By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
After two exciting rounds for the Regular Season and the Last 32, the moment that all Eurocup fans have been waiting for is here.
We are talking about the Eighth-Finals of course. Sixteen teams will compete in eight two-legged knock-out series that will determine who will advance to the quarterfinals. While as a general “rule” this kind of format favors the strongest teams, some exciting surprises can be in order.
This time, almost all 8 match-ups are open to any result. There is a truly grand favorite in only one of the Eighth-Final battles, as you will read in our feature, while almost anything can happen in the rest of the games.
Eurohoops.net decided to preview these series that start tomorrow, offering an insight on the 16 teams, comparing the opponents and highlighting some certain points of interest.
ALBA BERLIN – BAYERN MUNICH
If this Eigth-Finals clash between Alba Berlin and Bayern Munich wasn’t interesting enough already, its intriguing character becomes even greater after the German Cup Final. Bayern will look for a chance of redemption, after losing the title and Alba Berlin is fully aware of that. During the current season, the score is 2 – 0 in favor of coach Obradovic‘s team, since the Bavarians had been defeated in the championship match as well.
Moreover, Alba and Bayern will almost get… bored of facing each other, since they will also meet in a game for a German Bundesliga. There are no secrets between Alba Berlin and Bayern Munich, thus no excuses, whatsoever, if any teams appears unprepared.
What will Alba Berlin do:
Apart from ploughing again through the “know how” that has been proven successful so far in the season, the team from Berlin will try to put all possible momentum from the Cup Final into good use. With Rob Lowery sidelined because of his injury, Will Cherry and Jordan Taylor will have to be ultra focused on offense but also guard their opposing guards fiercely. After all, Alex Renfroe and Nihad Dedovic are players that are not to be trifled with.
We already explained some of the reasons why general numbers in Eurocup offer little insight on this specific match up. However, it would not hurt the German Cup winners to fix their “assist/turnover” ratio. Out of all teams that have advanced in the Eighth-Finals, Alba is the worst in that department, finishing the Last 32 with 97 assists and 90 turnovers in total.
What will Bayern Munich do:
After shedding all negative psychology, coach Pesic’s players will probably need to be tougher, and more resilient in their game. For example, gaining a lead and then losing it almost in a heartbeat is not exactly the right attitude of a team that wants to make it further in the competition.
Also, the Bavarians… have to finally discover a way to stop Elmedin Kikanovic. The Bosnian big guy has been a small nightmare for Bayern, scoring 16 points in the German Championship game, and 19 for the German Cup. Eliminating this threat will be crucial, but in the meantime, John Bryant and Deon Thompson have to be steadily good on both ends of court. When they play according to the standards, the benefits for their team are multiplied and so are the problems for their opponents.
LIMOGES CSP – GRAN CANARIA
Here we have two teams that are arriving in the Eighth-Finals from two completely different standpoints. On one hand, Limoges’ players had more time to get prepared, clear their minds and channel their focus entirely into this game. On the other hand, Gran Canaria spent four intense days in Corruna for the Copa Del Rey. Their efforts peaked in their well fought, yet exhausting Final against Real Madrid.
But what is common in Gran Canaria and Limoges is that they have both made an impression in the Last 32. The team from Las Palmas almost swept its way to the third Eurocup stage winning five games while losing only one. Meanwhile, the French advanced by practically… eliminating one of the favorites, Valencia, winning them twice and making some noise heard all over Europe.
What will Limoges do:
Defensively, the Limougeauds have a lot of job against the best offense in Eurocup Last 32 (88.5 points per game). They will try to break the connection between the Gran Canaria’s guards and Slovenian center Alen Omic (one of the rising stars in the competition, and not only) and certainly attempt to block the view to the basket from the shooters of the Spaniards. Gran Canaria has been making more than ten three-pointers per game in the Last 32. A LOT. It will be curious to see if the defensive switches that worked miracles against Valencia will be used again.
Bo McCalleb and Leo Westermann will be called to create rifts which will allow Nobel Boungou Colo and Will Daniels to strike from afar. Also, Ali Traore’s low post skills will not only bring scoring, but also expand Limoges’ options in offense, making it even more difficult to be stopped.
What will Gran Canaria do:
The average difference with which Gran Canaria wins its opponents at Las Palmas, is 17 points. Just a hunch, but perhaps this is a good reason why the team will throw most of the Eighth-Finals weight on what will happen in the rematch. Not in Beaublanc.
Also, taking under consideration the fatigue from the Copa Del Rey, it is quite possible to see Aito Reneses preferring to implement a different type of basketball in France. One that departs a bit from the team’s DNA. So, center Alen Omic might have even more duties than before, in an increased amount of 5 vs 5 offensive plays. The Spaniards will need more input from Kevin Pangos who should give a big helping hand to veteran Albert Oliver in the playmaking business. Also, since Limoges’ defense has been strengthened since Dule’s arrival (the team received an average of 73 points in the last four Eurocup games), Pangos’ unpredictable and imaginative game might be a skeleton key that will unlock it.
