Luke Sikma from Berlin plays the ball.
Source: Sven Hoppe/dpa/archive image
Nfter the relatively relaxed start to the season, Alba now expects a tight schedule with five games in just ten days. The Euroleague away game at Emporio Armani Milan (8.30 p.m. / Magentasport) will kick off on Friday. “When you see the game plan like that, it feels like you’re on the brink. That’s why it’s better to just focus on the next game,” said coach Israel Gonzalez.
The Bundesliga basketball team has been familiar with this game rhythm for the last few years. “Unfortunately we will have to get used to it again. It’s getting serious now,” said Captain Luke Sikma. National player Johannes Thiemann therefore relies on experience. “The coaches do a good job of distributing the minutes. That’s what distinguishes us anyway, that we play very balanced, “said the center.
Alba expects a big hurdle with Milan. “They are one of the favorites for the title, have a deep squad, strong players and they know what to do in the game. Coach Ettore Messina’s teams are always strong defensively,” Gonzalez warned. It will therefore be the next “big test” for Sikma, but after four wins from the first four competitive games there are also chances. “Because we too have self-confidence,” says the 33-year-old.
In terms of personnel, however, Gonzalez still has to do without actors. Marcus Eriksson will be out for weeks, Malte Delow is still suffering from a slight meniscus pain after training. “We have to be very careful, he’s still young,” said the Alba coach. The sick Ben Lammers will also be absent in Milan, only Yanni Wetzell returned to team training on Wednesday.
