Šarūnas Jasikevičius Signings and Rumours thread Vol. I

[Picek]

I meant that Gerson is unloved coach FOR ME. It's even unnecessarily to talk about Euroleague if we're talking about Saras. He proved him self in Lith NT many times, unlike Gerson. At least that fatty should respect Saras after those years in Maccabi and don't talk undiplomatic bullshit.and Gershon didn't prove himself?

[Straight forward]

and Gershon didn't prove himself?

In NT? Did he? I don't remember. By the way, what kind of big victories Gerson made without Saras?

And Gerson must see this video to refresh his memory talking about Saras. By the way, there are some nice episode by Saras kicking Pao' ass :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNdMefcdE1Y

[kestas]

In my opinion Baston and Paker could get much better contracts today on European basketball market, considering the situation and circumstances going on.

and considering the all-time lowest dollar rates against Euro.

[ArnoldPettybone]

I meant that Gerson is unloved coach FOR ME. It's even unnecessarily to talk about Euroleague if we're talking about Saras. He proved him self in Lith NT many times, unlike Gerson. At least that fatty should respect Saras after those years in Maccabi and don't talk undiplomatic bullshit.

You really don't know the man, do you? Undiplomatic is his second name.
He is very similar to the president of rytas vilnius-a back stabber, liar and a trash mouth about anyone that worked with him before.
btw, he never coached the NT. big victoris include the Eurolegue 99-00 season, just for starters.

[sashikas]

big victoris include the Eurolegue 99-00 season, just for starters.
You mean the Suproleague? Does it qualify for "big tournament" name?

[Straight forward]

You really don't know the man, do you? Undiplomatic is his second name.
He is very similar to the president of rytas vilnius-a back stabber, liar and a trash mouth about anyone that worked with him before.
btw, he never coached the NT. big victoris include the Eurolegue 99-00 season, just for starters.

Yeah, Vainauskas (LRytas' owner) and Pini are definetly in the list of "Basketball hooligans". The good thing is that Saras is in the list either and he knows how to respond for Gerson :D By the way, atleast two more hooligans are in Oly roster, so it will not be easy for Pini.

[ArnoldPettybone]

You mean the Suproleague? Does it qualify for "big tournament" name?
what from the numbers 99-00 you don't understand?
the Lulioleague was a year later.

[sashikas]

what from the numbers 99-00 you don't understand?
the Lulioleague was a year later.
The official site says, that PAO won in Euroleague that season. Was Pini in the head of PAO?

[ArnoldPettybone]

The official site says, that PAO won in Euroleague that season. Was Pini in the head of PAO?

bringing a team with a 7 mil$ budget to the European final four final after a decade of failure with richer teams and better players, against teams with twice as big of a budget, is considered a great success in any standard, nation or language.

[sashikas]

bringing a team with a 7 mil$ budget to the European final four final after a decade of failure with richer teams and better players, against teams with twice as big of a budget, is considered a great success in any standard, nation or language.
Need a better example? Take a look to season before that, decrease the budget twice, and see the victory in the end of the very first season in Euroleague. That's what I call a big victory.

[ArnoldPettybone]

Need a better example? Take a look to season before that, decrease the budget twice, and see the victory in the end of the very first season in Euroleague. That's what I call a big victory.

I don't need a better example, mine is just fine.

[GSI]

From Wikipedia:

For the 1999/2000 season, he moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv and once again served as assistant manager to Pini Gershon. During this season his team took part in the Israeli League and Cup (won both) and also in the Euroleague where Maccabi finished in 2nd place.




Maybe... maybe the main factor that Maccabi team was so successful in all those years was not Parker, not Saras, and even not Pini, but... Blatt? David Blatt.

[ArnoldPettybone]

From Wikipedia:
Maybe... maybe the main factor that Maccabi team was so successful in all those years was not Parker, not Saras, and even not Pini, but... Blatt? David Blatt.

maybe, but the fact of the matter remains that maccabi with blatt as a head coach was less successful team with him as an assistant.
especially in that season without parker, saras and pini.

[goga78]

In NT? Did he? I don't remember. By the way, what kind of big victories Gerson made without Saras?

And Gerson must see this video to refresh his memory talking about Saras. By the way, there are some nice episode by Saras kicking Pao' ass :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNdMefcdE1Y

Gershon took the IBA title with Galil Elyon, being the only team for now almost 40 years to beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv in their playoff run and to become champions.
Gershon took Maccabi Tel-Aviv to its Suproleague title in 2001 with Panathinaikos, CSKA and Efes Pilsen being the other Final Four participants.
In fact, since joining Maccabi Tel-Aviv and thus Euroleague participations, Gershon had great achievements every year. He took Bologna to game 3 in the 1/4 finals in 1999, losing by a few points on the road. In 2000 he reached the final game. In 2001 he took the title. He came back in 2004 to take the title, repeated it in 2005 and reached the final in 2006. He reached the quarterfinals in 2007 with an injury depleted roster and almost took the title away from PAO, losing just in the last quarter of game 5. Besides, he took every Israeli Cup and league title during those years.
Is it enough?

[elaj]

I don't see the point of this topic anymore, it's just going to offtopic. Jasikevičius already signed, in my opinion the topic should be closed. :)

[sashikas]

I don't see the point of this topic anymore, it's just going to offtopic. Jasikevičius already signed, in my opinion the topic should be closed. :)
Well, it would be nice to have some "Welcome party" pictures here, then the topic could be closed.

