May 24, 2012
Quarterfinal Analyst: Marcus Norris - Gran Canaria 2014
Marcus Norris - Gran Canaria 2014 (photo Gran Canaria)Gran Canaria 2014s veteran floor leader Marcus Norris has seen plenty in his five seasons with the club and four in the Eurocup, but by reaching the Quarterfinals this season, its uncharted waters for Norris. The savvy playmaker has a chance to lead Granca to the Eurocup Finals if they can overcome Panellinios, a team they split a pair of games with in the Regular Season. "We played them twice and already know what they do, but at the same time they know us," Norris explained. "It will be an even tougher matchup this time, as both teams know what their opponents can offer."

It's been a good Eurocup season for Gran Canaria 2014 so far, punctuated by an outstanding home win against Crvena Zvezda. How is the team looking right before the Quarterfinals?

"We had some good games and played well in general terms so far in the regular season and the Last 16. There were some road games in which we didn't play too well, especially the first one against Panellinios. We need to stay really focused and play our best game from now on, like we did in the win against Zvezda. We played great and everybody contributed. Both Quarterfinal games will be tough."

You already played Panellinios in the regular season. What do you think about the team?

"We played against them on the road really early in the season and didn't know what to expect. They jumped on us pretty quick and we had a bad game there. We played against them again, at home, and got a big win, but I don't expect anything like that to happen in the Quarterfinals. It will be a tough series, with no blowouts. I expect two tough games against a good, experienced team."

How much impact will the fact that you played each other twice have in this series?

"It will have a big impact, I think. Like you said, we played them twice and already know what they do, but at the same time they know us. It will be an even tougher matchup this time, as both teams know what their opponents can offer."

From your point of view, which are Panellinios' most dangerous players and why?

"I would say that their point guard, Rod Blakney, is a very good player and the leader of the team. He really keeps everyone going. Devin Smith is a great shooter and one of the best scorers in the competition. We must stop them to get to the next round. Their big guys are good and they also have good shooters coming off the bench. At the same time, we cannot just focus on one or two players, because Panellinios is a deep team and anybody can step up."

What do you have to do to beat Panellinios and reach the Eurocup finals for the first time in club history?

"We have to play our game. Everyone must step up and bring their best game to the table like we did the other day against Zvezda. Everybody played well that day and we hope to do the same against Panellinios. Of course, defense will be the biggest key to this series."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Eurocupbasketball.com
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