February 10, 2012
Quarterfinals analyst: Nebojsa Joksimovic, Hemofarm Stada
Nebojsa Joksimovic - Hemofarm StadaHemofarm Stada is a classic team in Europe's second competition, reaching semifinals in 2005 and 2006, as well as making it to the Final Eight this season. One of its most experienced players is shooting guard Nebojsa Joksimovic, in his fourth season with Hemofarm. Joksimovic is aware that Dynamo is the favorite in their quarterfinal in Turin on April 2, but he also knows that Hemofarm definitely has its chances to upset the Russian powerhouse and reach the semifinals. After all, Hemofarm already downed Dynamo in similar circusmtances in the first elimination round in 2005. "If one team in under pressure, it certainly can only be Dynamo," Joksimovic says. "We are fully aware that the Final Eight is the most important event of our season, but compared to Dynamo, we shouldn't feel that pressure."

In what sort of condition does Hemofarm Stada arrive to the Final Eight?

"I am optimistic at the moment, considering the fact that we reached the Final Eight playing good basketball. We are still two weeks away from our game against Dynamo. We have to play one more game in the Adriatic League and then the cards will be on the table."

What is the most important thing to consider about Dynamo, in your opinion?

"It is too early to make a detailed analysis. We have to respect Dynamo Moscow because of their roster. I know they are an excellent team. They showed their power in the Last 16 phase, finishing unbeaten. We respect Dynamo a lot."

Hemofarm is considered the underdog in this game. Is it an advantage for your team?

"It could be, yes. If one team in under pressure, it certainly can only be Dynamo. We are fully aware that the Final Eight is the most important event of our season, but compared to Dynamo, we shouldn't feel that pressure."

Who among Dynamo's players have you faced and what problems do they present?

"I have to say that Bostjan Nachbar is their most dangerous player. I know him well because we play together for the Slovenian national team. He is the key player in Dynamo but nobody can forget about Travis Hansen, who plays many minutes and scores a lot. Darjus Lavrinovic is also dangerous under the boards, a good scorer and a mobile big man. Dynamo is a very balanced team and maybe their weakest spot is point guard."

What does your team have to do to overcome the other? What will be the keys to the game on both sides?

"We got all our Eurocup wins so far playing good defense. Whenever we struggled in offense, we always had good defense to keep us in the game. Defense could be a key factor to beat Dynamo. I believe that the shape both teams arrive in on that specific day will also be decisive. Dynamo is a good team, but so are we. Players' inspiration could be the key."
Friday, March 20, 2009
Eurocupbasketball.com
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