Coach Simone Pianigiani talked about the upcoming EuroLeague road game in Istanbul against Efes. “They pose a lot of mismatch problems by using Vladimir Stimac, who’s one of the best low-post player in the EuroLeague, and Bryant Dunston together for half a game. Dunston at the 4 means size, energy and a lot of rebounds. They are the best offensive rebounding team in the league. We’ll need and extra effort to keep up with them, to keep them from getting too many second chances and read game sitiuations because with Motum they suddenly can stretch the floor and create space for the many talented perimeter players they have. We need to stay with the plan, because we know we are capable to score even against the best of them. Defensively determination and team defense will be crucial”.

Unfortunately Olimpia team is not at its best. Curtis Jerrells didn’t practice with te team (Achille’s heel), Awudu Abass (knee) returned from the National team hurting and Arturas Gudaitis will be game-time decision (left knee), on top of Andrew Goudelock (thigh) being unavailable for some more weeks.