Fenerbahce (18-11) coach Sarunas Jasikevicius goes up against his former team Barcelona (20-9) for the first time in a major matchup in the top four race.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce: 'They’re one of the favorites to win the EuroLeague'
The Turkish team has been unstoppable at home recently, winning six in a row and setting its club record for scoring in each of the last two games, including a 118-88 destruction of Valencia last week. A key battle will take place in the backcourt between two iconic point guards, as all-time assists leader Nick Calathes confronts the legendary Ricky Rubio, who showed he is getting back to his best by providing 7 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds in last week's win over Partizan. Fenerbahce will be targeting a win of 9 points or more to claim head-to-head advantage after losing 89-81 at Palau Blaugrana in December behind 21 points and 9 rebounds from Willy Hernangomez.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach
"Barcelona all through the year has been in the top two teams in the EuroLeague. Now with the addition of Rubio, for sure, they’re one of the favorites to win the EuroLeague. I think it’s a very difficult game. Like all the situations playing against Spanish teams, the first is a transition game. We need to try to avoid them running against us because they’re one of the best. Then we need to find ways to take some of their weapons, especially Vesely who is having an unbelievable season and Kalinic. I’m sure both of them will be very happy to come back to Ulker Arena to see their old fans and fans will be happy to see them. Like I said, when you’re playing against one of the best, if not the best team in the EuroLeague, every detail and every situation is very important."
Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach
"I think we are fine at a physical level. It's a tough, long season, but I think we are in a good place. Fenerbhace is in a great moment now, plus they play at home. They play great defense, but they can also score a lot. We must control their second chances and limit them as much as we can. We have to play with flow, and that starts from defense. We have studied our opponent and we prepared for the game. Saras is a great coach and it's obvious he has done a great job at Fenerbahce since his arrival."
Marko Guduric, Fenerbahce player
"It's basically like a final game for us. Very important game. We have to beat Barcelona if we want to secure the playoff and first maybe four spots. Great team, a lot of talent. Now, they have Ricky Rubio, who is getting in better shape. So we have to be ready and try to protect our home court."
Willy Hernangomez, Barcelona player
"It's a demanding week, another one. It will require our top level and top focus. We can't wait to get to Turkey and start with the games this week. When we are focused all 40 minutes we can beat anyone, but when we relax anyone can beat us. We have to work, have a good time and just be concentrated on each and every play."