Post-draw analysis, comments: Group E

Oct 05, 2013 by Eurocupbasketball.com Print

Khimki Moscow Region
BC Khimki

Khimki is back in the Eurocup after a strong Euroleague campaign last season. Proven Euroleague talents like centers Paul Davis and Kreso Loncar and forwards James Augustine and Sergey Monya immediately put Khimki in position to succeed. The additions of scorer Marko Popovic and playmaker Mike Green to Petteri Koponen in the backcourt provide head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis with the ingredients for a title run.

Pinar Karsiyaka

Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir is not taking any chances with its Eurocup debut campaign. The club turned to accomplished veterans of European competitions to propel the team. Esteban Batista, Leo Lyons and Baris Hersek make up a formidable trio in the paint. The guard duo of Bobby Dixon and Jon Diebler returns from last season to wreak havoc on defenses. Newcomer Can Altıntıg will aid the returnees’ assault on opposing baskets.

Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem

Hapoel Jerusalem looks to a new season with enthusiasm after making some noteworthy moves over the summer. Brad Greenberg takes over the head coaching reins and will have former All-Euroleague guard Yotam Halperin as an on court leader. Bruising center Art Parakhouski, veteran forward Ronald Dupree and mercurial guard Derwin Kitchen add to a deep roster that has the former ULEB Cup champs thinking big once again.

Igokea Aleksandrovac

Eurocup newcomers Igokea Aleksandrovac looks to make a splash with a team that features both veteran leadership and top young talent. Miljan Pavkovic assumes playmaking duties alongside Boris Bakic in the backcourt, while scorer Milan Dozet is back for a fourth season with the club. Young playmaker Drasko Knezevic could make his breakthrough this season, while another guard, Keddric Mays, can be counted on for points, too.

Lukoil Academic Sofia

Perennial Bulgarian champion Lukoil Academic lines up an exciting looking roster this season. Swingman Bozhidar Avramov and big guys Nikolay Kolev and Tencho Banev are holdovers from last season, while former Euroleague champ Dimitris Verginis, low-post presence Jure Lalic and forward Kieron Achara are among the more-experienced additions. Alando Tucker could become the go-to scoring option on this deep squad.

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti

The perennial Romanian League champion returns to the Eurocup more than five years after its debut season in the competition, looking to make a splash. Guards Alhaji Mohammed and rookie Christopher Dunn make a great one-two punch in the backcourt, while additions of forwards Jermaine Flowers and Gerald Lee provide for balance and experience. In the paint, seasoned veterans Vladimir Tica and Catalin Burlacu have the size and know-how to make this a season to remember.

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Post-draw analysis, comments: Group E

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