“Reflecting on Basketball in the Wake of the Cetinje Tragedy”
The game featured Tref Sopot, Photo: Trefl Sopot
As Montenegro grieves the tragedy in Cetinje, the players of Buducnost Voli had to focus on their sport and a crucial game in Poland.
In the 13th round of the Eurocup, the “Blue and White” team secured a solid victory against Trefl Sopot (81:69), thus keeping their playoff hopes alive. Coach Andrej Žakelj noted the difficulty of the situation after the events that transpired on January 1, 2025, in Crna Gora.
“Firstly, on behalf of the club, I extend my condolences to all those impacted by the tragedy in Cetinje. It was incredibly challenging to compete and maintain a focus on basketball after such a heartbreaking event in Montenegro,” the Slovenian coach expressed.
The tragic incident in Cetinje claimed the lives of 12 people, including two children, as a result of a shooting by a local resident, Aco Martinović.
Regarding the match in Gdańsk, Žakelj emphasized that the team understood the challenges ahead.
“Especially since we were without McKinley Wright, and Trefl Sopot is not to be underestimated. They have a history of overcoming deficits of nearly 20 points in recent games, so I stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the entire 40 minutes, and I believe the players honoured that commitment,” added the Buducnost coach.
With this triumph, the Podgorica club improved to nearly 6-7 and remained in contention for the playoffs.
“Winning a must-win game is never straightforward, and this victory is crucial for our upcoming matches,” Žakelj emphasized.
Looking ahead, Buducnost is set to face another match on Sunday, welcoming Dubai, a newcomer to the AdmiralBet ABA League, at Morača.
“Dubai boasts a strong roster. They rightfully sit at the top of the ABA League, and we expect a tough contest. We need to return to Podgorica, recover, prepare, and give our all on Sunday,” Žakelj stated confidently.
Although Wright was unavailable, Jogi Ferrell stepped up in his absence.
“This victory is vital for our chances of reaching the playoffs. I was pleased with our performance—how we came onto the court, reacted, and played the game without allowing the opponent to make a comeback. They had their moments, but we responded effectively, and it’s gratifying to return home with a win,” Ferrell remarked.
The American point guard is optimistic for the upcoming match on Sunday.
“Another critical game awaits us in two days, and we’re already focusing on that challenge. Let’s prepare and aim for another victory in the ABA League at Morača,” concluded Buducnosti’s number 11.
The doors to Dubai are open
Buducnost Voli has announced that entry to the match against Dubai on Sunday (7 p.m.) will be free.
“Free entry for all fans, while season ticket holders will have priority for their seats. Tickets are not required for entry. Also, the Morača hall can accommodate full capacity,” the club announced.
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