Igokea will play its first game of the season on Saturday at 5 p.m. on home court, when it hosts Slovan Bratislava in the second round of the ABA League.
The Slovak club is making its debut in the regional competition and will visit Igokea for the first time. Igokea head coach Nenad Stefanović warned that Slovan is a strong and experienced team despite not being one of the biggest names in European basketball.
- We have had quite a long break due to unforeseen circumstances and the postponement of the start of the ABA League. It has put us in a somewhat difficult situation because we have been without a game for almost two weeks, while our opponent is in full competitive rhythm. They are a very experienced team made up of proven players. Many of them have played in the ABA League, while some have previously worked with coach Dejan Jakara, who has his own system and it is already clear that he has implemented it. The team has demonstrated its ambitions through its budget and reinforcements and is one of the main candidates for a top-four finish – Stefanović said.
Speaking about his own team, Stefanović said he was very satisfied with the group of players at his disposal.
- On the other hand, I am extremely satisfied with the group I am coaching. We know our responsibilities and our goals. In every home game, regardless of a personnel situation that is not quite ideal, we have to leave our hearts on the court and defend this jersey. I believe we will do everything in our power to open the season with a victory – Stefanović said.
Igokea newcomer Petar Kovačević also believes his team can start the season with a win.
- We will leave our hearts on the court, just as we would in any other game. We have been training very well and I hope we can carry that over into the game – Kovačević said.
Source: Glas Srpske
