From the horses’ mouth: Quarterfinal coaches speak out

18/09/2012   TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Here’s a collection of thoughts from the coaches of the teams that will clash in the Quarterfinals of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup. Kimikazu Suzuki (JPN) Vs. China “We are not worried about who our opponents are. We have to play our game properly. There will be no major changes in our approach just because we are playing against a big team. We will play to our strengths. That strategy has helped us so far. I hope it continues.” Ghassan Sarkis (LIB) Vs. Qatar “No opponent is easy at this level. And they (Qatar) are a very experienced side with good size. We’ll have to work really hard. And we will go all out.” Tom Wisman (QAT) Vs. Lebanoon “These (play-offs) are when the tournament really begins. What we have done so far doesn’t really matter. What we do from now on matters. Trey is back on his feet literally and will provide a lot of support. I am hoping for a good run.” Oleg Levin (UZB) Vs. Iran “For our team, every opponent is tough. We are not as experienced as the other team and we have our own shortfalls. One thing I am sure is that we will put in our best effort. We hope to play with dignity no matter what the result might turn out to be.” Memi Becirovic (IRI) Vs. Uzbekistan “I wasn’t there, but the team is aware of the dangers of taking any opponent lightly. It has happened once very recently (when Iran lost to Jordan in the quarterfinals at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship at Wuhan (China) in 2011). So I all the players will play with confidence and not being complacent.” Chot Reyes (PHI) Vs. Ch. Taipei “We are aiming at a medal. Therefore tomorrow’s game is another step in that direction. We have used the two days of rest to keep ourselves sharp for the game.” Fan Bin (CHN) Vs. Japan “Ours is a team that is here to learn. Therefore we have a plan for every game. Of course the most important index to test if our plans are working is only by way of results.” Hsu Chin-tse (TPE) Vs. Philippines “We have won two and lost two games coming to this stage. Which means we have played well and not so well in equal measure. The way we fought back (against Qatar) is a good sign that this team is coming together.” FIBA Asia source: http://www.fibaasia.net/InterviewDetails.aspx?id=255