Giannis Sfairopoulos comments on Trey Thompkins' readiness, Khem Birch's case / News - Basketnews.com

Giannis Sfairopoulos referred to the changes Andrea Trinchieri has brought to Zalgiris and to Trey Thompkins' status. He also explained why Zvezda didn't pursue Khem Birch until the end.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

Standing at 10-15,Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade's chances of making the EuroLeague Play-Ins are few and far between.

Trey Thompkins

Team:Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet BelgradePosition:PFAge:33Height:208 cmWeight:111 kgBirth place:Lithonia, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Yet, the upcoming home game against Zalgiris Kaunas and the addition of Trey Thompkins could provide the Serbian side with some comfort.

"We face Zalgis that are in a great momentum," head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos told reporters on the eve of the Round 26 outing in Belgrade.

Zalgiris' latest exploits came at the expense of Anadolu Efes and Panathinaikos, something that makes Sfairopoulos aware of their potential.

"They won three out of their four last games," the Greek tactician observed.

"So from our side, we need to be very concentrated, play good defense and control the game. On offense, we must read what they try to do and play smart against the obstacles they might present us with," he said.

Sfairopoulos, who took over the team last October signing a 2-year deal, called Zalgiris "a team that's now playing in a different way" than how they used to. The change is attributed to Andrea Trinchieri, as the Italian play-caller has managed to get the most out of his players, especially in home games.

"Look, always when there is a change of a coach, there is a better effort from the players to show to the new coach what they can do," Sfairopoulos argued.

"They play with higher energy defensively. They are more solid now. On offense, they try to play simple but with a good flow," he added.

Coming off another ABA League loss (to Zadar), Sfairopoulos expects his team to improve defensively and be more solid.

"If we allow Zalgiris to play in their rhythm, we'll have problems. So we need to disorganize their game," he warned.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade / Schedule

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade FC Barcelona76-85 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade Zalgiris KaunasFri19:00

The two-time EuroLeague finalist (2015, 2017) won't have Trey Thompkins at his disposal this week, as the American forward hasn't even arrived in Belgrade. The former Real Madrid player has signed a one-month agreement with Zvezda, but he will skip the game against Zalgiris and it is difficult to foresee what his contribution might look like once he's cleared to play.

"He's still in rehabilitation period," Sfairopoulos said of the new entry.

"He will need a few more days. We don't know exactly how many, for his knee, but after that, he will be part of the team."

The experienced specialist doesn't have any doubt that a healthy version of Thompkins can be of significant help to Zvezda.

"He has great EuroLeague experience," Sfairopoulos continued.

"He is a top-level player, who has played in Real Madrid that we know they always compete for the EuroLeague. He knows the EuroLeague. He knows how to play games to win titles. So, he fits our mentality and will give us things we don't have."

Asked about the reports on Zvezda's interest in Khem Birch, who ended up signing with Girona in Spain, Sfairopoulos was pretty candid.

"When we tried to find him and bring him, he was not ready to come," he said of his former player at Olympiacos (2016-17).

"He had hit his knee -- that's what he told us two months ago when we reached out to him. So, he was not ready to come these days."

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