Against the two “giants” of Real Madrid and Spain’s world champion, Sergio Rodriguez and Sergio Jules, Shaquielle McKissic and the rest of the Olympiacos guards will have to perform at their highest level in the Euroleague final, beginning at 3am Monday (AEST).
The American guard of Olympiacos appeared full of confidence, talking to the Athens Macedonian News Agency, during practice on Saturday night (20/5). The 32 year old American explained that he and his teammates will have to follow Bartzokas’ plan to the letter, while he reminded us that the Piraeus team has Mustafa Fall as an answer to the dominant Tavares.
McKissic sent his message to the Olympiacos fans who travelled to Kaunas to be by their side in the 10-title final against Real Madrid, via AMNA: “I love you guys! I love you guys! Shout as loud as you can!”
In detail, Shaquille McKisick told the AMNA about the final against Real Madrid:
– What is the approach for tomorrow’s final?
McKissic: “To execute to the letter the game plan of Giorgos Bartzokas. First of all, we have to go out there and follow his plan. Do what he wants us to do.”
– Does the way you achieved qualification, with an upset in the semi-finals, boost your confidence?
McKissic: “I wouldn’t say it gives us more confidence because that’s how we’ve been playing since the beginning of the season. Both defensively and offensively. So once we know ourselves and the capabilities we have as a team, we’re optimistic.”
– What would you say are the keys to the game against a team that features a dominant centre like Tavares?
McKissic: “The ‘key’ against Tavares’ dominant centre is our own dominant centre, Mustafa Fall! I think that’s a weird pairing at the 5. I tell them every time I see them together and Olympiacos faces Real Madrid. It’s weird (laughs), I don’t know why, but it’s weird to see them facing each other on the court.”
– Real has a hot perimeter with Sergio Rodriguez, Sergio Jules and Nigel Williams-Goss. But do you think Olympiacos’ perimeter is better?
McKissic: “I wouldn’t say we’re better. In a final, both teams could win. In a single game, anything can happen. So whichever team plays even a little bit better on this particular night will be the European champion. All we can do is stay focused and give it our all on the court.”
– But you guys are younger than them. Rodriguez is 37 and Yul is 36. Will you use that advantage by putting intense pressure on them defensively so they get tired?
McKissic: “I feel like I’m older (laughs). It gives you inspiration to see them play so hard at their age. They really motivate me. They play against teams with younger players and still beat them. Like they did against Partizan when they were down 2-0 and came back. That’s why you can’t write them off at any point in the game.”
-How will you prepare mentally for this game?
McKissic: “I’m going to play some video games, relax, you know, not think too much, talk to my wife on the phone. Just keep the tension away.”
– And a message to the Olympiacos fans who travelled to Kaunas to support you?
McKissic “I love you guys! I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Shout as loud as you can!”
