Coach Schiller: “The challenges they have give Khimki an interesting look” 2

Before the team’s roadtrip to Russia, Zalgiris coach Martin Schiller revealed what were the main accents after the victories against Olympiacos and Pieno Zvaigzdes, noting their commitment to improving on the defensive end.

“We stressed our defense, especially pick-and-roll situations. We wanted to fix that, especially after the last game in the LKL. Of course, we also started preparations for the game against Khimki.”

Schiller admitted that preparations for the upcoming EuroLeague battle were a bit unorthodox, as they didn’t know whether Alexey Shved and Greg Monroe would be able to suit up. Zalgiris’ coach stressed that the task of stopping Shved would be no easy feat, if he would be able to play.

Besides the two, Schiller pointed out Swedish forward Jonas Jerebko as the key player for the Russian side.

“I would say Jerebko. With Monroe out, if this is the case, he plays the five for them in pretty long spurts. They’ve got Booker, and then push him to the stretch five. He looked really good, shot the ball extremely well against Kalev. The challenges they may have with certain guys out, give them an interesting look, an interesting advantage at the five.”

As he nears his first meeting against Lithuanian coach Rimas Kurtinaitis, the Austrian specialist had some kind words for his opponent.

“I haven’t ever coached against him. I know he is a very good and respected coach. He’s an offensively creative coach, who goes to the strengths of his players. He plays with a speed and a certain freedom for his players.”