Lamas and San Lorenzo carry on with Final4 objective

PONCE (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas) - During the Group Stage, San Lorenzo won its qualifying stage unbeaten after showing solid performances, something that confirmed the team's status of strong contender for the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas title.

However, before the dispute of the second semifinal group, the Argentine champion suffered a sequence of injuries, that included four players and that diminished the team’s workforce that generated doubts about the team’s current potential.

For this reason, San Lorenzo coach Julio Lamas puts all the semifinal teams on equal footing, although he reaffirms that his team does not renounce to its Final4 objective.

San Lorenzo reached this semifinal group in a complicated way.
Despite arriving with some injuries and absences, we maintain our aspiration of qualifying into the Final4. That was always our goal and we maintain it, despite not being in the optimal condition.

Which of the injured players will be in Ponce?
We will not have two of our substitutions, which are Matias Sándes, who was operated this week, and Mathias Calfani, who failed to recover from his injuries. In place of Calfani, who occupies the position of reinforcement player, came the power-forward Billy McShepard. Fortunately, both Nicolas Aguirre and Marcos Mata, even after several days of inactivity, will be on the roster, which is excellent news for the scenario that we lived a few days ago.

How difficult is the reality of incorporating a player like McShepard, to a team that is already consolidated?
It is not ideal, but it was something we needed to do to cover some of the absences. We hope he can adapt quickly and collaborate both in defense and rebound, and with his shot gives us another option in attack.

How do you visualize the semi-final group, along with Leones de Ponce (PUR), Bahia Basket (ARG) and Hebraica Macabi (URU)?
It is a very demanding, just like the other semifinal. All participants have options of qualifying, so all matches will be tough. The team that works best, is more accurate and more consistent over the three days will increase its chances of qualifying. Leones is at home, is led by former high-level NBA players and after several weeks of integration will be at its best in the competition.

And the other two rivals?
We know Bahia and with Hebraica, we face each other and we are very even. The Uruguayans have a trade in international tournaments, with a perimeter that scores and creates play for others. Garcia Morales has a decisive interference in the games and Hicks is a very complete player, who scores in several ways. In addition, they have Parodi, who is young, but manages the team better and better. Bahia Basket wanted to be competitive and it has succeeded. That, and having a game plan learned from memory and the energy of their youth, makes them dangerous in any game.

FIBA