The talented forward has been with the club for less than a week
Sam Dekker stepped up for Joventut in his first game
Article
3 Mins read
Joventut Badalona had to battle until the final minute to beat Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 78-72 at home in Round 8 in a game that saw newcomer Sam Dekker flash hints of his great talent, too.
Dekker had not played an official basketball game since winning the British League title with the London Lions. His contract is still being honored by the Lions, but Dekker cannot play in the British League due to budget restrictions. Joventut saw an opportunity and signed him. Dekker was a 2022-23 All-EuroCup Second Team selection and helped London reach the EuroCup semifinals last season.
Despite being a little out of rhythm, Dekker knows the competition well and his talent did the rest. He did not have spectacular numbers, finishing the game with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a PIR of 3, but Dekker stepped up in two critical moments during the game. When Devon Dotson briefly left the game with a small injury, Dekker had 4 points which allowed Joventut to keep a 61-60 lead after 30 minutes.
And when Buducnost completed its comeback, 70-72, with over 2 minutes remaining, Joventut needed a go-to guy, as Buducnost had limited the hosts to just 2 points in the previous 5 minutes. After a timeout, Guillem Vives found Dekker for the go-ahead three-pointer from the left corner. After a defensive stop, Adam Hanga also struck from downtown to put Joventut on the right track, 76-72. Defense did the rest, as Buducnost was held scoreless in the last 2 minutes.
Dotson had been sensational before his injury, and still finished the game with career-highs of 26 points and a PIR of 32. He had 23 of those points in the opening 23 minutes before getting injured on his first missed shot, but was able to come back and help his team win.
"A great win today. We emphasized before the game to come out with a lot of energy and a lot of motivation. In the past games, we have played tight, every game has been really close," Dotson said after the game. "Today, we wanted to change that and really finish the game and just get this win. It was a great victory. I am glad the team played well and helped me, uplifted me to play well, also."
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Head coach Dani Miret took in some fresh air once his team broke a four-game losing streak in the competition. He believes that enjoying themselves playing good basketball is the next step for the team after the upcoming break.
"I think that in other games, we deserved victories because we are worrying and putting all the effort, making a lot of solid things. Right now, this victory will help us shine a little bit more because when we are competing, we are nor enjoying what we need to enjoy," Coach Miret said. "We are doing the job but good basketball teams also enjoy. It is easy when you are winning and this is what the team needs right now, have confidence, start to enjoy playing with each other. It is a great victory for the team."