Slimane, Sagesse glad to be 'on track' after breakthrough win

BAGHDAD (Iraq) - Sagesse finally tasted their first win of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) on Thursday night but that meant so much more for the ball club.

Radhouane Slimane said that their 90-78 victory over Al Naft on the road wasn't merely a bounce-back game following their loss to Shahrdary Gorgan in the West Asia League opener, but is crucial as well in their aspirations of making it deep into Season 2.

"After the first loss against Gorgan, it's gonna be very difficult for us to lose another game if we want to qualify for the Final 8," offered the veteran forward during the postgame press conference at the Al Shaeb Hall. "This game was very important for us."

Head coach Jad El Hajj echoed his sentiments. "As Radhouane said, it was very important. After the first loss against Gorgan, we knew we cannot lose one more game. Now we're back on track. We're so happy about this," the veteran bench tactician said.

Slimane himself helped lead by example in getting the breakthrough win, finishing with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field. He also collected 7 rebounds, to go with an assist, a steal, and a block in nearly 35 minutes to finish with EFF rating of 28.

The 43-year-old Tunisian star was bounce back personified with that performance. He only managed to put up 6 points and 2 rebounds in 20 minutes against Gorgan.

But there wasn't a conscious effort on his effort to hike his production against Al Naft, he said, saying that he's only trying his best to be of help in earning wins.

"I'm here to help my team," he said. "Whether I play 30 or I play five minutes or 10 minutes, that doesn't matter. When I'm on the court I must give my best to help the team because my teammates, my coach, everybody, they count on me, they have full confidence in me."

"So, I must help. Hopefully I can continue like this and we grab more wins, and we achieve our goals," added the 2022 Basketball Africa League champion with US Monastir.

Slimane didn't take any of the spotlight as well. He tipped his hat to the others, particularly to new teammate Pierre Jackson, who erupted for 39 points in his debut.

Jackson joined hands with the vet in the first half, which saw them combine for 36 points to lead Sagesse to a 48-35 lead at the break. The renowned playmaker then took over in the fourth quarter to put the game way after their foes got to within just three, 71-68.

"The [position] of a playmaker on a team is very important. He is the second coach on the court. Without a person who can organize, who can create, it's gonna be very difficult," Slimane said.

"Lucky to have him. He has a lot of experience. He's played in very high-level [leagues] in the NBA and in Europe, so I hope he can help the team a lot and make every player better."

That, plus the first win makes Slimane all the more optimistic about Sagesse's campaign moving forward into the FIBA WASL, even though he knows that the road will get tougher.

"We know that there is no easy game. Every game is gonna be difficult. The way you're gonna play is gonna decide if it's gonna be easier or harder," said the 25-year pro.

FIBA