Two wins in the space of a few days have eased some of the pressure around Partizan, while also offering an early indication of what Antonio Reeves could bring to the team. The American has only just arrived in Belgrade, but he has already hit a game-winning shot against Spartak in Subotica. Now he is preparing for his Euroleague debut, with head coach Joan Peñarroya cautioning that the newcomers will need time to fully adjust to the demands of European basketball.
Following victories over Crvena zvezda in the Euroleague and Spartak in the ABA League, Partizan heads into another double-round week, beginning with a trip to face ASVEL. Reeves and Robert Franks give the Spanish coach additional options as his team looks to establish greater consistency.
Speaking ahead of the trip to France, Peñarroya discussed the qualities of both American newcomers and the differences in their previous playing experience.
“They are good players. Franks has a lot of experience, having played in Japan, Australia and Israel. On the other hand, this is Reeves’ first experience in Europe, and he will probably need some time. That’s normal for players coming from a different basketball system, where the rules are different from those in Europe. Still, both of them are ready to help the team compete in the Euroleague”.
The Partizan coach also pointed to Ethan Thompson, who is going through a similar adjustment. Although results have created an urgency for the new signings to contribute as quickly as possible, Peñarroya believes the process takes time.
“They need time, and we have to be patient. It’s the same situation with Ethan. This is his first time in Europe, and every day he understands situations on the court better and continues to improve. Players like that need time to adjust, and our job is to help them do it as quickly as possible so they can start making a bigger contribution sooner”.
Reeves, meanwhile, is pleased with his first few days in his new surroundings. He particularly appreciates the support of his teammates, who are helping him learn the system and understand his responsibilities on the court.
“It’s a great group of guys here who push me to get better every day. They’ve welcomed me like family, helped me improve and learn the plays, and they’re always there whenever I need anything”.
Partizan will also be looking for an immediate offensive contribution from their new guard. The team has struggled from three-point range since the beginning of the season, and Reeves was brought in specifically to help address that weakness. The American understands why he was signed and what his role is expected to be.
“My job is to space the floor. My teammates look for me when I’m open, and they try to get me three-point shots coming off screens. I know what kind of player I am and that shooting is my specialty. It’s up to me to show that on the court”.
In Peñarroya’s system, however, offensive ability alone will not be enough. The Spanish coach has emphasized aggressive defense since the start of the season, and Reeves says he is working every day to better understand his defensive assignments.
“I love playing defense. The coach talks to me about it every day, and my teammates help me a lot as well. When there’s something I don’t know on the court, they immediately point it out and explain what I need to do”.
His first appearance in a Partizan jersey could hardly have gone much better. Against Spartak in Subotica, he was trusted in the decisive moments and delivered the game-winning shot. Before that, he had watched the Belgrade derby and experienced its atmosphere from the stands, giving him a fairly clear idea in a short period of time of the expectations that come with playing for Partizan.
“It was great. I had watched the derby before that, and the atmosphere was incredible. I knew what I needed to bring to the team: hard work, effort and dedication. I got the opportunity to take the shot in the final seconds, and I’m thankful to God for that”.
His next challenge will be ASVEL, an opponent Reeves has already gathered some information about. Ahead of his first Euroleague appearance, he highlighted the experience of several players on the French team.
“I know they have a few players who have played in the NBA. I know Tony Parker is the team’s coach, and I know about Patty Mills. They have some very talented guys who know how to play basketball”.
Peñarroya, however, does not want the two consecutive victories to distract his team from the challenge awaiting them in France. A meeting with Žalgiris follows the ASVEL game, but the Spanish coach insists Partizan’s attention is focused entirely on their next opponent.
“It’s a new game, and every game is different. Winning is important, but whether you win or lose, you have to prepare well for the next one. We have a double-round week ahead of us, but right now we’re only thinking about ASVEL. They have talented, physically strong and experienced players. Jae Crowder and Patty Mills, in particular, are very important players for them. We have to prepare well, and only after that game will we start thinking about Žalgiris”.
Along with integrating the newcomers, Partizan is still waiting for several injured players to return. Captain Vanja Marinković recently resumed practicing with the team but is not yet ready for competitive action. Peñarroya revealed that he could return next week, while the timetable for the other injured players remains uncertain.
“It’s still too early for Vanja, but there’s a possibility he could play as soon as next week against Cluj. As for the others, I don’t know. Maybe next week, or maybe in two or three weeks”.