STRASBOURG – OLDENBURG
Two teams that have walked a quite similar road in the Last 32, will now face each other. Although they had an identical record (4-2), Oldenburg managed to finish first in its Group, while Strasbourg came second in its own. This is the first time for both teams in the Eighth-Finals, and this kind of knock-out games.
It will be curious to see how Oldenburg will fare in this entirely new experience, not only for the club, in general, but for many players in the team. Sure, they have been baptized in the Eurocup difficulties through advancing as first in a tough Group (in which Valencia didn’t make it) but this demanding Eurocup knock-out stage might be overwhelming. Then again, the German team has shown no fear against any challenge so far in the competition.
The players of Strasbourg have already tested their mettle in Euroleague, this season before moving to Eurocup. They have played against… the best (literally) and gained some wounds that might serve as lessons against the German team. This might help them appear more mature and more ready than their opponent.
What will Strasbourg do:
Use their enthusiasm in order to fight fire with fire. Since Oldenburg is not exactly famed for its defense (receiving around 82 points average in the games that mattered in the Last 32), here’s an opportunity for players like Rodrigue Beaubois, Kyle Weems and veteran Louis Campbell to bring some scoring mojo from the perimeter that can make a difference against a strong offense.
Defending against Brian Qvale might be an issue for Vincent Collet’s players, so some overplay tactics, can do the trick against Oldenburg’s dangerous big guy. After all, Strasbourg was the third best team in steals in the Last 32, so they have the right skills for such a defense.
What will Oldenburg do:
So far Oldenburg has been quite comfortable playing away from home, so they might make a mistake if they choose a conservative game approach. The Germans will most likely try to take their opponents by surprise and use the duo of Vaughn Duggins and Ricky Paulding to a great extent in order play their well calculated game.
A good deal of pressure should be applied in the guards of Strasbourg which are prone on making the mistake (15.5 turnovers per game in the Last 32). That will lead to extra opportunities for the already strong offense of Oldenburg.
BANVIT – OLIMPIA ARMANI MILANO
This is one seriously anticipated matchup. While Banvit managed to qualify in the Eighth-Finals in the very last game, Milano had already sealed the first place in its Group, even before their final match in the Last 32. The Italians even made a display of power in some specific games, showing on court that their ambitions go all the way to the Final and lifting the trophy.
Meanwhile, the team from Bandirma has been constantly improving its efficiency in the competition. Banvit has scored 81 points per game in the Last 32, while making relatively few turnovers (13 average), especially considering the style of basketball that the team performs. There is still lots of potential in the Turkish team and this seems like a perfect opportunity for coach Ernak’s players to reach it and make the most out of it.
What will Banvit do:
Controlling the boards and running the transition against the second worst rebounding team in the competition, would greatly come in handy for Banvit. The energy of key players like Courtney Fortson and Adrien Moerman will be an x factor as well. If these two elements are combined with some solid three-point shooting, like the one we’ve seen from the team in the Last 32, then two big first steps towards victory will be taken.
Good rotation will also be needed against the large bench depth of Milano. Don’t be surprised if you see some youngsters jumping on court in for Banvit, despite the critical character of the game.
What will Milano do:
Contrary to popular belief, Milano does play some strong defense in Eurocup. If we count out the last, indifferent game against Aris, the team received only 71 points per game in the Last 32. So first and foremost, the Italians will aim to try to stop Courtney Fortson from running Banvit’s game. The American guard is an one man orchestra and silencing him will be half the battle. Oh, and some “Hack-A-Vidmar” would not hurt. The Slovenian center of Banvit shot with 26% from the line in the Last 32. Ouch.
Then it’s all about putting some teamwork to good use. Milano scores 79 points per game, while averaging 16.5 assists. Not bad, but when so many really skilled players create a single punch with their collective strength, then they are unstoppable.
ZARAGOZA – TRENTO
One team that has been the pleasant surprise of the competition so far, against an other that has been seriously improved during the Last 32. Trento and Zarago will face each other for a precious ticket to the Quarterfinals, which will be a historical first for both teams.
Everything that has been transpired during this Eurocup season has opened Trento’s appetite. The “cinderella” of the competition has been incredibly consistent, finishing first in its Group at both stages, even before the last game of each round took place.
The results of Zaragoza might make you overlook an important truth that characterizes their progress: The Spaniards perform better and better over the course of the season, at least in Eurocup, learning to make important victories and behave well in crucial matches. A testament of the latter, is the fact that they advanced thanks to one great victory against Galatasaray at home, and a solid road performance next, vs Szolnoki.
