Francesco Cappelletti does not need an introduction anymore. Francesco works for Montepaschi Siena and has written many great articles for us, such as things about Brandon Jennings and league previews for Italy, Spain, Greece and Russia. This time, Francesco gives us his insight on “his” team – Montepaschi Siena.
Overall record prediction: 8-2
For a team had never faced the Euroleague until 2002, three Final Four appearances (Barcelona 2003, Tel-Aviv 2004, Madrid 2008) is a laudable result. But this is not the final stop because, in the words of last year’s Euroleague Executive of the Year, Ferdinando Minucci, “Siena is raising the bidding,” and is about to take its final step in the race to the Euroleague throne.
Critics say that Montepaschi is not improved its weakest point – small-sized power forwards and centers – but they don’t know how coach Pianigiani, despite a sad bottom ranking in rebounds, loves this type of roster, one not anchored to the paint and with a long backcourt rotation. This is why Siena did not land a player such as Marc Jackson, reaching agreement instead with a top-level in Domercant and the true MVP of 2007/2008 Serie A, Morris Finley. This duo provides Pianigiani of someone more dangerous than Ilievski and Thornton to attack man defenses, and takes some pressure off McIntyre and Kaukenas, two key players who have entered their 30s are coming off back-breaking seasons and serious injury.
However, Montepaschi remains the same at 8 of 10 spots: consistency that could be more relevant than a huge summer renewal, as shown by Olympiacos, Maccabi and CSKA. Even more, several are getting closer to their last chance to win a Euroleague title (McIntyre is 31, Stonerook is 31, Lavrinovic is 29, and Kaukenas is 32): another reason to consider Siena a favorite to win the championship.
If they have learned the lesson provided by Maccabi last year, and if the desire, ambition and – most of all – physical integrity are still the same, Siena can succeed despite the most difficult Italian domestic league field in five years, a certain energy drain for Montepaschi. But ask Minucci what championship he would rather win: No doubt he would answer Euroleague.
Final four participants: Montepaschi, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, CSKA.
Final Four winner: Panathinaikos.
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