[Straight forward]

Gershon took the IBA title with Galil Elyon, being the only team for now almost 40 years to beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv in their playoff run and to become champions.
Gershon took Maccabi Tel-Aviv to its Suproleague title in 2001 with Panathinaikos, CSKA and Efes Pilsen being the other Final Four participants.
In fact, since joining Maccabi Tel-Aviv and thus Euroleague participations, Gershon had great achievements every year. He took Bologna to game 3 in the 1/4 finals in 1999, losing by a few points on the road. In 2000 he reached the final game. In 2001 he took the title. He came back in 2004 to take the title, repeated it in 2005 and reached the final in 2006. He reached the quarterfinals in 2007 with an injury depleted roster and almost took the title away from PAO, losing just in the last quarter of game 5. Besides, he took every Israeli Cup and league title during those years.
Is it enough?

wow! :eek: he must be some kind of genius! ok ok, he's good coach, but nothing more. and this thread is about real winners so we can stop talking about Pini :p

[Straight forward]

I don't see the point of this topic anymore, it's just going to offtopic. Jasikevičius already signed, in my opinion the topic should be closed. :)

I don't see the point of closing this thread! Do you have any problems with this or what? :D

[CG]

i am hearing the radio and the arrival of Saras.
I am the first to report that the status in the airport is CHAOS :) hundrens of PAO fans have closed all the entrances and celebrating his arrival with songs.The sport reporters tried to describe what is happening but noone was hearing a thing and after a while the line dropped:)
OMG what is happening there:D

[Trifilli]

Just saw his arrival on TV, on the news - pure chaos :D

[CG]

man i am starting to afraid :)xaxa
i am wonder how will he will feel after that.He is being welcomed like a messiah:D

[jaka13]

Just saw his arrival on TV, on the news - pure chaos :D
In which channel?

[Trifilli]

In which channel?

Ert World had it on the news, it's over now though.

[Fedfan]

On NET news they said that the fans were more than 3000 in the airport.wow

[CG]

this is crazy,this is madness
NO THIS IS GREECE:D

[goga78]

wow! :eek: he must be some kind of genius! ok ok, he's good coach, but nothing more. and this thread is about real winners so we can stop talking about Pini :p

I didn't start this conversation but rather reacted to an utterance that Gershon hasn't reached anything significant. Pini Gershon is an incorporation of the best offensive basketball in Europe for a long time. In addition to that he led a very defensive minded Maccabi team to the title in 2001. He is being considered as one of the best coaches and here I'm talking about journalists and Euroleague staff and not by some fans, who are opposing him because he used to beat up their teams pretty heavily or said something negative about their favourite player. Pini can be stubborn but it would be more than wrong to judge about his coaching abilities by an utterance about a player. His success speaks for himself. He was able to lead a team without superstars to the Final Four (2000 and 2001), whereas the G-d-like coach Obradovic, who has won many titles, had to rely on superstars for success. If he was having simply a good team, he stopped short of any Final Four event. And these two guys have won the most titles among themselves in the past 15 years.

[Trifilli]

The crowd waiting for Jasikevicius in front of the airport gate: :p

http://www.sport.gr/news/070927/20070927195046.jpg

[Stojakovic]

congrats to pana. the el may become a small fun tournament among pana, oli, cska and then madrid and barça.

maybe, in the coming years, dinamo kiev and/or khimki will replace barça or madrid?

[marcus]

congrats to pana. the el may become a small fun tournament among pana, oli, cska and then madrid and barça.

maybe, in the coming years, dinamo kiev and/or khimki will replace barça or madrid?


definitely rıght...in old times teams combat f-4.from now on they combat f-2 because of pao and cska

[Fedfan]

http://www.sport24.gr/ast/cov/ko/kosmosafixisaras_b.jpg

First statements:http://www.sportime.gr/basket_inside.asp?article_id=60684

He said it's his "honour" to play with PAO,and that he didnt' except so many ppl at the airport.
That it was a strange situation with his transfer after he was released from GSW and that was a good opportunity and he took it.That what matters above all is the team and he's eager to start playing.
He said that money isn't everything ,and that's the last thing on his mind.(lol)He said more important than money is basket.
Also about what Gershon said (about him being equal as greer): I love Pini,he's my good friend and I have very good memories from our co-operation in Maccabi.Whatever happens,he will always be my friend.I wish him good luck this year,except for the match we play against them.For me the most difficult match will be agaisnt Barca because I love that team and it's fans.

[DanMajerle]

In "good old times" there were teams that won three EL titles in a row or teams like Panathinaikos, Barcelona, Kinder, Skipper or Olympiakos that bought all the stars in the 90s.

[CG]

definitely rıght...in old times teams combat f-4.from now on they combat f-2 because of pao and cska

ofcourse its not like that.
PAO and CSKA seems too strong but history proved that teams must be proved on court and nothing else.This season EL teams have been strenghen a lot.
For me at least the ONLY thing that counts is to see so many stars in my team and have a great entertainment all season long.The rest will come with luck and tough training.
BTW i am selling my season tichet 1000Euros:D :D


PS : he also sayed that "i never have seen something like that" in the airport.And that he is very happy

[ArkadiosV2]

In "good old times" there were teams that won three EL titles in a row or teams like Panathinaikos, Barcelona, Kinder, Skipper or Olympiakos that bought all the stars in the 90s.

Who won 3 EL titles in a row?

[DanMajerle]

Jugoplastika Split

[CG]

Who won 3 EL titles in a row?

he meant POP84 with her other name.Yugoplastika (sorry again for spelling mistakes)

[Buducnost PG]

Jugoplastika Split

And ASK Riga 1957-58 1958-59 1959-60

[Straight forward]

http://www.sport24.gr/ast/cov/ko/kosmosafixisaras_b.jpg

First statements:http://www.sportime.gr/basket_inside.asp?article_id=60684

He said it's his "honour" to play with PAO,and that he didnt' except so many ppl at the airport.
That it was a strange situation with his transfer after he was released from GSW and that was a good opportunity and he took it.That what matters above all is the team and he's eager to start playing.
He said that money isn't everything ,and that's the last thing on his mind.(lol)He said more important than money is basket.
Also about what Gershon said (about him being equal as greer): I love Pini,he's my good friend and I have very good memories from our co-operation in Maccabi.Whatever happens,he will always be my friend.I wish him good luck this year,except for the match we play against them.For me the most difficult match will be agaisnt Barca because I love that team and it's fans.

Now that's the MAN! Only good words after great years in Macabbi. And Gerson talking crap! ah...but who cares. Congrats for PAO!

