By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The first third of the competition is done, and so far all signs point to an extremely difficult race to the playoffs. Everything goes in the standings, though for the moment Fenerbahce is alone at the top of the standings with a 10-1 record.
MVP
Gustavo Ayon
Ayon helped Real Madrid seal a narrow victory against Anadolu Efes on the road with a great double-double of 20 points and 11 boards. The Mexican big man also added three assists and two steals for the winners, adding up to 34 points of index rating. His overall nearly perfect presence on the floor was crucial in a game that was determined in the final seconds.
Best five
- Marcus Eriksson: He’s featured in the best five of the week for the second in a row after a 17-point performance that led Gran Canaria to the win against Olimpia Milano
- Marius Grigonis: The X-factor of Zalgiris in the second half against Olympiacos, Grigonis added 19 points (8/10 F.G.) and helped the Lithuanians overcome their visitors.
- Tornike Shengelia: Baskonia‘s captain pushed the team with 13 points and eight boards against visiting CSKA Moscow.
- Jan Vesely: The Czech forward showed no mercy to Panathinaikos with 15 points, seven boards and seven assists.
- Gustavo Ayon: The MVP of the round with an all-around performance.
Coach of the week: Aleksandar Dzikic
Winning against a traditional European powerhouse – regardless of its current state – can always be a morale-booster. Buducnost took down Barcelona in Podgorica with its third victory of the season and while it doesn’t mean much from a standings viewpoint, it will be remembered by the Montenegrin fans for a while.
Last word: Some food for thought
Just right after the first third of the season, 1/4 of EuroLeague coaches have been fired. If we want to put things into perspective and as Managing Director of ELPA Bostjan Nachbar highlighted, that would equal 7 or 8 coaches being fired in the NBA after this part of the season due to a slow start. Maybe it’s time for EuroLeague team boards and fans to start showing some sympathy as it’s still early in the season. It’s a tough world when every win counts to make it another day, though it takes patience for a team to blossom.