Jasikevicius: “Fenerbahce is a Top 3 team in Europe” 0

An overtime loss to Zenit started off the double EuroLeague week on a low note, yet Zalgiris is looking to bounce back already this Friday, as they fly to take on Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

The EuroLeague titan has reached the Final Four each of the past four seasons, but has struggled early in the season, with just one win in five games.

Nevertheless, Sarunas Jasikevicius can rest assured that Zeljko Obradovic’s men will bounce back sooner rather than later.

“Somewhere some things aren’t quite clicking, and that can happen at the beginning of the season. I think they are a Top 3 team in Europe. Once everything calms down, gets in place, that’s where they will be in my opinion. If this team goes in to April, to the most important games, in full health, they will be the main favorites to win EuroLeague.”

The team didn’t go through too many changes this summer, with Nando De Colo and Derrick Williams filling in for Marko Guduric and Nicolo Melli, who went on to play in the NBA.

“De Colo is still trying to get into the system, to the mentality. I don’t know if they miss Melli. They got Williams, who is a terrific athlete. Lauvergne came back. It’s a spectacular team. Of all teams in the league, you should not worry about Fenerbahce getting back to form.”

Jasikevicius noted that the play of the team relies heavily on Kostas Sloukas, who can make them nearly unbeatable.

“I think a lot in this team depends on Sloukas. If he plays how he can and has everything in his hands, Fenerbahce is very tough to beat.”

Speaking of the upcoming matchup, he noted the same things he’s said for the last couple of games, physicality.

“From our side, I can sing the same song all over again. We need physicality, matching up in contact. We know what is Fenerbahce’s situation – they need a win, we need a win. Our main problem as of this day is the details. Preparation of the offense, creativity. The biggest problem is contact, though. And the inability to do it, the unwillingness to do it.”