Martin Schiller speaks on upcoming Zenit challenge 0

Zalgiris is set to take on Zenit St. Petersburg on Thursday evening. Before the upcoming battle in Zalgirio Arena, head coach Martin Schiller talked about the strengths of their opponents.

“Zenit have been extremely good on the road – they won all 4 games away from home. We want to stop that record and get the win here. They’re a good defensive team. Offensively, led by Pangos in the pick-and-rolls, with a lot of shooting on the wings with Hollins, Rivers and Baron. Post-up with Will Thomas, Poythress on the pick-and-roll. They’re a pretty complete team offensively, but their main strength is defense.

Schiller noted that the team has to do better starting the games and understanding the rhythm of the game.

“The common theme has been that we have problems in a certain phase in the first half, and then invest energy to pull ourselves out. The biggest thing is understanding and having the sense of urgency when things are going bad. We have to stop a run before it gets out of hand.”

Schiller also described his experience in the first 10 games as a EuroLeague coach.

“The most satisfying is the big picture. We had Zalgiris’ best start in 10 years, and in the big picture, 5-5 is a very good look. The great challenge of it is the job itself. The opponents, the challenges the games present. I’m enjoying the challenge of the high-quality basketball.