By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Basketball Champions League Final Four is on the verge, and at the official press conference, players spoke on behalf of their clubs.
Marcelinho Huertas represented La Laguna Tenerife and spoke about legacy.
“I go on the court and try to do the best I can to help my team win games. Being able to play another Final Four with Tenerife — our sixth consecutive — hopefully we can deliver and stay focused. That’s what has brought us here all these years.”
On how much he spends on his body, being 41 years old and playing at the highest level — comparing himself to LeBron James:
“Zero,” Marcelinho joked and continued. “I try to take care of my body as much as I can, but there’s a limit. I don’t have the money that he [LeBron] spends, or the structure an NBA team can offer. But we do everything in our power — eating well, recovering properly. There’s no secret: if you want longevity, you have to take care of your body and mind, and avoid injuries. That’s been a big part of my career — not having serious injuries — and I hope that continues. But the main secret is the passion I have inside of me: to keep pushing, fighting, and feeling the love for the game.”
He believes that the BCL is growing:
“The level [in the BCL] increases year after year. We know how hard it is to reach the Final Four — many really good teams didn’t make it, teams that were built to be here. All four teams now have an equal chance of winning. There’s great talent and hunger across the board.”
AEK Athens’ Dimitris Flionis spoke about his team returning to the Final Four:
“It’s really important coming back after five years to the biggest BCL stage. We really fought for it — now the battle starts.”
They will face Unicaja Malaga, last year’s winners:
“It’s a big challenge to play the defending champions. They’re a really tough team and have proved that over the years. But for us, it doesn’t change much — no matter the opponent, we try to approach every game the same way. I expect a battle, and I hope we can advance to the final.”
Unicaja’s Alberto Diaz spoke about the pressure of being defending champions:
“We have a little bit more pressure, but it’s a good sign — it pushes us to improve and prepare for this Final Four. We take it as motivation, something to enjoy. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re ready to battle.”
He believes that this year’s Final Four is one of the best ever:
“I think this is the most competitive Final Four, and the most competitive BCL season since I’ve played in the league. The level definitely improved this year.”
Galatasaray’s Göksenin Köksal hopes to lift the trophy wearing the captain’s armband:
“It’s our first time in the BCL Final Four, and it’s our dream to win the cup — mine as team captain as well. I hope we’ll do it.”
The Istanbul team made history by reaching the final tournament:
“We won the EuroCup and played in the EuroLeague, but the BCL is different — and very important to us. We know how tough it is. Tenerife have a really experienced team. All the teams here have already played in a Final Four — they’re experienced — but we are Galatasaray. We have two games, and we hope to win.”
Köksal also revealed that Ergin Ataman might come to support his former team:
“We talked. I wished him the very best for the EuroLeague Final Four. Hopefully, he will come to support us.“