On the day they raised the banner commemorating last year’s championship, Anadolu Efes got another harsh reminder just how difficult it’s going to be to repeat as champions of the EuroLeague.
Efes fell behind early and despite a furious comeback in the closing stages of Friday’s match against CSKA Moscow, they couldn’t quite get it all back, dropping their second straight EL match to open the season, by a score of 100-96.
Shane Larkin scored 12 points and added seven assists. No. 0 couldn’t get his shot to fall from deep but did go a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Reigning EL MVP Vasilije Micić scored a game-high 32 points.
Efes returns to action on Sunday at home, hosting Pınar Karşıyaka in a Turkish Basketball Super League match. Their next EuroLeague match comes on Tuesday, October 12 against LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne in France. That game is scheduled to begin at 9pm local time in Istanbul, 2pm EDT.
At the end of this game, I waited for him to meet him and get a photo together as his biggest fan… And when finally I’ve got the chance of meeting him, I understood once more what a wonderful personality he has. He was so humble to spend time with all the ones who were waiting for him, gave autographs and let them have photo with him. He finally made my dream of having a photo taken with him and getting his autograph come true. He listened to everything I had to say to him with a lovely smile on his face although he wasn’t on his best mood after the loss at the game. I was right: He is not only a great player but also a great human being. Love and respect him so much.