By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
We rated the 18 teams – 10 being the highest grade – in five different areas that can reveal the ability 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 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.
Transfers: 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 Cologne 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.
This evaluation regarding the course and dynamics of every team has, of course, been developed before any official games have begun and thus it is expected to change throughout the season.
#18 FC BAYERN MUNICH
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 6
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 6
How far they will go: 5
Total: 29
FC Bayern Munich has the brand name, but are still looking for the success that befits it. For starters, Bayern would make do with any progress as long as it was something better than what they had last season, up to the point when it was canceled. Coach Andrea Trinchieri has shouldered this burden in what is his return to the competition with a new roster that features with a strong American element, but lacks Greg Monroe at center.
#17 LDLC ASVEL VILLEURBANNE
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 6
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 7
How far they will go: 5
Total: 30
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne will rely on the know-how of the Parker family this season, two of them to be exact, since apart from Tony Parker on the presidential throne, now there is T.J. Parker on the team too. The 36-year-old rookie coach is called on to manage their numerous difficulties with an almost brand new squad; there were many changes made on the roster, aside from the fact that most of the newly acquired players have never played in the EuroLeague before.
#16 ZALGIRIS KAUNAS
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 6
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 7
How far they will go: 6
Total: 31
Zalgiris Kaunas didn’t mind finding themselves in tough situations under Coach Jasikevisius but he no longer lives here. His replacement, Martin Schiller aspires to continue his predecessor’s good work in what is a big challenge for him since he’s a rookie in the competition and also because the roster has undergone significant changes. The departure of Edgaras Ulanovas is perhaps the most important among them as it increases the burden of responsibility for newly acquired players like Patricio Garino if they want to have a season that will look like their recent ones.
#14 CRVENA ZVEZDA MTS BELGRADE
Quality of the roster: 6
Chemistry: 6
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 8
How far they will go: 6
Total: 32
Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade starts the new season renewed in almost every respect. New coach Sasa Obradovic has an almost entirely new roster, with Jordan Loyd among the focal points. This team may not be in a position to set any big goals, but Zvezda’s trademark competitiveness promises a run that will be full of thrills for everyone.
#14 ALBA BERLIN
Quality of the roster: 7
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 6
How far they will go: 6
Total: 32
ALBA Berlin was the most fun-to-watch team last season, but their results were not as fun for them. Coach Aito Garcia Reneses is hoping he’ll be able to improve the situation somewhat with a revamped roster since alongside returning stars Peyton Siva, Marcus Eriksson and Luke Sikma the team added Jayson Granger and Maodo Lo. That said, there were significant departures as well, such as Rokas Giedraitis.
#12 TD SYSTEMS BASKONIA VITORIA-GASTEIZ
Quality of the roster: 7
Chemistry: 7
Status: 6
Transfer moves: 7
How far they will go: 6
Total: 33
You never change a winning team, unless we’re talking about TD Systems Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Spanish team was crowned champion of the Spanish League and immediately afterward began an extreme makeover. The departure of Toko Shengelia was one of many and it remains to be seen whether newly acquired players such as Rokas Giedraitis and Tonye Jekiri can fill the gaps and implement Coach Dusko Ivanovic’s plan.