Player analysis: KK Buducnost - BC Hemofarm Stada
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KK Buducnost vs. BC Hemofarm Stada
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Bojan Bakic, KK Buducnost
 One of the most experienced players on KK Buducnost, guard Bojan Bakic represents the connection between the Montenegrin champion and its Last 32 opponent, Hemofarm, as he spent the previous four seasons in Vrsac. Bakic's return to his original club this summer was prosperous for both sides, as Buducnost won seven games in the regular season, while Bakic was among the club's top three players in minutes, points, three-pointers, assists and steals. Buducnost was 5-0 when he scored in double figures. "I have to emphasize the fact that Buducnost is playing again in Europe after a couple of years absent. We have shown that last year's results in the Adriatic League as well as the ones in the current season are a product of hard-working players and good team spirit. We played very good in the regular season. Our record could be even better, but I am satisfied with it. Our young team is on the right track and I hope that we prove it in the next games."
"There's no doubt that Hemofarm is respectable rival. They have experienced players and spent for that. Several members of the Serbian and other national teams are on their roster. I would say that their main weapon is experience. I played a couple of years in Vrsac and have a lot of respect for them. But my emotions and my professional obligations are on the side of Buducnost, the team with whom I grew up."
"I think that the home court will be a decisive factor on the way to next round. Our intention is to play for victory in both games. The second match in Podgorica will be decisive. My opinion is that we are a better team and that our spirit is stronger than their individual quality. I hope that we can prove this in the next two games." |
Miljan Pavkovic, Hemofarm Stada
 Point guard Miljan Pavkovic joined Hemofarm this summer from Buducnost and in little time established himself as a floor general. The diminutive playmaker's role as a pass-first guard who can spot up and create damage as a shooter has been important to this team's success so far. With an impressive 2.3 assists-to-turnover ratio, Pavkovic has proven to be trustworthy with the ball in his hands – especially in close games – and could emerge as a big advantage for his team when the opportunity arises. "We had a lot of ups and downs in our regular season group. We played almost perfect in some games, but we also had a couple of very bad performances. The most important thing, however, is that we reached the ULEB Cup elimination rounds. We missed the chance to finish second in our regular season group, losing our final game against Galatasaray Cafe Crown, but it is time to look ahead." 
"We know Buducnost very well because we played against each other many times in the Adriatic League. Even I used to play there for two years. At this point, nobody could surprise each other so I expect two uncertain, balanced games. The key could be defense. We learned that lesson already, as good defense makes things easier on offense, too. I am sure we will see Goran Jagodnik, but Milivoje Bozovic did a great job replacing him so far."
"Playing the first leg at home could be bad for us, because it is much easier to play the second leg at home, being fully aware what the situation is or how many points you have to defend or rally from in front of your fans. We all are ready to give our best in both games, no matter if we play in Vrsac or Podgorica. It is all up to us and we are prepared to take responsibilities." |
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Thursday, February 07, 2008
ULEBCup.com
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