every match, but we’re already starting to work on improving the team for next year,” he explained regarding Real Madrid’s plans.
He had kind words for Partizan, emphasizing their current form and how difficult it will be to win in Serbia.
“Partizan is playing its best basketball of the season. They’ve just won some big games against top teams like Panathinaikos, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Dubai,” Scariolo commented.
“Thanks in large part to Joan (Peñarroya)’s work, they’ve found an excellent balance, a very high level of performance, and consequently, a renewed connection with their fans, which is a crucial factor in Belgrade,” he concluded.