Istanbul’s Fenerbahce continues its triumphant streak in all tournaments, with Šarūnas Jasikevičius shedding light on the team’s dual identity following their recent win against Željko Obradović’s Belgrade “Partizan.” The Lithuanian coach, who refers to Obradović as his “teacher,” expressed his thoughts after Tuesday’s double EuroLeague week opener, where Fenerbahce secured a 91-76 victory.
Despite facing a formidable 17-point deficit (36-19) early in the second quarter, Jasikevičius offered a unique perspective, stating, “We need to go to church and pray. It’s obvious that we can talk about two different faces of Fenerbahce. One is very disciplined and physical, the other is unable to maintain stability for long.”
Jasikevičius acknowledged that the players are still adapting to the system, emphasizing the team’s dedication during practices. He pointed out the significance of the last three quarters, where Fenerbahce allowed Partizan to score 17, 16, and 12 points, underscoring the team’s need for consistency.
Under the guidance of the 47-year-old Lithuanian coach, Fenerbahce has achieved an impressive record of 10 victories out of 11 possible in all tournaments. The lone defeat came against Belgrade’s “Crvena Zvezda.”
Addressing the outstanding performance, Jasikevičius expressed gratitude to both the players and fans, emphasizing the incredible atmosphere they created during the game. He recognized the fans’ support as crucial in overcoming challenging moments.
However, Jasikevičius also highlighted the need for improvement, particularly when playing at home. Allowing 31 points in the first quarter was deemed a subpar result, prompting the coach to stress the importance of playing tougher on home turf.
Despite the initial setback, Fenerbahce showcased resilience, responding effectively to adversity. Jasikevičius credited the team for toughening up and enhancing their shooting capabilities as crucial elements in turning the game in their favor.
As Fenerbahce continues its successful campaign under Jasikevičius’ leadership, the coach’s insights into the team’s duality provide a glimpse into the ongoing evolution and challenges faced by one of Istanbul’s premier basketball clubs.
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