By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
When he was asked from Eurohoops if he believes it’s unfair that Spain will possibly have five teams next season in the Euroleague, he smiled and said: “Fake news!”
After the initial joke, he explained his position: “Basketball envoirment is so good in Turkey. Last night we watched the Anadolu Efes – Fenerbahce match. It was like a match between two boxers. Two very well coached teams with lots of great players. Tonight also two Turkish teams played a high quality game. Each team has represented Turkey really well. This is so good both for the media and basketball fans because it’s incredible product.. This is also good for EuroLeague because all Turkish teams have great coaches and players. For next year, everybody has to be patient. Everybody should let EuroLeague to do its job. EuroLeague is a fantastic league and they will keep growing in positively in European basketball. We should give time to them to do their work and we can talk this later.”
According to coach Blatt “There can’t be five teams from same country according to EuroLeague rules”, however he is wrong and at this point Spain can have five teams next season, or four and one of those five spots can turn into a wildcard under one condition. And it’s obvious that Blatt and Darussafaka Dogus hope for this scenario and want a wildcard. At this point only two Turkish clubs, Fenerbahce Istanbul and Anadolu Efes have a secure spot in next season’s EuroLeague and only via a wildcard a third team can be added.