By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Who would expect that with two rounds left in the regular season, Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar would be on the verge of elimination? While clubs like Promitheas Patras and Umana Reyer Venice are making jumps of progress, the Russian powerhouse needs to fight until the last round and even that might not be enough.
Buducnost VOLI Podgorica is also on the verge of elimination and, like Lokomotiv, has dropped six spots in the Power Rankings. On the contrary, Venice made a huge jump forward and the same applies to MoraBanc Andorra and EWE Baskets Oldenburg, which have already secured their spots in the Top 16.
1.Unicaja Malaga (-) (6-2)
Not much changed for Unicaja, which is having a solid season and, despite a road defeat at Galatasaray, remains one of the top contenders for the trophy. They know the competition and their experience seems to be a huge advantage.
2. Promitheas Patras (+2) (6-2)
The Greeks continue to steadily improve and getting big wins under their belt. To be exact, they have lost twice to Monaco, but other than that won all their games and qualified with ease to the Top 16 in their first EuroCup campaign.
3. Umana Reyer Venice (+6) (6-2)
They enjoyed a 3-0 run since the last edition of the Power Rankings. Venice owns the tie-breaker over Partizan and, like Promitheas, they are the kind of underdogs who can surprise everyone on any court. The six-spot jump is well deserved.
4. Segafredo Virtus Bologna (-) (6-2)
They have the same record as Promitheas in the same group, but they were defeated by the Greeks. This might change, of course, in Bologna in Round 9. Without a doubt, they remain title contenders.
5.Partizan NIS Belgrade (-3) (6-2)
The Serbs have emerged as one of the top teams of the EuroCup, but their record is 1-2 since the last version of the power rankings. It’s not that bad, considering the 6-2 total, it’s still obvious that they are a work in progress.
6. UNICS Kazan (-3) (5-3)
They missed the chance to punch their ticket early for the next phase of the competition by losing to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and to Nanterre 92. That’s not what you would expect from a contender, but they have things under control.
7. Darussafaka Tekfen Istanbul (+3) (5-3)
They are on the verge of making it to the Top 16 with a win over Brescia. They gained three positions in our rankings and despite a modest budget and roster, they are performing better than expected.
8. Galatasaray Doga Sigorta Istanbul (-1) (5-3)
They lost a spot due to Darussafaka’s emergence. However, they have qualified for the Top 16 despite losing to Trento and Oldenburg. On the other hand, they beat Unicaja at home.
9. AS Monaco (-1) (5-3)
They have also qualified to the Top 16, but so far they are underperforming on the road, despite a solid game against Virtus Bologna, in which they ultimately were defeated after a big shot by Milos Teodosic.
10. MoraBanc Andorra (+4) (5-3)
They have the same record and the tie-break advantage over Monaco. They are already in the Top 16, too, so why they are at the 10th spot? Unfortunately losing Tyson Perez and Bandja Sy will hurt them.
11. EWE Baskets Oldenburg (+4) (5-3)
They emerged as the best German team in the EuroCup and they have qualified with ease in the Top 16. By beating opponents like Unicaja and Galatasaray, they have proven that they can set their sights for the quarterfinals.
12. Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar (-6) (3-5)
That was the No. 1 team in our initial ranking, but since then they are on a free fall. Coach Luca Banchi was fired, their star-studded roster has the ability to save their EuroCup season, but they are on the verge of elimination. Simply put, they are not a safe bet anymore.
13. Joventut Badalona (-2) (4-4)
They are in pretty good shape and they were pushed back in the rankings simply because Oldenburg and Andorra performed better. They remain in control of their destiny and can make it to the Top 16.
14. Tofas Bursa (-1) (4-4)
Like Joventut, Tofas was pushed back due to the success of others. Still, they have the Top 16 tickets within reach and can get it in Round 9 by beating Rytas Vilnius on the road. If they don’t win this game, they might find themselves in trouble, facing Lokomotiv in the last round.
15. Germani Brescia Leonessa (+2) (4-4)
Brescia has already exceeded everyone’s expectations. They have a solid record and a great chance to make it to the Top16. They play on the road against Darussafaka and then at home against Nanterre 92, and a home win is expected to be enough.
16. Nanterre 92 (-) (3-5)
They got a big win on the road over UNICS Kazan, which changed everything for them. As a result, they have the ability with a home win in the upcoming game against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana to make a big step towards qualification.
17. Rytas Vilnius (+3) (3-5)
The Lithuanian club has a very peculiar EuroCup campaign. They have won just three games so far, but on two occasions they have beaten Lokomotiv Kuban, which has the same record now. Hosting Tofas Bursa and then playing in Venice is not an easy path, however, it is the only road they have left.
18. Asseco Arka Gdynia (-) (3-5)
The big surprise of the competition keeps the 18th spot of the Power Rankings and the chance to make it to the Top 16. Despite losing four straight games, they can get to the Top 16 if they beat Dolomiti Energia Trento at home and Galatasaray defeats Buducnost.
19. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (-6) (2-6)
Buducnost has two wins in its last three games and can steal Gdynia’s spot if they end up in a tie with them. However, they are facing Galatasaray in Round 9 and if they lose, they are out.