September 9 is the most important day for the Georgian national basketball team at EuroBasket 2015. Igor Kokoskov’s team lost 3 games in a row but the Georgians still have a chance of making through to the next round. If Georgia earns at least five-point victory over Macedonia, it will take the 4th place in the group and will go through to playoff. We talked to Zaza Pachulia before the very important game.
- We failed to Greece in the first half.
- What can I say? Greece has a very good team and beat us in the first half. Georgia played better in the second half but it was impossible to overcome 28-point difference.
- The Georgian national team is playing two different halves. All three games were held identically. We lost the first halves to Netherlands, Slovenia and Greece and then we reduced difference in the second halves.
- I cannot explain it. However, I think our opponents were relaxed. When you are winning with big difference, you are relaxed and do not play with full concentration.
- What is the biggest problem of the Georgian team at the current EuroBasket?
- We are not playing correctly and a lot of things should be changed.
- What do you mean? Is not coaching staff giving right instructions or are not players carrying out their instructions?
- I can say nothing about coaches. It is our fault. We must reduce number of mistakes and play more attentively. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve success at this tournament.
- You said it is important to play at high level in defense.
- Of course, defense is one of the most important components in basketball.
- Neither you had impressive statistics in the last two games.
- To tell the truth, personal statistics is not important for me. If team wins, our goal is achieved.
- Georgia will face Macedonia in the decisive game. If we win 5 points, perhaps, we will go through to playoff.
- It is a very important game. We will watch their videos and analyze their games.
- Before the start of EuroBasket, Macedonia was said to have weaker team at this tournament.
- I do not agree on this opinion. We will hold toughest game against Macedonia.
Dato Manjavidze, specially for worldsport.ge from Zagreb
