We are only a few hours away from the Final Four of the Alpe Adria Cup powered by GGMT in Vienna. We will introduce you each team in interviews, starting with the representative from Poland, MKS Dabrowa Górnicza. In their second appearance this season, they are making their debut at the Final Four and aim to win the semi-finals. Will they succeed?
Jacek Winnicki, head coach of MKS Dabrowa Górnicza:
– We are facing the Final Four of the Alpe Adria Cup. What does it mean to you that you made it to this event at all?
“From the beginning of our participating in Alpe Adria Cup we say that Final Four is our goal. We are there and this is very important moment for our club. We are going to Vienna firstly to win first game in semi-finals.”
– How do you evaluate your performance in this competition so far?
“In my opinion we showed the good side except of first group game against Oberwart. This game wasn’t successful for us. We took second place in the group and we were better in the quarterfinals. So far, our performance is positive.”
– How is the team in terms of health and preparedness for this event?
“Everyone is fine and ready to game. I hope that something unexpected happened on last practice before we go. We had more time to prepare and we had two longer training cycles – first during national team break and second after our last game in Polish league. We are already focused on first game of Final Four.”
– The Final Four system is uncompromising, 1 game, 1 chance. How will you prepare for this specific match?
“We watched four games of our opponents in semifinals – from Slovak league and Alpe Adria Cup. We know their way of playing and their players and it was basis for our tactics for the game.”
– What does this international confrontation give you?
“Maybe it’s not the strongest European cup, but club from Dabrowa Górnicza would like develop in playing European competitions. This is our second season in Alpe Adria Cup. Last season we lost in quarterfinals, but now we got access to Final Four. It’s very important moment for club and city.”
– In the semi-finals you will face Komárno. What kind of opponent is it, how does he present himself and what do you think about his results and performances so far?
“This is team which advanced to Final Four and it can’t be accidental. They have not many spectacular players. Their point guard and shooting guard (Gatling and Stuckey Jr.) are the best shooters om the team. Their roster is mix of Slovak players and players from Europe. They counter well and throwing well for 3 points. The most important players are Americans, because they are the best scorers and have the most attempts.”
– What will it be about from your point of view to be able to advance to the finals?
“Our concentration is the key. We have to stop American players from Komárno. We want to play our game and take our advantage. Defense will be important role. This is only one game, but we go out of our’s way to win.”
