Similar to this time last season, Surne Bilbao finds itself obligated to fulfill its Liga Endesa fixtures while sensing the imminent possibility of another European final. Currently, the “men in black” approach the domestic competition without pressure and in a comfortable position, even seeing the potential to reach the play-offs, which serves as a significant motivator.
In this context, coach Jaume Ponsarnau does not want his team's focus to waver due to the prospect of winning another European title. He expects his squad to dedicate all their attention to tomorrow's match against Barça at the Palau, a game that could open the door, currently only ajar, to the top eight teams.
“"Except against Valencia, we have competed very well. They are a challenge for us because these opponents who raise the physical demand so much force you to be very good, to play basketball very well. We'll see if we achieve it tomorrow because in Miribilla we played well, but we were very inaccurate and that generated frustration for us."
Barça is not in its best form, grappling with numerous physical issues, and just yesterday played a vital game in Monaco to stay on track in the EuroLeague. Nevertheless, the Surne Bilbao coach noted that his team will encounter “a very tactical and well-directed opponent, but a little more open and looking for the inspiration of players with a lot of talent to flourish.”
The Bilbao team aims to push Xavi Pascual's squad to their limits. Justin Jaworski has been dealing with a hand injury since the game against UCAM Murcia, requiring him to wear a protective glove, but he “is making an effort to help.” With the almost complete recovery of Norwegian player Harald Frey, Surne Bilbao once again has all twelve first-team players available, which should also be evident in their daily training at Artxanda.
Ponsarnau also placed PAOK Salónica, their opponent in the repeated FIBA Europe Cup final, at a similar level. “I thought UCAM Murcia was the favorite, but if PAOK has eliminated the third-placed team in the ACB, it means they are very good. They are now a much better team than the one we faced two months ago, but we believe we have also grown. That's the challenge, for that growth to reach a level where we can beat such a good team,” Jaume Ponsarnau concluded.
