Bartzokas makes prediction about Virtus, specifies McKissic's ideal position / News - Basketnews.com

Giorgos Bartzokas commented on Virtus Bologna's trajectory in the season, while making an extensive reference to Shaquielle McKissic's form, skill-set and role.

Credit: Pedja Milosavljevic / AFP Credit Pedja Milosavljevic / AFP

Boasting a 16-11 record, Olympiacos Piraeus want to add another win to their four-game streak when they lock horns with Virtus Segafredo Bologna on Thursday night.

The Italian side, currently standing at 17-10, will appear in Piraeus without forward Ognjen Dobric. However, Tornike Shengelia may has followed the rest of the squad to Greece and might get playing time by coach Luca Banchi.

"We have to prepare for both of them," Olympiacos' head coach Giorgos Bartzokas commented.

"I think Shengelia's sprain wasn't heavy and he's going to play. We have to prepare ourselves to play against a team that's in third place, having won many games in the last possessions, which shows that they clearly have character," Bartzokas praised Virtus, which he called "EuroLeague's pleasant surprise."

"Coach [Luca] Banchi and the players who are there have done a great job. They will definitely be a play-off team," he predicted.

"We believe in our team, we believe in our dynamics, but we also recognize that it is a game against a very experienced team with players who know the game very well," he added.

Talking about the players who will miss the outing against Virtus (Thomas Walkup, Giannoulis Larentzakis and probably Naz Mitrou-Long), Bartzokas took the chance to make an extensive reference to Shaquielle McKissic.

"I don't think there's anyone questioning Shaquielle's contribution," he said.

"He's been with the team almost as many years as I am in my second stint at Olympiacos. He has made a great contribution to all the titles we won, to our qualification for the Final 4, etc.," Bartzokas stressed.

"Contrary to what is said about him -- that his main advantage is his first step, his explosion and his speed, which was naturally affected by his injury, it's important to understand that he is a very high-level player in the open court as well. He makes quick decisions in general, passes the ball well. Some have dubbed him a small forward but, to me, his position is '2' leaning towards '1' and not '3'," Bartzokas clarified.

The back-to-back EuroLeague Coach of The Year said McKissic has been given the opportunity to showcase those skills and elements in his game now that several Olympiacos backcourt players are out.

"He's shown that he can be a good ball-handler, get the ball down, attack an imbalanced defense and decide based on the options he has. Overall, I am very satisfied [with him]. I hope that this will continue. I am optimistic and I hope all the players will be in good shape, now that the end of the season is approaching," Bartzokas concluded.

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