February 08, 2012
Friday, April 16, 2010
Underdogs unite!
Rod Blakney - Panellinios BC
Well, the Eurocup Finals are finally here. I'm not counting the days anymore, but the hours. It won't be long before we're on the court in Vitoria for our semifinal against Power Electronics Valencia. Before I talk about the game, I would like to mention that this is a big moment for many of us who have been in this sport a long time and always kept working for an opportunity like we have this weekend to play against the best and try to lift a major trophy. In my own case, my pro career started far from all this, in the Dominican Republic. I thought when I first got there it was like a paid vacation, but I learned quick. It was so hot, and there was no air-conditioning in the gyms, so before the season even started I lost six or seven kilos! Then the games started, and it was run and gun all the time, people in the crowds getting rowdy, a hectic atmosphere, neighborhoods against neighborhoods. Come to think of it, that was a lot like Athens, so I guess that was my first training for Greek basketball! I remember one time my fiance came down to see me play in the Dominican Republic and there was some kind or riot in the crowd. I saw how nervous she was and called her down to sit with me by the bench! We played two or three games a week, and it was a lot of wear and tear on your body, but I knew then it was all necessary to get my career started, and I believe that now, too. Everything you do to add to your career is a stepping stone on the way to the success you want to have. When I reflect back, it's been a helluva ride, and it'll come to an end someday. That's why this weekend is so special, because if I can hold that trophy on Sunday, it'll be a great story to tell!

In the semis on Saturday, we play Valencia, one of the favorites from the beginning of the regular season and a team that finished with the best won-loss record in the Eurocup. But I like to remember that we both started in the Qualifying Rounds, so we have accomplished as much as they have so far. I don't know too much about them except that their point guard, Nando De Colo, is tall and a tough player. So I'll have a lot on my hands going against him. Also, their power forward Matt Nielsen has played in Greece before and done well all around Europe, so he's a force to be reckoned with, too. From its history, we know that Valencia has been a solid team for a lot of years and will be tough team to play. It will also be something of a home game for them, I guess, since their fans can make it there easier from where they live in Spain. But we can take confidence from the fact that we played well on the road this season, including the last game, in the Canary Islands, that got us here. I know from experience that Spanish teams like to run, get their fans involved, shoot threes and make it an 80- or 90-point game. We like to run, but under control, and that will be big against Valencia, using our style of basketball. What we have to do is just play defense, total team defense, and control the tempo. We've got to make them do things they normally don't do. They are the favorites and we are the underdogs in this tournament. But I've been an underdog all my life, coming from a small college and working to have success in Europe. Playing with Panellinios and getting this far is the same way. I don't necessarily like being the underdog, but I'll tell you one thing before the ball goes up on Saturday: it gives me all the extra motivation I need!
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ROD BLAKNEY - VITORIA, SPAIN
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ROD BLAKNEY
PANELLINIOS BC

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