[Vasileios Spanoulis]

I still can't believe Pana's brass claimed this was a better player than Dominique. I mean sure Saras is the most celebrated European point guard, but better than Dominique?

I just burst out laughing on that one. I now know for sure who the most underrated player of all-time is, Dominique Wilkins.

[Sky7]

Dam!:D

http://www.nrg.co.il/images/archive/gallery/828/733.jpg

http://www.nrg.co.il/images/archive/408x322/828/735.jpg

[CG]

in the end it was a good idea this thread NOT to be closed:D

[Straight forward]

impressive! now i'm thinking about NBA...was there something like that ever?

[ArnoldPettybone]

He took Bologna to game 3 in the 1/4 finals in 1999, losing by a few points on the road. In 2000 he reached the final game. In 2001 he took the title. He came back in 2004 to take the title, repeated it in 2005 and reached the final in 2006. He reached the quarterfinals in 2007 with an injury depleted roster and almost
Your confusing yourself with the previous year and the two Bologna teams.
that year maccabi got hammed in two games by a 20-15 pts defeicit at the hands of kinder, at the 1/8 not qaurter.
It was like watching an Israeli league team against maccabi in a playoff series.
One sided all the way.

[Joško Poljak Fan]

I still can't believe Pana's brass claimed this was a better player than Dominique. I mean sure Saras is the most celebrated European point guard, but better than Dominique?

I just burst out laughing on that one. I now know for sure who the most underrated player of all-time is, Dominique Wilkins.
it depends on the view you look at it, since it's european bball we're talking about not the image Dominique left in NBA... Šaras is one of the players that really gave a lot to european bball, much more than Wilkins managed to. And most of people are looking it from the perspective I mentioned above since there aren't that few bball fans in europe that pay attention to european bball much more than to NBA (actually it's near majority in some specific countries, Greece being one of them, unless I got the wrong feeling here) and from their point of view Šaras is the best that could happen to them since he actually is one of the best players in the globe for international game right now... Nash? well he is good and all (actually he is great), but didn't win 3 consecutive titles in europe in 2 different teams being the key player every time... that's it, Šaras is known here as a sure thing... and it's hard to compete with his charisma even for a more reknown NBA superstar when it comes to hard core european fans...
I don't know how many people awaited for Wilkins at the airport, but such figures can only happen with the likes of Bodiroga, Šaras, Papa and very few others...

[T.W.Is.M.]

I don't know how many people awaited for Wilkins at the airport, but such figures can only happen with the likes of Bodiroga, Šaras, Papa and very few others...

believe me there were many fans waiting 4 Dominique as well.I don't recall the number but there were many.
and yes, Greece is a country that the fans care more about european bball(actually greek teams in european bball) than NBA.of course NBA has its own loyal fans here too, but the majority of the fans, as u correctly pointed, focus on european bball.

[CG]

as i remember was

4000 for Wilkins
2000-2500 for Saras

[Straight forward]

it depends on the view you look at it, since it's european bball we're talking about not the image Dominique left in NBA... Šaras is one of the players that really gave a lot to european bball, much more than Wilkins managed to. And most of people are looking it from the perspective I mentioned above since there aren't that few bball fans in europe that pay attention to european bball much more than to NBA (actually it's near majority in some specific countries, Greece being one of them, unless I got the wrong feeling here) and from their point of view Šaras is the best that could happen to them since he actually is one of the best players in the globe for international game right now... Nash? well he is good and all (actually he is great), but didn't win 3 consecutive titles in europe in 2 different teams being the key player every time... that's it, Šaras is known here as a sure thing... and it's hard to compete with his charisma even for a more reknown NBA superstar when it comes to hard core european fans...
I don't know how many people awaited for Wilkins at the airport, but such figures can only happen with the likes of Bodiroga, Šaras, Papa and very few others...

respect!

More over, there are people who say "Saras is nothing, look at him in NBA". But show me the guy who made so much with his CLUB and with his NT team either. We don't even have to talk about how bad is NBA because they benched such a player. Saras proved everything in olimpics and eurobasket! That's enough. For me, there are a lot of super stars in NBA, and there are only few players who can be called super stars in Europe. That's it. NBA dunk contest isn't the factor for all the world.

[ArnoldPettybone]

But show me the guy who made so much with his CLUB and with his NT team either

are you asking this question seriously?
for starters, Dejan Bodiroga.

[Straight forward]

are you asking this question seriously?
for starters, Dejan Bodiroga.

Yes, Bodiroga is something like that :) But he didn't won Euroleague three years in a row with different teams and was he so important for Serbia as Saras was for Lithuania? heh anyway... i think it's time to see how Saras looks in PAO and not to talk. And more over, to see how he will kick USA in olimpics :D

[ArnoldPettybone]

wining a certain competition 3 times in a row means absolutely nothing in the aspects of a certain player quality. anybody here thinks petrovic was a lesser quality player then kukoc because the latter won the ECC 3 times in a row and petro didnt?

And that given player wasn't even the best player on his winning club teams, unlike bodiroga (when the two played together it was more then obvious.)
and the national team importants for team thing doesn't compute to me. So he was a more important player in comparison to bodiroga. SFW?
By that rational we can come to the conclusion that Vuycic is a better player then little Papa/Jasikey/bodiroga. why? because he is more important to his team this year then the others. anybody agrees with this nonsense? I think not.



And more over, to see how he will kick USA in olimpics :D

yeah, maybe he will even win this time...

[Straight forward]

wining a certain competition 3 times in a row means absolutely nothing in the aspects of a certain player quality. anybody here thinks petrovic was a lesser quality player then kukoc because the latter won the ECC 3 times in a row and petro didnt?

And that given player wasn't even the best player on his winning club teams, unlike bodiroga (when the two played together it was more then obvious.)
and the national team importants for team thing doesn't compute to me. So he was a more important player in comparison to bodiroga. SFW?
By that rational we can come to the conclusion that Vuycic is a better player then little Papa/Jasikey/bodiroga. why? because he is more important to his team this year then the others. anybody agrees with this nonsense? I think not.


yeah, maybe he will even win this time...

