By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The letters of all 16 GMs to Santa Claus were leaked by a confidential source to Eurohoops and the findings were more than interesting.
Some of the present wishes are realistic, others serve utility purposes, while others should summon the Christmas spirit to become true!
Anadolu Efes Istanbul
A lucky charm
It is true that Efes is struggling with its 3-11 record and its 4-game losing streak. However, the change in the head coach position seems promising enough for a better luck next year. Still, a lucky charm might help bring some prosperity to the team.
AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan
Fashionable opponents
We get it. It’s hard to beat Giorgio Armani’s designs when it comes to basketball jerseys. Yet it has to be an obligation for teams to suit up appropriately when they visit the Mediolanum Forum. Take note of Barcelona’s turquoise jersey!
Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz
A gold star
The Vitoria side is trying its best to remain competitive and manages to be successful so far. Coming off from a thriller victory against Barcelona at home, a gold star is well-deserved.
Wine and a bonfire celebration with coach Trinchieri
Now, there must be more fun things to enjoy in 2018, but we can’t surpass the fact that Brose Bamberg‘s coach is a walking wit. Imagine having the chance to taste some fine wine while hearing stories from Andrea Trinchieri. Can’t beat that.
Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade
A spot in its hometown’s Final Four
Do you believe in the miracle of Christmas? Crvena Zvezda most likely does. What could be a sweeter present in 2018 other than being one of the team to compete in the Belgrade Final Four?
Books
Taken from a recent Nando De Colo interview, we assume that many of the team’s players like to read. What a better company during long travels other than a book?
FC Barcelona Lassa
Mike James?
Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul
Heath and Kalinic
We’re pretty sure that Fenerbahce wants Santa to deliver their present in May and not in Istanbul… and if the team gets healthy and Kalinic is back, this can happen again.
Khimki Moscow Region
A challenge
What a generic present to ask, right? Well, not really. Bartzokas’ squad has hopes and dreams (and abilities) that go beyond the regular season round. Santa should reward these Russian soldiers, that are still holding up well in the standings, by throwing them into the fire.
Peace
The Israeli team has a much better start this season than the year before. What Maccabi truly needs from Santa is stability (peace) and the Cole, Jackson, Thomas triad to stay efficient.
Olympiacos Piraeus
A potion to break through the injury plague
The best present for the Greek team would probably be a fast return of its injured players, especially in the power forward position, with Kim Tillie and Dimitris Agravanis ruled out indefinitely.
Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens
A tattoo parlor
The Greens love their tattoos. Recently, James Gist added one more piece to his collection in Belgrade. So, we think it would be very convenient for the team to have easy access to ink and needles when needed!
Doncic and Llull
Right. The Madrid side (and EuroLeague fans), would want the 18-year-old wonder kid to stay a bit longer and also Sergio Llull back on the court.
Beard oil
It is true that beards are in fashion. Plenty of Valencia players wear theirs with pride! Owning a beard comes with its own responsibilities though. Santa should leave a few bottles under the Christmas tree for future use.
Unicaja Malaga
Foreign language teachers
Given that 11 players of the squad arrive from countries where English is not a native language, it would be best for the team’s president, Eduardo Garcia, to play Santa and help his team with a few foreign language teachers. Babel no more!
Zalgiris Kaunas
#F4Glory
Sarunas Jasikevicius’ systems are a headache to most coaches this season, which only lights up the Final Four fire more for Zalgiris. And with Beno Udrih onboard who knows? Let’s hope that if that happens, Arturas Milaknis will let him know before taking a crucial shot.