THESSALONIKI (Greece) – PAOK mateco’s Cedric Henderson Jr. remains confident that his side can overcome their first leg defeat to Bilbao Basket and lift the FIBA Europe Cup.
To secure their first European trophy since 1996, the Greek side will have to beat their Spanish counterparts by eight points or more following a 72-65 first leg loss in the Basque Country last Wednesday.
"Marking your name in history is what every basketball player dreams of."
"We are confident we can win," stated Henderson Jr., who had 11 points and 8 rebounds in Bilbao. "We know what we have to do to improve ourselves. We have the film, and we are going over it. Next step is leaving it all on the court and winning."
Despite both teams shooting below 40 percent from the field in the first leg, Bilbao was helped by solid offensive execution, as they couldn’t miss from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
Conversely, PAOK struggled all game long from the field, shooting just 3-of-26 from three-point range. However, their never-say-die attitude kept them in the contest and gives them something to fight for in the second leg.
"The biggest difference in the first leg was the three-point shooting and how passive we were defensively on ball pressure,” said Henderson Jr.
"As a team, we shot poorly from behind the arc, and that allowed them to guard the paint even better. The defense of the guards and the ball screen was way too passive for us as a team, and how we normally play.
"We picked it up in the second half, but against a good team like Bilbao, we have to play at our best all four quarters."
One thing that can be guaranteed for the second leg is that the atmosphere at the PAOK Sports Arena will be unlike any other, and Henderson Jr. is keen to exploit that.
No side has ever won the title after losing the first leg of the Finals, so history beckons.
"It's the most important factor, having people behind you as you play in tough games and big moments means so much to us," he says.
"It gives us energy and motivates us to be the best for our fans.
"The feeling of representing this club has been amazing it brings a smile to my face. It has such a history and such an amazing fan base that you can’t do anything but be happy in the situation you are in.
"I've tried to be the energy guy on and off the court, trying to always be positive and keep my head high. Be proud of PAOK and the family we have created here."
Henderson Jr. has averages of 9.4 points on 40 percent shooting, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for PAOK this season, and would love to cap it all off with a victory in front of their home fans who have traveled and been by their side all season long.
It would also fulfil Henderson Jr’s dream for a title - an opportunity that doesn't always come around that often.
"It would mean the world," he concluded.
"It's a moment not everyone gets in their career. Marking your name in history is what every basketball player dreams of. I can't wait until I can do it myself."
FIBA