February 10, 2012
Playoffs Analyst: Stephane Lasme, Maccabi Electra
Stephane Lasme - Maccabi Electra and Anton Ponkrashov - CSKA MoscowOn any great team known for offensive firepower, at least one great defender usually lights sparks at one end of the court that result in scoring fun at the other end. One player who relishes that role on Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv is undersized big man Stephane Lasme, who ranked second in blocked shots during the Top 16 behind teammate D'or Fischer. The same great leaping ability with which Lasme intimidates opponents with high-flying blocks also helps him lift the crowd with rim-rocking slam dunks. Lasme proved just as exciting last season, when he debuted in the Euroleague with Partizan Belgrade, the same team Maccabi now faces in the Quarterfinal Playoffs to decide a spot in the 2010 Final Four in Paris. One thing that unites both these teams, says Lasme, is the kind of unique fan support that players love. "I think that Partizan and Maccabi have the best fans in Europe," Lasme said. "Playing at both places is going to be exciting. I loved playing for Partizan, in front of their fans, but I also love playing here in Maccabi."

Stephane, coming off Maccabi's biggest victory so far, on the road over Madrid to win your Top 16 group, how do you sum up the season to date?

"It has been a great season and we are all trying to get ready for the playoffs. We spent a lot of time working on the little things that will make us a better team. We had a lot of problems in the beginning of the season but started to do much better and managed to get the home court advantage in the playoffs."

Facing your former team, Partizan, makes this a very special series for you. What do you think about these opponents you know so well?

"Partizan is a very smart team and, above all, has a very, very good coach. I have a lot of respect for the team and for Coach Vujosevic. I think that these games against them will have a lot of strategy. Both teams are used to playing hard, too, so I expect it to be a very good series."

You had a fantastic season in Partizan last year, making the Euroleague playoffs. How special is it for you to play against your former team?

"It is great to play against Partizan. Like you said, we made it to the playoffs last season and overall, we had a very good season. It is good to go back, of course. Playing against Partizan in the playoffs is a great opportunity for me. I think that Partizan and Maccabi have the best fans in Europe. I expect great support on both courts and, of course, I will like the environment. Playing at both places is going to be exciting. I loved playing for Partizan, in front of their fans, but I also love playing here in Maccabi."

You had a different role with Partizan last year. How difficult has the adjustment to a new role in Maccabi been for you?

"When you have so many talented players that arrive to a new team, it is hard to find your rhythm. I had to get to know how many different players play, and like you said, I have a different role in Maccabi. I have tried to help my team in the best way that I can, regardless of the role that I have. I will do whatever I need to do to make my team better."

Maccabi missed the playoffs last season, but you now have another chance to make your first Final Four. What would it mean for you and Maccabi to get to Paris?

"Personally, this is just my second season in Europe, so making it to the Final Four would be a great accomplishment in my career. As for Maccabi, the club is used to winning over the past decades. Everyone in the club expects us to be in the Final Four, and we are going to do that. We will try to give them what they expect and get to the Final Four."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Euroleague.net
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