Scariolo Calls Olympiacos 'Worst of the Best' Ahead of EuroLeague Final; Hezonja Eyes Historic Win

Real Madrid coach Sergio Scariolo has labeled Olympiacos as 'the worst of the best' as his team prepares to face the Greek powerhouse in the EuroLeague final. Speaking at a press conference, Scariolo acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries within the Real Madrid roster, including a potentially serious injury to Guerschon Yabusele. However, he emphasized that these setbacks do not diminish the team's resolve to fight for the trophy.

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We are happy to be here but we have demands. We will not stop fighting. The opponent is the worst of the best. We are here for a reason. We are here because we are constantly getting better throughout the season. Olympiacos deserves the position it is in and we know it will be a difficult opponent. We will do our best.

"We are happy to be here but we have demands. We will not stop fighting," Scariolo stated. "The opponent is the worst of the best. We are here for a reason. We are here because we are constantly getting better throughout the season. Olympiacos deserves the position it is in and we know it will be a difficult opponent. We will do our best."

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We have to adapt to the new reality, see what we can do and what we cannot. We have to focus on the game and adapt quickly. Not to overload ourselves. Not to think that we have to do 25 different things. We are in the final and we have to believe in ourselves, be calm and focused.

Despite the mounting difficulties, Scariolo stressed the team's mental strength and adaptability. "We have to adapt to the new reality, see what we can do and what we cannot. We have to focus on the game and adapt quickly. Not to overload ourselves. Not to think that we have to do 25 different things. We are in the final and we have to believe in ourselves, be calm and focused." He also noted the rarity of reaching such a final, urging his players to seize the opportunity.

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Two great teams of European basketball are meeting.

Teammate Mario Hezonja echoed the sentiment, describing the final as a clash between two "great teams of European basketball." He acknowledged the team's injury woes but insisted they would not use it as an excuse, drawing on the team's "DNA and history" to fuel their performance. Hezonja, who joined Real Madrid with the ambition of winning titles he hadn't secured before, sees this final as a pivotal moment in his career.

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I came to Real for this. I had successes in the national team but when Real asked me to come, I thought to myself that this is what I wanted at this stage of my career.