The Roca Team returns to the Stark Arena in Belgrade where it won on October 18 against Red Star (82-76) in front of 19,123 spectators. Place at Partizan, this time, 20,000 fans in black and white expected, the craziest atmosphere in Europe, tossed with the big evenings of Piraeus… It was this October 18 that Kemba Walker, accustomed to more atmospheres elite of the NBA, had discovered, a bit stunned, what basketball means in the capital of Serbia.
Sans Kemba Walker
45 days later, Kemba Walker, who is fighting to regain his physical strength (knee), is still far from having brought down the house in Monaco, in terms of scoring (3.6 pts in 11′ average). But in terms of personality, the former NBA mega star has conquered his world. “He’s a great guy, he always has a smile, he encourages others, says leader Matthew Strazel. He behaves like a young person full of enthusiasm. The opposite of the guy with a big track record who would make excuses. I think his problem is above all physical, because in training, he does very good things. In a match, it’s harder. He needs a little more time.”
Meanwhile, Mike James, who also seems to enjoy Walker’s company, ranks first among Euroleague scorers (18.6), 6e passer (5.3), 3rd in the evaluation… Undisputed leader in the championship, 3rd in the Euroleague, more and more convincing with each challenge, Monaco will face a Partizan who is sometimes hesitant but on the verge of the Top 8, which remains on a big success against Pana. If Mathias Lessort is no longer there, the house triggers, Nunnally, Punter, Leday, Andjusic or PJ Dozier can set things on fire at any time. Zeljko Obradovic, the legendary coach of Partizan, was the coach of Monegasque Sasa Obradovic at the time of the great Serbia, world champion 98. A lot of respect and friendship between the two men, who are not related. , but many points in common, including a strong temperament. Another duel that still promises.