Jaka Lakovic landed at Palau Blaugrana in the summer of 2006. Considered one of the best point guards in the old continent and just after living the first experience of the Slovenian national team in a World Cup, he did not leave the fans and managers of the Greek Panathinaikos too happy, who had a hard time saying goodbye . He linked five seasons in which he worked under the orders of Dusko Ivanovic and Xavi Pascual, lifting important titles such as the Euroleague in 2010. It never coincided with Aíto García Reneses, but he faced the Joventut trained by the Madrid player on several occasions, and at the same time he did not lack time to get to know the close and prolific relationship between the coach and the Blaugrana club. Time has passed, Lakovic has changed the track to the benches and Aíto continues to train. And “teacher”, as defined by the Slovenian, who admires and respects him. “There is no need to talk too much about him because we all know him. Most coaches look at it, while trying to get things out of their work and philosophy». reflects Lakovic. Both will see each other today in Fontajau. They face it Basketball Girona and Gran Canaria. After the hiatus due to international commitments, it’s time to start again and the objective is clear: meet again, surrender and revive.
Overcome a turbulent start, with good intentions but without victories, back-to-back wins over Betis and UCAM cleared the early clouds, but the sun hasn’t come out yet. At the Palau, before the stoppage to open one of the many windows that FIBA has – and which take Aíto and other coaches out of hand – the defeat against Barça was sold dearly, but in the end to lose. So ending November Basketball Girona has a record (2-5) that, sooner rather than later, should be made up and improved. Surely today’s is not the best opponent to achieve it, because Gran Canaria’s season is excellent (it is third, with only two defeats and one victory for the leaders), but the opportunity is there and it’s not worth trying to take advantage of it.
A very difficult match awaits us, Gran Canaria is playing very well and this is shown by their results and their classification.
No, Lakovic’s side don’t appear at the top of the league’s best team rankings for points, rebounds or assists, but their remarkable choral play and sparks of quality from men like Inglis, Shurna, Balcerowski and a Ferran Bassas who celebrates his 200th game in the ACB today. Oliver Stevic won’t be there, he rulest.
“A very difficult match awaits us because Gran Canaria is playing very well, this is demonstrated by their results and their classification. We will have to play concentrated, intense and follow the line of the last matches, always trying to do a little more and improve». Word of Aíto, which has the entire staff. Josep Franch was hurt about twenty days ago against UCAM, but he has recovered. Oriola, who made his debut at Palau, will play his first game in Fontajau. Another resource that scares Lakovic. “They have gone from less to more, they are aggressive and especially at home they will try to be strong. They have Oriola, who will expand their rotation and give them more quality and experience.”
