[lptitle title=”Start the countdown”]
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By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The countdown for the start of the season has began and Eurohoops.net ranks the teams according to their dynamics, evaluating each one in five different areas.
We rated the teams with 10 the highest grade in five different areas that can reveal the capacity 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 completeness in every position.
Chemistry: The big and fancy names do not 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.
Tradition: The name and the history of the 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 made in the transfer market and estimate the weakening or strengthening of a team.
How far they’ll 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 have a targeted presence in Berlin and good chances of making it are graded with an 8, the teams whose big goal is to reach the Final Four with a 7, the teams that are expected to have a dignified presence to the Top16 with a 6, and the teams that would consider advancement to the next phase as a big success 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 that it will change throughout the season.
Here are the full rosters of the 24 teams and their moves during the summer
Here are the teams ranked 24-17
Here are the teams ranked 16-9
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[lptitle title=”8. Maccabi“]
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Quality of roster 8
Chemistry 7
Tradition 8
Transfer moves 7
Reach 7
Total 37
Maccabi’s formula remains the same even though there are several new faces this year. After the failed season last year, Goodes will not have Pargo, Haynes, Tyus, Schortsanitis or Alexander at his disposal and he will be called upon to bring the Israelis back on the road of successes (advancing to the Top 8 is considered the minimum goal) by building a team that has big advantages and several weaknesses. The duo of Rochestie and Farmar along the perimeter is excellent offensively but has a few defensive issues, while Randle and Mbakwe can provide many solutions close to the basket with their athletic qualities. However, the bench has no real depth, and there aren’t many alternative options or action plans. Even if the bet of the very talented Bender is won, Maccabi is going to need a lot more in order to get into the Final Four.
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[lptitle title=”7. Anadolu Efes“]
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Quality of roster 8
Chemistry 8
Tradition 7
Transfer moves 8
Reach 8
Total 39
Efes has been following a plan for the last two years that is ready to start bearing even more fruit. Dusan Ivkovic has created a team with amazing levels of athleticism with the additions of Granger, Brown, Tyus and Dunston, and Efes can definitely make the difference in the Euroleague due to this element. At the same time, the production and promotion of talent (Osman, Saric, Korkmaz, Ulubay) continues unabated. The foundation of the team is the same as last year and this will help considerably. Efes aims to at least reach the Euroleague playoffs with the secret hope of advancing to the Final Four for the first time in 16 years.
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[lptitle title=”6. Panathinaikos“]
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Quality of roster 8
Chemistry 7
Tradition 8
Transfer moves 8
Reach 8
Total 39
Panathinaikos got a new coach, handing the keys to Sasa Djordjevic who returns to the Euroleague after four years. The “greens” were reinforced significantly, adding depth to their roster, along with some quality solutions along the perimeter (Calathes, Feldeine, Pavlovic) and the frontline (Raduljica, Kuzmic) that didn’t exist in last year’s version. Panathinaikos considers advancing to the Top 8 as their minimum objective but they would like to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. The heavy name of the team and the renewal of their roster can provide that extra something, even though Djordjevic will have to essentially build a team from scratch. The only risk in this roster is the lack of a quality guard until the return of the injured Pappas and Bochoridis.
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