Okaro White on SPORT24: “We want the perfect game for the title, no simple baskets at Olympiakos”

Panathinaikos OPAP lifted their second title of the year, the Greek Cup, on Sunday afternoon, February 20th. The Greens didn’t exactly want to with their performance against Prometheus in the first semifinal of the Final Four, but they got what they wanted. Now the final with Olympiakos is a whole different story, a forty-minute story that has nothing to do with what preceded the season.

According to Okaro White, however, one thing is clear: Panathinaikos OPAP cannot start the final like the semifinals.

“It’s not something we need to repeat. The semifinals are behind us, it’s part of history, the most important thing is to prepare and work for what’s ahead. We have a very demanding match in the final with Olympiakos. I guess I don’t need to explain why, everyone understands…“was the initial high green placement in Sportish before being asked what the previous two games with Olympiacos left behind this season:

“In OAKA, we fought to turn the game, we tried, and we did well to some degree. I don’t think the final difference (-19) reflects the exact picture of the game and its history. Only in the last four minutes did the difference open up. I can’t predict the outcome of the final or anticipate some situations, but what’s clear – to everyone in the dressing room – is that we’re going to hit the ground to fight hard. In every ball possession, defense and attack“.

– You say how defense wins titles, are you ready or do you think attacking talent will make the difference?

“We need both a good defense and an effective attack. The issue is not one-sided. On a personal level, I can tell you that I’m always ready to play a good, tough defense. I think everyone knows that. I think we are on a very good defensive level as units, what it takes is to play together not to give Olympiakos easy baskets. One thing brings another, defense can help you have rhythm and confidence for attack. I don’t think it’s necessary to play the perfect game to win the title, but you have to get close to “perfect” to do it. Be “there” from the first to the last occupation“.

– Since you mentioned possession, which would you prefer in the end: defending the title or attacking?

“Personally, as a player, I’d rather have a defence. To be honest, I don’t care who is opposite, whether regional or large. I think everyone knows my defensive skills, what I can give backfield. I have the confidence that I can defend myself against any opponent. I don’t care about the name or anything and it’s not just about Olympiacos, I would give you the EuroLeague teams as a whole. But if I have to make a big toss, I’ll do it, I’m ready (and) for it“.

Being able to predict the dates of the game is very difficult by definition since each derby of eternity is very different from the previous one. Especially if we talk about this year’s image of Panathinaikos OPAP, which can be diametrically opposed from night to night. What Okaro White is hoping is that the Greek Cup final will be one of the Shamrock’s good moments this year, with the parallel hope of the trophy making its way into green hands in Dyo Aorakia.

As happened with the Supercup at the beginning of the season.