Bartzokas complains over Greek league format, bench players' contribution / News - Basketnews.com

Following Olympiacos' narrow win over Aris, Giorgos Bartzokas commented on the new format of the Greek league, which includes five more games before the playoffs. The play-caller also referred to the reserve players' attitude.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Alec Peters dropped 28 points as Olympiacos Piraeus managed to overcome Aris 85-77 at the Peace and Friensdhip Stadium, for Round 1 of the Greek Basket League Top 6.

Points this season

48%78,5Points made:78,5Accuracy:47,6%Place in standings:14Record max:101Record min:53Best scorer:Alec PetersTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

After the match, coach Giorgos Bartzokas heavily criticized the league's new format, stressing that the only thing that the third round offers to his team is extra fatigue.

"The game was tough because of Aris and ourselves," the Greek tactician started.

"For the 5th time in a row we thought we were going to win just by walking on the court. There's no excuse for our performance," Bartzokas continued.

"All we can get from the new round of the league is extra fatigue. Nothing else. I always respect the institutions, but we will play more games against very good opponents. We have already played about 60 matches and as professionals we have to find a way to manage this situation," the back-to-back EuroLeague Coach of The Year said.

Bartzokas was asked whether he prefers to play strong games in the Greek league. The question gave him the chance to reflect on certain players' time.

"The best thing for Olympiacos was today for [Thomas] Walkup to play 10 minutes and he played 32," he responded.

The American-born guard had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Nigel Williams-Goss added 9 points and 6 boards, while Naz Mitrou-Long recorded 10 points and 5 reebounds. Still, Olympiacos broke the game open only in the final stretch.

"We didn't have another 4, Petrusev is out and Papanikolaou had to rest. This new round of the Greek league will offer strong games. I know it's our job and we should all look at it that way, but we should address the issue," Bartzokas argued.

"A player who comes in relaxed and, for example, does not allow Walkup, Fall and Goss to play less, does damage to our team," he concluded, hinting at the back-up players' lackluster contribution.

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