After being out for ten months due to the injury suffered in the 2011 euroelague playoffs game 3 against Caja Laboral Doron Perkins (188-PG-83, college: Santa Clara) joined Bennet Cantu last February. That was a good opportunity both for the team, that needed to strengthen its roster on the perimeter, and for him who was looking for the chance to fully recover from his injury and keep on playing at a very high european level. Three months have passed now and, as the italian playoffs are upcoming, it is time for a report of the current situation for him and the team.
I met Doron in the late afternoon after the team's practice and this is what we talked about...
- Hi Doron, regular season has just ended and the playoffs are upcoming. Tell me about your impressions about the post-season an the team situation My impressions are very positive now. I know I haven't been playing my best getting into the playoffs but I know I will in the post-season. It will be a good challenge for the team and I think we can beat anybody if we play well and at the same time anybody can beat us if we are not fully focused. It's gonna be a good opportunity for us as a team and we're looking forward to get on the court.
- You've been out for months before coming here. How's your knee now? It's good. One of my goals when coming to the team was making it to the playoffs. When you get back from an injury you try not to pace yourself, you don't want to go too much, don't want to push yourself too much, but after three months I have full confidence now and I feel good.
- When you got here it was said your recovery process was at 60%. What about it now? I feel it is completed. I'm good and I say 100%
- You live here since February. Do you like the town? Yes, sure, I like it. Cantu is a small city and our fans are great. Half of our fans are not even from Cantu, but from the area. In the end the city is good and, being small, it is easy to go around and a very good city to play.
- Considering you're coming from Tel-Aviv it should be very different... Well, obviously. Everything is easier here, there's no traffic, parking is easy. There's a big difference but i like it.
- There is one thing I am curious about. You use to wear your headband in a very particular way. It just covers only one of your ears and it doesn't seem accidental... Well I don't know (laughing)... I've done it since primary high school. In college our coach didn't allow us to wear headbands so one time I had a scar, i got a cut right here (above the eyebrow) so i had to cover it and had my headband. It was covering over one ear a little bit and then I had a big game or something and kept on wearing it that way.
- When your deal was announced someone said 'he's a great player, but cantu has got a very tactical system and Doron does his best when using his individual skills. What do you think about this? People have their opinions. People think that I'm an athletic player, a running player, but that's not really my game. That's why it's easier for me to come back from my injury because i do guard at a slow pace, I play at a slow pace. It's been easy coming into this system where you have players you know. When you play in a team like this you know you have good shooters on the perimeter, you know you have big guys under the boards. It makes everything easier specially for a point guard.Then I can start running and play my style and I think it makes it easier for everybody else because everybody gets a lot of open shots and the game flows a little bit more.
- You're one of the best rebounder of the entire league and that is unusual for a point guard. Do you I think it is a skill a player can work on or it just depends on aggressivness? I don't want to say it's a skill as half of it is determination, it is just going after the ball and the other half is just anticipation. People don't realize that it is easier for a guard to get rebounds because you don't get boxed-out. It's just about anticipation and that's how I play on defense trying to anticipate.
- In the very tough upcoming playoffs battle it is said that Milano, Siena and Cantu could be the main actors. Do you agree? I hope so, I hope we will get as further as we can. I know Siena is great team and I faced them when I was at Maccabi during the 2010 Euroleague TOP16. They have a lot of good players, but there is only five guys on the court and I think we have five good players too. You have to play well against them because even when they're playing a bad game they're still a top level team. I played against Milano for the first time recently. They're a great team too, they got big guards on the court. It will be a great challange, we can be less talented but if we play as a team I think we can beat anybody.
- In a recent interview you said you like videogames. Have you ever played basketball on a videogame console? Yes, I did. One of my good friends works for the development team of the game and five years ago they called me and then put sensors on my body and I did the moves needed to develop the game. That is why if you look in the credits I'm on the game, I love that game.
- Well, thanks, Doron. Next time we meet I challenge you to play with it Great. Practice!
SerieA Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Montepaschi and Acea Virtus Roma post wins - May 25, 2013
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Cimberio VA - Montepaschi 72-80
Montepaschi Siena victoriously opened the series versus Cimberio Varese. The defending champions stole a road win in the opener. Cimberio Varese was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Montepaschi Siena made 7 blocks [read more]
Montepaschi Siena victoriously opened the series versus Cimberio Varese. The defending champions stole a road win in the opener. Cimberio Varese was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Montepaschi Siena made 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Bobby Brown (188-84, college: CS Fullerton) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward David Moss (196-83, college: Indiana St., agency: SportsTalent) contributed with 17 points for the winners. American point guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) answered with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and Nigerian-American swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Cimberio Varese. Four Cimberio Varese players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Cimberio VA: E.Ere 15+8reb, M.Green 14+7reb+8ast, D.Sakota 13+2reb, A.Banks 11+2reb, B.Dunston 9+6reb+1ast, D.Ivanov 5+4reb+2ast Montepaschi: B.Brown 29+5reb+4ast, D.Moss 17+4reb+1ast, D.Hackett 10+3reb+2ast, B.Eze 9+9reb+1ast, M.Carraretto 7+1reb+1ast, V.Sanikidze 4+6reb+1ast
