Not exactly a cult basketball venue, nor is it a rival to any of the greats, although in its early years it bore the famous name Lakers, so it seems that the new story of the Future of the Wallys should start in the right direction.
The wait is over, the Montenegrin champion opens the new season in the capital of the United Kingdom - the rival is the London Lions, and the first round match of the Eurocup is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) at 1:20.30 p.m.
It will be played in the "Koper Boxing Arena", the hall where the Montenegrin women's handball team started their journey towards the only Olympic medal in the history of our country 13 years ago.
A year after the Games, it became the home of the Lions and has seen many big matches for the London team, including the EuroCup semi-final two years ago. However, the British team is far from such heights today, but that doesn't fool anyone in Buducnost.
"We are positive and ambitious and we intend to achieve a victory on the road, although we know it won't be easy," said Andrej Žakelj, coach of Buducnost.
Victory, but also to grow from match to match
After a season in which Buducnost reached the finals of the Admiralbet ABA League, during which they recorded several unforgettable victories against teams from the Euroleague, it would be ideal for them to enter new challenges with a victory.
"London has put together an athletic and uneasy team, and they have already played three games in their championship, so they are more coordinated and full of confidence. It is up to us to respond with greater desire, energy and concentration, and I believe we can come back with a victory," Žakelj is clear.
Compared to the previous season, some of the leaders, such as McKinley Wright and Kenan Kamenjas, are no longer wearing the blue and white jersey, Yogi Ferrell and Juwan Morgan have signed new contracts, and some solid reinforcements have arrived - Axel Butey, Jerry Frank Butsiel, Skylar Mays, James Thompson and Oleksandr Kovliar.
"I think we had a good preparation period - the most important thing is that we are healthy at this moment and that there is a desire to play well in the first round," emphasized the Slovenian expert.
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Buducnost and London have played each other so far - the Montenegrin champion won both. In November 2022, it was 87:78, and in February 2023, it was 78:68.
However, there is no need to press the start button unnecessarily.
"This is just the beginning - the first game in a long season. We have to remain patient and grow from match to match," Žakelj is clear.
Thompson: It's time for our game.
James Thompson should bring strength and energy to Buducnost. The center, who played in the NCAA, then in Italy, Germany, Israel, Russia, France, China and Puerto Rico, emphasizes that the first match in the Eurocup brings a lot of excitement.
"This is my first time participating and I'm really happy to be part of this team," said the guy from Louisiana.
He emphasized that the team is ready.
"We had great training and I believe we are well prepared for this game. Emotions are high, but now it's time to go out on the field, play our game and hopefully achieve victory," concluded Thompson.
Eurocup, Group B (1st round)
Thursday
London - Future Loves (8:45 p.m.)
Today
Litkabelis - Besiktas (18:00h)
Panionios - Kemnic (18.30h)
Trento - Burg (20.00h)
Earlier
Turk Telekom - Ulm 93:96
Bonus video:
