By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
We had an exciting month to open the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. Those 53 games brought plenty of thrills and signaled that there is much more to come. Only one team is unbeaten, four teams sit at 5-1, and every single team made its way into the win column at least once.
The second installment of the Power Rankings by Eurohoops recaps the start of the 2023-24 season for each club.
Status, momentum, form, and the importance of the results so far were the main criteria for ranking the 18 teams.
Also, the team’s respective rankings cannot increase or decrease by a margin larger than six spots, compared to the previous edition of Power Rankings which are going to be used as pole positions (otherwise these Power Rankings would be identical to the standings).
#18 ALBA BERLIN
Previous ranking: 18 (-)
W-L: 1-5
Home: 1-1
Away: 0-4
Points +/-: 76.8-84.2
Managing low expectations, ALBA Berlin has been competitive in recent outings. In its last two games, ALBA notched a win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and troubled Valencia Basket. However, it does not deserve a better spot in the rankings.
#17 LDLC ASVEL VILLEURBANNE
Previous ranking: 17 (-)
W-L: 1-5
Home: 0-2
Away: 1-3
Points +/-: 80-91.2
From a tough loss to Virtus Segafredo Bologna in new head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco’s debut to coming back from a 13-point deficit in Kaunas. It could have been worse for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. Promising signs of progress don’t translate much further at this point.
#16 FC BAYERN MUNICH
Previous ranking: tied for 13th (-3)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 1-1
Away: 1-3
Points +/-: 70.2-77
The Pablo Laso era is off to a rocky start. FC Bayern Munich has been struggling and has three losses in a row. Vladimir Lucic has yet to be cleared for action, but his approaching return might not be enough for better results deeper in the season.
#15 BASKONIA VITORIA-GASTEIZ
Previous ranking: tied for 13th (-2)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 1-3
Away: 1-1
Points +/-: 80.5-79.2
After some poor showings, Baskonia decided to part ways with Coach Joan Penarroya and reunite with Dusko Ivanovic. The fourth stint for the Montenegrin tactician started with a narrow win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Let’s see where this goes.
#14 PANATHINAIKOS ATHENS
Previous ranking: tied for 9th (-5)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 2-2
Away: 0-2
Points +/-: 78.8-81.5
Adjustments can be complicated, especially for a revamped roster such as Panathinaikos‘s. The Greens can’t get going with a big win, despite playing at home in four of the first six rounds. Picking up Kendrick Nunn is a plus. Scanning the market for a small forward can lead to yet another upgrade.
#13 CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET BELGRADE
Previous ranking: 11 (-1)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 2-1
Away: 0-3
Points +/-: 80.5-79.2
After a head-coaching change and four losses in a row, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet finally secured a win. Ioannis Sfairopoulos has plenty of work to do after replacing Coach Ivanovic. The schedule, including the upcoming visit to FC Barcelona, seems challenging. Nemanja Nedovic’s return to action can provide a boost.
#12 PARTIZAN MOZZART BET BELGRADE
Previous ranking: tied 6th (-6)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 1-1
Away: 1-3
Points +/-: 86.2-86.3
Even with the legendary Zeljko Obradovic in charge, the difficulties persist for Partizan Mozzart Bet. Mateusz Ponitka is stuck on the injured list. And Kevin Punter recently joined him, adding to the early-season issues.
#11 ANADOLU EFES ISTANBUL
Previous ranking: 5 (-6)
W-L: 2-4
Home: 2-1
Away: 0-3
Points +/-: 76.3-86.5
Succeeding Ergin Ataman is far from a simple task for Coach Erdem Can. Anadolu Efes is looking to get on track. Players such as Will Clyburn and Darius Thompson improving would be a nice step in necessary improvements.