Can Fenerbahce steal the win at Baskonia?
It seems like things are getting better for FenerbahceBeko. They have now an almost complete roster, including Jan Vesely, who is back for the training with the group. Even if the Czech big man has to wait a bit more and with Ahmet Duverioglu a game-time decision, the Turkish team is looking like a potential winner today in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The new signings, Malcolm Thomas, who already made his debut with the squad and James Nunnally back for a second stint with the team will contribute a lot to a larger rotation together with Joffrey Lauvergne who is not leaving Fenerbahce. Let’s see if he will be on the court or again punished by Zeljko Obradovic.
If the motivation and chemistry will work, I don’t see how Fenerbahce can lose this game. I know Baskonia made the miracle against F.C. Barcelona, but I don’t trust miracles in a row. Actually, due to injuries and lack of money, this is the worst Baskonia of the modern era. They have a couple of ambitious players, starting with Shengelia, Henry, Stauskas but that’s it, maybe a total of 6-7 decent players. During the weekend they have lost the qualification in the Spanish Cup, being nipped at home surprisingly by Manresa with 79-80. Definitely is not their season.
Fenerbahce had a nightmarish season too, but now they have the big chance to recover. The Turkish powerhouse is at only 2 games distance from the playoff spots and they improved a lot during the last 2 weeks. Let’s see if the acquisition campaign will work in this serious test at Baskonia. Normally it has to because Fenerbahce has more experience as a group at the Euroleague highest level. Kalinic, Sloukas, Mahmutoglu, Muhammed, Datome were there in the last couple of Euroleague’s Final Four and this means a better cohesion as a team. If you add the offensive sharpness of Nando de Colo and the physical skills of Derrick Williams you have all you need to win normal games.
Photo: Euroleague
Gratian Cormos
