A vacancy in the point guard position, only two points ahead of the relegated ranks and the cellar duel against Rasta Vechta in front of the chest: Roel Moors, head coach of the BG Göttingen, currently has to deal with several construction sites at the same time. In the Tageblatt interview advises not to panic despite the current situation in the table.
display
Day sheet: Mr. Moors, the team once again showed two faces against Ulm: In the second and third quarters they met their opponents at eye level, while they couldn’t take a trick in the first and fourth quarters. How do you explain this inconstancy?
Moors: It’s mentally difficult for a team that is already having problems. I think the team played with the right energy and intensity. Unfortunately that was not enough. We had a few chances in the third quarter to get even closer to Ulm, but then we didn’t hit three-pointers that Ulm hit on the other side. At the moment we don’t have enough players who can make us successful.
Before the game, you once again addressed the team’s mentality. How satisfied were you with the attitude of your players towards Ulm?
When we talk about energy, mentality and intensity, we have done what we have to do. I think the game against Frankfurt would have been different with that attitude, but we can’t look back. We have to keep working like this now.
In contrast to the Frankfurt game, you can take positive things with you despite a clear defeat?
Yes, a lot of positive things. But if you end up losing with 24 points, there are of course some negative aspects. I think the result was too high in terms of our performance in the end. We played against a team that has a lot of quality and several players who can make the difference. We are missing that at the moment.
“Nelson tries to do what he can”
You are addressing the personnel situation. Luke Nelson is someone who can make the difference for the BG Göttingen. He had to take a break against Frankfurt, but was back on the floor against Ulm. Was it back at 100 percent?
No. But he tried to do what he can. He was not always successful, for example he lost too many balls. It definitely speaks for Luke that he wanted to play.
Especially since after the termination of his contract with Jorge Gutierrez he had even more responsibility to shoulder than he already had. Was it the right time to part with his early game two days before the next league game?
The decision to part ways with Jorge had already been made. We have to be clear about this: He was not responsible for all of our problems. I never said that either. But he couldn’t bring what he should have brought. He played with too little energy. And physically he has too many problems. It’s not easy for him personally, you could tell from him. I understand that too. But the team needs a different body language. Of course we’re now missing a player, but I think it was the right decision.
There aren’t many players in the market at this stage of the season. How far are you in finding a replacement?
It’s very, very difficult to find a player who has the qualities to help us. It will also be difficult to find a real point guard. Maybe we have to choose a player who can score and so takes some pressure off the other players. There are few free players on the market right now. So it would be ideal if I could sign a player who is already in Europe, who plays and has a rhythm.
BG Göttingen – Ratiopharm Ulm Season 2020/21
Against Ulm, the BG Göttingen finally showed what it is capable of. In the end, that wasn’t enough to win against Ulm.
© Swen gatekeeper
For the basement duel against Vechta, you will probably not be able to present a new addition.
That is possible. But I would like to emphasize at this point: It is an important game for us, also for Vechta. But it’s not a game that will decide the season for us.
“The future of the association and my job depend on it”
The starting situation before this game is alarming. Only two points separate the BG Göttingen from Vechta and thus from a relegation zone.
That’s right. But we mustn’t panic, it won’t help us. The season is still very long. Every week something happens that you don’t expect. Of course we want – and maybe have to – win this game, but it won’t decide our season alone.
You are in your fifth season as head coach in professional basketball. Have you ever been in the situation of having to deal with a relegation battle?
It’s a whole new experience, which of course doesn’t give me any pleasure. But it can help me in my career to cope with such a situation. One thing is certain: it is not easy at the moment. The future of the club and my job depend on it, I know that. I will keep working hard.
