Utsunomiya Brex v ⁠Al Riyadi Beirut Club Press Conference | #BCLASIA 2025

Summary

In this emotional post-game press conference, both coaches and players reflect on their hard-fought battle in the BCL Asia final. The losing team expresses pride in their performance despite injuries and tough competition, acknowledging the challenges they faced and the support from their passionate fans. The winning coach and player highlight their team's resilience, teamwork, and ability to execute key plays under pressure. Both teams express mutual respect, and the focus shifts to future opportunities, including the upcoming league games and potential recovery from the loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 The team gave their all on the court, but both they and Brex deserve to win, with the game coming down to tough shots and a crucial mistake in the final seconds.
• 😀 The team felt unlucky, as a critical stop was followed by a ball slip, leading to Brex's successful scoring despite tough defense.
• 😀 The fans in Dubai were greatly appreciated by the team, with the Lebanese fans showing strong support, making it a memorable experience despite the loss.
• 😀 The team faced numerous challenges throughout the tournament, including injuries and fatigue, but continued to fight hard against all odds.
• 😀 Coach Anahar expressed pride in the local players, highlighting their resilience and strong character despite having a small rotation.
• 😀 Despite losing key players, the team was able to push forward with the help of local players like Karim and Ali Mansour, who stepped up to fill the gaps.
• 😀 The team felt the pressure of the injury and fatigue due to the demanding schedule, but they managed to stay strong and reach the final despite the setbacks.
• 😀 Coach Anahar expressed no regrets, emphasizing that they fought very hard and were proud of their performance, even if the title was out of reach this time.
• 😀 The loss of the BCL Asia title was tough for the team, but they remain hopeful for the future and are focused on protecting their league title in Lebanon.
• 😀 Despite the elusive nature of the BCL Asia title, Marcus expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and noted that basketball players learn from losses and move forward.
• 😀 Coach Ziko Coronal praised the Lebanese team for their competitive spirit, noting their missing players but still being a formidable opponent, and credited his own team for fighting through adversity to win the championship.

Q & A

How did the team feel about their performance in the game against Brex?

The team felt they gave their best effort, and although they were unlucky in the final moments, they recognized that Brex played well, hitting tough shots. The team also acknowledged that it was a hard-fought game and were proud of their performance despite the loss.

What did the coach say about the team's performance despite losing?

Coach Anahar expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing their hard work and resilience. He acknowledged that they were up against tough odds, including injuries and fatigue, but he was proud of how they fought and the character shown by local players stepping up.

How did the fans' support impact the team?

The coach and players expressed immense gratitude for the support from the Lebanese fans in Dubai. They appreciated how the fans filled the arena, creating an uplifting atmosphere. This support, they said, played a crucial role in motivating them throughout the tournament.

What was the coach's opinion on the performance of the local players?

Coach Anahar was very proud of the local players, stating that they always stepped up in big moments. Despite the challenging circumstances, such as missing key players, the local players showed great character, which contributed significantly to the team reaching the finals.

How did injuries affect the team’s performance in the tournament?

Injuries played a significant role, as the team lost key players like Amir and W. Coach Anahar mentioned that the absence of these players created a challenge, but the team adapted by relying on everyone to step up. Despite this, they still managed to perform at a high level, making it to the finals.

What did Coach George say about the way Brex played during the final?

Coach George praised Brex for making difficult shots, even with defenders in their faces. He recognized that Brex's ability to make tough shots, particularly under pressure, was a key factor in their victory.

How did the coach and players handle the loss in the final?

Both the coach and players acknowledged that the loss was tough, but they were determined to move forward. The coach encouraged them to focus on their next challenge in the Lebanese league, while the players understood the importance of learning from the loss and moving on.

What did Coach Ziko Coronal think of the opposing team, Ariadi?

Coach Ziko Coronal expressed deep respect for Ariadi and their coach, noting that the Lebanese team, despite missing key players, still put up a strong fight. He praised their playing style and highlighted the quality of the competition.

What did Makoto think was key to Brex's victory in the final?

Makoto emphasized the importance of making small, fundamental plays throughout the game. He mentioned that, despite starting slow, the team regained their rhythm and executed well, which allowed them to come back and win the game.

How did Brex prepare for the final moments of the game, particularly the last play?

Coach Coronal shared that, knowing they were in the bonus and that Ariadi might attempt to score quickly to get more chances, Brex focused on playing solid defense. They were prepared for any scenario, and the team's disciplined habits from years of training helped them stay focused and execute their defensive strategies.