Jasikevicius: “Real Madrid will be an opponent of the highest caliber” 1

Zalgiris continues preparation for another tough challenge at home, as the team looks to face Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in EuroLeague’s game of the week.

As the team was putting the final touches in their preparation for the offensive juggernaut, Zalgiris head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius gave his look on the opposition, stating that they will have to be near-perfect to fight for victory.

“When you’re up against an opponent like this, the most important thing is those easy points, as always. Easy points can come after our mistakes, after three-pointers which they shoot with ease, their transition game. And the rebounding battle. Those are the accents. We need to understand what we can give them. What is the better of two evils. If we just give away everything, then there’s a problem.”

While the Kaunas side started the season with two consecutive losses, Jasikevicius doesn’t see it as a problem, as long as the team’s play improves.

“The balance is 0-2, but it’s not that terrible. The most important thing is whether we improve our play. Little by little, it’s getting better, but like always at this point in the season, there’s some problems. It’s a process and we need to be patient. I keep stressing this.”

Speaking of the changes Real made throughout the season, Saras noted that Real have a chance to play a more universal game with Jordan Mickey at center.

“He’s a very different center from Tavares, which should be useful for the coach. They can change the game plan more, the dynamics. It’s a great signing. This is Real Madrid. If it weren’t Mickey, it’d be someone else. If not Prepelic, it’d be Laprovittola. Real Madrid will be an opponent of the highest caliber.”