Surne Bilbao approaches FIBA Europe Cup final with enthusiasm and focus

The team from Bilbao prepares for the first leg against PAOK in Thessaloniki, aiming to break historical statistics.

Generic image of a basketball on a court
IA

Generic image of a basketball on a court

Surne Bilbao is gearing up for the first leg of the FIBA Europe Cup final against PAOK in Thessaloniki this Wednesday, approaching the challenge with a blend of enthusiasm and intense focus, determined to break historical statistics.

The team's coach emphasized that they view the FIBA Europe Cup final as “a very long game of 80 minutes or more.” The first part of this final will be played this Wednesday at Palataki in Thessaloniki. The coach stated, “The first 40 minutes are played there, and we hope to get the best possible result. To do well, it is very important to play every possession and every action at 100%.”
The coach admitted that they are traveling “with the feeling of not being at 100%,” but clarified that he has detected “a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desire to do well” within the group. He highlighted the high mental demand of the match: “The challenge will require so much concentration that it’s easy for the mind to fall into some traps.” Additionally, he confirmed that one player is “progressing adequately” from physical issues and will be available for the game.

"The challenge will require so much concentration that it’s easy for the mind to fall into some traps."

the team's coach
Regarding preparation, he noted that it has been “natural” and they have followed “usual routines.” Concerning their opponent, he explained the transformation of the Greek team. “We greatly respect the evolution that PAOK has had. With the previous coach, they played more collectively, and now that collective play emerges from individualities, well-organized and well-thought-out from dynamism,” he analyzed.
Finally, the coach expressed ambition regarding the competition's history. “In this competition, the same team has never repeated the title, nor has the one that played the second game at home.” He concluded: “We are here to break those statistics and to live this final 100%. We are very excited to play the second 40 minutes at home.”

"We are here to break those statistics and to live this final 100%."

the team's coach