Pride - that's what Budućnost Voli coach Andrej Žakelj feels after the end of the season in the AdmiralBet ABA League.
The "Blues" lost in the final to Partizan, the series was 3:1, but the Slovenian congratulated his team on all the good they did.
"Partizan deservedly celebrated, especially after the second half. It was difficult in preparation, Juwan Morgan and McKinley Wright played under injections, and then McKinley got injured right at the start. It was clear in the second half that we were out of strength - Partizan took advantage of that," said Žakelj.
Buducnost had the home field advantage, but they didn't take advantage of it.
"I told the players before the final that I was proud of everything we did this season. I congratulate them, they had a very fair relationship, they worked honestly and we all progressed - the players, the club and me as a coach... We were a good team, it showed on the field because we never gave up," the Slovenian pointed out.
The future has squandered its chance - can it repeat a season like this?
"First, let's be healthy during the season. During this one, it was quite good, but not in the playoffs. That's basketball, and we know what happened in the first match and how we lost. Maybe everything would have been different if we had won, maybe not... Red Star and Partizan are ahead of everyone in every sense, and we lack a wider roster. However, we exceeded our goals and we should be satisfied," concluded Žakelj.
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