Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
With just three games left before the regular season ends, we have a pretty good idea about the contenders in the 7DAYS EuroCup and also about the teams which will not make it to the playoffs, with only four spots remaining undecided. Other than that, however, it’s still very hard to predict who can go all the way.
And that’s the beauty of the competition. On any given night when everything is decided in one game, it’s very hard to pick who can endure the test until the finals.
Even on this last Power Rankings volume, we have three teams that have made the maximum permitted six-position jump either forward or backward. And the one climbing higher than anyone else practically has no home court this season…
20. Slask Wroclaw (1-14) –
The writing was on the wall for Slask, who was tested hard this season and realized that the level of the EuroCup is not a walk in the park. It’s just a start for their return to Europe’s spotlight and they have probably realized that they must do more.
19. Dolomiti Energia Trento (2-13) –
From day one, Trento was not expected to make a splash in the competition. On the other hand, just two wins in 15 Rounds prove that the Italians must make a more conscious effort to be competitive against EuroCup opponents.
18. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (3-12) -2
Cedevita is probably the biggest disappointment of the season, dropping steadily on each volume of the Power Rankings. On paper, this is a good team, but on the court, you can’t argue with the results. They are out of the postseason despite having three rounds left and that’s the definition of underachieving. They won just one of their last five games.
17. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (5-10) +1
Cluj still has playoff hopes, but practically, might be out of the running this week. However, they did what was expected from them, putting up a fight against anyone, especially at home, and they can build something on this season. Despite a mediocre record, they have a couple of things to be happy about.
16. Veolia Towers Hamburg (5-10) +1
They remain one spot over Cluj-Napoca and the reason is their group. In Group B, having five wins might end up being enough to make it to the playoffs. On the contrary, in Group A the postseason line right now is seven wins.
15. London Lions (7-8) –
This is the definition of the half-full season. Yes, they are in the position that they were ranked initially, but there have been moments in which they seemed ready to get over the hump and produce bigger results. The balance remains marginally positive and suddenly a UK-based team being competitive in the EuroCup is not a dream.
14. Germani Brescia (7-8) -2
Brescia had its ups and downs and rides on the wave of having won the Italian Cup. Getting to the EuroCup playoffs is the cherry on the top and knock-out contests seem to be their specialty. So despite their modest record, watch out for Brescia in the playoffs.
13. 7Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys (8-7) +3
They are steadily improving and seem to be destined for an upset or two. They should also be one spot higher in these Power Rankings, but the fall of Bursaspor stands in their way. In any case, they have already qualified for the playoffs and they seem to be on a hot streak with four wins over the last five games.
12. Frutti Extra Bursaspor (7-8) -6
Yes, they had their share of heartbreaking close defeats. On the other hand, they have lost four of the last five games, three to contenders and one on the road to Cluj. The silver lining for Bursaspor is that also last season nobody was really betting on them, still, they made it to the finals.
11. Ratiopharm Ulm (8-7) +2
Ulm is staying on course – they prevailed over Bursaspor, by the way – and have a respectable 3-2 record in the last five games. They are expected to be mathematically qualified for the playoffs this week because they are hosting Cedevita, and the only downside for them is that nobody will underestimate them.
10.Umana Reyer Venice (8-7) -5
They are losing on the road and almost dropped to a six-spot retreat. Still, they have a positive record and the chance to get home-court advantage. If they can accomplish that, Reyer will be dangerous no matter the opponent.
9. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (9-6) +2
The Montenegrins have drastically improved at the exact right time. Erick Green is making things happen and, at home, they are usually dominating. So home-court advantage will be crucial for them also.
8. JL Bourg-en-Bresse (8-7) -6
The team that in the first half of the season was the talk of the competition suddenly dropped from grace and lost six spots. They won just one game in the last five contests, barely keeping a positive record. They obviously hope that they can get out of the slump soon with the playoffs coming.
7. Promitheas Patras (9-6) +1
Promitheas remains a solid force in the competition, again doing damage mostly at home. The question for them is if that solidity can be translated to the playoffs. They still have the firepower and the experience; however, they might be lacking a real killer instinct.
6. Paris Basketball (9-6) +1
Paris has already won for having a respectable team, much more than the London Lions. Everyone will have them in their sights right now since it’s no secret that the club has EuroLeague aspirations and the EuroLeague would love to have a team based in Paris.