ACB. Kenny Chery and Khem Birch, the two new Canadian signings, play a big role in Fontajau in front of their fans; Michael Caicedo is confident of having minutes in Murcia
Sunday was a day of news in Fontajau. Three recent additions were part of Fotis Katsikaris’ list in the important triumph against Obradoiro in Fontajau. Kenny Chery and Khem Birch, who played for the first time, and Michael Caicedo, who remained on the bench, gave a new air to the team of the Greek coach, who left out Jaume Sorolla for a technical option and Yves Pons , injured by a strong bump on the knee. The Canadian guard had a brilliant debut as he scored 20 points and led the team in many moments of the game. At the beginning of the second quarter, thanks to their pressure on Zurbriggen and their success, Girona reactivated and made a bewildered Fontajau react after 13 to 26 in the first period. In the third quarter, Chery found the marks from the outside and began to make the show the team needed from the perimeter, breaking a dismal 1/11 on three-pointers to finish turning the score around (56-53). In the last period, the ex-de la Penya was key by making two three-pointers in a row with a minute and a half to go, making it 76-75, after a stretch of the game in which Girona squandered the advantage and was erratic in the free kick. Chery brought coolness and charisma when the team needed it most.
Force the paint
From Chery’s agile and surprising attacking play, to Khem Birch’s intimidation in the area. Fontajau got to know and enjoyed the Canadian pivot, especially in the last quarter, against an Obradoiro who trusted much of his game to Pustovy – 20 points and 25 ratings – very powerful in the low post. Birch struggled to get into the game from mid-range shooting, and except for the first basket of the game on a nice dunk, didn’t appear again until the second half. In the last quarter, Girona focused a little more on getting stronger in the paint, and precisely in two plays by the Canadian pivot with a two-plus-one and alley-oop, Moncho Fernández ended the game with an advantage from Girona by 5 points (63-58). Fontajau rose from his seats and also did not overlook the extravagant and emotion-laden celebrations of the two debutants, Birch and Chery, making gestures with their arms. Visibly moved, Birch told L’Esportiu: “I was too excited and I didn’t want to disrespect anyone, I wouldn’t do it again,” about his celebrations during and after the game.
Caicedo: “I came to win”
Finally, the young Balearic Caicedo also valued his first call-up with the team, despite not having any minutes: “I came to win, and not to lose games. Obviously I’ve had bad times with the injury, but now I’m here to convince the coach and get minutes and sensations. I think that here, in Girona, I will do well,” said the Barça winger.
Fotis: “I liked the involvement and the experience”
The Greek coach Fotis Katsikaris assessed the match of the newcomers, in the Obradoiro post-match in Fontajau: “What I liked most about Khem was his debut, how he celebrated the victory, he is very involved in the project , and that’s how it was seen at the final whistle. He’s a player with experience in the NBA and the Euroleague, he’s very important for us,” said the coach of Basketball Girona. “He still lacks pace, we’ve seen him miss some defensive rebounds, and that’s not typical of him. After 13 months without playing an official match, he’s helped us a lot, he even apologized in the dressing room because he wanted to give more “, he added. About Kenny Chery he said: “I value his experience a lot. He has taken the ball, he has spoken to the team in delicate moments, and he knows how to transmit confidence to his teammates. This is very important for all of us”, explained Katsikaris, satisfied of the debut of the two players in the league.
A demanding league final against top teams
Básquet Girona has 11 games left to finish the regular phase of the ACB and fulfill the main objective that the club has set itself: permanence. Specifically, five matches in Fontajau – Valencia, Manresa, Barça, Bilbao and Zaragoza – and six away – UCAM, Unicaja, Tenerife, Penya, Baskonia and Gran Canaria -; all against rivals who are above the Girona team in the classification at the moment. The victory against Obradoiro has placed the Fotis side three wins clear of Breogán, who are in decline. Despite the complicated schedule against play-off teams, Girona knows that salvation comes from victories at home. After visiting UCAM, Girona will play two games in a row at home, against Manresa and Valencia.
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