Basketball: Pesic: No to Zipser – Ex-No.2 pick is coming

Marko Pesic has excluded a short-term commitment from Paul Zipser as he is still not fit. Instead, former NBA professional Derrick Williams will sign in the coming days. In addition, Pesic spoke about the season’s goals and believes that the Bavarians will keep up in the EuroLeague.

“Paul is not fit, but we would only get him if he was at 100 percent,” Pesic made clear. “I’m not going to say exactly what injury he has, I’m not going to do that.”

At the same time, Pesic did not tire of pointing out that he was still in contact with the German international. However, the squad is now complete, and Milan Macvan (cruciate ligament rupture), who was injured again, was also entered for the EuroLeague.

This now also includes ex-NBA professional Derrick Williams. The former No.2-Pick was last with the team in Croatia at a preparation tournament, but could not intervene because of an infection. This is also the reason why the commitment has not yet been made official.

“We are contractually agreed”, Pesic confirmed, but pointed out that Williams had not yet been able to complete any medical tests due to his illness. The US-American will therefore not be present at the start on Friday at ratiopharm Ulm.

Moreover, the BBL should not be neglected, the defending of the title is the goal. But this doesn’t mean that you might want to give away in the EuroLeague. “Our budget has increased by 10 percent and after the tournament in Zadar I am absolutely certain that we will be internationally competitive,” Pesic continued.

At the high-quality tournament in Croatia Dejan Radonjic’s team lost only narrowly against the European heavyweights CSKA Moscow (73:79) and Armani Olimpia Milan (77:82), while the Chinese champion Liaoning Flying Leopards was swept out of the hall 79:43.

Pesic named the Bamberg team two years ago as a role model for the EuroLeague season. At that time the Upper Franconians were enthusiastic, but lost eleven games with five points or less. According to Pesic, the Trinchieri team lacked the necessary luck, Brose ended up 13 with a 10-20 balance, “You’re the role model, whether we win 14 or eight games, we’ll see.”