The Buducnost coach Andrej Žakelj emphasizes that it’s the team that wins, not individual players, ahead of today’s (17:30 PM) Eurocup playoff match in Turkey against Turk Telekom.

After missing last season, the “Blues” have regained their spot in the European competition playoffs and will face an opponent they’ve struggled against in the past, with Turk Telekom winning all four prior meetings — twice last season (84:71 and 77:72) and two more times this season (79:77 and 96:73).

This time, Buducnost enters the match refreshed after a break and following a solid win against Cedevita-Olimpija in the AdmiralBet ABA League on Saturday.

– We started well after the break. Our approach and energy against Cedevita-Olimpija were great, and we need to maintain that momentum. That’s critical – Žakelj remarked regarding the previous match, before turning his focus to Turk Telekom.

Addressing Turk Telekom, who finished third in Group B with a 10-8 record, Žakelj acknowledged the competition’s toughness.

– Turk Telekom is an impressive team with top-notch players. They rightfully secured third place in the group. They are the favorites, but they are under pressure too. We understand our strategy, who we need to focus on, and how we will prepare – Žakelj noted. However, he will be without injured player Andrija Slavković, and Jogi Ferel did not accompany the team to Ankara for personal reasons, making his participation uncertain.

Before the game, Žakelj shared a firm message:

– The team wins, not individuals. That’s our defensive strategy and will guide our offensive play.

Joan Makundu, a former Buducnost player, now plays for Turk Telekom.

– Familiarity with Turk Telekom is key; Makundu is a former player for us. They are physically strong, have good depth, but also present weaknesses. We plan to capitalize on those and aim for the unexpected – Žakelj explained.

A significant asset for Buducnost is point guard McKinley Wright, who is delivering outstanding performances.

– I feel confident, thanks to my teammates and coaches. They deserve the credit for my play – Wright stated clearly.

This match is pivotal; there’s no second chance. The winner advances to face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the quarter-finals, while the loser ends their journey in the Eurocup.

– It’s an elimination game. We either win and progress, or that’s the end of our season. It doesn’t matter who scores, defends, rebounds, or assists. We have a crucial game ahead – Wright emphasized.

Wright knows what it takes to win.

– We must improve our transition play. Turk Telekom excels in offensive rebounds, so we need to keep their taller players away from the basket and quickly transition to counterattacks – he mentioned.

He also has a message for his former teammate, Makundu.

– I always look forward to seeing him. He’s like family to me, and I met his mother and brothers last year. But once the game starts, it’s all business.

This season, the “Blues” have already faced Turkey twice, playing in Istanbul where they suffered defeats against Besiktas and Bahcesehir. Historically, Buducnost has claimed two victories in Turkey — the first in 1999 during the FIBA ​​Saporta Cup quarterfinals against Tofas (82:64), and another in 2022 against Bursa (89:86) in the Eurocup.

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