Blatt: “We need to watch out for Saras”

By Amy Samin

Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv will try to keep the momentum of 12 straight victories going when they face Zalgiris Kaunas in snowy Lithuania this Thursday (19:45, Channel 10 and Sport5HD) in week 3 of the Euroleague Top 16 round. On the hosts’ roster is the indefatigable former Maccabi star Šar?nas Jasikevi?ius, 37, who met his friend and former teammate, Maccabi’s team manager Nikola Vuj?i? for lunch on Wednesday.

Head Coach David Blatt said before the game: “When you’re playing on the road in the Euroleague, you can’t think of your team as the favorites. Zalgiris’ record on their home court speaks for itself, and they are a dangerous team. Also, they’re in a situation now where a lot of injured players are coming back.”

“Saras is one of the greatest players of all time – that’s how he’ll be remembered in the history of European basketball. Any time he plays, at any age, he’s dangerous – especially against Maccabi. The things he did for us, and throughout his career, is something no one can take away from him. We know we need to watch out for him most of all.”

Yogev Ohayon, who is in great shape, added: “It’s going to be a very tough game. We’ve played in this arena before, and their fans are amazing. They’re a dangerous team who scores a lot of three pointers, and we’re coming into this game with some of our guys missing; I hope it will be okay. I hope the injuries of our teammates won’t affect the rest of us. So far this season, when guys have been out with injuries, the rest of us have stepped up. I hope the same thing will happen in the game on Thursday.”