“Besiktas” leader of EuroChallenge Group B arrived in Tbilisi 2 hours later and stayed in “Holliday-Inn”. “Besiktas” trained in Tbilisi Sports Palace at 21:00 o’clock instead of 20:00 o’clock, their rival “Armia” traied before them.
On December 6, at 18:00 o’clock these clubs hold the second round match of the second circle of Eurochallenge Group B. “Besiktas” is leader and has already guaranteed playing in the next stage, as for “Armia”, it is in the 2nd place and it is very close to the next stage, needs only one victory for it. Leaders of “Besiktas “, Deron Williams and Semih Erden will not play against “Armia”. After ending lock-out in NBA, they returned to their clubs in the US.
Sandieta Geines of “Armia” has also returned to his club with the same reason. As for one of the leaders of “Armia”, Guillermo Diaz he is injured and that’s why he will not be able to take part in this match. Three newcomers – Cliff Hawkins, Matt Freije and Ben Woodside will play in this match.
The first circle match between these clubs finished in favor of “Besiktas” in Turkey.
“World Sport” attended training of Turkish club and talked to head coach of “Besiktas”.
Ergin Ataman: “Armia” is a very good team. Both of us (“Besiktas” and “Armia”) are favorites in the group. I respect Georgian club very much and to my mind, very difficult match is ahead us. “Armia” has much more chances of victory, because we have already guaranteed playing in the next round and have less motivation, in spite these two leaders of the club will not play in this match – Deron Williams and Semih Erdin, who left for America for playing in NBA. We are searching players, who will play instead of them, but without result. We arrived here with 10 players. In a word, we will fight for victory but “Armia” is a favorite”.
- So, Georgian club can go through the next stage…
- Yes, it can. It is better team than others and they have real chance of beating “Leiden” next week in Holland.
- Who is distinguished player in “Armia”?
- Gaines, Richardson and Diaz are distinguished players in “Armia”.
- Diaz is injured and will not be able to play, how will you play against Richardson?
- Richardson likes to kick three-point kicks and we will try not to give him chance of it.
- What about Georgian basketball?
- I was watching European championship and I know that you have good national team.
- You wanted Pachulia to join your club..
- Yes, I did but at the last moment we had some problems. At that time contract with Deron Williams was newly signed and negotiating with Kobe Bryant. All these caused misunderstanding and finally Pachulia joined to “Galatasaray”.
- What about conditions?
- Hotel and sport gym are very good, just it is very cold here in comparison with Istanbul.
Rusudan Chumburidze
Roland Labuchidze
