A friendly game session against Trikala
The chance to loosen up from continuous practices and to change their daily routine was enjoyed by the Olympiacos players against Trikala, which they beat 92-60 for the friend scrimmage game of the season that took place at Metsovo.
The reds, who actually played in front of about 1000 fans, with a number of children also among them, played without Agravanis (injury) and Papapetrou, who will be joining practices full force upon the team's return at Piraeus, won 92-60 in the first friendly game in view of the new season.
The reds took leading the game from the beginning and never looked back. The difference was never below ten points and Giannis Sfairopoulos gave minutes and tried various rotations.
The quarters: 34-23, 53-34, 73-49, 92-60
Olympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Young 4 (2as, 1reb, 1bl), Hunter 7 (3reb, 1as, 1st), Tsairelis 7 (4reb, 2as, 1st, 1bl), Toliopoulos 7 (1 3p, 1reb, 1as, 2st), Mouratos 7 (1 3p, 1as, 1st), Christodoulou 8 (1 3p, 4reb, 4as, 2st), Starwberry 14 (3 3p, 3reb, 3as, 1st), Athinaiou 5 (1 3p, 2reb, 1as), Kavvadas 12 (3reb, 1as), Kalampokis 13 (3 3p, 1st), Kalogiannidis 5 (1), Sachpatzidis 3 (1 3p, 3reb), Stefanidis (1reb, 1as), Kalles (1reb, 1st).
Trikala (Flevarakis): Dowel 13 (3), Soko 3, Tsiaras 9 (3), Siologkas, Conger 7 (1), Koukoulas 4, Tsiloulis 3 (1), Varytimiadis, Teague 8, Chouchoumis, Robinson 13 (3).
Giannis Sfairopoulos talked about:
Pre-season: "First of all, I would like to thank the city of Metsovo, everyone, the Authorities, the County, the Mayor, the head of the facility for all the help and the service offered to our team so that it can prepare the best way possible, we thank them, just like we want to thank the administration of the hotel we've been staying at, for all their hospitality. In regard to the friendly game, it was just a scrimmage, we wanted to end the third week of our pre-season playing our first game, we are slowly bringing some new elements to our game, as well as establishing principles, in both ends of the floor and that's why this game was an excellent opportunity to check where we stand depending on how far we have come with practices and also check the condition of the players. On the other hand, it was a game intending to loosen the players up from practicing, a scrimmage that we see as a good practice session and nothing more.
The transfers made by other teams in both Greece and Europe: "The most important thing for us is our team, how ready we are to do what we need to do on the court, how well we co-operate with one another, how well we follow the plan according to the principles set for both defense and offense, that's what counts. It also counts that we brought new high level players to our team, they are very important for our game and by incorporating them into our main roster, which has been shaped last season, with both Greek and foreign players, we mean to create a strong team. Now, if other teams have become stronger or weakened, is something we are going to see down the road. We are only looking at our own team".
The internationals being away due to the Eurobasket: "All teams with internationals have to deal with this. For us, it's important that some players, especially Greek ones, have been working together since last season, so they know our philosophy and the way I want us to play in both offense and defense, so their adjustment is going to be much faster. It's for sure that the new guys that are joining the team will probably need a little longer to adjust, but I think they have the quality to do so quickly".
The way the internationals have been playing for the Eurobasket: "It's a big thing for Olympiacos to have internationals; we have three players with the Greek National team and in three more national selections, which means that our game has quality. We are certainly happy when our players play well and help their respective national teams".
The Greek National team and other selections that although not being traditional basketball powerhouses, play well and win games: "Basketball is such a game, that any team that plays well on the floor can win. Big names play no part in that, it only matters which team gives its best and which team is at the best shape at any given time. I believe that the Greek team can move ahead, we have the best possible roster we could have and we all wish they can go all the way".