Jekiri out, Partizan without a center for Red Star derby
Further tests showed Partizan center Tonye Jekiri has an adductor strain. The black-and-whites host Red Star with two true centers and only one power forward.
The injury came in the first half in Istanbul, in a game Partizan went on to lose for the third time in a row. Two days later came word of how serious it is: Tonye Jekiri, the team’s center, has a significant adductor strain, a muscle on the inner thigh, and will not be available for the eternal derby against Red Star.
Until the additional tests, his appearance was only in doubt. Kurir reported that the center still had to undergo scans and analysis, and that his status would be known well before the game. Now more is known.
How long will Jekiri be out?
According to Mozzart Sport, the tests showed that Jekiri needs rest and proper therapy. The estimates of how long differ in wording between two outlets. Telegraf says he faces a break of at least two weeks, while B92 writes that he is expected to be off the court until the end of the month. Counting from today, both answers point to roughly the same date.
B92 writes that Jekiri will definitely miss the derby in Round 7 of the EuroLeague, which Partizan hosts on October 22, as well as EuroLeague games against Asvel and Zalgiris. Telegraf is more cautious and says he will “almost certainly” not play against Red Star.
Who is left under the basket for Partizan?
Hayes and Lauvergne. According to Telegraf, Partizan have only Kevarrius Hayes and Joffrey Lauvergne at center, and the only true power forward is Nikola Tanaskovic. B92 adds that Tanaskovic is a forward-center by trade and can help out at the five as well.
The problem is not new. Derek Willis has been injured since the first round of the EuroLeague. Sources differ on Lamar Stevens: B92 says Partizan had previously lost both Willis and Stevens, while Telegraf writes that Stevens was among the injured but has returned to the rotation.
What does Partizan lose without him?
By player efficiency rating, Jekiri is Partizan’s second best player this season at 13.7, behind Carlik Jones at 17.3. Kurir describes him as an important player for coach Joan Penarroya, especially in the first three games, which Partizan won. In other words, he is not a bench player but someone who carried part of the load in the rotation.
A run of three defeats followed. Partizan opened the EuroLeague with three straight wins, then lost as many in a row and, according to B92, are now in 12th place. We covered the game in Istanbul in the piece “Fenerbahce beat Partizan, 14 blocks set EuroLeague record”.
How does Red Star look?
The visitors are not in much better shape at center either. Telegraf reminds readers that Red Star have been without Jonathan Motley for some time, and the condition of Ebuka Izundu is uncertain. That puts two names in question at the same position for Red Star, while for Partizan one absence is already certain.
What comes next?
Before the derby, Partizan have an ABA League road game. The black-and-whites play on Sunday at 2 p.m. against Bosna in Sarajevo. If the estimate of an absence until the end of the month holds, Jekiri will not play there either. Until the derby on October 22, Penarroya has to put together a rotation with Hayes, Lauvergne and Tanaskovic under the basket.
