Assessment and Expectations - Head Coach Zeljko Djokic Shares His Thoughts Ahead of the Sportiva Azoris Game

NKA Universitas Pécs will once again take the floor at home in the EuroCup Women on Wednesday, welcoming Portugal’s Sportiva Azoris to the Lauber Dezső Sports Hall. The two teams already met earlier in the competition, where NKA delivered an impressive performance in the Azores, combining efficient offense with disciplined defense to secure a commanding 101–42 win. With a perfect 5–0 record, Pécs sits firmly at the top of the group, while Sportiva Azoris remains winless at 0–5.

Statistically, the gap between the two sides is significant. NKA continues to post strong numbers across the board: 45% field-goal accuracy, 57.3% on two-pointers, and 63.3% from the free-throw line. In contrast, Sportiva Azoris shoots just 32% from the field overall, converting only 32.6% of its attempts inside the arc.

Pécs is dominant on the boards as well, averaging 40 rebounds per game, compared to just 28.8 by the Portuguese team. The assist figures highlight the difference in ball movement: NKA averages 18.6 assists, nearly double Azoris’ 9.8.

Aggressive defense and transition play remain hallmarks of the Pécs team. NKA scores 27.2 points per game off turnovers and 13.2 fast-break points, while also maintaining a strong interior presence with a 40.4–20 advantage in points in the paint. Bench scoring (24.4–12.8) further emphasizes the depth that has defined the team’s EuroCup campaign so far.

Individually, Julia Reisingerová continues to lead NKA with outstanding efficiency, averaging a 22.2 VAL. Michaela Gaislerová stands out as Sportiva Azoris’ leading scorer with 10.8 points per game.

Ahead of the clash, Head Coach Zeljko Djokic offered a detailed assessment of the team’s current situation and the challenges they face:

“Back in the Azores, we were operating with a much more stable rotation and a better overall physical condition. Lexi Held had already joined us, and although we had a few minor injuries, the team was able to train at full intensity. It showed in our performance, we controlled the tempo, dominated the paint and the boards, and won by 59 points. To secure the best possible position moving into the next EuroCup stage, where four EuroLeague-level teams will be waiting, we would ideally need a similar or even larger winning margin. In the Round of 32, every point, every percentage, every rotation decision matters.

This time, however, the challenge is far greater. Losing Lexi is a serious blow to our perimeter defense and our ability to control the pace. Ágica and Adenike have also been dealing with knee issues and haven’t been able to complete full training sessions. On top of that, our young players have an NB I/B game tomorrow, and five members of our active roster play for both teams. Managing the rotation under these circumstances, along with injuries and dual commitments, requires a very deliberate and thoughtful approach.

That’s why home-court advantage will be crucial on Wednesday. I really hope our fans will fill the Lauber Dezső Sports Hall, because their support gives the players enormous energy, it lifts our defensive switches, our second-chance efforts, and helps us push through the key moments. Our aim is clear: to play disciplined, dynamic basketball and win this game while maintaining our EuroCup standard.”

With a win, NKA Universitas Pécs could take another important step toward securing a top position in the group. However, as the coaching staff emphasizes, every EuroCup matchup brings new challenges, and no opponent can be underestimated.

Tip-off is set for 18:00 on Wednesday at the Lauber Dezső Sports Hall.