By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
We rated all 18 teams – with 10 being the highest grade – in five different areas that show the potential of each team at the start of the season.
THE CRITERIA
The quality of the roster: What is evaluated here is the talent of all the players on the roster of every team and their depth at every position.
Chemistry: The big and fancy names do not always guarantee a good team. Even though it’s very early and the teams are still trying to create their core, the chemistry that the players have between them is very important, as is the level of familiarity with their coach.
Status: The name and history of a team do not play basketball, but in crucial games sometimes the “weight” of the jersey can determine the outcome.
Transfer moves: In this particular category we evaluate the moves that were made in the transfer market and estimate the weakening or strengthening of a team.
How far they will go: Our assessment regarding the course of each team. The teams that are big favorites to get in the Final Four and win the title are graded with a 9, the teams that aim for an appearance in Berlin and have good chances of making it are graded with an 8, the teams whose big goal is to reach the playoffs with a 7, the teams that are expected to have a decent run with a 6, and those that are out of the running for qualification early on are graded with a 5.
The evaluation regarding the course and dynamics of every team has, of course, been developed before any official games have begun and so it is expected to change throughout the season.
#16 ALBA BERLIN
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 6
How far they will go: 5
Total: 30
“For the love of the game” being their motto, ALBA Berlin is getting ready for yet another interesting season. New boss Israel Gonzalez learned at the side of Aito Reneses. The latter’s departure from the bench was also the most significant change in the roster, which no longer has Peyton Siva but which does have German League MVP Jaleen Smith.
#16 CRVENA ZVEZDA MTS BELGRADE
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 6
How far they will go: 5
Total: 30
Except for 2017, when they missed out on qualification for the playoffs in a tie, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade has struggled to shed its role as a supporting actor. Dejan Radonjic and his players will strive for something better with the return of Nikola Kalinic to a team Jordan Loyd is no longer part of.
#16 LDLC ASVEL VILLEURBANNE
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 6
How far they will go: 5
Total: 30
Provided that LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has learned from its mistakes, the team is on the right track for the new season. There isn’t a lot of experience on the roster that Coach TJ Parker has at his disposal, and the departures (Norris Cole, Guerschon Yabusele, Moustapha Fall) seem more substantial than the arrivals, but perhaps the enthusiasm will fill the gap.
#14 ZALGIRIS KAUNAS
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 7
How far they will go: 5
Total: 31
The challenge that Coach Martin Schiller’s team is facing is to continue being a pleasant surprise. The Lithuanian element was always strong on the roster, with the absence now of Marius Grigonis, but with the presence once again of Edgaras Ulanovas, while there is also significant reinforcement from afar (Emmanuel Mudiay).