EuroLeague: Usman Garuba Steps Up Before Final Four

ATHENS. With Edy Tavares sidelined and Alex Len absent, Usman Garuba finds himself in the spotlight ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four semifinal between Real Madrid and Valencia Basket. The Real Madrid center appeared before the media at the OAKA with his left hand visibly bandaged, but delivered a reassuring message about his physical condition and made clear he won't change his competitive approach despite the added responsibility.

"I'll play with the intensity I usually play with. I'm mentally prepared every minute," Garuba said, aware that he'll need to log significantly more minutes in the paint. "It's true that I need to be a bit more careful with that issue (fouls), but I can't be thinking: 'I'm going to pick up two fouls and won't play anymore.' I have to keep the same intensity and that way I can play my best."

The Spanish international also confirmed that the hand discomfort shouldn't be a problem for the continental showpiece. "My hand is better. The other day I was able to play a bit and the hand felt good, so I'm arriving in good shape for the Final Four."

Garuba also analyzed Valencia Basket's style of play, Real Madrid's semifinal opponent, focusing on the defensive aggression shown by the orange team during the playoff against Panathinaikos. "Valencia Basket is a team that defends a lot full-court, all the time, and I think Panathinaikos didn't move the ball well. We play a very different game than theirs, but I think it will be a good battle."

The Real Madrid academy product also had words for Edy Tavares, whose absence is a huge blow to Sergio Scariolo's squad. "I spoke with Edy before the trip, he's a great teammate, he often writes to me before games… it's a shame this happens to him now," Garuba explained. "In the end we all have to step up because Edy is the best player in Europe, the most decisive, and obviously it's a loss we're going to feel."

When asked about possible tactical adjustments for Real Madrid given the circumstances created by the interior losses, Garuba used humor to avoid giving away clues. "I think that's a question that's not for me," he responded with a laugh. "We're not giving away surprises. Everything we do we've already shown, you'll see it tomorrow."

He also recalled that he's accustomed to taking on different defensive matchups since his youth categories. "Since I was young I've had to defend guards and bigs. It's a big physical toll, but I'm used to it."