May 24, 2012
Quarterfinal Analyst: Florent Pietrus - Power Electronics Valencia
Florent Pietrus - Power Electronics Valencia (photo David Piolé - Msb.fr)Florent Pietrus brings heart and a fierce competitive spirit that combined with his great athleticism makes him a difference-maker in the paint. Now in his second season in Valencia, Pietrus is one of the oldest and most experienced players on the team. His superior defense and leadership are pillars of the clubs success, but Pietrus knows that it will all be for naught if they dont take the next step. It is very important to be in the position that we are in right now, Pietrus said, but if we don't achieve a demanding goal, all we have done so far will not have much value."

Power Electronics Valencia has had a great Eurocup season this far. What can we expect from your team in the Quarterfinals?

"We come to this new round fully aware of the challenge, but also knowing that what we did so far is the minimum goal for a club like ours. We haven't done anything big in the competition yet. The most difficult games are yet to come, but we all are looking forward to playing against Aris."

What are the most important aspects to take into account about Aris, your opponent in the next round?

"Before anything else, the most important thing is to negotiate the first game in Greece well. That is the key game for both teams, as it gives the winner a lot of confidence. Of course you have to stay focused for all 80 minutes because every single point counts in a two-way series. I have already played in Thessaloniki and know what to expect. Aris is a very experienced team, with good players and a big home crowd. Greek basketball is also different to the playing style we find in the Spanish League, too. Like I said, it will not be easy but we are ready to play against them."

Your team not only had a great Eurocup season so far, but also has done very well in the Spanish League. How has been the season so far for Power Electronics?

"Yes, the team has had a good season so far, but we haven't won anything yet. The most important games are coming up and if we manage to win something or reach a difficult goal, that is when we can say we had a good season. It is very important to be in the position that we are in right now, but if we don't achieve a demanding goal, all we have done so far will not have much value."

Aris is full of experienced, talented players. Who are their main references and why?

"Well, they have a lot of players that were in the Spanish League in the past and overall, it is a dangerous team at all positions. I know some of them very well, not only Demos Dikoudis, who was our teammate in the past, but also players like Andy Betts, Michalis Kakiouzis and Aaron Miles. They are very experienced and just like us, know that every game is a do-or-die one when you get to this part of the competition."

What do you have to do to beat Aris in this series and seal your ticket to Vitoria?

"We have to play stronger. We are not allowed to have a bad game from now on, there is no room to recover. Like I said before, every single game will be a do-or-die game, without second opportunities. We have to go to Greece with the ambition to play our best game of the season, and then be able to finish the job in Valencia."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Eurocupbasketball.com
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