May 24, 2012
Quarterfinal Analyst: Demos Dikoudis - Aris BSA 2003
Demos Dikoudis - Aris BSA 2003 (Photo: arisbc.gr)Demos Dikoudis is not only one of the most experienced players left in the Eurocup, but a large chunk of that experience came wearing the uniform of the team he will face in the Quarterfinals. The Aris big man spent three different campaigns in Valencia and knows that team well. But now his goal is to eliminate his former teammates as he tries to lead Aris to Eurocup glory. "We have to show our best face, Dikoudis said of the upcoming Quarterfinals. We have had some very good games in the Eurocup so far... Not only do we have to play well at home, but need a solid game on the road to qualify."

Aris overcame a 0-2 start in the Last 16 to get to the Quarterfinals. How has the season been for your team so far?

"Well, the Eurocup season has been successful up to this point. We won our regular season group, but had to face very good teams in the Last 16. It was a very open group in which anybody could have qualified. We got off to a slow start, but made it to the Quarterfinals - losing the chance to be first in the final game. What matters is that we made it to the Quarterfinals and have the chance to go to the Eurocup finals."

You know Power Electronics Valencia better than any other player in your team. What do you think about them?

"So far and from what Ive seen and heard, they have very good chemistry this season. Everybody seems to have found his role and they are playing really well as a team, not only in the Eurocup, but also in the Spanish League. From what I have seen so far, I know they will be a very tough opponent."

You played for Valencia at three different stages in your career. How special is it for you to go back to Valencia and face your former team?

"Of course, it is a very special game for me. I had a wonderful time in Valencia. It was the team that gave me the chance to play basketball outside my country and overall, I have very good memories of the team time I had in Valencia. My last time was difficult, not only for me, but also for some other people, and I had to leave the team earlier than I would have wished. But like I said, my memories from playing in Valencia are very good."

Some of the players in Valencia were your teammates last season. Who are Valencia's most dangerous players and why?

"It is hard to say, because they play really well as a team and anybody can step up anytime. It is hard to point out somebody, but maybe the one to pay the most attention to is Rafa Martinez, who has had a great season so far. They play really well as a team and that is their main strength."

Aris is just one step away from Vitoria. What do you have to do to beat Power Electronics?

"We have to show our best face. We had a solid Eurocup season despite not doing that well in the Greek League. We have had some very good games in the Eurocup so far. Playing the first game in Thessaloniki could even be an advantage for us to try to get the lead in the series. Even with that, we need to do our best in Valencia. We didn't execute well in our last road game against Le Mans, not the way we had been doing before. Not only do we have to play well at home, but need a solid game on the road to qualify."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Eurocupbasketball.com
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