Month: January 2022

AS Monaco Basketball were cruelly beaten by Euroleague table-toppers Real Madrid at the Salle Gaston Medecin on Friday (84-90), the effervescent crowd almost spurring the home side to an unlikely upset.

Monaco began brightly against the reigning Euroleague champions, feeding off the intense energy from a 3,400 strong crowd that packed the hall for the biggest game of their season. Amongst the crowd was Prince Albert II and new Chairman Aleksej Fedoricsev, the latter having assumed his new role only a day earlier.

The defensive progress made since Sasa Obradovic’s return to the Principality club was once again on show. The Monaco players hunted the ball as a unit, succeeding in overturning possession on multiple occasions as the side finished the first-quarter with a narrow advantage.

Obradovic’s men continued to create openings for themselves within the key, though a lack of efficiency prevented them from extending their lead further. Instead it was Real Madrid who took the initiative, their lack of incision relative to their opponents was compensated by a superior efficiency both inside and outside the key. It was the Spanish side that therefore went into the break with a narrow lead (34-35).

Real Madrid came out looking to put the tie to bed, quickly rushing out into a 9-point lead. Monaco however, remained undeterred, the incessant roar of the crowd lifting the levels of the whole squad. The atmosphere reached fever-pitch as the hall erupted following an audacious, long-range Mike James three-pointer. That energy proved pivotal in the moments that followed. Danilo Andjusic, who had had a quiet evening, nailed a three-point brace to slash the deficit, instilling fans with the hope of pulling off the impossible.

Monaco went into the final quarter with a one point advantage, and the final ten minutes was a tense, cagey affair with defences largely on top. Only a matter of minutes stood between Monaco and a memorable victory, but Madrid showed the level of experience and resilience that won them last year’s title. The Roca Team’s six point advantage was cut by successive three-pointers, Rudy Fernandez restoring parity with seconds to spare.

A Dwayne Bacon three-point attempt on the buzzer didn’t land, and the game went into overtime. Monaco once again built an advantage, this time of five points, but once again they couldn’t hold on. Scores were once again tied (75-75), and Mike James’ on-the-buzzer attempt was easily blocked.

The tension in the hall could have been cut with a knife. Monaco began to tire in the second overtime, and Madrid pounced. Profiting from some sloppy Monaco finishing, they built an unassailable advantage. The hall began to empty before the final buzzer, as all of the built up tension and anticipation released in what was ultimately a negative catharsis, Madrid prevailing 84-90.

A visibly mentally and physically exhausted Bacon told Monaco Life after the match, “We came out and fought here. We had chances to win the game, but we just didn’t execute.” Monaco’s top-scorer on the night (19), was still happy with how the team competed. “It shows a lot to be able to compete. After tonight, everyone can see the work we’ve been putting in.”

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The torch has been passed from Sergey Dyadechko to Aleksej Fedoricsev, marking the end of an unequivocally successful reign as chairman, upon which the latter now looks to build.

Dyadechko held the reins of the team for over two seasons, an era defined by great success and exponential growth at the Principality side. The crowning glory of his chairmanship will be the 2021 EuroCup victory, which consequently secured the side’s Euroleague spot, providing a basis on which to shine on a European stage.

Fedoricsev takes over at an exciting time. The Roca team are currently experiencing one of their best run of results in their recent history, having picked up four consecutive Euroleague victories, three of which came on the road. The side also currently sits in second position in the domestic division, meaning qualification for the end-of-season playoffs is also a distinct possibility.

The Russian businessman and former footballer was already involved at the club alongside now former chairman Dyadechko, who will continue at the club in the role of Vice-Chairman. Fedoricsev is keen to build on the success of his predecessor, stating in a press release, “Ever since Sergey Dyadechko suggested that I come on board with the Roca team venture, my heart has belonged to Monegasque basketball.” He continued, “This is an exciting project that will make Monaco a bit more prominent in the world of sport and performance.”

Becoming the majority shareholder with his recently acquired 46.6% stake in the club, Fedoricsev is fulfilling a dream that is decades old. “I am very happy to continue to support the red-and-white colours that I have worn for more than 30 years.”

In stepping down from his role as the Chairman of AS Monaco Basketball, Dyadechko, is looking forward to seeing his project flourish in the hands of its new leader. “The Roca team is a bit like my fifth child. Today, it’s as if this child, to whom I’ve given everything I can, is spreading its wings and becoming an adult. When you create a project, develop it and grow so quickly and well, you know there will be wonderful times ahead,” he said.

Exciting times are in store for the Roca team, as basketball continues to grow in popularity in the Principality, and their European journey continues to gain momentum.

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball