By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Participating teams were either drawn into one of the four Basketball Champions League groups or learned their path to the regular season through the two qualification rounds on Wednesday. Reactions to the draw include players, executives, and coaches anticipating to get back in action.
New challenge for Tofas, Darussafaka
“The reason we moved to the Basketball Champions League is the business plan presented to us with a promise of a more visible future,” explained Tofas general manager Tolga Ongoren via Tivibu Spor commenting on his team’s BCL jump, “So far we feel part of an organization well above the old FIBA perception of basketball.”
“This is a new challenge for us after an extended period in EuroLeague and EuroCup,” pointed out Darussafaka Tekfen head coach Selcuk Ernak, “Following the results of the draw, a tough situation will surely surface but our goal is to move beyond the group into the playoffs.”
Former champions back, 2019-20 conclusion
“We know where we are, we know what competition we have and, in addition, the conditions of the Champions League are very good for the club,” said Iberostar Tenerife GM Aniano Cabrera, “I think that the trips financially compensate us. This is a year to change as little as possible.”
“Our group contains strong and traditional European clubs,” said Ilias Papatheodorou, head coach of AEK, which is among teams planned to previously conclude the 2019-20 season in late September/early October, “We will go up against quality teams. The next season will present us with a fresh opportunity to display our own quality.”
Another team still involved in the 2019-20 season is Casademont Zaragoza. “We are going to play two European competitions in the 2020-21 season. From September 30 to October 4, we have the Final 8 that is a challenge when preparing the season,” said GM Pep Cargol, “The preseason has to be very focused on getting to that situation well.”
Developing rosters
“Closely examining our opponents at this stage would be premature,” Pinar Karsiyaka boss Ufuk Sarica responded on the draw, “As a team, we want to repeat the success we had in FIBA Europe Cup. We will be a fighting side with the squad we form.”
“Teams in our group are still in the process of adding players. It is not easy to predict any outcome at his point,” said Turk Telekom head coach Burak Goren, “However, it seems like a very competitive season is ahead of us starting through a very challenging group.”
“The field was flourished with many strong teams,” noted Peristeri winmasters boss Nikos Papanikolopoulos, “We knew beforehand that the draw would be tough. A more solid approach to our opponents will be possible following the completion of both ours and our rivals’ rosters.”
“A step forward in quality”
“The Basketball Champions League has made a step forward in quality,” concurred San Pablo Burgos GM Albano Martinez, “There are teams in all groups that make this competition grow. I don’t know if we are the luckiest Spanish team since our group is very open and I think Hapoel and Darussafaka are one step ahead.”
“We are beginning a beautiful European adventure together,” Yigit Arslan of Galatasaray Doga Sigorta noted on Twitter, “Hopefully we can finish at some point. We are all dreaming of a nice season. We are looking forward to these games.”
“All the teams in the group are strong and have a history. It will be difficult, but other groups are also hard,” noted RETAbet Bilbao GM Rafa Pueyo, “It will be very attractive for Bilbao fans, who recognize good basketball.”