Maik Kotsar on successful start: 'We're going for a win in every game' / News - Basketnews.com

Maik Kotsar was happy to join Baskonia and emphasized the fighting spirit the club has. With Sander Raieste on the team, he's been able to adapt more quickly, Kotsar admits.

Credit: Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz Credit Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has been one of the surprises of the 2022-23 EuroLeague season so far. With 3 wins in the first 5 games, the Basque club is now currently sitting in the top half of the standings.

Maik Kotsar

Team:Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizPosition:PF, CAge:25Height:211 cmWeight:123 kgBirth place:Tallinn, EstoniaProfileNewsStatistics

In turn, Maik Kotsar has become a name European basketball fans have started familiarizing themselves with during the past month. With Steven Enoch injured, the Latvian big man has been averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for 14.2 PIR in the EuroLeague.

"I have always seen Baskonia as a good fighting team. Obviously, it's not the biggest or richest club in the EuroLeague but it has a great fighting spirit," Kotsar explained in an interview with DAZN. "With a small budget, they have been able to compete every year, get big wins, and show that toughness. And I love that."

"There will be no easy games. We are going for a win in every game but we know that you can't win all of them. We just have to be hungry and play our best basketball," the player shared.

Last year, Kotsar played for Hamburg Towers in the EuroCup. This year, he is suddenly tasked to lead the frontcourt of a EuroLeague club with one of his teammates sidelined.

"I remember being a kid watching the EuroLeague Final Four with my father, also watching games from the regular season. I am very excited to finally be here," Kotsar told.

Kotsar is not the only Estonian player on the roster. Known for its diverse squads, Baskonia once again features several players from the Baltic states - Lithuania's Rokas Giedraitis and Tadas Sedekerskis, Latvia's Arturs Kurucs, and, besides Kotsar, Estonia's Sander Raieste.

"It has been a great help," Kotsar said about having Raieste as a teammate. "When I thought of coming, I asked about the team. He's been here for seven years. It helps me get accustomed and to know what to do in the city and how to do things."

This week, Baskonia welcome Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at home in Fernando Buesa Arena tomorrow. The match is scheduled to start at 20:15 CET.

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