'We have a great team': reasons behind Efes confidence of becoming champions once again / News - Basketnews.com

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Reigning EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul will try to achieve a rarely visible feat in EuroLeague – to become back-to-back champions.

Shane Larkin

Team:Anadolu Efes IstanbulPosition:PGAge:29Height:182 cmWeight:80 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

In comparison to last season, the status of this Anadolu Efes team has changed a bit. If last year the Turkish powerhouse was seen as one of the main favorites, now they have a more of a wildcard label.

But it's not the only change. Last season Anadolu had a big three of Shane Larkin, Vasilije Micic, and Krunoslav Simon.

However, the Croatian international had a difficult season, and as he revealed to BasketNews, he won't wear Efes jersey anymore.

So, who stepped up and took that 3rd guy's role?

"On different nights, there were different guys," Larkin told BasketNews. "Some nights it's been Thibor (Pleiss), some nights it's Elijah (Bryant) or Rodri (Beaubois). It's always been a different mix, but that's exactly what makes us a great team."

Speaking of being a great team, Ergin Ataman said that it's exactly the reason that gives him confidence and allows him to make those bold predictions of Efes becoming the champions.

"I have a great team," Ataman said to BasketNews. "Maybe we had some problems at the beginning of the season, but we found our rhythm in the playoffs. I have great star players, and I'm sure that they like to play in such an atmosphere. We came here to win another title, but, of course, we have great respect for other teams."

Larkin also believes that the free-flow Efes system allows to blossom for many different players.

"In our system, different guys can share the minutes, share responsibility, and it allows everyone to step up," Larkin said. "I think tomorrow it could be anybody, so we have to play together, play our game, and we'll see who comes up on top."

Vasilije Micic

MIN:29.83PTS:18.16 (56.86%)REB:2.63As:4.59ST:1.16BL:0.03TO:2.88GM:32ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

"We already have good players in that position: James Anderson gave a couple [good] performances in the last couple of games," Micic shared his thoughts. "Elijah Bryant is also a really motivated guy and a different type of player [than Kruno], but he's good for us, who gave us some quality performances."

"Rodri [Beaubois] is coming from a small injury, but I believe that his talent will be important for us," added the Serbian star.

Looking at a head-to-head matchup this season, Efes and Olympiacos took one win apiece. Both those wins were achieved by a home team.

Knowing that Olympiacos will be supported by a huge army of fans, could it become a game-changing factor?

"We are used to playing in front of tough crowds," Larkin noted. "We know it's going to be a great atmosphere' it will be fun to see those fans in the building. We will also have our fans cheering for us, so it's going to be a great Final Four environment."

"We'll see tomorrow," told Micic. "I'm very happy that the gym will be full, but I don't think that any of us will have any additional pressure. We already know how important this game is."

We will see tomorrow, indeed. Anadolu Efes and Olympiacos will open the Final Four weekend as the first semifinal tip-off on Thursday at 6 pm CET.

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