Jasikevicius reveals why Fenerbahce-Maccabi game was relocated to Lithuania / News - Basketnews.com

Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius reveals that relocating the EuroLeague game against Maccabi to Panevezys, Lithuania, was the last option to avoid indefinite postponement.

Credit: Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS, Karolis Kavolėlis Credit Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS, Karolis Kavolėlis

Last week, the EuroLeague announced a venue change for the Round 19 game between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Free throws this season

79%11,8Points made:11,8Accuracy:79,2%Place in standings:15Record max:22Record min:2Most made FTs:Nigel Hayes-DavisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Initially scheduled for January 4 in Istanbul, the game will now be held at Kalnapilio Arena in Panevezys, Lithuania, following recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius explained that the alternative was either relocating to Panevezys or indefinitely postponing the game. Despite the unusual circumstances, both teams proceeded with the match to preserve the schedule.

"Actually, Panevezys was one of the last options," Jasikevicius told Jonas Leksas of BasketNews. "It was either Panevezys or the game was about to be postponed indefinitely. Both teams tried to save the match and the calendar. That's how Panevezys turned out (smiles)."

When asked about the club and local fans' reaction to the EuroLeague's decision, considering the loss of a home game, Jasikevicius emphasized the team's primary focus on playing.

"It is how it is. Our job is to play," Saras pointed out. "There is a lot to discuss, but you have to go play and try to take the point."

Credit P.Židonis

Regarding the relocation to Panevezys, the 47-year-old expressed hope for support from Lithuanians.

"We will hope [for support]," Saras said with a smile. "But it's hard to expect a lot of support because this is going to be a strange game. We need to focus, get the job done, and do well."

In terms of his tenure with Fenerbahce, which has now reached three weeks, Jasikevicius discussed the team's progress and the difficulty of making significant strides amidst a busy schedule.

"In fact, it is very difficult to progress; you go from game to game, you try to add, but it is very difficult to make steps further," Saras stressed. "Now, the players also had [Christmas and New Year] celebrations, during which there are all kinds of nuances. You won't add much in such time.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul / Schedule

Anadolu Efes Istanbul Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul84-89 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade76-85 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul Maccabi Playtika Tel AvivThu17:45 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradeTue17:30

"We are trying to make the most of the flights. We sit down with the players to watch the video material," Jasikevicius continued. "It's a difficult situation, but when you take a job [in the middle of the season], you already know that it will more or less be like that."

Additionally, the Lithuanian mastermind acknowledged the demanding EuroLeague schedule with back-to-back double-round weeks for the first time in competition history and noted the challenges of managing player fatigue.

"You don't worry too much -- you look at the calendar and go play. Yeah, we looked at the schedule, and there are three double-round weeks in January... Maybe there will be a bit more rest in that February window, that's a plus. The calendar has been illogical and unforgiving for many years," Saras noted.

"We somewhat rest the players in the local league. It is really hard to implement my own ideas," he added. "Players need to rest, and it is also complicated by the fact that practically two different teams are in the EuroLeague and in the Turkish championship. There are those details, but you always go to the next day and the following game."

Regarding living arrangements in Istanbul, Jasikevicius humorously mentioned that he and his family are still in a hotel.

"We live with the children in a hotel, the same food for three weeks. We managed to relax a little during New Year's, go out and see the city, but anyway, it's a bit funny," Jasikevicius said with a smile.

Credit Tolga Adanali via Getty Images

Last but not least, he commented on the coaching change in his former team, Zalgiris Kaunas, expressing his surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

"Yes, it was somewhat surprising. You can't say that it went so calmly. At first, there was one idea, then another, then another... It's surprising, I won't lie," Saras shared.

Jasikevicius then answered whether he sees similarities in Andrea Trinchieri's game philosophy with his own.

"I think, yes. Andrea and I have communicated a lot, and we have gone through the EuroLeague playoff series together," Saras said. "Somehow, he is also a more defensive coach. But also on the offensive end, he is a multidimensional coach; he has accumulated much experience and worked with various teams. His experience in European basketball is huge, and I think that Zalgiris will only get better.

"He has a lot of details both in attack and defense, which are the most important and usually decide everything. I can't say much, but this is one of the best coaches in Europe."

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