Alba Berlin Secures First Season Win Against Oldenburg
In a thrilling showdown at the Berliner Arena, Alba Berlin triumphed over EWE Baskets Oldenburg with a decisive score of 105-70, marking their first victory of the season. After a disappointing opening match against Hamburg, the players, led by captain Martin Hermannsson, showcased their determination and skill, delivering a performance that delighted fans and management alike.
Celebrating the first win of the season.
A Strong Leadership from Hermannsson
Hermannsson’s impressive stats, including 20 points and 11 assists, underscored his critical role in the game. In the aftermath of the match, Alba’s sports director Himar Ojeda expressed his satisfaction, noting, “It was not just a reaction; it was a significant step forward for us.” The Icelandic playmaker, who has been recovering from a two-year injury hiatus, seems to have rediscovered his rhythm. “I feel better, and I’m playing more aggressively. I’m starting to feel like myself again,” Hermannsson commented post-game.
The Impact of Youth and Experience
As one of the few seasoned players following the departure of world champion Johannes Thiemann, Hermannsson has been entrusted with the dual responsibility of leading the team and mentoring younger talents. Ojeda highlighted his importance, stating, “They should learn from him. His experience is crucial for us.”
Team Mentality: The Key to Success
Following the match, Hermannsson attributed the team’s success to their collective mentality. “We were all frustrated with how we started the season. We trained hard and grew closer as a team this week,” he explained. However, the challenges are far from over; Alba’s upcoming matchup against Panathinaikos Athens, the reigning champions in the Euroleague, promises to put their recent successes to the test.
Upcoming Euroleague excitement awaits.
Injury Updates: A Mixed Bag
Amid the celebrations, concerns lingered regarding the team’s health. Currently, five players are sidelined, with coach Ojeda expressing optimism about the possible return of Gabriele Procida, Malte Delow, and Tim Schneider. “We are unsure about the exact timeline for their comeback, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll be long,” he remarked. In contrast, the news regarding Matt Thomas is less encouraging. The guard, who was a key scorer last season, is dealing with ongoing knee issues. Ojeda confirmed, “He tried to play, but it wasn’t possible. He’ll need a few weeks off and possibly surgery.”
Looking Ahead
Alba’s management is hopeful that as their roster stabilizes, the team can mount a successful campaign against both domestic and European opponents. As their performance against Oldenburg showed, the foundation is there. The combination of Hermannsson’s leadership and the bolstering return of injured players could potentially position Alba as a significant threat in the league this season.
Teamwork and unity take center stage as they approach future challenges.
