ABA TV: Simonović – “I hope to finally win the championship ring”

In the video interview for the ABA League TV, Marko Simonović of Crvena zvezda Telekom spoke about the forthcoming final series against Mega Leks and also about his great desire to win the ABA League championship ring, since he did not manage to win a regional competition until now.

Finally, you have reached the ABA League Finals after a long and interesting season where a lot of things happened to your team. We could say that this is the crown of the season in ABA League.

"It is true. A long season with a high number of games is behind us. We are currently undergoing final preparations and tests before these important games.”

Have you managed to recover from the difficult rhythm of the games in the Euroleague and the final defeats against CSKA that got you eliminated in the Quarter-finals?

"Yes, we have managed to do so. However, there are still some little problems with injuries, but we are coping well with that. This is normal. We have made a good result and had a nice period. It would be great if we could finish the season the way we are supposed to.”

On the contrary to you, Mega Leks had enough time to rest during the previous month. Now we will see if this was an advantage, or rather a disadvantage for them.

"Yes, they had more time to rest and to prepare for the Finals. For sure they are an exceptionally quality team with great young players and great young head coach. They have shown throughout the season that they are not just a bunch of kids that will have great careers in the future, but that they are already great players that can be counted on when necessary in all situations. For sure they are the future of Serbian, Montenegrin and also French basketball. We have to play maximally focused. It will not be easy at all. In the end, this is the ABA League Finals. They will be more relaxed since they do not have an imperative to win upon them, but we must and will cope with that.”

Did Mega Leks surprise you personally? First they won the Radivoj Korać Cup, now they have entered the Finals of the ABA League…

"They are having an amazing season. What they have done deserves every praise. There will be no place for joking in the Finals, since they have proven that they can play, that they can punish you for mistakes you make and for playing too relaxed. It will not be easy at all.”

This will be a chance for you to finally put on the ABA League championship ring!