Euroleague 2007-2008 - Partizan Igokea - The Preview
October 23, 2007 by Julien
Author: David Hein from heinnews
Overall Record Prediction : 6-8
Partizan Igokea may have six players born in 1986 or later, but the Serbian powers could make some real noise in Group C - which should have its name changed to the Group of Death as it includes four-time champions and title-holders Panathinaikos, eight-time European champs Real Madrid, 2003 winners Barcelona as well as 1984 champions Lottomatica Roma.
Dusko Vujosevic’s team is highly unlikely to challenge the Big Three of Panathinaikos, Barcelona and Real Madrid. But the 1992 European champs from Belgrade will be fighting with the Italians, the strong Germans from Bamberg, Turkish powers Fenerbahce Ulker and French debutants Chorale Roanne for the final two spots to move into the Top 16.
Since coming to Partizan in 2001, Vujosevic has continued the strong winning tradition of the Belgrade powers. His young side has already stormed to the top of the Adriatic League with a 5-1 record. And Vujosevic has not been afraid of using his youngsters as 20-year-old Milenko Tepic helps Milt Palacio run the show in the back-court with 21-year-old Uros Tripkovic waiting to come off the bench for some clutch outside shooting.
The 21-year-old Novica Velickovic has led the team in rebounding so far this season while 21-year-old Montenegro center Nikola Pekovic is still the team’s leading scorer despite slowing down slightly from his torrid start.
Vujosevic’s team surprised many last season by beating Panathinaikos in Athens to reach the Top 16. And the Serbs nearly reached the quarter-final playoffs but lost to finalists CSKA Moscow in the final game of the Top 16 round to be sent home.
But Partizan fans can expect the reigning Adriatic league champions to sweep both Fenerbahce and Roanne in Group C while other victories could come against Bamberg and perhaps one against Roma.
But knocking off one of the Big Three remains unlikely, mainly because their last game against one of those teams comes in Week 11 and Real Madrid will undoubtedly still be hungry to grab one of the top three spots.
Should Partizan advance to the Top 16, they stand a decent chance to move into the quarter-finals though, as those youngsters would then have another round of success under their belts.
Watch out for this team in the future if Vujosevic can keep them together.
Final 4 Prediction : CSKA Moscow, Panathinaikos, Efes Pilsen (Blatt will somehow work his magic) and Olympiacos - Sorry Spain fans!
Winner : CSKA Moscow
Messina, Papaloukas, Holden, Smodis and the boys are ready to re-claim the thrown - Sorry Saras!
[...] his blogging job watch his team Chorale Roanne vs. Partizan Igokea. I think our preview journalist David Hein predicted that Partizan will “kill” Roanne. This should be enough of a reason to watch this game right? He was already right by predicting [...]
Please don’t forget Partizan’s title from 1992. That makes 5 teams who won the champeonship!!!!