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.
Status: 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 Istanbul 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 and the teams that would consider advancement to the next phase as a big success with a 6.
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.
16. Zalgiris Kaunas
Quality of roster 6
Chemistry 6
Status 6
Transfer moves 6
How far they will go 6
Total 30
Zalgiris Kaunas are a traditional team in the EuroLeague. They are about to begin their 16th season in the tournament, but in recent years they have been reduced to the role of extras,without being able to ever qualify for the playoffs all these years. The Lithuanians are going to try to project a better image compared with previous years, with Sarunas Jasikevicius undertaking the building of a team from the summer for the first time. They are relying again on native players and they’re hoping that the duo of Pangos-Westermann in the backcourt is going to make the difference, and that the athletic big man Augusto Lima is going to help himself and Zalgiris get to the next level. The quality of the roster and the depth of the bench may not match the strongest teams, but if Zalgiris remain competitive after the first round, it will be a great success