Jasikevicius ahead of the Final Four: 'I sleep much better than I used to as a player' / News - Basketnews.com

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"It does not matter which team is the favorite. We are 80 minutes away from winning the Euroleague, just as the others".

2-pointers this season

55%20,0Points made:20,0Accuracy:54,6%Place in standings:5Record max:27Record min:9Most made 2FGs:Brandon DaviesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Sarunas Jasikevicius sent a clear message in the FC Barcelona's Media Day ahead of the Final Four. The Lithuanian mastermind did not care about which team has more options to lift the trophy at Belgrade.

Minutes later, after the practice, Jasikevicius attended the media in a crowded press conference room - there was a huge expectation before the 16th FC Barcelona's Final Four.

The 46-year-old revealed all his players should be ready to play the semifinals on Thursday.

"Everyone has practiced today except Sergi (Martinez), who has a cold. At this stage all the teams have problems, but we will count on everyone. It's a pity that Kyle (Kuric) hasn't been able to play much lately," admitted Saras.

The iconic city of Belgrade will host the 7th Clasico of the season. The Blaugranas have beaten the Blancos five times in a row this season.

Despite the numbers, Jasikevicius reminded that every game is a new story.

"Maybe the fact that we've beaten Madrid in the last few games could be against us. Possibly they are hungrier than us to beat us. We have to match them in that, first of all. They are in their best moment of the season," he praised Madrid's momentum.

Saras analyzed possible could be the game's keys.

"We already know the opponent very well, we have played them many times this season. We have to do a lot of things right and not give anything away. That's the key to everything.

It will be difficult to surprise them. If in any game against them the scoring is high it is because we have given away many easy baskets," he said.

Asked about two of the most determinant players of FC Barcelona, Nikola Mirotic and Cory Higgins, Saras highlighted the importance of the whole team.

"We need all the players. We have shown it these two seasons, we don't depend on one single player, not even the best player in Europe," Jasikevicius confessed.

"We expect Niko (Mirotic) to be at his level, of course, but if he is not, as he is quite human, others have to step up," Saras continued. "Cory (Higgins) will surely play. His experience is very important for us. He has been in several Final Fours and he has won two. He is not at 100%, but I think he can be important."

Jasikevicius will seek to join Svetislav Pesic, Armenak Alachachan, and Lolo Sainz as the only people to win the EuroLeague both as a player and as a head coach.

"The secret to face a Final Four is to have experience. I've always said that in my first one I was super nervous. I was without sleeping like one week before. I'm sure this will happen to some people. I take it differently now. I sleep much better than before," he concluded.

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