By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Throughout Europe the playoffs are heading towards their completion and many fans that follow the games are wondering about the playoff system of every country. Should there be a unified one?
In Italy, the qualification for the finals and the title are decided in four wins, in Greece in three, in Spain the game series is 2-2-1, while in Greece it’s 1-1-1-1-1. In Turkey, in the quarterfinals qualification is decided in 2 wins, in the semifinals in 3 and the champion in 4, while in France, until three years ago the cup was decided in a single final. Why is the system different in every country?
A unified playoff system
The confusion is so great and the changes so constant that even the fans themselves are often perplexed in regards to the way the championship in their country is conducted. Let alone abroad… Often the Greeks wonder whether it’s after the first game that the home game transfers to the visitors, the Turks whether it will be decided in 3 or 4 wins, etc. So, there should be a unified system so that in all the leagues, for instance in the playoffs, the first stage would be decided in 2 wins, the second in 3 and the champion in 4 or anything else. But to have one model everywhere!
Each country to decide for themselves
Each championship is independent and so even if there is a unification of championships, the Uleb, there won’t be a comprehensive strategy or joint decisions on any other similar issue. Every national league decides on the rules of the championship and the way it is conducted, since each one is unique. The level of competitiveness, the TV rights contracts and the deals, are not the same.
Our conclusion: Better to avoid confusion
“The autonomy and self-determination of the people” is a basic operating principle of nation states, but in basketball things could be a bit different. Since the leagues congregate and discuss often under the roof of the Euroleague, they could reach some kind of unified model (even if, for instance, some differences occur such as the number of teams) so there are no confusions. Besides, no championship would lose their distinctive features if there were a unified model of conducting the playoffs.
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