They both went in with people questioning their chances, they both came out as winners on Friday at the 2019 Euroleague Final Four in the Fernando Buesa Arena. Emmet Ryan caught up with the players of Anadolu Efes and CSKA Moscow after both defied the doubters to make Sunday’s championship game
Anadolu Efes had never been to a title game before this weekend and hadn’t been to a Final Four in 18 years. They made sure their return to the big show began with a victory as they thumped Fenerbahce for a place in Sunday’s decider.
First off, we caught up with Krunoslav Simon, who was there for their last place finished a year ago to get his thoughts.
Next up was Bryant Dunston, who was alongside Simon through the trials and now to share in the glory with him.
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Lastly from Efes, we spoke to Vasilije Micic who got here with Zalgiris Kaunas a year ago and now has gone at least one step further with the Istanbul club
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For CSKA, the comeback over Real Madrid was one for the ages. In a bizarre game, they fought back and found a way to the final. Cory Higgins said he never let the doubters bother him.
https://youtu.be/hYoQMNlX0wA
For Kyle Hines, it’s his fifth trip to the title game but even he recognised how special this night was as he saw the courage in the men around him.
Lastly, we spoke to Daniel Hackett about what it means for him after losing a season to injury not so long ago to make the title game on his first visit to the Final Four.
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