Cool, man. My point was that looking to Saras' achievements he could be qualified even better player that D. Wilkins . It depends from your attitude and judging criterion.

he did once, unfortunately it was the match of goup.

[ArnoldPettybone]

from my slightly vague memory Dominique was quiet mediocre and not dominant in his first season in Europe, despite wining the ECC.
And in Bologna as well-good against the mediocre teams(maccabi) and only reasonable against the strong.

[reignman]

dominique was 36+ thought...

dont forget that ;)


cheers

[ArkadiosV2]

Come on... Dominique was Final Four's MVP scoring 35 and 16 points in the semi final and the final.

In the three quarter final games Vs Benetton he scored 75 points, averaging 25.

Vs Maccabi 28.
Vs Cibona 20 and 32
Vs Pau 21
Vs Bologna 22

Plus average of 7.5 rebounds and all that in a much slower game at that times.

Then after a year break in the NBA he averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds at the age of 38! That year he scored 45 points and grabbed 25 rebounds in 3 games Vs Macabi.

A useless note: in 4 games Vs Cibona Dominique scored 108 points.

[ArkadiosV2]

http://www.superbasket.gr/data/images/news/categories/cat_139/afixi1.jpg

http://www.superbasket.gr/data/images/news/categories/cat_139/afixi8.jpg

http://www.superbasket.gr/data/images/news/categories/cat_139/afixi9.jpg

[Vasileios Spanoulis]

impressive! now i'm thinking about NBA...was there something like that ever?

Hmm, I think when Shaq came to Miami Heat there were like 10,000-20,000 fans or some crazy number waiting for him.

[Vasileios Spanoulis]

respect!

More over, there are people who say "Saras is nothing, look at him in NBA". But show me the guy who made so much with his CLUB and with his NT team either. We don't even have to talk about how bad is NBA because they benched such a player. Saras proved everything in olimpics and eurobasket! That's enough. For me, there are a lot of super stars in NBA, and there are only few players who can be called super stars in Europe. That's it. NBA dunk contest isn't the factor for all the world.

I'm not one to bad mouth Saras. That's just stupid NBA fans that don't know any better. They all think Spanoulis, Saras are players that "suck beyond all suckage."

Most American NBA fans are idiots if you ask me. There's only no defense, no passing, run and dunk and scream ball or the player "sucks like greatest suckage ever."

But man Dominique is the most underrated NBA player in America and it seems he's also the most underrated that played in Greece. He was an incredible player. I followed him when I lived in Atlanta.

That guy was an absolute FREAK of nature AND he was a GREAT rebounder, and GREAT shooter and great defender and yet he doesn't get any credit for any of it.

1988 game 7 playoffs Hawks vs. Celtics THAT is the greatest event I have ever seen in basketball it's simply unforgettable.

He was 1/5 the player in Pana of his prime self in Atlanta.

He's just labeled a "scorer". He was so damn strong-willed, so competitive. He's so far and away the most underrated player ever it's just bizarre.

Take everything people are saying of how great Saras is, and give Dominque 10 years with Pana and he would have had 7 or 8 Euroleague titles.

[ArkadiosV2]

That guy was an absolute FREAK of nature AND he was a GREAT rebounder, and GREAT shooter and great defender and yet he doesn't get any credit for any of it.

1988 game 7 playoffs Hawks vs. Celtics THAT is the greatest event I have ever seen in basketball it's simply unforgettable.

Dude you actually saw that game live? :eek: :eek: :eek:
I've been looking for a tape of that game for AGES!
Dominique Vs Bird...

[FRANKY 13]

guys nique was the best player that ever played in the EL.

Even at the age of 36 he still averaged 20+ points in the EL and 8+ rebounds, while averaging 25 points per game in the F4.

and we say he wasn t dominant?
the guy just came; played and won the EL and then left.

My guess is if he had played 10 years in the EL , in his prime, he would have won at least 5 titles.

PS. Spanoulis you re right he s kinf od underrated, but he s still considered as a legend in the NBA. He s a hall of famer after all and 7 scorer of all time.

[GSI]

guys nique was the best player that ever played in the EL.

Even at the age of 36 he still averaged 20+ points in the EL and 8+ rebounds, while averaging 25 points per game in the F4.

and we say he wasn t dominant?
the guy just came; played and won the EL and then left.

My guess is if he had played 10 years in the EL , in his prime, he would have won at least 5 titles.

PS. Spanoulis you re right he s kinf od underrated, but he s still considered as a legend in the NBA. He s a hall of famer after all and 7 scorer of all time.

Bob McAdoo impressed me much more than Wilkins (I remember I had a good laugh on Nique play for bigger part of a season). And Bob is even older.

[c_fish]

Guys wasn't Wilkins basically playing with one leg?I remember him having a major injury,I think he tore his achillees tendon about when playing for USA team in Atlanta.As for his importance;Wilkins didn't play at the last games and Pao lost the championship to Oly with a major difference at the final game even though Tiit Sok and Ivar Kousma could play in Greek championship

[FRANKY 13]

Bob McAdoo impressed me much more than Wilkins (I remember I had a good laugh on Nique play for bigger part of a season). And Bob is even older.

Yeah well I guess nique was the one to laugh at the end though and that s what counts.
After 10 years , only one thing is a FACT.
Wilkins participated in a single one euroleague, and dominated it.

[ArkadiosV2]

Two actually. He came back in 1998.

[FRANKY 13]

Two actually. He came back in 1998.

true.
And even during this second time, he averaged more than 20 points per game, although he was far away from the shape he had even in PAO.

[kestas]

guys nique was the best player that ever played in the EL.

so from the question "is Gershon really good?" to the question "who's the best player of Euroleague?"... btw, i wouldn't respond, if the answer to the second question wasn't Sabas, imho, but whatever.

