Jared Harper was 1 assist shy of a double-double for the winners
Igor Milicic reminded of challenges ahead as Aris falls to free-flowing Jerusalem
Maç Raporu
3 Dk okuma
Regular Season
Round 5 of 18
Regular Season
group a
Hapoel Bank Yahav JerusalemJLM
10376
Aris Thessaloniki BetssonARI
group a
Overview
w
w
l
l
w
l
l
l
w
w
“There’s definitely a lot to work on,” new Aris Thessaloniki Betsson head coach Igor Milicic said after his team was defeated 103-76 by Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem on Tuesday night.
Despite a bright start, the Greek team fell apart in the second half and Jerusalem punished them, led by a superstar performance from reigning MVP Jared Harper, who finished with 18 points and 9 dimes.
“I know I’m at a level that I can continue to play at, but I know I can’t do that without my teammates. When the ball is moving, it makes for good things,” Harper stated.
Despite the efforts of the impressive Bryce Jones, Aris left Hala Sportova Rank Zeravica with a reminder of the challenges it faces, as it fell to 2-3, losing its third contest in a row.
Speaking on Monday, ahead of his first EuroCup contest in charge of the visitors, Milicic made it clear what he wanted to see from his team – increased energy. He even suggested that his team’s effort level was more important than the result.
“The players are trying to do what I'm asking them to do,” Milicic stated. “If it's going to be enough for the win, we'll see. That's secondary for now. We will go for the win, but what has to be changed is the energy of the team.”
After the buzzer on Tuesday, Milicic was not disappointed by the will of his players, but acknowledged the major need for strategic work, as a team.
“The guys want it, definitely, but we need to be more tactically orientated. The most simple thing is scouting. We fouled in the first half, when we shouldn’t have fouled, then we didn’t foul, when we should have in the second half. These are big, crucial things.”
The 49-year-old took on a team experiencing a negative moment, without a doubt. Bogdan Karaicic left his position following two consecutive EuroCup losses, despite starting 2-0. Aris replaced him with a seasoned and successful coach in Milicic, who signed for the remainder of the season, with the option of a second year.
Joining in the midst of the season puts any coach at a disadvantage due to the lack of preparation and familiarity with their roster. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, he had limited time with his team and was thrust into a difficult game just days after signing. However, Milicic certainly doesn’t lack in confidence and believes he can turn things around quickly.
“We need to develop our offensive tactics, but we have been together, in this situation, for only two practices, who I know we will get better after this game.”
He doubled down in the post-game press conference.
“There is no way in the world, that we will not be better, offensively and defensively.”
Now with a losing record, Milicic’s men will attempt to reverse their fortunes next week, as they face Slask Wroclaw next. Meanwhile, the now 3-2 Jerusalem will look to capitalize on the convincing win, when they take on group-leading Bahcesehir College Istanbul next week.
