Podgorica skirmish, the first episode of this season. Basketball players Budućnost Voli and SC Derbi will play in the 11th round of the AdmiralBet ABA League - it will be a match in which a loss would spoil the plans of both clubs, so one can expect another exciting duel in "Morača" (Saturday from 19:XNUMX).
Some continue their battles for the best possible position in the playoffs, others to enter the playoff zone.
- We welcome a team that plays good, fast basketball, and it is also a young and talented team that will certainly not lack motivation and will certainly try to surprise, which is normal - he said. Andrej Zhakelj, coach of the Future.
The Montenegrin champion is in better shape in the regional competition, having won four of the last five matches, but enters the duel with Derby after a dramatic defeat against Besiktas in the Eurocup.
- We have to react after that game, to find a motive. I believe that approach is the most important thing for this match, because when we are at our level we are a good team. We are favorites on paper and we have to justify that role - added the Slovenian expert.
Mateo Drežnjak against Besiktas and a few days earlier in the duel with Cibona showed how useful he can be for Budućnost.
- We were a little short of celebrating against Besiktas, we lost practically by one ball, with two shots in the last seconds. But that match is already behind us, we are already preparing for the SC Derby - said the Croatian defender.
He says about the next rival...
- Everyone knows that we are waiting for a young team that relies a lot on transition, has a great desire to play, and our main task is to try to stop them from doing so - emphasized Drežnjak.
What could be the advantage of the Future?
- I think we have an advantage in the physical part and we should use it.
Drežnjak did not change the city this summer, but he did change the colors of the club, so he just arrived in Budućnost from SC Derbi.
- It's not the first time I've played against my former club, so I've already gotten used to it. We have a lot of friends in Derby, but first is work and victory, and then after the game we return to friendship - Drežnjak is clear.
The "students" leave the role of favorite to the "older brother", but they don't think of surrendering in advance.
- We are playing against one of the best teams in the ABA league and it is a great opportunity for our young team to gain experience playing at a high level through these matches against quality opponents. Buducnost is a real team that fights for the top in both competitions and is the absolute favorite in this match - said the coach Petar Mijović.
Derbi certainly sees a chance...
- Our goal is to enter prepared and to adapt to the aggressiveness of the rival, especially his outside line. We will do everything to present ourselves in the best possible light and show character and quality.
Playmaker Eric Neal he wants his team to compete.
- I expect us to do our best. Let's be competitive and try to outplay each other for 40 minutes. I believe that then we would have a chance to be rewarded. We are playing against the favorites, one of the best teams in the league, and there is always the ambition to prove yourself against stronger opponents - concluded Nil.
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