[FRANKY 13]

so from the question "is Gershon really good?" to the question "who's the best player of Euroleague?"... btw, i wouldn't respond, if the answer to the second question wasn't Sabas, imho, but whatever.

Oh common , do you really think that sabas was a better player than dominique at his prime?
I mean , I sincerely believe that sabonis is the best european player of all time along with drazen, but still wilkins is the 7th all time scorer in the nba, averaging 30-33 points per game at his prime. We don t talk about a simple good NBA player ( like byron scott for example), we talk about an NBA legend ( in a time , where beeing a star in the NBA , was really worth something).

it s like comparing dirk nowitzki to kobe bryant. With all the respect to the great german, he s good but bryant is a better player.

I know that sabas or saras, drazen,bodiroga, gallis ... had a lot more impact and marked the EL much more than wilkins ( who played just a few games and not in his prime) but still the question I answered to wasn t who marked more the EL, but who was talentwise the best player.

[kestas]

Oh common , do you really think that sabas was a better player than dominique at his prime?

I really think Saras had and amazing wellcome. howcome Greek fans do not dominate international events is beyond me..

[alexandros]

in Greece clubs are above NT for harcore fans or just fans like me..I prefer a euroleague for my team rather than a euro for my country..Also football is morepopular so if you saw euro2004 there greek fans really dominated

[Tallyhawk]

First of all hello to everybody,as you can see this is my first post even though i've been watching the conversations for a long time.

Imo Franky is absolutely right.Dominique didn't have the biggest impact in the history of EL but he is (worldwide) the greatest name ever played in this competition.But considering his age back then, I think Sabonis,Kukoc,Drazen,Peja,Bodiroga,Saras,Galis,eve n Papaloukas and Diamantidis made more difference for their teams than Dominique.
Anyway the important thing is that an NBA legend played in Europe and this is something that we probably won't see again considering the form of European basketball nowadays that is hostile to the amercan stars kind of play..

[re5pectas]

in Greece clubs are above NT for harcore fans or just fans like me..I prefer a euroleague for my team rather than a euro for my country..Also football is morepopular so if you saw euro2004 there greek fans really dominated
:eek: :eek: :eek: O my ...!!! :eek:
We are really different, here in Lithuania, games of national team unites all the cityziens, all the fans, it's no matter what club, National proud is above everything else! :cool:

[goga78]

Your confusing yourself with the previous year and the two Bologna teams.
that year maccabi got hammed in two games by a 20-15 pts defeicit at the hands of kinder, at the 1/8 not qaurter.
It was like watching an Israeli league team against maccabi in a playoff series.
One sided all the way.

You are right. It was 1/8 final and one year MTA lost by a very small margin to Teamsystem Bologna and another year was beaten by 15-20 points by Kinder Bologna. Still, MTA played without major stars against twoteams full of European superstars and one year out of those two almost managed to advance.

[alexandros]

yeah we are united too for a day or two before/after the game..we really enjoy our NT..but as i said clubs come first here..

[snowman30]

But Greek fans dominate every event their clubs play.

[Straight forward]

:eek: :eek: :eek: O my ...!!! :eek:
We are really different, here in Lithuania, games of national team unites all the cityziens, all the fans, it's no matter what club, National proud is above everything else! :cool:

exactly! And i realy like it! Clubs are clubs, it's important. But there goes money, legionaries, different nationalities. And NT team is something pure and special, because best players of your country playing for you and they are doing that more or less voluntarily, not because of money. Lithuanians fans can kill someone if that will spread the way to watch the game of Lith NT. Even people who don't give a crap about bball generally, they are watching bball very emotionally. So i was suprised when in Acropolis cup greek fans were so calm, though Pana and Oly fans are crazy!

Saras' welcome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4jTY95hLGo

[Tallyhawk]

in Greece clubs are above NT for harcore fans or just fans like me..I prefer a euroleague for my team rather than a euro for my country..Also football is morepopular so if you saw euro2004 there greek fans really dominated

It's not like that for everyone.In fact it's not like that for the majority.You are giving the wrong impression I think.

Let's not forget that the NT made basketball popular in Greece.

[greg]

Šarunas Jasikevičius
„Ramunas Butautas man buvo daugiau kaip draugas, o ne treneris“.


Could someone translate it, please?



Sorry about a little OT.

[CG]

after the arrival of Saras,PAO marketing department decided that PAO T-SHIRT will be something special in order to celebrate the 100 years of PAO.
The changes of the T-SHIRT will be

1.Every player name will be coloured by gold letters
2.Every number of the players will be in gold colour.
3.The avatar of PAO will be also in gold.

I write these things in order no one to beconfused and believe that after Saras signing in PAO, all the people from the team become arrogants.Again this T-SHIRT will be ONLY for this year for the celebration of 100 years birthday of PAO.
Noone of PAO said big words for and after his arrival.In a matter of fact the things are the same before his signing.Only PAO fans are crazy:D
The number of Saras probably will be 19...

[Basket_]

Šarunas Jasikevičius
„Ramunas Butautas man buvo daugiau kaip draugas, o ne treneris“.


Could someone translate it, please?



Sorry about a little OT.
Saras said: "Ramunas Butautas was more like a friend to me, than a coach".

[Picek]

Saras said: "Ramunas Butautas was more like a friend to me, than a couch".that's understandable..
why would he lie on his "couch" :D




I write these things in order no one to beconfused and believe that after Saras signing in PAO, all the people from the team become arrogants.ofcourse..
you were all arrogant before :D

[T.W.Is.M.]

It's not like that for everyone.In fact it's not like that for the majority.You are giving the wrong impression I think.

Let's not forget that the NT made basketball popular in Greece.

I could add 2 that something.I think that the NT games draw more attention from the public than any club's game, even if that is a F4.Maybe the hardcore fans care much about their club, but the NT games r also watched by fans who watch fewer bball in the rest of the year.

[ArkadiosV2]

Jasikevicius passed his medicals and signed his contract. He is going to OAKA to meet his new team.

http://www.sportdog.gr/Articles/Images/article_image1_45082.jpg

[greg]

Saras said: "Ramunas Butautas was more like a friend to me, than a couch".

