Jasikevicius jokes about relocating, talks jersey confusion and possible signing / News - Basketnews.com

Sarunas Jasikevicius emphasizes patience with rising star Yam Madar: "He doesn't understand much yet. It's neither his fault nor mine. He is 22 years old."

Credit: Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS Credit Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS

On Thursday night, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul achieved a milestone in the EuroLeague, setting their new all-time scoring record with 109 points and securing a decisive 35-point victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Player of the Game EFF 21 Tyler Dorsey Points 21 Accuracy 7-10 Rebounds 1 Assists 1

However, what made this feat even more interesting was the unusual circumstance of the game being played at Kalnapilio Arena in Panevezys, Lithuania, instead of Istanbul, following recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

After the scoring feast, Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius joked that the team should start playing home games in Panevezys regularly.

"As far as I know, the club is setting up a hotel, and we are moving to Panevezys because we received so many messages that maybe it is worth it for the team to relocate," Saras said with a smile in the post-game conference. "Staff members are now sitting in the locker room receiving so many messages that we need to think about that scenario."

Adding to the unique experience was a minor uniform confusion, as both teams wore yellow jerseys, albeit in slightly different shades. Despite the pre-game concerns, Jasikevicius downplayed the situation.

"It wasn't as bad as I was told pre-game," Jasikevicius noted. "Before the match, they said that both teams would look yellowish, but those yellows were different. We were with dark [stripes]. Honestly, I thought it would be worse. I think it was a similar situation in Belgrade."

In addition to game-related matters, Saras was also asked about the potential addition to the team.

"I believe that at this point, a new player could only come from outside the EuroLeague. I think it will be very difficult to do something now. There were some talks, ideas, but as always in European basketball, no one is used to any change. Everyone says that something will happen in this window, and practically nothing ever occurs.

3-pointers this season

38%10,6Points made:10,6Accuracy:37,8%Place in standings:1Record max:16Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Scottie WilbekinTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"I'm one of those who tends to look at what we have now. You need to work with current players, and you need them to understand what you want from them. This team is good, and we should try to squeeze the maximum out of it."

One of the players Saras wants to get the best out of him is Israeli rising star, Yam Madar.

Having made the move from Partizan to Fenerbahce last summer, Madar's current season statistics reflect an average of 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 5.8 PIR across 19 EuroLeague games. In each contest, he spends an average of 15 minutes and 44 seconds on the court.

He finished Thursday's game with 10 points, five assists, and 15 PIR in almost 24 minutes of play.

"You have to be patient, he is 22 years old. He doesn't understand much yet," Saras said. "It's neither his fault nor mine. He is 22 years old. I don't know who understood a lot about basketball at the age of 22. We have to be patient.

"By the way, today, he was one of the most important players in the game for me. His stability in guiding the team, his defense against [Tamir] Blatt, his pressure on the ball, his footwork -- he was one of the key players that helped to break the game to our side. There is no need to expect anything from such young players, little by little. They are still very young. Only absolute phenomenon dominates at the age of 22."

Game highlights:

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