It would be disastrous to underestimate Partizan’
For Olympiacos head coach Panagiotis Giannakis, the Euroleague Final Four in Paris could have a historical significance. The living legend of Greek basketball will have a chance to win the European club title as a coach, having already won it as a Panathinaikos player in Paris in 1996.
“I won Euroleague back in 1996 as a veteran player and that was the first title a Greek club had ever won. Once you are there at the Final Four, it’s only natural to hope and dream of going all the way. That goes for all four teams, even those who are regarded as underdogs,” said Giannakis.
On the route to the Euroleague title, the Greek giants will have to work their way past Serbian champions Partizan in the semi-final. This will be a third encounter of the two teams this season, as Partizan attempt to create another miraculous push towards the glory.
- “At this stage of the competition, when you take on a team you’ve already played, you need to be smarter and play even better. Whatever the outcome, you need to grow and learn something new.”
Many a top European club have felt the sting of Partizan when they underestimated the Serbs over the seasons, which Giannakis is fully aware of.
- “I will be telling my players the same thing – you can’t underestimate anyone today as you will be punished. We need to respect every team and we will have to be extremely cautious against Partizan.”
Giannakis took part in the 1998 Final Four in Gent, the last time Partizan came as far as the final event.
- “For those who don’t remember, Partizan were a tough nut to crack even back then in 1998. I remember they had a very young and talented team, just like the one today. Coach Vujosevic is especially efficient when working with tall players and has gained such experience over the years that it has now given him an opportunity to do great things with Partizan,” said Giannakis.