I've expexted some else meaning :rolleyes:

Thanks for translation.

[Basket_]

that's understandable..
why would he lie on his "couch"
:D I need to be more careful what I am writing.. :) Now "couch", some time ago I wrote "rooster" instead of "roster". :D


I've expexted some else meaning :rolleyes:

Thanks for translation.
What did you expected? :)

[CG]

ofcourse..
you were all arrogant before :D


believe me if Cibona sign someday a player like Saras you look like too..
its a logical reaction from the fans to be so happy.Some of them are exagerrated but as i said its logical.This counts for every fan in Europe at least and whoever tells me an other thing he will look silly.
But i dont expect you to realise that since your team will be one of the bottom teams in your group and has so many years to give you something to smile:D cheers Picek

[Red Inspiration]

I could add 2 that something.I think that the NT games draw more attention from the public than any club's game, even if that is a F4.Maybe the hardcore fans care much about their club, but the NT games r also watched by fans who watch fewer bball in the rest of the year.

Exactly.
Even our moms bother to watch NT's games.(its not the case with club's games...):p

-"what's that 'traveling violation' thingy skountis is talking about?":confused:
-"errr....its a long story mom..." :rolleyes:

[GSI]

Dominique didn't have the biggest impact in the history of EL but he is (worldwide) the greatest name ever played in this competition.But considering his age back then, I think Sabonis,Kukoc,Drazen,Peja,Bodiroga,Saras,Galis,eve n Papaloukas and Diamantidis made more difference for their teams than Dominique.
Anyway the important thing is that an NBA legend played in Europe and this is something that we probably won't see again considering the form of European basketball nowadays that is hostile to the amercan stars kind of play..

With this I completelly agree. "Wilkins in Europe" is more historical event than exampe of amazing, not seen before, etc play.

[greg]

What did you expected? :)

I've expected "Butautas was only official coach, but not our real coach" or something like that, mentioning that Saras or Siskasaus had a bigger influence on creating Lithuanians' play than Butautas...

Maybe Saras wanted to say that and that sentence was only metaphore? I don't know the context.

[T.W.Is.M.]

Exactly.
Even our moms bother to watch NT's games.(its not the case with club's games...):p

-"what's that 'traveling violation' thingy skountis is talking about?":confused:
-"errr....its a long story mom..." :rolleyes:

u r lucky she didn't ask what is that "pick n' roll" they r talking about constantly...:D
moreover, NT games r watched by people who used 2 watch bball in the 90s but don't follow it much nowadays.the success of the NT along with big transfers r the way 2 bring these people back 2 the game!

[Straight forward]

I've expected "Butautas was only official coach, but not our real coach" or something like that, mentioning that Saras or Siskasaus had a bigger influence on creating Lithuanians' play than Butautas...

Maybe Saras wanted to say that and that sentence was only metaphore? I don't know the context.

I think Saras' is one of those players who don't think that only coach should build the game. Coach is the guy who should "help" and not to "dictate". I remeber after two weeks of preparation for EC7 Butautas talked about process of trainings and tactics realization and Saras at the same time said: "there was no process so far, we all have ideas, including coaches either" :D And when Butautas in preparation was saying that the game of Lithuania is improving, Saras was saying "nothing is improving and we still can't find our game".

[Red Inspiration]

u r lucky she didn't ask what is that "pick n' roll" they r talking about constantly...:D
damn! :eek:
same answer she would get tho! :D

moreover, NT games r watched by people who used 2 watch bball in the 90s but don't follow it much nowadays.the success of the NT along with big transfers r the way 2 bring these people back 2 the game!
Us, oly's fans, you mean? :p :D

[EverGreen]

that's understandable..
why would he lie on his "couch" :D

ofcourse..
you were all arrogant before :D

I think it was Charles Barkley that said it... "When you can back it up, you can afford to be arrogant." :D

[T.W.Is.M.]

I think it was Charles Barkley that said it... "When you can back it up, you can afford to be arrogant." :D

the only difference is that Barkley would retire eventually, so he could afford being arrogant until the end provided that he remained at top level, while a team doesn't retire or stop playing, so they will have good and bad times.arrogance causes a tendency 2 the opponents 2 strike back...;)

[EverGreen]

Mauricio Balducci (Saras' agent):

"It is true that Olympiakos offered more money than PAO. Their (Oly's) approach was very proffesional but I then told themthat it would be better to stop (their interest)with Saras, because they were no longer in his choices. (So)And they did.

For Saras Panathinaikos was the most difficult choice. Think..Olympiakos has many years to win something, the money was excellent, there was another Lithuanian on the roster and it would have been good for him. In Barcelona he is worshipped like a god and the team hasn't won the EL since after 2002 with Saras in the team. But Panathinaikos is the European Champion. They are on top and if they fall just a metre from where they are, it will be a failure. But, that's Saras. A winner."

http://www.goalday.gr/article.asp?catid=10601&subid=2&pubid=580533


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C28V_idMN4

[T.W.Is.M.]

Mauricio Balducci (Saras' agent):

"It is true that Olympiakos offered more money than PAO. Their (Oly's) approach was very proffesional but I then told themthat it would be better to stop (their interest)with Saras, because they were no longer in his choices. (So)And they did.

For Saras Panathinaikos was the most difficult choice. Think..Olympiakos has many years to win something, the money was excellent, there was another Lithuanian on the roster and it would have been good for him. In Barcelona he is worshipped like a god and the team hasn't won the EL since after 2002 with Saras in the team. But Panathinaikos is the European Champion. They are on top and if they fall just a metre from where they are, it will be a failure. But, that's Saras. A winner."

http://www.goalday.gr/article.asp?catid=10601&subid=2&pubid=580533


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C28V_idMN4

ruffiano ruffiano italiano:p :p

[EverGreen]

By the Way...PAO has already sold 5.500 season tickets. Surpassing the 4.000 of last year.


