Coach Bagatskis after the Fener win and ahead of the Zalgiris game on Thursday: “We can only succeed if we have fun”. Seeley is out for next two weeks, Smith will return
Head coach Ainars Bagatskis: “It was great to get the win in Istanbul, we have a positive atmosphere. I think we are now a bit bigger, maybe slower, but better for rebounding. Zalgiris are a very aggressive team that never gives up. They know how to play, to attack the basket and still have a chance to make the playoffs. I’m sure they’ll be at their best. Personally, I’m used to seeing Saras on the other side from so many years ago. It will be a special game but all the games are special”.
Diamon Simpson, coming off a 14 point, 12 rebound and 5 steals performance, added: “it felt great to win in Istanbul. Our chemistry has grown recently, there’s a bunch of good guys with a lot of talent. Ahead of Zalgiris, we know every team has stars so we just have to be ready as a team. We didn’t even have Devin which is huge for us because he is a great player so getting him back against Zalgiris will help ease up the load. I’m sure we’ll find the energy.”
