Final Four: Fans get chance to see Euroleague trophy up close as Trophy Tour 2013 starts

Turkish Airlines Euroleague fans got a chance to see their favorite stars and the Final Four trophy up close on Thursday as the Trophy Tour 2013 presented by Intersport started in the morning at the adidas store in Westfield Stratford City. Reigning champion and 2012 Final Four hero Georgios Printezis of Olympiacos, former MVP Milos Teodosic of CSKA Moscow, Alex Abrines of FC Barcelona Regal and Real Madrid’s Sergio Rodríguez represented the Final Four teams at the adidas store near London’s Olympic Park. 

“For us it’s a nice pleasure to be out here so I can imagine for the fans and everybody else that it’s a pleasure as well,” said Printezis, who hoisted the trophy last season after hitting the game-winning shot in the final. “It’s nice to see the trophy again. It’s big and it’s really nice.” 

Teodosic, whose CSKA team lost in the final to Olympiacos, said it’s good that the Trophy Tour is there to help get more fans involved. “It’s really nice to have this because we want to try and promote basketball in England. And it’s nice to be here with the other guys,” said Teodosic. 

“This tour is a great thing. We all want to be part of the Final Four and also the fans. And for them this is a great occasion for them to be close to the trophy,” said Rodríguez. And Abrines added: “It’s really a great honor for the fans. They always see the trophy on TV and now they can come here and see the trophy and get signatures from great players from the teams. It’s incredible for them.” 

The Thursday event also included 2010 Euroleague Rising Star Ricky Rubio, who helped Barcelona to the Euroleague crown that season. “Everyone wants to play in these moments. The Final Four is where you want to be. It’s a great weekend. Also for the fans,” said Rubio. 

The Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball Trophy will be on display for the public at London all Final Four weekend. The Trophy Tour moves to the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fan Zone at Trafalgar Square from Friday to Sunday. Intersport will have a stand where fans can admire the trophy and have their pictures taken with it.