BASKETBALL – SERIE B. After the defeat in Game 5 in the final with Fabriano, the coach exalts the team: “It was simply fantastic”
the interview
It is true that losing in game five of a final for promotion to the major division is disappointing. But Ueb Gesteco Cividale does not despair and looks to the future with great positivity. For the ducals, in fact, this milestone was already a success: few would have thought it possible. Captain Fattori and his companions gave unique emotions to an entire community that cannot help but congratulate these guys on the result obtained. It will not be a defeat that will stop the determination and enthusiasm of this team that has worked miracles: it finished third at the end of the regular season, beat Salerno (3-0) in the playoff quarter-finals, Taranto (3-1 ) in the semifinal and finally bowed with Fabriano on 3 -2 after recovering a series that had started at 2-0.
And after the defeat at Cerreto d’Esi the challenge is raised by those who have great merits in this ride, the leader of the eagles, coach Stefano Pillastrini, simply a luxury for the third series of baskets. “We must simply look to the future without too many regrets by holding on to this beautiful adventure,” he says.
Coach, what went wrong in game five?
«In the first half, despite Fabriano being very aggressive, we managed to hold on to the match. On the way back from the locker room, however, we struggled a little too much in defense and we also missed well-constructed shots. To further destabilize us was Gabriele Miani’s injury in the middle of the third period. However, there are no justifications: our opponents have given something more than us, so I congratulate them ”
There is a bit of disappointment …
«It is clear that when you reach the final you also want to win. It is inevitable. This time it went wrong, but we don’t have to make a big deal out of it. We have given everything we could give: we have nothing to reproach ourselves with ».
But we must look beyond …
“Of course. Getting this far was an immense and completely unexpected goal for us. We were born with the idea of creating the foundations for a project that will last over time. No one in August would have ever imagined playing game five of the Serie B playoff final: it was not even part of our plans. But when we found ourselves among the top positions in the standings, rightly so, we decided to try. We lost against very strong opponents, but we don’t despair. This must be our launch pad for the future ».
What do you think of your boys?
“They were amazing. In addition to a breathtaking season, they played brilliantly in the playoffs, managing to beat even a much feared team like Taranto. My compliments go both to the players, who have always emerged from the numbers of the statistics, and to those who perhaps remain more in the shadows but who gave their all as soon as they took the field ».
Plans for the future?
«First of all, we will take a few days to rest: after such a championship I think we deserve it. But then we will get back to work immediately to better prepare for next season. Players will continue to train, but they will do it individually. As soon as there are the dates for next season we will decide when to start again ». –