By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Saben Lee’s return to Manisa from Maccabi Tel Aviv made headlines; however, it was not only the prodigal son’s return to Turkey that turned heads.
The Lithuanian duo on the bench of the team is not only tested on the highest level but is the seal of quality approval that the team missed earlier in the season.
Getting the former Zalgiris Kaunas and Lithuanian national team coach on board is not a small feat. On the contrary, Kazys Maksvytis has been tested on the highest level both in the EuroLeague and in FIBA competition, proving that he has what it takes.
The same can be said for his top assistant. Darius Songaila is an important part of Lithuanian’s basketball history and his tenure next to coach Gregg Popovic in San Antonio makes his decision to sign for a club like Manisa unprecedented.
And that’s how a team, founded 30 years ago and in just their third season in the Turkish top division should be considered a Basketball Champions League Final Four contender.
They proved their ambitions from day one when they beat Murcia on the road in the first round and next week they host the Spanish team which made it to last season’s Final Four and also has high ambitions.
A home win would secure the top spot in Group H and direct qualification to the Round of 16. It will also be the first game of the new coaching staff of the team and with Lee back on the court.
So the message is simple: Don’t sleep on Manisa.