Basketball, the predictions for the playoffs by Mario Castelli, Eurosport commentator: “Venice has the habit of winning, but Sassari has Bilan and Spissu”
SASSARI. «Dinamo must pay attention to Reyer’s solidity and habit of important matches, but this will certainly be the most balanced quarter-final of all». Between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs, Mario Castelli tries to make the cards of the championship race. The Eurosport commentator, one of the most popular voices of the new generation of basketball commentators, has clear ideas. «The races are all to be played – he says – but who can beat Milan three times in a week or even four, in the case of the final? It seems very complicated to me, paradoxically it is better to face her in the quarterfinals or in the semifinals and try to beat her on 5 matches ». Unbeatable Red Shoes, then? “That will only tell the field. The certainty – explains Castelli – is that Milan has an extremely deep roster and this factor in a season in which the playoffs are very concentrated will be an even more incisive advantage. They can afford to let three foreigners out at a time, a gigantic advantage, especially in the back to back. In addition, it is a talented, strong and well-established team, because the Euroleague forges you and gets you used to playing important games. Can only they lose the Scudetto? I am not saying this, but they seem to me to be widely favorites ».
How do you rate Dinamo’s season? «I think it went according to expectations, perhaps the roster was a little less competitive than its rivals, yet it is always there and it cannot be said that it was a disappointment. The Pozzecco case will have a minimum of undermined stability, which instead is what the group needs when it comes to the playoffs. In a series, anything can happen, certainly it could have reached it a little more serene. The quarter-final with Reyer is the most balanced, among other things between two teams that have really gone through all kinds of colors ».
Reyer is stronger on paper. «Venice has two great advantages – says Castelli -: the bulk of the roster and the coach have been the same for years. They know each other, they know how to play together and, beyond the problems, sometimes they seem almost bored: in reality, when the decisive moment comes, they know how to bring out the best, as the results of recent years show. If I had to name the main antagonist of Milan, I would still say Venice ».
And the others? «Brindisi has played a great championship and has a minimal psychological advantage having beaten Milan twice. Virtus is by far the most enigmatic team, as evidenced by the bitter end of the Eurocup, with 107 points awarded to their opponents in the most important match after 19 victories in a row. Even the defeat against Trento the other day goes along this line. We’ll see”.
Three dry questions: who are the MVP, the best Italian and the best young player? «Leday played an incredible season in terms of quality and consistency, playing more than 60 games. The only one at his height is Bilan. As an Italian I indicate Tonut, because unlike Spissu, the other great suitor, he had to create a leading role among many. With a special mention for Poeta. Among the young people I say Pajola – concludes the Eurosport voice -, fundamental despite not being a star ».
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