AEK showed against Rezzo Emilia that something good is being built

AEK put on a terrible performance on Day 2 of the Basketball Champions League and won much easier than the 73-84 Reggio Emilia final in Italy.

It was a game that looked like a tour de force for ‘Union’ from one point on, with Ilias Kanzouris’ side putting on a show in the 2nd and 3rd periods in defense and attack as they ‘set’ the win by signing Fans of slogans in … Italian.

AEK defeated the Italian team by playing their own basketball. A basketball that Elias Kanzouris demands and that has one basic principle: to seek the “advantage”. That gap in opposing defense that will help develop the team’s offensive plan.

The lights on Madsen, Mitchell’s creation, are key

Madsen was the one who put AEK ahead in the second period when “Union” missed the goal. He finished the game with 17 points in just 17 minutes of action and +21 +/-, second best among his teammates behind Strelnieks’ +23. But while all the spotlight fell on the Finn, what Mitchell has done cannot be underestimated.

The American forward/center finished the game with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. However, according to InStat Scout, he contributed another 17 points against the Italians, with AEK getting 11 points from his assists and another 6 points when he shielded a shooter.

Mitchell is an athletic tall. He has an easy back-to-the-basket game. But what makes him stand out in this AEK is his ability to do what’s known as the “short roll,” where he rolls 4-5 meters behind the screen he’s doing, checking his options first before attempting an attempt. Often this option is a pass that results in a free kick or creates the conditions for a subsequent free kick.

The quality of the neighborhood was evident

Tim Frazier had 10 points. But he shared another 15 points with his assists. Janis Strelnieks had 8 points but dished out 12 more with his assists. Kenny Williams had 9 points but added 9 points with his assists. Vassilis Xanthopoulos missed, but also awarded another 9 points with his assists. It’s clear where this discussion is going: AEK has options in the area of ​​creation and it shows.

Elias Kanzouris has created a roster of players who can create for their teammates through a pick and roll situation (Frazier, Strelnieks, Xanthopoulos, Papadakis, Koniaris). However, the most underrated element of this team is their ability to create shots through off-screens and handoffs.

Against Reggio Emilia, AEK impressed with the speed with which the ball was moving. The way players like Strelnieks and Williams come off the screen sets the conditions for AEK to get the advantage they want. Strelnieks, in particular, excels in this area – which makes sense as he’s a major threat from the perimeter – and Williams is also showing his prowess.

Pick and roll has been the main method of attacking teams around the world for several years. In recent years, however, teams have stood out who can create play play situations with back-to-back saves or handoffs, as the opposing defense then has little time to adapt.

The defense did it

In a game that looked like an offensive rhapsody, it was actually AEK’s defense that made the difference, especially in the 2nd and 3rd periods when the “Union” finally gained the upper hand in the game. A defense based on the changes in pick and roll.

The trio of Mitchell, Madsen and McGriff stood against it. The athleticism and good lateral steps of the big three (especially the two Americans) made the difference for AEK, who has one of the most athletic big lines they’ve had in recent years. To this trio must be added Persedis and Philippakos, who also provided solutions as they are strong children who are not afraid to set their bodies on fire.

As well as the seniors in the team do their job, it would not be enough if the regional actors were not perfectly coordinated. While the respective peripheral player, who marks the big one at the changes, tries to play from the front and the players from the corners come to the rescue, AEK Rezzo catches Emilia.

It goes without saying that ‘Union’ have shown impressive consistency when it comes to defensive rotations considering this was only their third competitive game. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.

It’s too early, but it builds expectations

Three official games. Two in the BCL and one in the Basket League. 120 minutes. That’s how much AEK counts at the moment, with the calendar showing October 13th. In short: It’s (too) early to get excited. However, there is reason to smile about the perspective that “Union” (seems) to have.

Elias Kanzouris made an interesting list. A squad that looks balanced, with players who already seem to know their roles. But the season just ended. AEK needs to focus on the next game. And then to the next. Nobody knows how the season will develop. However, yesterday’s performance (October 12th) definitely raised expectations.