Post edited after relevant information was received

[alexandros]

ok my mom also asked " hey what 's that on tv with the orange ball" when i saw the eurobasket..we are talking about fun base here someone who could buy a ticket to see a bball game.. i still believe that the majority of them puts clubs before the NT..considering the tense and controverse of the league finals last summer i believe i am right..

[ArkadiosV2]

http://basketblog.gr/images/stories/vagelis/proponisi-saras1a.jpg

Notice the 'Lietuva' brassard.

http://basketblog.gr/images/stories/vagelis/proponisi-saras3a.jpg

http://basketblog.gr/images/stories/vagelis/proponisi-saras2a.jpg


From basketblog.gr

[CG]

i think he looks nice with the green jersey:D what do you think?:p

[Straight forward]

i think he looks nice with the green jersey:D what do you think?:p

he looks strange in these shirts, that's for sure :p I would have never could imagine Saras in Pao actually.

[kestas]

he looks strange in these shirts, that's for sure :p I would have never could imagine Saras in Pao actually.

me too :) somehow the feeling he went to the wrong place is as strong as ever.. hope I'm wrong..

[T.W.Is.M.]

me too :) somehow the feeling he went to the wrong place is as strong as ever.. hope I'm wrong..

I on the other hand hope u r right:D

[Fedfan]

he looks strange in these shirts, that's for sure :p I would have never could imagine Saras in Pao actually.
I don't know why but I have the same feeling.:confused: And I am a Pao fan.I think that if he had signed with Oly,GL would be more interesting for me.:cool:
lol,it's not that I am a mazochist,but I care more about the level of the antagonism and the show,at least in the finals,than that Pao will win in the end.I guess I care more about the trip than the destination.:D

Anyway,ade good luck in pao.Kalorizikos.:)

[re5pectas]

Did Saras made any interview? Like those:

If Saras makes one of the following statements in his presentation i'm going to puke...

1. It was my dream since i was 6 to play for Panathinaikos...
2. I used to watch Galis tapes when i was 12...
3. Panathinaikos is the best European Club...
4. Athens is my favourite city...
5. I feel Greece like my second home...
6. Greeks and Lithuanians are brother nations...
7. I am glad that i will meet my best friends Macas and Pini...

[AiwiTo]

It is strange to see him with PAO shirts.. I never thought that he could play in Pao.. Some years in a row greeks more than want to have at least one lithuanian player ;)

p.s. Saras bangle on the right hand "Lietuva" looks nice :D

best wishes for him this season, will be nice to see him in Euroleague, like Macas in Oly and Siska in CASK. Euroleague will be very interesting and attractive, just ~ month left :)

... and what do you think, what the pao game style will be this season? with the player like Saras, it must be fast, nice basketball, but not so defensive like 'typical not attractive' pao style. just with this (and with 'like serbian basketball style') pao wasn't the team enjoyable to see..
barca or maccabi was the teams for Saras, but pao.. just wait and see :)

[Straight forward]

It is strange to see him with PAO shirts.. I never thought that he could play in Pao.. Some years in a row greeks more than want to have at least one lithuanian player ;)

p.s. Saras bangle on the right hand "Lietuva" looks nice :D

best wishes for him this season, will be nice to see him in Euroleague, like Macas in Oly and Siska in CASK. Euroleague will be very interesting and attractive, just ~ month left :)

... and what do you think, what the pao game style will be this season? with the player like Saras, it must be fast, nice basketball, but not so defensive like 'typical not attractive' pao style. just with this (and with 'like serbian basketball style') pao wasn't the team enjoyable to see..
barca or maccabi was the teams for Saras, but pao.. just wait and see :)

disagree. last year pao showed well-rounded bball. offence was very nice too, with such players like Siska, Diama, Becirovic, Batiste it can't be unattractive.

[EverGreen]

If anyone thinks PAO played unattractive basketball in the last 2 seasons then they know nothing about basketball.

[ArkadiosV2]

Did Saras made any interview? Like those:

He said he is happy to be here. That he didn't expect such a welcome from the fans and that the team is above all.

[ArkadiosV2]

An interesting quote from Sarunas Jasikevicius in his first interview:


At some point i would like to be teammate with my brother Vitenis, either in Lithuanian NT or Panathinaikos.

[CG]

PAO last year played very nice basketball.Most of it was a control pace game but with patience in offence and so many fast changing passing balls from one player to another and in the end they were hitting 3s or were dunk.
Excellent defence with a high IQ in offence.They could change the rythm in a second.They had balance in and out.
Maybe the season with Diama,LaKovic and V-Span they played terrific at leat the 2/3 of the season but also last year where awesome.
I remind you some great games

vs Barca
vs Efes
vs CSKA
vs OLY
and more

[T.W.Is.M.]

PAO last year played very nice basketball.Most of it was a control pace game but with patience in offence and so many fast changing passing balls from one player to another and in the end they were hitting 3s or were dunk.
Excellent defence with a high IQ in offence.They could change the rythm in a second.They had balance in and out.
Maybe the season with Diama,LaKovic and V-Span they played terrific at leat the 2/3 of the season but also last year where awesome.
I remind you some great games

vs Barca
vs Efes
vs CSKA
vs OLY
and more

I'm not a fan of PAO's playing style in general.The reason is that I don't like this dependance on outside shooting and because their defense is sometimes too hard and includes more checking than it should.However, I think PAO played nice bball last year.I think that your game was more balanced.Maybe due 2 Batiste's great season, maybe because Siskauskas could do more things in court that any other who covered the SF position before him, maybe because there was no Lakovic(with his crazy shots).Perhaps it had 2 do with the fact that I saw PAO play crucial games(vs Olympiacos 4 instance) with a 30% at 3p.The EL final was a great match from both sides and I really enjoyed the game.Overall, I wouldn't call PAO's game ugly or unattractive.I would call it too much 3p-orientated and if it weren't 4 Diamantidis it would b kinda one-dimensional.But these come from an opponent who hates losing 2 his team's rivals...;)

[ArkadiosV2]

Although Panathinaikos won the treble last season, i surely enjoyed watching the 2005-06 team. At some points my eyes could not follow the ball with Diamantides-Spanoulis-Lakovic trio passing around the 3point line, there was the extra pass created all the time, even if players hesitaed to shoot or they didn't score when they were free. It was so fast and mechanical.

