Back to Obradovic´s Era

The world´s shortest instruction book should be like: 1. If it ain´t broken, don´t try to fix it. 2. If it is broken, try the last thing that worked out. Alba Berlin of the last season was a sad, broken team. The solution? Trying to recreate Alba´s team of two seasons ago. The Alba Berlin of Sascha Obradovic. Yes, that team which was not extremely talented, but would kick and scratch it´s way to victory.

Aito Reneses built a nice team this summer in Berlin. Unlike Ahmet Caki, Aito knows exactly what he wants from his team: short offensive plays with quick execution, and strong, uncompormising defence. As far for now, he has at least the later. Don´t let the 99 points Alba scored yesterday against Walter Tübingen fool you - it would not be that easy against teams which are not absolutely soft. It would not be that easy when Payton "wild horse" Siva will not have the chance to run the open court.

The message that came yesterday from the Mercedes Benz Arena is concerning the other side of the court. Alba put up a squad of defensive killers, which can paralize almost any opponent - at least at BBL and Eurocup level. This season, unlike the previous one they have good defenders. And more to it - they have dedicated hustle players. Clifford, Sikma, Saibou, Peno - they are all energy bombs, waiting to explode. And their dedication is contagious. Even Siva looked like a decent defender yesterday.

Professionaly, there is not a lot to discuss regarding to the game against Tübingen. As Tyron McCoy, Tübingen´s coach, admitted: it was already over in the first quarter. Alba forced 8 turnovers in less than 10 minutes and never looked back. After a disastrous season, Berlin is aiming back at the top of the BBL. Just like they were in Obradovic´s era.

#Eurocup #AlbaBerlin #WalterTübinegn