By John Rammas / irammas@eurohoops.net
T. J. Shorts spoke to Eurohoops about Panathinaikos qualifying for the EuroLeague playoffs and the upcoming series against Valencia Basket.
Qualification came through the Play-In process, but it only took one game—a win (87–79) over AS Monaco Basket at OAKA—to secure their spot.
“I don’t think it was strange that we played in the Play-In, since that’s how things unfolded during the season,” Shorts told Eurohoops. “Obviously, we didn’t want to be in that position, but it was a game we had to win to make the playoffs. It was a nice win at home. Now we have to focus on Valencia.”
The 29-year-old American point guard—who also holds a North Macedonian passport—was Panathinaikos’ standout performer, tying his season high with 21 points (8/11 two-pointers, 1/2 three-pointers, 2/2 free throws), along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 22:24 of action.
“I hope I can keep it going the same way, mentally focused and physically ready. I try every time to give my best. That’s what I did tonight (April 21), and hopefully more performances like this will follow,” he said.
So in the end, what would have been preferable for Panathinaikos? Valencia as a playoff opponent, or Olympiacos, as reportedly wished by team owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos?
“We couldn’t have a preferred opponent. We took what was given to us, which is Valencia,” Shorts said. “We have to focus all our attention on them. It will be a very tough series. It’s a team having an incredible season. They play extremely fast. We have to be fully ready for the first two games in Valencia.”
How can they win three out of a maximum of five games against a team that beat them twice in the regular season (79–89, 102–84)?
“We’ll watch the video, prepare different plays, work on defense and offense. We’ll try to find their weaknesses and exploit them as much as possible. It will be difficult, but that’s what the playoffs are—difficult. We’ll do everything we can to leave Valencia with at least one win,” he concluded.