Jasikevicius reflects on playing against Zalgiris in EuroLeague playoffs / News - Basketnews.com

Ex-Zalgiris head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius spoke highly of his former team, pointing out their resilience and ability to overcome challenges. While Saras is happy about Zalgiris' success, he noted that playing against his former team is not a pleasant experience.

Credit: zalgiris.lt Credit zalgiris.lt

Zalgiris Kaunas reached the EuroLeague playoffs for the third time in the last six years by downing FC Bayern Munich 83-80 at Audi Dome on Friday night. The Greens finished the regular season with a 19-15 record, ranking seventh overall, and soon they will face FC Barcelona in a best-of-five series.

2-pointers this season

55%18,5Points made:18,5Accuracy:54,5%Place in standings:13Record max:27Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Jan VeselyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

For their part, Barca wrapped up the second seed in the playoffs after grabbing an 85-71 win over Valencia Basket at Palau Blaugrana.

Sarunas Jasikevicius, a former Zalgiris head coach, already assessed the Catalans' upcoming opponent. He stressed that Zalgiris achieved success despite losing key players and facing challenges that may have hindered other teams.

"Zalgiris is the team with the biggest character in the EuroLeague," Saras pointed out. "Nobody expected them to make the playoffs at the start of the season. They played excellent basketball in the first half of the season. Then they had a significant setback with Keenan Evans' injury, and many people didn't give a penny for them.

"But they know how to readapt by using their character, the unwavering support of their fans, and the ability to take the games forward."

Jasikevicius also acknowledged the fact that Zalgiris outperformed some of the EuroLeague giants throughout their journey to the Top 8.

"We have to think about whom they left behind. There are no surprises in 34 games -- they have been better than Fenerbahce, Valencia, Virtus, and Efes," Saras underlined. "I am very happy for them. I've been in love with Zalgiris since I was six, but now they are my rivals, and it is not pleasant to play against them."

Game 1 of the best-of-five series between Barca and Zalgiris is scheduled for April 26 at Palau Blaugrana.

EuroLeague playoffs schedule confirmed. EuroLeague playoffs 2023: teams, format and pairs.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.