Karaskas slams UNICS after home loss to Parma

UNICS lost 88-97 to Betsity Parma at home on Saturday, having been outrebounded 33-42 in the opening match of the season at the Basket-Hall. Head coach Milan Karaskas gave a blunt assessment of the defeat.

"Conceding 97 points at the Basket-Hall in the opening match of the season is, of course, not the result we were counting on. Perhaps it's not entirely correct for a coach to say this, but I did not expect it. I thought we were far better prepared. Everything we discussed and talked about before the match, about needing to show good physical strength, intensity, UNICS's trademark basketball with strong defence — none of that was there. We need dedication, a fight for every ball. I don't understand how we could lose the rebounding battle to a team that arrived without their starting centre. On offence there was a lot of chaos, everyone playing on his own, as if each man was playing basketball alone. I can agree with that. But again, I don't think the problem was only in defence. There are certainly things that need to improve. However, it's worth bearing in mind that this is the first game of the season, we have a practically new team, and the players need time to gel and understand each other better. We lacked concentration and composure. Yes, we could have run our offence better and found better positions, but still, the main thing today is defence, a lack of physical power and a lack of desire to fight. I repeat, conceding this many points to an opponent at home is not our level. On Wednesday against Dynamo I expect a completely different game," said head coach Milan Karaskas.

UNICS face Dynamo next, on Wednesday.