Messina, Melli before the series against Efes: 'We are facing a team that has a lot of talent and experience' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS Credit BNS

After ending a six-year playoff drought last season and reaching the Final Four for the first time in nearly three decades, AX Armani Exchange Milan have now made the playoffs with home-court advantage in back-to-back seasons. Their opponent will be reigning champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

3-pointers this season

36%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:35,7%Place in standings:8Record max:14Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Sergio RodriguezTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The playoff series between Milan and Efes will be the only one between two teams who reached the Final Four last season.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul certainly haven't had an easy ride during its title defense, but the Turkish titans are hitting top form at exactly the right time and head into the playoffs with growing momentum.

That's why both head coach Ettore Messina and forward Nicolo Melli from Milan paid respect to their opponents.

"We face the European champions with great respect, knowing that the two wins achieved during the regular season must not deceive us, but at the same time, they can give us the confidence of knowing that there are probably things we can do well and can help us try to win this first game," commented Messina. "Even if it's a series, it will be important to mentally face one game at a time."

"It is the moment for which we have worked hard all year long, after another wonderful regular season that we are greatly satisfied with. Qualifying for the playoffs was our primary goal because we want to give consistency to our presence at these levels now and in the future," the legendary coach added.

Nicolo Melli shared a similar opinion as his head coach.

"We are facing a team that has a lot of talent and experience. Efes are the reigning European champions, and we know well that it can beat any opponent. But we can do the same, so I expect a nice series," Melli said.

"They are a complete team, it's not just a couple of great players, so we will have to help each other, knowing that the teams will decide this series," the Italian forward pointed out.

The first matchup of the series will start on Tuesday in Milan.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.