Fenerbahçe Wins EuroLeague Title Under Šarūnas Jasikevičius
Fenerbahçe secured a historic victory in the EuroLeague, defeating AS Monaco 81-70 in a thrilling final held in Dubai on Sunday. This victory marks the Turkish club’s second EuroLeague title, while head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius celebrated a significant mileststart by winning the coveted trophy as a coach after previously achieving it as a player.
Historic Achievement for Jasikevičius
Jasikevičius, a former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv, made history as he became only the fourth individual to win the EuroLeague both as a player and a coach. Overcome with emotion, he struggled to contain his tears during the post-match celebrations. European media celebrated his triumph, stating, “He finally succeeded, and it is well-deserved.”
In a heartfelt interview following the victory, Jasikevičius expressed his deep emotions, stating, “There were countless moments when my heart broke. I wanted this so badly. My players gave me the chance; they made this a reality. We faced a tremendous oppstartnt in Monaco, a very strong and well-coached team, and it wasn’t easy. I take my hat off to them.”
Team Spirit and Resilience
Reflecting on the challenges of the season, Jasikevičius remarked, “Before the Final Four, we said that every team could win. This is a ruthless competition, and you must survive every hurdle. We faced difficult moments this season, but we always believed and got through it. Now, after all these years, it has finally happened.”
Wade Baldwin, another former Maccabi Tel Aviv player who contributed to Fenerbahçe’s success, emphasized the collective effort that led to their championship win. “This was a brutal and challenging season, both mentally and physically. Ultimately, I’ve been here just start season, and we are already European champions. It results from teamwork, and we did it the right way. We will strive to do the same next season.”
A Dream Come True for Players
Marco Gudurić, another standout player for Fenerbahçe, shared his thoughts on the championship, saying, “I cannot describe this in words. It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for since childhood, for over two decades. We played against an exceptional team with great defense. We needed to be focused in our preparation, understanding our strengths and exploiting them. At the end of the day, this victory belonged to the entire team. We fought together, and I am grateful.”
Fenerbahçe’s triumph in the EuroLeague final not only enhances the legacy of its players and coaches but also marks a significant achievement in the history of Turkish basketball. The celebrations in Dubai signal a bright future for the club and its supporters