Kostas Papanikolaou addresses Olympiacos' fatigue, comments on war in Middle East / News - Basketnews.com

Kostas Papanikolaou talked about Olympiacos' schedule and the upcoming derby vs. Panathinaikos, and joked about Ignas Brazdeikis' position. He also referred to the war in the Middle East and gave his take on whether Olympiacos should host Maccabi if necessary.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Olympiacos Piraeus have been plagued by injuries and are facing some serious adversity at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign.

Kostas Papanikolaou

MIN:32.13PTS:6 (40.63%)REB:4As:3ST:1.5BL:0.25TO:1.25GM:4ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

The Reds remain perfect in the Greek Basket league with a 3-0 record, but their EuroLeague track leaves much to be desired, as they're standing at 2-2. After the win over Panathinaikos Athens in the opener, Olympiacos had to suit up without several core players in the games that followed. In the ensuing losses to FC Barcelona and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, it was clear that the Greek side was lacking a bigger rotation.

As Shaquielle McKissic isn't expected to return before mid-November, coach Giorgos Bartzokas saw Ignas Brazdeikis, Moustapha Fall, Nigel Williams-Goss and Luke Sikma become unavailable in one (or more) contests. The small rotation has definitely taken a toll on the team, and captain Kostas Papanikolaou can attest to that.

"The truth is that the current period is difficult for us physically because a lot of fatigue has accumulated from very early on," he told Greek public broadcaster ERT.

"On the other hand, we are professionals and we like to play games. That's what we want to do. We have coaches and physiotherapists who take care of the proper rehabilitation of those who played the most," he assured.

"Our life is like that," he stoically noted. "This is how European basketball works. We have guys who can help every night, so that we're able to do what we have to do."

Papanikolaou, 33, said the team's schedule includes games non-stop, "soeveryone should be careful to allow their system to get more rest."

"The secret in order to manage all those games is to keep our concentration at a high level," he stressed.

Kostas Papanikolaou

Team:Olympiacos PiraeusPosition:SFAge:33Height:204 cmWeight:102 kgBirth place:Trikala, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

Next Monday, October 30, Olympiacos are hosting Panathinaikos in what will be the two rival's third derby in the season. The Reds captured a resounding 75-51 win in Rhodes for the Greek Super Cup, while prevailing 88-78 in an overtime thriller on the EuroLeague stage.

Papanikolaou appeared certain that "the second game showed what the derbies between the two teams really mean."

"The next game will be completely different and anyone thinking it will be simple because we beat them twice, they'll be falling into a big trap. You can easily get knocked down."

That's why the veteran forward thinks that Olympiacos' 18-1 run is nothing more than history.

"If we win, we're putting a title contender one win below us. You cannot be naive and not be hungry in a match like this that will give you the upper hand," he commented.

"I don't know if a win will grant the home-court advantage because you can lose to Peristeri or PAOK if you underestimate them."

Papanikolaou also pointed out that secrets are few and far between in that type of games, no matter how many new tricks the coaches might deploy.

"Derbies are decided by details -- the 50-50 balls, by a single play, and by determination. We must be just as hungry as they are."

One of the EuroLeague's best defenders, Papanikolaou said defense can also propel Olympiacos on the front end of the court. However, asked about the position Ignas Brazdeikis plays, he appeared rather uncertain.

"Once you've figured it out, let us know," he joked. "We don't reveal our plans," he added.

As a father of two little daughters, Papanikolaou was appalled to watch the footage coming from the conflict in the Middle East, as Israel and Hamas are engaging in atrocities and acts of retaliation that have cost thousands of lives.

"Obviously, basketball doesn't simply take a back seat, but is the 50th most important thing. We're watching some disturbing images and it doesn't matter if they are from the Israeli or the Palestinian side, since children are being made homeless," he observed.

"Just because I have children of my own, I don't want to be in their shoes. We are talking about very difficult situations and someone has to put a stop to it. People who are trying to get out of this mess are not the ones who have to pay the price."

Asked about the situation with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and their status, Papanikolaou focused on the squad's Israeli players.

"How can you concentrate on a game when you know that back home these things are happening?" he wondered. "If I had a son and he'd be playing at Maccabi, I would be constantly asking what's going on."

In case Maccabi don't find a permanent place to host them as long as the war is in progress, Papanikolaou wouldn't mind if Olympiacos took the initiative to give them shelter.

"Obviously," he replied. "One should help any way they can."

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.