Takianos: “The starting position of Panathinaikos and PAOK is not the same, McNeese is at an age where he can step up”

PAOK paid for its failure from the periphery (3/23 threes) and lost relatively easily to Panathinaikos in the semi-finals of the 2023 Supercup. Fotis Takianos spoke of two teams with different starting points and goals, while also referring to Jamani McNeese, who finished the game with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds.

“As the official games began today, we wish all teams and everyone throughout the process good health so that they can achieve the goals they have set. This is not easy, it requires mental and spiritual strength so that we can overcome the difficulties.” Season.

In the first half our defensive work gave the team speed, but we lacked goals from distance, we had 0/6 three-pointers but were 5 points behind. In the second half we couldn’t stay in the game after 43:46 because our big guys were overwhelmed with fouls, we went into a protective rotation and were too soft on our stick contacts, which paid off with a 19:2.

Our team didn’t give up, they tried until the end. We must not overlook our opponent. The starting point of Panathinaikos and PAOK is not the same. We need to evaluate the starting point, i.e. what rosters they have, what budgets the teams have and what their goals are.

We have invested in the development of young and experienced players. If we continue to work in the same way and with the same concentration, we can improve many areas in defense and attack.

These games are about figuring out when long-term goals can be achieved. Now we have to see whether the players are team players and whether they have internalized the system. In my opinion there is no classification based on whether they are friendly, Supercup or league matches, they all have the same importance and are treated with the same logic.

Highlighting one player’s performance is unfair to the whole. McNeese was acquired because of his competitive abilities and because he is at an age where he can make the move. We have to see how the whole team worked to achieve the performance they had. He shouldn’t think he’s achieved anything after this game because it’s only the first game of the season.” The Greek technician reported in detail.