What will Zaragoza do:
Putting “handcuffs” on Julian Wright, for a start. The American center has been a machine for Trento. Much of his team’s game passes through his hands, since he has a multidimensional offensive role from the low post. Thankfully for Zaragoza, players like Viacheslav Kravtsov or Isaac Fotu are able to make him suffer, at least physically.
Meanwhile, the same players, plus Stefan Jelovac and Henk Norel will need to take action in order to not only win this match, but also grab a serious advantage. The Spaniards are much more dominant at home, than on the road, since they have beat their opponents in Zaragoza with an average difference of 15.6 points.
What will Trento do:
Strike fast and strike hard inside the paint with not only Julian Wright but Davide Pascolo as well. These players make a formidable duo on offense, able to hurt many opposing defenses. They help Trento grab 12 offensive rebounds per game, which, along with the 10 steals per game, provide extra ball possessions for the Italian team. If they will repeat that numbers on the road against Zaragoza, the Italians will set the foundations for a great start in these knock-out games.
Apart from the skirmishes inside the paint, an important operation for Trento will be to successfully guard Tomas Bellas. The Spanish guard dishes almost 1/3 of his team’s assists (5.8 out of 18.5). Cutting the connection that he has with his teammates, will definitely cripple Zaragoza’s offense.
NIZHNY NOVGOROD – ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG
Cold Russia will be the place for what is expected to be a quite hot duo of games between Nizhny Novgord and Zenit St. Petersburg. It goes without saying that they know each other really well, having already fought for the VTB League, with Zenit winning the match.
Zenit almost cruised its way to the Eighth-Finals with an impressive 12-4 overall record in Eurocup. The 4-2 of the Last 32 was enough to put the team at the first place in a relatively easy Group. Coach Karasev has built a tight team that knows how to win games in diverse ways.
The generally more battle hardened this Eurocup season, Nizhny Novgorod, managed to advance as a second from a quite difficult Group, where the two top spots were seemingly sealed by Unics Kazan and Maccabi Tel Aviv. But Nizhny managed to get a sound road victory in the decisive game against the Israelis, in Tel Aviv, thus checking the ticket to the Eighth-Finals.
What will Nizhny Novgorod do:
Rely heavily, but not exclusively, on its perimeter offense. Nizhny players do not hesitate to shoot the ball, when they find the tiniest open look to the basket. And their good views are plenty, thanks to the well planned systems that coach Bagatskis has designed.
Dmitry Khvostov, Semen Antonov, Evgeny Baburin and Victor Rudd fire constantly from behind the arc in order to relieve some pressure from Rasid Mahalbasic, who can do his fair share of damage from inside the paint. Forcing the prone on making mistakes Zenit (15.6 turnovers per game in the Last 32) will be ideal for a team like Nizhny that is also quite good on transition.
What will Zenit do:
Zenit controls the rhythm of a game via its strong rebounding (fifth best team in the Last 32) and great backcourt defense. The latter will be especially useful against a sharpshooting team like Nizhny Novgorod.
Vasily Karasev will also utilize a large and smooth rotation in order to keep his players fresh and ready to put their maximum energy level on court. Balancing the strong defense with a potent offense might be an issue, so it is quite possible to see a slow paced tempo by the team from St. Petersburg, which might bring the desired result.
ZIELONA GORA – UNICS KAZAN
This is probably the only Eighth-Finals pair in which we have a really strong favorite versus a clear underdog. And that is not only because Unics Kazan has been undefeated in the Last 32 (the only team to do so), but also because the Russians are generalyl in top notch shape recently. Of course that doesn’t mean that the Zielona Gora players will simply throw a carpet for their opponents to walk all over them.
After losing the national Cup by Rosa Radom, the Polish team will definitely be extra motivated to fight as hard as possible against their superior opponent. They have nothing to lose, and much to win from this clash and perhaps this lack of pressure will allow them to appear as competitive as they can possibly be. If Unics allows it of course.
What will Zielona Gora do:
To be honest, there are few things that the Polish can hope to do in order to stop Unics Kazan. Especially in the current period. Being as physical and tough as possible, is one option but it might be costly as well since the Russians have many players who can easily win fouls.
If they manage to stop Quino Colom’s creation, first, and then play effective defense on Keith Langford, the players the “Green mountain” might have a chance to win this game. What will happen in the rematch… is a matter for a totally different conversation.
What will Unics Kazan do:
Play their game. As simple as possible.There are many tricks in coach Pashutin’s bag of wonders. The Russian coach has seen more and more players heavily contributing recently, which automatically makes his team extremely dangerous. Unics will want to “finish” the qualification by the first game, so an aggressive behavior is expected.