Paris Basketball pulled off an impressive victory against Partizan in a challenging road game in Belgrade. After the match, Coach Francesco Tabellini shared his thoughts on the win and the unique pressures of his new role.
The key to their success was a significant step-up in defense during the second half. For Tabellini, this victory is an important step in building his own chapter with the team, especially as he follows in the footsteps of highly successful former coaches.
💪 A Hard-Fought Victory in Belgrade
Paris Basketball faced an intense atmosphere with 20,000 home fans cheering for Partizan. Coach Tabellini expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting a major shift in the second half. He noted that the team’s defensive intensity increased, pointing to a crucial moment when Daulton Hommes secured a loose ball, got fouled, and made his free throws, which completely changed the game’s momentum. While making shots was important, Tabellini emphasized that the team’s determination made the real difference.
✨ A Special Coaching Legacy
Taking the head coach position at Paris Basketball comes with high expectations. The team’s last two coaches, Tuomas Iisalo and Tiago Splitter, have both moved on to become head coaches in the NBA for the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers, respectively. This has created a special legacy and set very high standards. Tabellini is well aware of this, saying, “That’s an important legacy, and I am trying my best to stand up to this responsibility.”
🎯 Focused on the Present
Despite the pressure, Tabellini feels blessed to be coaching in the EuroLeague. He said he and his players are trying to enjoy the incredible atmosphere of away games while remembering they are there to compete, not just to watch. When asked about his own NBA ambitions, he made it clear his focus is on the present. “I am still in the mood… of trying to prove that I belong to this level,” he explained. His main goal is to do his best and show the team’s management that they made the right decision in hiring him.
