Group G player analysis: Pepe Sanchez, AXA FC Barcelona
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 Very few players have such an impact on a game without necessarily shooting the ball as AXA F.C. Barcelona guard Pepe Sanchez. The reigning Olympic champion from Argentina is known world-wide for a passing style second-to-none that ranks him among the best eight assist men entering the Top 16 despite playing less than 20 minutes per game off Barcelona's bench. Basketball people know, however, that as the games become more meaningful, Sanchez becomes more dangerous. Last year he catapulted on of Barcelona's upcoming Top 16 opponents, to the playoffs and the Final Four, with some of the most spectacular plays of the season. "We are looking forward to the Top 16, which is the crucial part of the competition right now," Sanchez said. "The competition level is the same strength as every year, with a good number of teams that can reach the Final Four."
First of all, can you give us an assessment of Barcelona's situation heading
into the Top 16?
"Our season has been a little bit up-and-down so far. We had a strong start in the regular season but also got several consecutive losses at the end of that stage. We ran out of the chances to finish first or second in our regular season group. We already left that behind and are looking forward to the Top 16, which is the crucial part of the competition right now. The competition level is the same strength as every year, with a good number of teams that can reach the Final Four. There are always eight or ten teams that will fight to make it to the best four at the end of the season."
CSKA Moscow is the top seed in your new Top 16 group. Are they the team
to beat?
"We haven't played CSKA Moscow this season but I know they have the same core of players they had in recent years. It is a very good team, accustomed to making the Final Four, and even won the title in 2006. Their only goal will be returning to the Final Four with options to win it. Of course, the game in Moscow should be the most complicated game for us in the Top 16, because CSKA is meant to be our strongest opponent. We have to play that game well and everyone will be looking forward to steal a win over there."
And what about Unicaja, the team you helped reach the Final Four last
season?
"Unicaja did a great job in its regular season group, finishing third overall. They were up there all season long, fighting for first place and of course, that shows the good work they did in the Euroleague so far. Their only goal will be reaching the playoffs and without any kind of doubt, Unicaja will be a very tough opponent. They went to the Final Four last season and have the experience needed already. We play at home against them in Week 1 and it is critical to win that first game. There are only six games in the Top 16 so winning the first one is a big step forwards for any team. We play at home and must win that game."
Lastly, you know Lottomatica Roma from the regular season. What do they
bring to the table in this group?
"Lottomatica Roma was one of the last teams to qualify but that doesn't mean it is not dangerous. This is what happened with Unicaja last season. We made it to the Top 16 in the final games of the regular season and ended up playing the Final Four. There are no weak opponents at this point and Lottomatica has as much chances as anyone to advance to the playoffs. It is a tough opponent that already beat us in Barcelona this season."
Finally, how has your adjustment been to playing at Barcelona?
"I think I adjusted well to the team very quickly in the beginning of the season. I am trying to help as much as I can. This is the idea we all have in the team. We all have to contribute and balance the team on and off the court. This is what I will also try to do from now on."
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Euroleague.net
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