Acea Virtus Roma claimed the opening win in the semifinal series versus Cantu. They needed overtime to prevail against pesky Cantu in the opener. Luigi Datome scored 23 points and grabbed 5 boards to pace the hosts. Cantu led by as many as 12 points at halftime. But Roma went on a 22:10 run in the fourth quarter to force the extra period. They managed to snatch the victory in overtime then. Phill Goss contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Joe Ragland answered with 16 points for Cantu. Alex Tyus had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Top scorers: Cantu: J.Ragland 16+4reb+4ast, A.Tyus 15+12reb, P.Aradori 13+4reb+3ast, M.Leunen 9+3reb+4ast, N.Mazzarino 6+1reb+1ast, J.Smith 6+3reb Acea Virtus RM: L.Datome 23+5reb, P.Goss 18+7reb+4ast, G.Lawal 14+8reb, J.Taylor 10+2reb+2ast, L.D'Ercole 8+3reb, B.Jones 5+1reb
Emporio Armani will not keep Sergio Scariolo - May 24, 2013
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Emporio Armani will part ways with Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) in the post-season. The Italian powerhouse opted not to use the option to prolong the contract of the specialist for the third season. Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) failed to advance into SeriaA semifinals this season. Emporio Armani lost to Montepaschi Siena in seven-game quarterfinal marathon. Last (11/12) season Emporio Armani also surrendered to Siena in the Finals [read more]
Emporio Armani will part ways with Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) in the post-season. The Italian powerhouse opted not to use the option to prolong the contract of the specialist for the third season. Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) failed to advance into SeriaA semifinals this season. Emporio Armani lost to Montepaschi Siena in seven-game quarterfinal marathon. Last (11/12) season Emporio Armani also surrendered to Siena in the Finals. Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) joined the Milan powerhouse back in 2011. Previously he worked with Khimky, Unicaja, Virtus Bologna, Real Madrid, Taugres Vitoria, Bologna, Desio and Pesaro. The specialist was named All-Spanish ACB Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2006. He was also trumped All-VTB League Coach of the Year in 2011. Sergio Scariolo (agency: Alti Sport ) guided the Spanish National Team in 2009/12 seasons. He led the Spaniards to the EuroBasket title in Lithuanian in 2011.
SerieA Round 7 of Quarter-Finals. Cantu, Montepaschi and Virtus Roma reach semis - May 22, 2013
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EA7 Armani - Montepaschi 80-90
Montepaschi Siena surprised Emporio Armani on the road in the seventh game of the series and advanced into semifinals. The game was mostly controlled by Montepaschi Siena. Armani Milano was better in second period 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Armani Milano was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch [read more]
Montepaschi Siena surprised Emporio Armani on the road in the seventh game of the series and advanced into semifinals. The game was mostly controlled by Montepaschi Siena. Armani Milano was better in second period 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Armani Milano was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for the former international point guard Daniel Hackett (200-87, college: USC, agency: Two Points) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 6 assists. Georgian Viktor Sanikidze (203-86) helped adding 17 points and 6 rebounds. Four Montepaschi Siena players scored in double figures. Montepaschi Siena's coach Luca Banchi allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side American-Bosnian guard Ernest Bremer (194-80, college: St.Bonaventure, agency: Higher Vision Sports) responded with 17 points and American Keith Langford (193-83, college: Kansas) scored 18 points. Top scorers: Montepaschi: D.Hackett 25+3reb+6ast, B.Brown 17+1reb+2ast, V.Sanikidze 17+6reb+1ast, D.Moss 14+5reb+2ast, T.Ress 5+5reb+2ast, K.Kangur 5+2reb EA7 Armani: K.Langford 18+1ast, E.Bremer 17+1reb+1ast, M.Hairston 10+4reb+2ast, A.Gentile 9+1reb+2ast, I.Bourousis 9+6reb, N.Melli 6+4reb
Acea Virtus Roma held off Trenkwalder to punch their semifinal ticket. The game was mostly controlled by Lottomatica Roma. Trenkwalder RE was better in fourth quarter 17-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Lottomatica Roma forced 19 Trenkwalder RE turnovers and outrebounded them 37-24 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Trenkwalder RE was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a quality performance of American guard Phil Goss (186-83, college: Drexel) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 6 rebounds. American-Nigerian power forward Gani Lawal (205-88, college: Georgia Tech, agency: Three Eye Sports) helped adding 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four Lottomatica Roma players scored in double figures. At the losing side international point guard Andrea Cinciarini (190-86) responded with 23 points and American guard Donnel Taylor (198-82, college: UAB) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Acea Virtus RM: G.Lawal 16+7reb, L.Datome 15+6reb+1ast, P.Goss 14+6reb+3ast, J.Taylor 11+3reb+4ast, B.Jones 9+10reb, B.Bailey 6+3reb+3ast Trenkwalder RE: A.Cinciarini 23+4reb+2ast, D.Taylor 12+5reb+2ast, G.Brunner 10+6reb, R.Cervi 7+2reb, T.Bell 5+2reb, D.Filloy 2
Cantu shocked Sassari in the decider and paved their way through into the next stage. Banco di Sard. trailed by 12 points after 3 quarters before a 27-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 95-97 at the end of the game. Cantu shot 61.3 percent from the field. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Joe Ragland (182-89, college: Wichita St.) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 6 assists. Forward Maarten Leunen (206-85, college: Oregon) contributed with 11 points and 5 assists for the winners. Cantu's coach Andrea Trinchieri used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. point guard Travis Diener (184-82, college: Marquette) answered with 18 points and 5 assists and guard Marvis Thornton (194-77, college: St.John's) added 18 points in the effort for Banco di Sard.Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Top scorers: Cantu: J.Ragland 20+6ast, J.Brooks 13+2reb+2ast, P.Aradori 12+2reb+1ast, A.Tyus 12+6reb, N.Mazzarino 12+2ast, M.Leunen 11+3reb+5ast Banco di Sard.: T.Diener 18+4reb+5ast, M.Thornton 18+2reb+2ast, D.Diener 11+2reb+6ast, B.Sacchetti 11+7reb, T.Easley 11+5reb, D.Gordon 10+6reb
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