Sergio Rodriguez: It’s great to have this opportunity, bring big energy will be the key for us

Sergio Rodriguez represented Olimpia during the Final Four opening press conference. This is his seventh Final Four appearance. "It is great to have this opportunity, to be here representing Milan and having the chance to compete, to get the third title with a different team. I was thinking of asking Saras for advice, but probably he would give me the wrong information! But always, he was a player that I looked up growing up, and when you check all the accomplishments that he had, [winning with three different teams] was one that I really kept in my mind as a very difficult thing to accomplish. So we will see, and we are here for that".

Olimpia’s chances: "It is important to keep the excitement that we had this year. We worked well, the team played well together all season long, and we believed in our chances. That is the most important asset that we could reach, working all these months. So starting from there, we will have to play well but the team is aware of the importance of this moment and is focused."

On the keys to beating Barcelona: "I think we have to do the same that we have done during the season. We have a lot of weapons in the team, outside, inside. We have players able to create advantages and have to use everybody in the right way.

On how to beat Barcelona’s defense: "We have to bring a lot of energy because when you play such a big team, well-organized, you need to put a lot of energy and effort into the things that you do. Be decisive on every possession will be key for us."

About the Final Four ‘rookies’: "I think we have to help them feel comfortable and confident on the things that we have been doing during the whole season. It is true that experience helps to get a better way to prepare yourself, get better routines and that is the way we can help our teammates feel more comfortable."