“It has to be a balanced effort” Nes Ziona readies for FIBA Europe Cup Final Four in Israel

By Joshua Halickman

Apr 21, 2021 | Holyland Hoops

Nes Ziona tipoff against BC Parma in the FIBA Europe Cup Final Four semifinals on Friday any Yad Eliyahu in Tel Aviv as Brad Greenberg’s squads looks to punch their ticket to the competition’s championship game. Friday’s second semifinal will feature CSM CSU Oradea and Arged BMSLAM Stal with the winners meeting at 9pm on Sunday night.

Nes Ziona head coach Brad Greenberg, captain Tal Dunne and general manager Meir Tapiro met the media to discuss the club’s upcoming challenge.

Tal Dunne – Photo Credit: Dov Halickman

Dunne who suffered a hand injury and was wearing a cast hopes to be ready to go on Friday to lead his team inso action in front of the home fans, “It’s great to be able to host the Final Four here in Israel and we will have our fans who will be supporting us. I still don’t know the extent of my injury, but I am sure that I will be out there on Friday. There is never a good time to get hurt but we are still figuring it out and I am relying on the staff to find a way to play and I really want to be able to do so.”

The club’s GM Meir Tapiro also commented on hosting the tournament’s title clash, “Having the Final Four here is a great accomplishment and it’s a great opportunity. I am very happy that we are able to host this tournament.”

Brad Greenberg – Photo Credit: Dov Halickman

Finally, coach Greenberg spoke about the opponent he is readying his team for, “We are just learning about Parma and they are huge, aggressive team and can put out a good lineup. We have had a lot of good contributions from a lot of guys and it has been a balanced effort.”

“We respect Parma but we are going to play and not just show up. We will play and we have to play well and we will have an advantage if we run. If we are able to defend and rebound we can play well and if we have to play a set defense it’s more difficult. It all starts with stopping them and rebounding the ball.”

“I’m excited for the fans and the people who have poured their heart and soul into the club. I have only been here for 6,7,8 months and I can’t feel it the same way as Tal, Yaniv or Meir. They feel it differently. We are doing something for Israeli basketball and Nes Ziona. But it’s not that surreal, we are here to play to win and we are in a pretty good frame of mind.”