It has been eons since my last update and I am long overdue but what better time than after thrilling victories against last years top two clubs, Asseco Prokom and Anwil, to bring home the Polish Cup Championship!!!
Champs!
For a little bit of background information, the Polish Cup is a tournament where all teams from Poland, including those in the lower divisions, are able to participate. It has been ongoing over the past 4 months. Our team went undefeated throughout the original stages, and then again in the group stage and advanced to the single elimination format of the quarterfinals this past Wednesday where we faced a familiar opponent in Poznan. Poznan features Coach Bogicevic who lead Polpharma to a bronze medal last year. The team also hosts several former Polpharma players. We had already met twice previously this year in the regular season and split the series, each winning on the others home court. Fortunately we were able so host Poznan on our home court and won handily the game 71-62. You can watch a highlight clip of this victory made by Lukasz Sliwa here.
Starting 5
The final four of the Polish Cup was being held at the 9 time Polish League champions gym, Asseco Prokom. Asseco Prokom is undoubtedly the powerhouse team in the Polish league and features several former NBA players and quite an impressive roster of domestic, and other European, athletes. The tournament atmosphere was fun as we watched Anwil win over Trefl prior to our tip-off. Our fans were in full force, as they always are, and with their loud cheers we felt that we had the home court advantage. Skiba sparked our offense in the first half off. Our defense was stifling and we scrapped our way to a 39-34 advantage at the intermission.
Going for the block!
The second half was a war as we battled for each rebound and each basket. Prokom was lead by newly acquired Tommy Adams, another Virginia native, who was hitting jump shot after jump shot. Just as everyone thought they would impose their will on us with a four point lead, we turned up the defense and fought back to take a lead. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Uros Mirkovich got fouled and went to the line for two free throws but unfortunately missed both and our lead remained at 1 point; 65-64. Prokom went back to their hot hand and Adams knocked down another tough mid range jumper to take the lead 66-65. After a time out and watching coach draw up a play, we took the court with only 5 seconds remaining in the game. Deonta Vaughn came off a screen, found a gap, and was able to drive to the basket to hit the go ahead bucket with only 2.7 seconds left! After an Asseco timeout, Uros Mirkovic made a huge defensive play and blocked Adam’s shot for a huge win! We were going to the Cup finals!
Headbands
The finals were the following night and we were matched with Anwil, who we faced only one week prior in a league match. The final game would look similarly to the previous match as we built a comfortable lead but saw the talented Anwil team fight back in the fourth quarter. We were determined to hold onto our lead and made several key stops on defense that gave us some breathing room. Down the stretch Skiba scored several tough baskets that stopped any chance of an Anwil miracle. As the clock expired and read 0.00 seconds we realized that we had won the Polish Cup for the first time in SKS Polpharma history!
Jump Ball
After the game we were presented the Polish Cup and Skiba was named the MVP. At first I was a bit surprised because Hassan lead the team with 19 points, but after re-watching the game today I realized that Skiba made all the big plays down stretch that lead us to our victory. He also compiled seven assists! Either could have been chosen for MVP because both former Anwil players were essential pieces to our success. I could not be more pleased for Skiba to be named MVP because he is truly a selfless player who only wants to win. He is a great point guard and leader both on and off the court.
Our MVP!!
American Kiss
As the confetti rained down and we hoisted the trophy in the air, our fans were still screaming and chanting as if the game had only just commenced. The fans made the trip by the hundreds and it was astounding how well represented Polpharma was with blue and white scarves throughout the arena. Our fans have been a HUGE asset to us throughout the season and this weekend was no different! It felt as if we were playing in Starogard and made for an amazing atmosphere to play. Thank you to all of our followers and supporters. The Cup is undoubtedly owed in large part to you! I would also like to say thank you to my family and friends back home who were able to watch the game live via the Internet! It is an amazing feeling to know I have such a large group of supporters watching even from thousands of miles away.. so, THANK YOU!
Kirk greeting the fans
Prior to the Polish Cup tournament we continued our winning streak to 6 games with victories in January over Siarka, Poznan, Trefl, and Czarni; and our latest league victory over Anwil last weekend. You can see a retransmission of the match versus Anwil here where I recorded my best game to date with 16 points. Also be sure to check out Sliwa’s highlight film from the game here. We are currently 10-6 in league play with 6 remaining games. We are on a 9 game winning streak (including the past 3 wins from the Polish Cup) and undoubtedly the hottest team in the league. With 6 remaining regular season games it is of utmost importance for us to focus on each game, as we have in the past, and not look past any opponent. We will surely get the best effort from each team and it will be difficult to sustain our momentum but surely we will take it as a challenge. With 6 weeks remaining we are hoping to continue to improve each week in preparation for playoffs. More to come soon. Thanks for following!
Polish Cup Champs 2011!!!
You can see galleries from the game against Prokom here and here, from Anwil here, here, and here. The photographers did a great job covering the events!
I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
)))))))
Great effort and nice success Brian. Greetings and best luck to all Your teamates. You deserved the win for sure. Especially that You won all the games to the final one.
Thank you for making my eyes moisten watching you guys from Gdynia stands cheering the Cup. I’ve been a Polpharma fan for a long time (since deep nineties, 3rd Division), experienced many big wins, including Bronze Medal last year. But tears in my eyes? Never before!
Thank you again, Brian. Thank you all guys. You’re a great pack of people. You just can not be disliked. It’s not only about sport, it’s something more – the group, the spirit, the passion. Fans love you, not just in Starogard, believe me. Other teams’ supporters show respect in internet to our team – everyone admires what you achieved since 0-4 start.
Last but not least, be sure Brian, that the stands love your defense. Or I should say DEFENSE! Many good players were seen for years in our club. But your defensive skills are extraordinary among them! Keep up the “D”, work on it, and believe me, fans do appreciate it. Many times, watching the game, I heard from around me: “Brian is a rock, look man, he won’t let his opponent go”.
I’m just curious – was the defense your such a strong side previously, too?
SKS fan,
I’m not sure a basketball fan can receive a better message than the one you left. Our team prides itself on teamwork, chemistry, hard work, and selflessness. It is a special thing that does not happen often among teams when each guy is fighting for his teammate, coach, and club, and is not worried about scoring points but only winning the game. We have come a long way from our 0-4 start and we still have a lot of fight left and still have high hopes and goals for the remainder of the season.
Personally I am humbled and taken back by your message. I have really taken a great deal of pride in playing defense over the past years even though I’ve been more known for my offensive capability. My coach in college would not play us unless we were strong defensively and this is why our team became conference champions my last two years. Also, last year I spent much of the season guarding smaller guards which allowed me to become much quicker and more agile and I think that has made me a better defender. It is great to know that my hard work is paying off defensively and that the fans have noticed! As you may know, as many fans do, defense is primarily a matter of will and determination! I will continue to work to become better, as will our team, as the year progresses. Thanks again for your comments and being a loyal follower of the club.
Congratulations on your Polish Cup win B-Man to you and your T E A M ! You all showed you have what it takes to be champions.
Dick and Lorraine
Love it…
I couldnt be more proud of you Brian!! To God be the glory!! I love watching your games, as does Bob! And I love your tattoo….what a witness! This is all a wonderful time in your life and a great experience for you to be there…..and the fans are so enthusiastic! Keep playing to the glory of God. Love you so very much!