Hollatz warns: Playoffs have their own laws
If they manage to take a win to Hamburg, the Towers would be allowed to play at least two more home games – and that in front of 3,400 fans again. The Towers showed that success abroad is possible with their 92:80 win in the main round game in Bonn at the beginning of the year. The Hanseatic League had to admit defeat almost two months later in their own hall with 73:85.
“But the playoffs are something else,” Justus Hollatz stated and recalled the previous year. In the main round, the Towers had won twice against Alba, but the playoff quarter-finals went clearly to the Berliners 3-0.
Bonn presents “MVP” and “Coach of the Year”
However, the fact that the upcoming opponent does not have such a well-known name does not make the task easier for Hamburg. In Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Bonn have the “Most Valuable Player of the Season” (MVP), while Tuomas Iisalo was voted “Coach of the Year” in the BBL.
According to Hollatz, the towers are characterized by something else. “That we are unpredictable and that we can score 120 points on a good day.” But whatever the outcome of the Quarterfinals, the Towers players assure us that the best time of the year is about to begin. How long that lasts remains to be seen.
After Calles’ farewell, Hollatz is also threatened with departure
Especially since Calles announced his departure after this season last Tuesday. The Spaniard is apparently drawn to his homeland. Hollatz reassured teammates and fans: “As a player, it doesn’t matter whether the coach is there next year or not.” However, the talent could face the bounce itself, having entered the NBA draft.
“It would be great news if a player went straight from the Towers to the NBA,” said sporting director Marvin Willoughby, but admitted: “Of course we make no secret of the fact that Justus should stay here.”
After all, it is certain that the fans will see both Calles and Hollatz at least once more in the hall at the Inselpark. The third game against Bonn is scheduled for May 20th. If the Towers have their way, it’s not already the farewell game for Calles and Hollatz.