Ahead of the start of the season, Buducnost Voli, analyzing their rivals in the Eurocup, said that Turk Telekom and Besiktas are the most serious candidates for the title and a place in the Euroleague. Both Turkish teams are in the group with the Montenegrin champion, who recently lost to Turk Telekom in Ankara, while tomorrow (19) they will welcome Besiktas to the "Mtel Dvorani Morača".
The "Blues" played in the group with the team from Istanbul last season - they were easily defeated in Turkey (94:76), while in Podgorica it was uncertain, and Fletcher Magee missed the three-pointer that gave Buducnost the victory (90:88).
Andrej Žakelj's team enters this match after five consecutive victories in all competitions. Buducnost has found a rhythm, defeating Zadar on Saturday, which was more difficult than expected, but they played against the Croatian team immediately after returning from Lithuania, where they defeated Litkabelis in the previous round of the Eurocup.
"We know who we're playing against — Besiktas is one of the favorites to win the Eurocup. They've been playing at a really high level lately: aggressive, fast, with great individuals, but also as a very well-coordinated team. It will be a tough test for us, but also an opportunity to show that we can play at this level," said Buducnost coach Andrej Žakelj.
DON'T MISS IT
Besiktas has one more win than Buducnost in the Eurocup, while in the Turkish Super League they occupy the leading position with all six wins.
"We need to improve a lot of things if we want to be competitive, but we are playing at home and we will do everything in our power to surprise Besiktas. The key will be energy and fighting spirit — to throw ourselves for every ball, to play hard, aggressively and as a real team. With the support of our fans, I believe we can give our maximum and come away with a victory," said Žakelj.
The future will need the real Rashid Sulaiman.
"A big game — two top teams against each other. These are the games that every basketball player loves to prepare for. I expect, and I'm sure, that we will have a great crowd and a phenomenal atmosphere. We will do our best to make our fans proud, to harness their energy and leave our hearts on the court," said Sulajmon.
The defender believes that the game will be decided by the details.
"It will be a physically demanding, intense battle — two strong teams with a rich history, two top coaches and high-level players. I believe the game will be decided by the details: execution, focus and toughness. The team that remains more composed, physically fit and mentally stronger will be the one that will emerge victorious in the end," concluded Sulajmon.
Bonus video:
