Crvena Zvezda captain: 'We've got a lot of work to do' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: KK Crvena Zvezda Credit KK Crvena Zvezda

Last year Crvena Zvezda Belgrade finished the EuroLeague season second to last in the standings. This year, with the arrival of Nikola Kalinic, Aaron White, and Austin Hollins, the Serbian squad is focused on improving their spot in Europe's elite tournament.

The team captain, Branco Lazic, is looking forward to his 11th season with the organization and is keen on seeing what the Serbian powerhouse can accomplish this year.

"We have hard work ahead of us in the coming weeks. We don't have too much time because we have a little more than a month until the beginning of the new season, which means that we have to make the most of that period, every training, every friendly match," said Lazic to the official website of the Crvena Zvezda. "We have experienced many changes, and we will need time to play as a team and to be ready for the new season."

Crvena Zvezda will participate in a friendly tournament in Germany on September 11-12. Last season Belgrade's team finished with a 10-24 record, surpassing only Khimki Moscow Region in the EuroLeague standings.

Branko Lazic (32, 1.95) appeared in 33 games (23 starts) last season. In a little over 16 minutes of playing time, he averaged 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Lazic, who has been with the Crvena Zvezda club since 2011, is ready for the challenge but admits that the start of the season could be difficult.

"It could be very complicated at the beginning due to the schedule according to which we play as many as five away games in the first seven rounds of the EuroLeague. But it is up to us to work hard during the upcoming period and to be ready for the first competitive match."

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