Betting tips: Hapoel Jerusalem to qualify for the BCL FINAL 4
The most balanced series for a Final 4 spot of the Basketball Champions League will be between Iberostar Tenerife and Hapoel Jerusalem. Both squads deserve to be there and have impressive rosters. The Spaniards are former winners of the competition in the first season. But I pick Hapoel Jerusalem to win and qualify from this battle.
I chose the Israeli team since September before the European competition had started because:
- I think Hapoel has the best roster in BCL, and it’s not only about the presence of the ex-NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire whose game improved a lot since the beginning of the season. Hapoel Jerusalem has a core made just by very strong players like James Feldeine, Chris Johnson, Josh Owens, J’Covan Brown, Da’Sean Butler. A special place deserves Tashawn Thomas, the best shooter in the entire competition on 2 points range: an incredible 73.6%
- the Israeli powerhouse has many local players: Tamir Blatt, the leader of BCL last year in assists and former Maccabi Tel Aviv teammates Lyor Eliyahu, Yogev Ohayon, who bring in their huge experience.
- Hapoel Jerusalem is the best team by numbers: they are leading the Basketball Champions League in points scored, rebounds, assists and efficiency per game
- Iberostar Tenerife won the 1st edition of BCL. Even they have 7 players from that roster I don’t think the history will repeat. Last year they were eliminated by UCAM Murcia in this phase of the competition. Iberostar Tenerife is a very good team but I feel that this year their main focus won’t be the BCL trophy.
Gratian Cormos, info@brainbasketball.net
