One of the influx of newcomers who will try to help champion CSKA Moscow defend its Euroleague title at the Final Four is center Erazem Lorbek, who has already played a big part in the team's seventh consecutive Final Four appearance. Lorbek was named the Euroleague's MVP for March and April precisely for his key role as CSKA finished first in its Top 16 group and then became the only team to sweep through the Quarterfinal Playoffs. The eldest son in an accomplished basketball family - his father Radovan is a basketball executive, his brother Domen played in the recent Eurocup Final Eight, and younger brother Klemen is a pro at home in Slovenia- Lorbek had a mixed experience at his last Final Four in 2004, the same year he was named the Euroleague's Rising Star Trophy winner. At 25, Lorbek has already come a long way, but Berlin could take the "rising" from his star status for good. "After working hard all season, I think the last games showed that the team trusted giving me some more responsibility, and I took it," Lorbek told Euroleague.net. "It's all about confidence: my coach gave me that, my teammates did also, and I was able to do a good job."
First of all how does it feel to be going back to the Final Four for you?
"It's a great feeling, especially after not going to a Final Four for a few years. My first time, I was actually just starting my Euroleague and professional career with basketball, so I was really young and maybe didn't realize yet how hard it was to reach the Final Four. Now, it's something very special. I am on a very good team and I am really happy that we will be competing for the trophy again."
Take us back to last summer, first of all. What was it like when you got the call that CSKA, the champs, wanted to sign you?
"Well, for sure, it's a feeling of great opportunity for a player who is still developing to be called and recruited by the Euroleague champions. It was all about opportunity, and I took it without hesitating. And I'd say the biggest reason that was in my mind at the time was that I really wanted to go to the Final Four."
How difficult was the transition to a championship team and a demanding coach?
"For sure, it's difficult when you come to a new team, and especially to the champions of the league. But in this regard, I think that I received great help not only from Coach Messina, but especially from my teammates. They are all great players, so with a little advice only, the can help you a lot."
While helping CSKA return to the Final Four, you were named MVP for March and April. How did you feel about that honor?
"It means a lot to me, especially now, because it proves to me that I have improved my understanding of the game to be at my best at this important time of year. That is the main thing reason why this recognition means a lot, because to be good in these months is important. I see that I can help the team in the way I had hoped."
Besides just your numbers, you took responsibility in March and April. Did a new comfort level arrive then for you?
"It had been a tough season for me, for sure. I had to gain confidence and trust from the coach and my teammates. But that is also what they all helped me with, gaining confidence. After working hard all season, I think the last games showed that the team trusted giving me some more responsibility, and I took it. It's all about confidence: my coach gave me that, my teammates did also, and I was able to do a good job."
At the 2004 Final Four with Fortitudo Bologna, you reached the title game but lost by a record difference to Maccabi. What lessons did that teach?
"The main lesson, for sure, is that I want to do better. It wasn't fun to lose like that, but 2004 had some good memories, too. Making the Final Four with Bologna and winning a game in Tel Aviv was all positive. I don't know if any team in the world could have beaten Maccabi that day in the final. I just know I want to do better this time."
You will be facing Barcelona in the semifinal in Berlin. What are your thoughts on that team?
"They have a very deep team and they are for sure a team that belongs in the Final Four. With their long bench and lots of talent, they make a very good team. One thing I am sure of is that it will be a very good game to play and to watch."
Both teams have very versatile four-men frontcourts, too. Does that make preparing for the game more complicated?
"Yes, for sure, we have to study them a lot because of so much depth at every position. Both teams have great frontcourts, like you said, and we should expect to be in a very equal matchup in which nothing will be easy. It might also be a little different studying for Barcelona because we have a lot in common with them."
What do you think about facing the guy you replaced on CSKA, David Andersen, in the semifinal?
"To be honest, I haven't thought of this, and I don't feel that it matters so much. But if it does anything, it would give me motivation in that game more so than any pressure."
Coming from a basketball family, what would it mean to bring a Euroleague trophy home to them?
"I am not sure that I can describe it. It's true that we are a basketball family. We love the sport and work in the sport. I can honestly say it's almost too much to think about. This is my second Final Four, and I know you have to play one game at a time, so I am not yet thinking about winning the title until I have that chance. The first game is all that matters now. To me personally, though, being a Euroleague champion would mean a great deal, and of course, my family would be proud."
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