By Lefteris Moutis
Rarely in any European club competition there is a Final Four with a team that is considered such a heavy favorite, like Besiktas Milangaz in this season’s Eurochallenge. The host of the Final Four, Szolnoki Olaj of Hungary, is also the semifinal opponents (18.00, CET) of the Turks, but even Szolnoki’s fans know that their team has just a slight chance for an upset.
The Final Four qualification is already a great success for the team from Hungary, that has a roster with few standouts, like American guard Obie Trotter and Hungarian forward Marton Bander. The Turks are the exact opposite, as they showcased last summer, when they signed NBA All Star Deron Williams for the duration of the NBA lock out. Their biggest goal for the season from day one was to win the Eurocup.
Their upset by Mons Hainaut in Belgium (74-63) in the second leg of the qualification round, in a game that Williams had made just 3/13 shots, send Besiktas in Eurochallenge. But with players like Marcelus Kemp, David Hawkins, Carlos Aroyo, Pops Mensa Bonsu and Zoran Erceg, the Turks lost just twice (from Spanish team Fuenlabrada) in 14 games now they are ready to get their first European crown.
The winner of the second Final Four semifinal (20.30, CET) seems to have a better chance at least to make things difficult for Besiktas, compared to the hosts, unless of course if the Magyars prove otherwise. Elan Chalon from France was the winner of the “civil war” in the quartefinals against Roan and being in a hot streak (and in the second place of the French league standings) seems capable of beating Triumph Lyubertsy from Russia.
The Russians need a Game 3 in the quarterfinals in order to qualify in the Final Four against Fuenlabrada of Spain. With two American leaders, Jerry Jefferson and Tywain Mc Kee, and marquee name former player and now coach Vasiliy Karasev they will try to win the first trophy of their short history.