Check out what the protagonists have to say before the game.
Pre-game quotes: Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg



Vladimir Jovanovic, Buducnost head coach
"I would like to be able to say that we are eagerly awaiting the game with Hamburg and the start of the EuroCup because we have been preparing for it during our short camp. However, with all the problems, we had a game that was played less than 24 hours ago, we won't even have 24 hours until the next game. With all the problems we have in the roster, I mean first of all the absence of [Alpha] Kaba, who at this moment will not be able to return to the field quickly. We will try today to prepare as much as possible for Hamburg, a team that has shown an enviable level of talent in the German championship. They won in two matches and against ALBA they played an even match where they had a shot to win. They are composed to play very fast, they kept the style of play from previous seasons even though they changed the coach and players. A versatile team, they have two very good playmakers with totally different playing qualities, shooter James Woodard, two centers who are completely different. It is very important, and from what I can see, our boys are very focused for this game. We will be questionable with strength, but I hope that the fans will come to support us in large numbers and give us the support that we really need at this moment."
Kenan Kamenjas, Buducnost player
"After our derby game in the Adriatic League, already tomorrow we are expecting a match of the first round of the EuroCup against the Hamburg team. First of all, we need to rest and prepare well because in 24 hours we have a match against a very difficult opponent. They take a lot of shots in transition, as well as from the set attacks, so it will be a game with a lot of wear and tear. We will have to try hard and put a lot of energy and effort to follow their rhythm and hopefully celebrate at the end."
Raoul Korner, Hamburg head coach
"We are clearly outsiders in the EuroCup, certainly the team with the lowest budget. You can see that in the squads of our opponents, some of whom have also signed EuroLeague players. But that makes it all the more exciting. Similar to the league, we have to solve it as a collective. Against Podgorica, we encounter a different kind of basketball: it's more structured, the individual quality of the players is even higher. Trae Bell-Haynes was MVP in the German League. Reynolds is a proven scorer at this level. Aaron White has played for top teams in the EuroLeague. It's also a different caliber in terms of size and physique."
Christoph Philipps, Hamburg player
"The game in the EuroCup is even more structured than in the German League, advantages in the individual positions are played out better. It's also a great experience for me as a young player to get to know other basketball cultures. Even though we'll probably be the underdog in every game, we mustn't shy away. We have to go into the first game on Wednesday and try to surprise them. We have nothing to lose."
Ziga Samar, Hamburg player
"I'm really looking forward to the start of the EuroCup - it's the second most important competition after the EuroLeague. It's important for me to quickly get used to the rhythm of playing two games a week and to grow with it. We are a young team; not all players have experience at this level. However, we have to go into every game with the attitude that we can win. When we play as a team, we always have a chance of winning, internationally as well."