Euroleague 2007-2008 - Real Madrid - The Preview

Author : Alberto Notario from Basket-Net

Overall Record Prediction : 9-5 (defeated in quarterfinals [F4 contender if the team earns home spot in quarterfinals]).

The European historical powerhouse comes back to the higher level competition. The Spanish champions won the ULEB Cup trophy last season and they will meet history with the only aim of being one of the four contenders in the next Final Four, which will take place at Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid the next Spring of 2008.

Lead by the surprinsing coach Joan Plaza, who won the Spanish title in his first high-level coaching year, the Spaniards have strengthened the team every year, with the European crown battle on mind. Last summer, they signed a pair of Greek stars. One of the best centers in the old continent has arrived. The strong and productive giant Lazaros Papadoulos will definitely add more depth to the the Spanish capital team’s frontcourt. His work with Felipe Reyes, the Spanish gladiator, might be one of the keys of the success in the ‘white house’. Now, European teams have to scout well Real Madrid before entering the court and checking the white power in the zone.

One of the deepest European frontcourts is completed by a couple of talented players, headed by Axel Hervelle, who nowadays is considered one of the most versatile players across Europe. The 28-year forward Alex Mumbru brings defense adjustment to the team and is going to compete for a place in the starting lineup. The American Venson Hamilton and Serbian Blagota Sekulic will try to get some minutes in the show but they got to know this won’t be easy.

The star shooting-guard Louis Bullock remains on the team and probably will remain the leading scorer, helped by Michalis Pelekanos’ decision in the perimeter. Raul López still plays with magical powers, with a sixth sense for the passing tasks, and the Turkish point guard Kerem Tunçeri will keep the ball safe. Finally, the young prospect Sergi Llull will be ready from the bench for an opportunity to show his game.

Charles Smith did a magnificient stuff last year and he will be in the potential lineup recording points, defense pressure tactics and steals. His improvement has pleased Coach Plaza and his confidence is a clear example of the quality of basketball that offers Real Madrid.

Playing at Palacio de Vistalegre, a bull party arena with a loyal crowd of 15.000 fans, the white sensation will try to get Europe honors back home. Real Madrid’s last championship was in 1995 so it will be interesting to see how a talented team with no fear answers to a new big challenge at the highest competition level. The addition of Papadopoulos gives the team much more power and probably the team’s chemistry will decide if the Europe’s historical king will be battling for its ninth title at home.

For the Real Madrid basketball team, the road to the Final Four starts on October 25^th in Instanbul, against Fernerbahce Ulker. Let’s get started for the white showtime!

 

Final 4 Prediction : Olympiakos, CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid, AXA FC Barcelona

Winner : AXA FC Barcelona