The veterans Bourousis and Cook making miracles in the last two games for Gran Canaria
After the game lost against Real Madrid in the first round of the tournament, nobody would have expected such great contributions from the veterans Ioannis Bourousis (36 years) and Omar Cook (38 years). Against Los Blancos, the Canarias’ players had some modest numbers, but in the next encounters, they exploded.
Before the final tournament, there were voices saying that older players will need more time to be back in shape physically, but actually, for some of them, it was a good break in order to have a so needed rest. The Greek center and the American guard, both veterans of Herbalife Gran Canaria proved they can dominate the game as well at this age.
In the game won against MoraBanc Andorra, Omar Cook was the leading scorer with 21 points, including an amazing percentage from the arc with 6 from 7. He added 10 assists, finishing the game in a double-double and with the highest index rate from both teams: 30. He was followed by Ioannis Bourousis who had 19 points (7/9 in the paint and 5/5 from the free-throw line), 2 rebounds for 23 efficiency value.
The last game, again, these two veterans impressed with their plays, propelling Gran Canaria over San Pablo Burgos and giving hope for a semifinals spot. This time the Greek big man was the absolute leading scorer with 25 points (including 9/9 at free-throws), 7 rebounds and 6 fouls received for 32 index rate in only 23 minutes spent on the court. Omar Cook finished with 16 points and 6 assists for 18 at the efficiency.
It is unbelievable how these players could put such high numbers at their age, proving that motivation and experience is the best combination in the game of basketball. Two days ago, another veteran, Rafa Martinez (Bilbao Basket) in spite of his age, scored 13 points, without missing a shot (3/3 from the arc) in the win against Iberostar Tenerife. It remains to see how all these guys will cope with the fatigue in the next games because the Final Phase of LIGA ACB has a tough schedule with many encounters in a couple of days.
Image: La Provincia
Gratian Cormos