So i expect it to be much better this season since Spanoulis is back andSaras came instead of Lakovic, the only problem will be that some guys won't expect the laser passes that only Saras can provide and there will be problems at the beginning.

I can't wait.

[CG]

Although Panathinaikos won the treble last season, i surely enjoyed watching the 2005-06 team. At some points my eyes could not follow the ball with Diamantides-Spanoulis-Lakovic trio passing around the 3point line, there was the extra pass created all the time, even if players hesitaed to shoot or they didn't score when they were free. It was so fast and mechanical.

So i expect it to be much better this season since Spanoulis is back andSaras came instead of Lakovic, the only problem will be that some guys won't expect the laser passes that only Saras can provide and there will be problems at the beginning.

I can't wait.


do you know what i liked mostly in that period?i mean 2005-2006.NOt that the ball was moving very very fast from one side to another,not that they were playing impressive with a lot of nice passes and choises in the offense but the full press in many games that these guards (DD,V-Span, LaKovic) were playing.I remember games that the opponent couldnt reach the middle court.Nice memories of these 3s.:rolleyes:
anyway back to reality and to the topic.
today is the first day Saras will play.PAO fans in Cyprus island welcomed him nicely and along with us are going to see him live 17:00 Greece time

[Straight forward]

do you know what i liked mostly in that period?i mean 2005-2006.NOt that the ball was moving very very fast from one side to another,not that they were playing impressive with a lot of nice passes and choises in the offense but the full press in many games that these guards (DD,V-Span, LaKovic) were playing.I remember games that the opponent couldnt reach the middle court.Nice memories of these 3s.:rolleyes:
anyway back to reality and to the topic.
today is the first day Saras will play.PAO fans in Cyprus island welcomed him nicely and along with us are going to see him live 17:00 Greece time

maybe there is possibility to see this game on the net? :rolleyes:

[Trifilli]

maybe there is possibility to see this game on the net? :rolleyes:

No, sadly not, it's on pay-tv (Supersport 3). PAO leads 45-15 at halftime.

[Gytaz]

PAO leads 45-15 at halftime.

How is Šaras doing?

[CG]

PAO-AEL 96-70(45-15)
Sara's debut with the green jersey !:)

He didn't play much (about 10 minutes if I remember well- well tbh no player except Vujanic and Winston played much) and he got 5 points and 2 assists. Not bad at all.
The time he and 3D was on the court at the same time was my dream.:D


maybe we will find the game in torrent
i will search for it;)

[softice]

Some highlights
http://www.sport.gr/basket/hellas08/071003/paoael3.asp

[Straight forward]

he he, it's pure exotica to see Saras in pao in that hightlight :D I think Pao is a good team for Saras, cause this team likes a good ball moving.

[ArkadiosV2]

Saras quotes are killing me, here is one of his latest ones

'I wouldn't want to know the IQ test results of most NBA players'

[T.W.Is.M.]

Saras quotes are killing me, here is one of his latest ones

'I wouldn't want to know the IQ test results of most NBA players'

If he had said "bball IQ"(which on the other hand is not countable) I would b behind him.But what he said doesn't sound good at all.It would b more convincing as an opinion if it came from someone who succeeded in the NBA...

[ArkadiosV2]

If he had said "bball IQ"(which on the other hand is not countable) I would b behind him.But what he said doesn't sound good at all.It would b more convincing as an opinion if it came from someone who succeeded in the NBA...

There are two schools of thoughts about Saras in NBA...

1. There is something wrong going on with Saras since he couldn't succeed in NBA.

2. There is something wrong going on with NBA since Saras couldn't succeed there.

I believe in #2 statement.

[T.W.Is.M.]

There are two schools of thoughts about Saras in NBA...

1. There is something wrong going on with Saras since he couldn't succeed in NBA.

2. There is something wrong going on with NBA since Saras couldn't succeed there.

I believe in #2 statement.

I believe that there is truth in both of them.He just wasn't suitable enough 4 the NBA style and played in the wrong teams(He admitted about Indiana and Golden State was obviously the wrong team 4 him-at least he didn't pick them).Anyway, he seems 2 like 2 talk and make big statements;just like Gershon!It's gonna make the greek derbies even more interesting;)

[kestas]

I believe that there is truth in both of them.He just wasn't suitable enough 4 the NBA style and played in the wrong teams(He admitted about Indiana and Golden State was obviously the wrong team 4 him-at least he didn't pick them).Anyway, he seems 2 like 2 talk and make big statements;just like Gershon!It's gonna make the greek derbies even more interesting;)

who knows what he really said...
in related "news", Ilgauskas, when asked about Saras leaving NBA by a Lith journalist said (among other things): "I perfectly understand why he made this decision. As we all know, there are a lot of idiots in NBA. No place for such a player..." ;)
anyways, it's still not certain if Saras will make an impact most expect in Pana this year.

[Victorious]

who knows what he really said...
in related "news", Ilgauskas, when asked about Saras leaving NBA by a Lith journalist said (among other things): "I perfectly understand why he made this decision. As we all know, there are a lot of idiots in NBA. No place for such a player..." ;)
anyways, it's still not certain if Saras will make an impact most expect in Pana this year.

Saras will make an impact. Th pressure is not on him anyway.At least not entirely. 3D, Spanoulis, Becirovic, Vujanic are all sharing his responsibilities.

[Straight forward]

who knows what he really said...
in related "news", Ilgauskas, when asked about Saras leaving NBA by a Lith journalist said (among other things): "I perfectly understand why he made this decision. As we all know, there are a lot of idiots in NBA. No place for such a player..." ;)


aaaaa ha ha ha!!!! this one is good :D