Andrea Trinchieri names best EuroLeague player and makes playoffs predictions / News - Basketnews.com

Andrea Trinchieri believes Mike James is the best player in Europe and predicts that at least 3 of 4 EuroLeague playoffs series will have a Game 5.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

FC Bayern Munich head coach Andrea Trinchieri took part in the Area 52 podcast, discussing various interesting topics.

After guiding Bayern to the EuroLeague playoffs for two seasons in a row, the spectacular German club's run was stopped in this campaign. Even though Trinchieri was disappointed with such an outcome, he admitted it was the toughest EuroLeague season ever.

"There are mixed feelings," Trinchieri said in the Area 52 podcast. "On one side, it's like walking in the center of Milan and watching people eat amazing things inside a top-level restaurant. But this was the toughest Euroleague ever."

The Italian coach also noted that modern basketball doesn't give much time to prepare for the upcoming games.

"I still have a masterpiece on my mind: Limoges-Benetton, Champions Cup 1993. Limoges prepared for that game for six months; they had a defensive answer for every Benetton move. Today you don't have time to do anything near that," Trinchieri said.

He also gave praise to his forward Freddie Gillespie, emphasizing his growth throughout all season.

"We played our 1st game in Bologna, and after the game, many told me: 'Who the f*ck did you sign?'. He was a fish outside the water. EuroLeague is the most pitiful league for rookies. But after six months, only Tavares is a better rim protector," Trinchieri stated.

Speaking of Trinchieri and his players, the Italian tactician gave huge praise to Wade Baldwin, even though their partnership in Bayern was rather challenging.

"Pure NBA material," Trinchieri said about Baldwin on the Area 52 podcast. "His body and instincts are unreal. His problem when he came here was his demons. It was hard work; we had like 11 meetings in my hotel room. It was a wonderful transformation; my heart is full every time I watch him."

Wade Baldwin Andrea TrinchieriCredit Passion2Press/MarkusxFischer

The Italian coach also named the best player in Europe. According to Trinchieri, it's Monaco star, Mike James. He also revealed he would like to have James on his team.

"He is the best player in Europe, hands down," Trinchieri said with confidence. "You just can't stop him; he has everything: 3-pointer, right hand, left hand, pull-up. It's only about him because sometimes he does like Roberto Duran: 'No mas'. Would I like to have him? For sure!"

Trinchieri also shared his Top 5 players of the season list, that could have a decent shout for All-EuroLeague First Team.

"Mike James, Wade Baldwin, Lorenzo Brown, Sasha Vezenkov, Mathias Lessort," Trinchieri named his Top 5 players list. "For the MVP, you have to wait until the end of the season."

Bayern's head coach also praised Kostas Papanikolaou, naming him a crucial part of the Olympiacos team.

"He decided to put his ego aside and to think only about the team. He is pushing them every single game. He found his inner balance; he defends the best players of their opponent: it's an MVP," Trinchieri argued.

While talking on the Area 52 podcast about the upcoming EuroLeague playoffs, Trinchieri also named his favorites. He believes that the Real Madrid-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade series has the most potential for an upset.

"Upset alert on. If Real don't win both games at home, they'll have to win one in Belgrade. And playing there with 30 thousand fans is something else. Real is stronger, but I see a Game 5," said Trinchieri.

The Italian also believes that Olympiacos Piraeus won't cruise past Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul as easily as most might expect.

"Dead and wounded. Olympiacos, as my assistant Vertemati said, is like 1970s Brazil. They deserve to win. But I'm not this sure they'll have an easy win: Game 5," Trinchieri made it short.

He didn't give much hope to Zalgiris Kaunas fans, giving an advantage to FC Barcelona.

"3-0 or 3-1, but the Kaunas' factor…," Trinchieri made it short.

Zalgiris fansCredit Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS

Finally, he didn't have an answer for the AS Monaco-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv series.

"Most unpredictable one. Another Game 5," said the Italian coach.

However, how about Trinchieri on a championship-caliber team?

"It's an ambition but not an obsession," Trinchieri revealed. "If I'll have a chance. I'll do my best to adapt to what it's needed, but it's not a thing I can control. In every case, I'll always drink a good bottle of wine."

He also shared a conversation with an unnamed EuroLeague club that wanted to sign him. However, the Italian tactician declined the offer.

"Once upon a time, a Euroleague team interviewed me. They told me: 'We missed the Final Four, but we want to make it next season'. Me: 'With what budget?'. Them: '40% less than last season. We know you can do miracles.' I said no," Trinchieri said.

The 54-year-old also honestly talked about EuroLeague's future, and he doesn't think it's that bright.

"It's harder and harder to convince USA players [to join.] Many [of them] prefer to stay in G-League waiting for their NBA chance," said Trinchieri. "And I don't see a lot of young Euro players ready to replace the legends that are getting older and older."

Finally, Trinchieri talked about the EuroLeague-FIBA conflict. The Italian is certain that changes will take place, emphasizing the importance of players' health.

"Something will change soon. The main thing is to clean the calendar: players need one month to rest and one to make individual work. It's impossible for them to build their way to play. Players have to be the main focus," Trinchieri concluded on the Area 52 podcast.

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