FIBA Europe Cup – much stronger next season
Even it was seen by many as a competition for the small clubs of the continent, FIBA Europe Cup is getting stronger every season. Last season they included some teams from VTB League and Turkey that had great achievements in their domestic league. Enisey Krasnoyarsk, for instance, won against CSKA Moscow in VTB League, while Pinar Karsiyaka occupied the 2nd spot in Turkey when the Coronavirus started. They have beaten Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Banvit and many other clubs by a big margin, proving once again that the level could be tied, even if the game is opposing a Euroleague/Eurocup team, a Champions League’s one or a FIBA Europe Cup competitor.
Pinar, the main title contender in FIBA Europe Cup have lost in the domestic league of Turkey, only against Anadolu Efes in overtime and Bahcesehir (the other Turkish squad qualified in the semifinals of FIBA’s competition). This is saying a lot about the growing level of small teams in Europe.
Next season will be one of the best of the continental competition because many new strong teams will be added. Since many famous newcomers joined BasketballCL, some squads that played previously in this competition will have to migrate to FIBA Europe Cup which is getting much more prestige. Famous clubs like Besiktas announced their intention to participate, Reggio Emilia also is thinking to do so and I am sure that many others will join them. The battling for the trophy will be definitely sharper than the last season and this is good for the fans. They will enjoy the new competitiveness because better clubs will be involved. In the BCL qualifiers, 16 teams are fighting for the 4 remaining spots. It’s very likely that some of the other 12 teams that won’t enter BCL like Hapoel Tel Aviv, Iraklis or Igokea will be happy to join Fiba Europe Cup groups, where they have more chances to win games.
Photo: Basketball Champions League
Gratian Cormos
