Former Olympiacos assistant Dedas talks Greek fan support, predicts EuroLeague final / News - Basketnews.com

Regarding his predictions for the final, Dedas acknowledged the strength of Real Madrid, despite missing key players. He emphasized the experience of the Spanish veteran guards but expressed confidence in Olympiacos' readiness for victory.

Credit: L.Žemgulis, LKL Credit L.Žemgulis, LKL

Current Rytas Vilnius and former Olympiacos assistant, Georgios Dedas, is eagerly anticipating the EuroLeague Championship Game, where his ex-club will be competing.

Dedas, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Piraeus team, worked with Olympiacos from 2018 to 2020 under David Blatt and Kestutis Kemzura.

Now, the 43-year-old Greek can relish his former club's success in close view since Olympiacos have reached the EuroLeague final, which will be held in Kaunas on Sunday.

"As soon as they arrive in Lithuania, I go to their hotel and games," Dedas told BasketNews after a victorious semi-final in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL).

The Reds became just the second first-seeded team in the round-robin era to qualify for the ultimate EuroLeague match (after Barca in 2020-21).

"I feel good, and I expected Olympiacos to win," Dedas said. "I think Monaco is not ready for this level yet, Olympiacos already proved last season that they have more experience in this aspect.

"At the beginning of the match, Olympiacos simply missed several layups and some three-pointers, which they usually make. Monaco ran away a bit, but after the break, it was a completely different game."

The anticipation for the EuroLeague final is high, with an estimated 7,000 Greek fans expected to attend the game at the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas.

This number represents an increase of 2,000 compared to the semifinal.

However, concerns were raised prior to the selection of the host city, as the availability of accommodation in Kaunas and Vilnius was questioned. Dedas himself experienced these challenges and opened his house to a few friends.

"I myself welcomed a few friends to live with me in my house," Dedas said.

Are you still in touch with Olympiacos?

Yes, I visited them at the hotel. One of the assistant coaches is a good friend of mine, and I know a few of the players. I have a good connection. As soon as they arrive in Lithuania, I go to their hotel and games.

What's the mood around Olympiacos right now when the club is dominating in Greece and playing in the consecutive EuroLeague Final Four?

Olympiacos play with a lot of self-confidence. They are very good, and players know they are good. The rivals know the same. But in one game against Real Madrid, anything can happen. We'll see how it goes.

It was announced that approximately 7,000 Olympiacos fans are expected to attend the final. What can you say about that?

Logistically, the trip from Athens to Kaunas is not easy. I know friends who have traveled or tried to travel. There will be a lot of noise. There will be more people in Kaunas who will be yelling until the start of the game. I think it will be a good atmosphere.

What did your friends tell you about Kaunas?

I myself welcomed a few friends to live with me in my house. They like it here. Of course, Kaunas is very different from Athens. In Lithuania, there is more greenery, not so many traffic jams, you can walk everywhere. I think they like it.

What are your predictions for the final?

It will be a tough game. Can't underestimate Real even though they are missing important players like [Gabriel] Deck or [Guerschon] Yabusele. But they have experience. Spanish veteran guards have played a lot of games for the national team and the most important matches for Real. It will be hard.

I think [Walter] Tavares is a good opponent for [Moustapha] Fall. I see equality in this duel. However, I think that Olympiacos are more ready for victory.

URBONUS

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