Assistant coach Sergio Ramos comments after the match between Portugal and Montenegro (62-77), from the sixth round of the third preliminary round of the 2023 Basketball World Cup, which was held in Bavilao Maltios de Odevilas.
About the game: “In the first half we could have played better. Our energy wasn’t good and the defensive pressure should have been better. We didn’t play a good game defensively. Montenegro is a very tough team, they play well in defence, they are very physical and we needed 20 minutes to adapt to that. “.
to improve: “In the second half, we played better and controlled the rebounds, but it was difficult because we came from behind. The players did their best, but the energy at the beginning was not what we expected in this last game. Qualifying, but this match was important for our honour.”
Target: “Qualifying for the European Championship is our goal. I think we should have been better, but this game was important for us to improve as a team and individually. In a year or two we will try to be ready to qualify for the 2025 European Championship.”
to compete: “In the previous stages we played good matches, against teams that were not as strong as Montenegro, France and Hungary. We competed and won the right to be in this stage and won important matches. This stage is very important for us., to improve basketball as a team. We understand the differences that we have to cover. So we can reach that level more often.”
About Nehemiah Keith: “Of course it will be difficult for him to come to the national team during the season in the NBA, but we hope that we can count on him in the summer” windows “. Professional conditions. Nehemia is a special player, he is on another level and the level of the team is improving with him.”
