Rakovic: “The situation with the postponement of the game against Baskonia was very simple. Basketball is second.”

he Dreamland Gran Canaria coach Jaka Rakovicbelieves that the circumstances for the postponement of the duel with Baskonia were “very simple” and regrets it Emilia due to warning issued due to storm. “Basketball is second,” but he estimates Jan. 13 would be a good day if he doesn’t have to “move or bring in more competitors.”

Given the idea that Baskonia will play on January 27th instead of January 13th, this would mean changing the Gran Canarias Champions League match against La Laguna Tenerife. The Slovenian assured that the derby will be a date that the tournament will “respect and hold”.

“What happens is outside of my control, but I hope everyone involved will determine the schedule with the same respect.”He said this at the press conference before the match against Covilán Granada (this Saturday at 6pm).

In this appearance, he claimed that the weather warnings were: It is a measure that is “for everyone’s safety” and “must be respected, that’s all.” Due to Gran Canaria Arena being closed, they were unable to play against Baskonia or practice, and he regretted that the storm “disturbed the team’s rhythm a little bit.”

Despite all the inconveniences, the Claretia coach stressed that his team is progressing well after the European victory against Benfica and assured that the team is “aware” of the importance of the match against Ramon Díaz’s team “because we are in a qualifying situation”.

“We must not lack motivation and a sense of urgency. Against Granada, we should not be thinking about their place in the table, but about their play and what we have to do to win this game. “They have lost in recent games, but they have always been competitive, so we will not play against the table, but rather take the game seriously against Granada, who are very competitive.”

As for their rivals, he explained that the Yellows’ defensive balance will be “very important” to not only protect the rim and rebounds, but also “to have the opportunity to run” against Kovilan Granada, which has its main threats in Matt Thomas, the second-best 3-point shooter in Liga Endesa, and Luka Bozic, the third-ranked player in the tournament, as Granada wants to impose high-paced play.

Furthermore, the Balkans have emphasized their influence since the arrival of point guard Luis Costa to the team. Because he can provide “important reactions” and create a lot of danger in a direct blocking game.

Asked about Colombians Brian Angola and Cur Cuas, Rakovic praised the game against Benfica, recalling them as “very important” players in his plans.

In addition to being a “great passer,” Angola is key to creating plays, scoring and creating danger after direct blocks, he said.

As for the South Sudanese center, he stressed that he sees him as “more loose” on court and asserted that he expects his level to continue to grow after a good game against the Portuguese in the Champions League, showing Gran Canaria that “if there is an option to run, Cuas stands out more.”

Following the arrival of youngster Lucas Maniema against Benfica, Xhaka Rakovic said that he had done an “extraordinary job” during the week and in the games in which he had the opportunity to be on the field, stressing that he really wants the youngsters to establish themselves in defence, and then perform in attack.

“Everything that comes in attack is a bonus. They have to arrive in an attacking situation without fear and be bold. Maniema has quality and is in a very good line to play a bigger role in both competitions, so they need to continue,” Rakovic said. EFE

Ph.D./PCR/OG