German Basketball League - Alba depends on mindset to face Bayern.
Alba Berlin's players were overjoyed after securing a spot in the Bundesliga final following their 97:84 home victory against Niners Chemnitz. The team's coach, Israel Gonzalez, praised their resilience after dealing with numerous challenges this season. "I'm incredibly proud of this team. We've faced a lot of hurdles this year, but they've proved themselves capable of overcoming any difficulties," he said.
However, the celebration didn't last long as they prepared for their upcoming match against FC Bayern Munich in the Best-of-Five series on Saturday. Guard Malte Delow acknowledged the challenge ahead, "This isn't going to be easy. We've had quite a few games already, while Bayern rested for a week leading up to the final." The odds seemed stacked against Alba, but sports director Himar Ojeda was hopeful. "The situation is tough against us, and we might not be good enough. We'll find out soon enough."
Alba's roster virtually decimated by injuries, including the absence of their talented point guard, managed to beat Chemnitz despite the odds. Even world champion Johannes Thiemann, who battled knee pain throughout the game, contributed 14 crucial points in the second half despite his discomfort. Despite the difficulties, the team persevered, with Delow commenting, "We all did our part. We found a unity, and we came together."
The presence of injury-plagued players and the rush of playing every game seemingly made Alba hungrier for championships. "You learn more from hardships than victories. The fact that we've grown stronger together is way more important than any titles we've managed to snatch in the past," Ojeda shared.
The need for unity and teamwork was evident in Alba's victory over Chemnitz, forcing substitutes and injured players to step up. "Everyone understands that we need to play, there's no room for excuses. It's a bit nerve-wracking, but also reassuring to know that we're willing to fight for our place on the court," Delow added.
This tenacious spirit made them a force to be reckoned with, no matter the circumstances. As Ojeda put it, "It's our instinct to fight, even when things seem overwhelming. We want to carry that into the final."
Read also:
- Alba Berlin's preparations for the Bundesliga final against FC Bayern Munich continue in Saxony, their hometown.
- Despite their injury-riddled roster, Alba Berlin managed to secure an entry into the final with a hard-fought victory against BV Chemnitz 99.
- FC Bayern Munich, hailing from Bavaria, boasts a strong mentality and a rich basketball tradition, led by the coach Andrea Trinchieri.
- Guard Malte Delow and coach Israel Gonzalez both acknowledged the challenge of facing FC Bayern Munich in the Best-of-Five series, with the latter expressing confidence in his team's determination.
- Himar Ojeda, sports director of Alba Berlin, highlighted the importance of unity and perseverance in overcoming numerous challenges this season.
- In their previous game against Niners Chemnitz, Alba Berlin's backup players and injured stars demonstrated an exceptional team spirit that will be crucial against FC Bayern Munich.
- The inspirational performances of injured players, such as world champion Johannes Thiemann, have underscored the importance of mental fortitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Fans in Munich and Berlin eagerly anticipate the upcoming match between ALBA Berlin and FC Bayern Munich, promising an intense and highly competitive final in the German Basketball League.
- Fifteen-year-old Himar Ojeda, the son of Alba Berlin's sports director, is already making a name for himself in the world of Basketball, representing Spain's under-16 national team while balancing his studies in Israel.
