February 09, 2012
Playoffs analyst: Ratko Varda - Asseco Prokom
Ratko Varda - Asseco ProkomAsseco Prokom Gdynia has surprised a lot of people with its history-making run as the first Polish team to reach the Quarterfinal Playoffs. Now, in its best-of-five series against Olympiacos, the Polish powerhouse will try once again to beat expectations and add a new and exciting chapter to club history. One of the reasons that Prokom improved so much in the Top 16iand reached the playoffs was the arrival of center Ratko Varda, who balanced the team in many ways. Varda provided Prokom experience and a low-post presence that allowed Ronnie Burrell and Jan Jagla to open the court with their outside shooting. His silent leadership, toughness and winning mentality give added value to Varda's numbers, 10.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in eight games off the bench. If Varda keeps doing what he does best - hustling, powering the boards and keeping everyone involved - Prokom will have the chance to keep overcoming expectations as it tries for a Final Four berth.

Nobody expected Asseco Prokom to make the playoffs, but here you are still fighting for the Euroleague title. How was the season so far for you and your team?

"It has been great so far. Nobody expected us to be in the playoffs, but we played really well in the Top 16, especially at the beginning. We managed to get three wins in our four opening games and at that point we already knew we would make it to the playoffs. I think it is a great result for us, and the Euroleague season isn't over yet."

Prokom will face Olympiacos in the playoffs. What do you like about the Reds?

"Olympiacos is a good, traditional team in European basketball. They have a great team and we will try to put up a big fight. If I give just one or two names, it would be unfair for the rest of this team. Olympiacos is full of great players and has a great coach, too. They have played really well this season and are trying to win the Euroleague title. Just at my position, they have three great players in Ioannis Bourousis, Nikola Vujcic and Sofoklis Schortsianitis. This is a coach's dream, because Olympiacos has so many options that it is a very difficult team to scout. I've known Nikola for a long time, I have played against him since we were juniors, and also played against Bourousis and Schortsianitis. I will try to give my best and do what I can do to help the team."

Of course, Olympiacos has far more pressure than Prokom in this series. Can it help you to play better in the series?

"Well, this is basketball and you never know what will happen. Olympiacos has more pressure, it's true, but we all expect it to be a long series. Like I said before, we will do our best and not give up. Everyone thinks that Olympiacos has better chances to advance than Prokom, but we will fight to get to the Final Four."

The team improved a lot since you arrived in mid-season. How do you think you have helped Prokom to become a better team?

"I think I helped a lot with my experience, but this is a question for our coach. Since I came here, I tried to help the team as much as I can. It is hard to get into a team that has played together for two years. I just try to do whatever I need to do to help the team. I am glad that I am able to help the team in some ways."

Prokom already beat Madrid, Khimki and CSKA at home. Can the team and its fans now break all expectations and make it to the Final Four?

"Our fans have helped us a lot this season, but if we want to beat Olympiacos and get to the Final Four, we have to beat them in Greece, too. It is a tough mission, but we will do whatever we need to do to at least play twice at home and give our fans the chance to see us twice in the Euroleague playoffs. I think Prokom is the surprise team of the competition this season and we wouldn't have been able to make it to the playoffs without the support of our fans. I am sure they will be there to help us a lot against Olympiacos, too."
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Euroleague.net
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