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
15. Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade
Quality of roster 6
Chemistry 7
Status 6
Transfer moves 6
How far they will go 6
Total 31
Crvena Zvezda are going to take part in the EuroLeague for the fourth consecutive season, every year appearing better compared to the last. From getting knocked out in the regular period in 2013-14, they qualified to the Top 16 in 2014-15, and last year they even got to the quarterfinals. The conditions this year to, at least, repeat what they accomplished last season, are not on the Serbs’ side. Dejan Radonjic stayed at the head coach position, but he lost Miller, Zirbes, Kinsey, and filling the gaps left by their departures will be hard. Luka Mitrovic’s return after his injury is definitely good news. As is the excellent creator, Stefan Jovic, staying on. The biggest challenge for Zvezda is how they’re going to serve the model of previous years, since Kuzmic and Jenkins face a tough task in making the difference like Marjanovic, Zirbes and Quincy Miller in the past.
14. UNICS Kazan
Quality of roster 7
Chemistry 7
Status 6
Transfer moves 6
How far they will go 6
Total 32
UNICS Kazan return to the EuroLeague for the third time after the 2011-12 and 2014-15 seasons, having as their secret ambition to repeat what they did in their first ever season, qualify for the playoffs. However, this season they have a smaller budget compared to the other years, they didn’t try to make any flashy signings, and decided to rely on the chemistry they have created in previous years. Evgeniy Pashutin has stayed on as the coach, with Langford, Colom, Kaimakoglou, Parakhouski, Latavious Williams, and Marko Banic as leaders once again.The only young American that was added, Coty Clarke, is awaited with interest. The roster has quality, but it doesn’t look like they can make the difference and get into the top eight, since there is not a player who will lead in offense – aside from Langford – and furthermore, the depth of the roster will be tested in a long season. They will probably drop out of the qualification battle for the playoffs early on, but they will do so afterdefeating several big teams along the way.
13. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Quality of roster 7
Chemistry 6
Status 6
Transfer moves 8
How far they will go 6
Total 33
In their 10th consecutive appearance in the EuroLeague, Olimpia Armani Milano are aiming to return to the playoffs, like they did in the 2013/2014 season. The Italians are coming off a very bad year, but they kept Jasmin Repesa in place, as well as players who tried to improve the team’s picture in the second half of last season (Sanders, Kalnietis). Once again the Croatian coach handed the reigns of the team to Gentile (even though he took the captaincy from him), with Simon, Macvan, McLean, Cinciarini, Cerella, at his side. Overall though, the roster has been reinforced compared to last season, as Raduljica, Dragic, Hickman, Pascolo, Abass are definitely excellent acquisitions. At first glance, it looks like Milano are going to face some defensive problems, mostly close to the basket. Furthermore, the quality of Raduljica, Dragic, and Hickman is indisputable, but Gentile has to provide himself a boost to his career so that Milano can also benefit from that.