Coach Giannis Sfairopoulos of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade gave an injury update ahead of the game against Anadolu Efes Istanbul, remarking on Branko Lazic, Adam Hanga and Shabazz Napier.
Ioannis Sfairopoulos, head coach of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, gave updates about the team's injuries ahead of the December 1 game against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
Shabazz Napier
| Team: |
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade |
| Position: | PG |
| Age: | 32 |
| Height: | 185 cm |
| Weight: | 82 kg |
| Birth place: | Boston, United States of America |
The list of those who will not play includes two: team captain Branko Lazic and new addition Adam Hanga.
"We don't know if he [Branko Lazic] will play tomorrow," said Sfairopoulos. "He has started training, [he will be present] at the shooting practice before the match. We will decide if he will play," stated the coach.
While predictions are a bit rosier for Lazic, in spite of his back injury, Hanga will certainly not play.
"Adam Hanga is not training," explained Sfairopoulos.
The Greek coach also shed further light on Shabazz Napier's situation, who had to resort to wearing a mask after suffering an injury against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 8.
"Shabaz Napier will have to wear a mask for a long time," stated Sfairopoulos, though the American guard will likely show up against Efes.
Both teams are plagued with injuries, as Efes lost both Ante Zizic and Derek Willis to injury against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 10.
Nevertheless, Sfairopoulos insists that injuries should not lead to a slack attitude on the part of the Serbian team.
"We are playing against a very talented team," said the Greek coach. "They have experienced players. The fact that they have a few injuries should not change much in the organization of [their] game.
They have solutions, players who can cover the gaps, who know how to play and do it at a high level. That's why we have to be focused, to know how to defend them. If you give too much space to certain players, they can kill you," concluded Crvena Zvezda's coach.
The Serbian team (3-7) will host Anadolu Efes (5-5) on December 1.
