The regular season was excellent, with Buducnost Voli winning first place with 26 wins and four losses and entering the playoffs from a leading position for the second time in history.
The opponent at the start of the quarterfinals is Mega, and the first duel is tomorrow (21) in Podgorica. The young team took eighth place in the regular season, but is one of four teams that defeated Buducnost in the regional competition this season.
"Energy and focus must be at the level, because this is the most important and beautiful part of the season. The games for the trophy are starting. We have no room for error - we have to win. Mega is the youngest team in the league, they beat us in the regular season. We have to be much stronger in contact and play with more energy. They have quite tall players in all positions. We have to approach this match with a lot of contact and energy and in the end we celebrate," said Budućnost center Kenan Kamenjaš in the announcement.
Kamenjaš highlighted the chemistry and togetherness that characterizes this Buducnost team.
"Togetherness is one of the most important segments, energy and chemistry between players, to get through bad moments together. The players and coaching staff spend more time together than with their families. We know the good sides of our teammates, what the problems are, we go through it all together. I think that togetherness has been our hallmark throughout the season. I hope that it will be the same in the playoffs and that in the end everything will be crowned with the ABA League title," said Kamenjaš.
Kamenjaš was selected to the ABA League's ideal five. There is also McKinley Wright, who is also the MVP, while Andrej Žakelj was named the best coach.
"Every day I want to get better, to continue at that pace and to justify the role that the coach and the club gave me. That's the motivation for moving forward, I want to justify it in the rest of the season," said the "blues" center.
And while Kamenjaš is expected to fight in the racket, Fletcher Magee is expected to excite the crowd with three-pointers.
"We know we have a tough series ahead of us. Mega has a lot of young, talented players. We have to prepare well, the approach has to be good. We are in the playoffs, we are playing all or nothing, we have to be at our best level," said Maggi.
The quarterfinals are played to two wins, the second match is next Friday in Belgrade.
"We had a good season. If we looked different in the playoffs, we could put pressure on ourselves. In a way, we know it's different - we worked hard to be here. We have to avoid pressure and play freely, but on the other hand, we have to play with focus and intensity to win," said Megi.
Buducnost will have home court advantage until the end of the playoffs.
"Home field advantage is very important, we love playing in 'Morača'. Our fans are great, especially at big games. The first game with Mega starts late, at 21 pm, but I hope they will come to support us, that we will have the wind at our backs throughout the game," said the Buducnost defender.
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