Sasha Vezenkov to play against Milan / News - Basketnews.com

Olympiacos Piraeus star Sasha Vezenkov will be available for the game against Olimpia Milan, head coach Giorgos Bartzokas confirmed.

Credit: EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images Credit EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images

Sasha Vezenkov is back to practices and will be available for the game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach Giorgos Bartzokas confirmed.

Vezenkov suffered a right adductor injury, missing the game against Panathinaikos Athens, but now he's back in the lineup.

"Sasha is available. He did part of the training yesterday and will train today as well," Bartzokas said before the upcoming game. "We'll see how much game time he gets. How much can he play, and how will we handle him."

Bartzokas was also very clear about not underestimating Olimpia Milan, emphasizing the strength of the roster and the great tactician in Ettore Messina.

Under no circumstances will we fall into the trap of thinking that we can beat Milan easily. It's clear they have a fantastic coach. I think they understand and know that," Bartzokas said. "It's clear that they have an amazing roster, as well as having injuries from the start of the year. I believe this greatly affected their confidence. They lost key players."

"However, recently, they have found good chemistry. Anyone who saw the game with Virtus in the Italian league, which they won by 20 points away, sees it. Also, they have three wins in a row in the Euroleague.

They defend very well, have very experienced and talented players, are the manager's team, and play the way the coach wants them to. It is clear they also have shooters from the perimeter.

Everyone is shooting better now, but Baron is pivotal, averaging 20 points in the last few games they've won. We will not fall into the trap of thinking that it is an easy match. I think we all have to understand that over here, we have to work hard during those two hours to win the game," Bartzokas continued.

Finally, Bartzokas was asked about the EuroLeague GMs mid-season survey. Vezenkov was named EuroLeague MVP, while Bartzokas won the honors in the best head coach category.

Olympiacos were also named as the most uncomfortable opponent and most Fun-to-Watch team.

"I believe in our team. First of all, it is very honorable," Bartzokas said. "Of course, fun to watch is a category that can include a naive basketball. That I run up and down, shoot the ball, and score many points. I also see it as positive, and I also see it as honorable."

In our work, winning is always the goal, but it's also the way you play. For us coaches, it is quite important. I think it has to do with our teamwork. That we all play together, that we move the ball around, that we are constantly moving, and you don't see egos. In a team sport, it is always nice to see, in my opinion," Bartzokas concluded.

Olympiacos will host Olimpia Milan on Friday at 20:00 CET.

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