Alberto Notario publishes some of his articles for Basket-net.com, a web site, that “cares about the real basketball fan allover the world”. And this is really true. The web site actually publishes news in English as well as in Spanish – not too many European web sites do this up to this point. Alberto already sent us his preview for last season and we are happy to have him on board again, since Alberto covers European basketball for quiete a long time now and is one of the true experts in Europe.
Overall record prediction: 7-3
Time will tell, but Real Madrid’s pride has to get back in the European basketball scene. No problems, no aims, no mistakes for an historical team which has the second chance to complete his way to the Final Four. Back to zero and start again for a powerhouse which has only lifted one Euroleague trophy since 1980.
But it wont be easy. Real’s coach Joan Plaza has been criticized by the local fans during the summer and the preseason games results didn’t help so much to earn more respect. Acclaimed around the Spanish league, Plaza has enough credit to take part of the new “white” challenge. The team also has maintained the bench depth of the last year, including the retainings of Louis Bullock, the main scorer of the squad, or Felipe Reyes, the zone owner for the capitals.
Real Madrid’s new mission is well founded: be at the Final Four of Berlin in the next Spring. The summer addings of the ex-AEK american power-forward european star, Jeremiah Massey, the argentinian point guard ‘Pepe’ Sánchez and the forward Quinton Hosley, the last Turkish league sensation, where brilliant. Also, the back of the croatian international Marko Tomas after a good year in Fuenlabrada, gives to the European winningest club the authority to make true his dream about continental crown award.
The team roster is completed by the belgian warrior, Axel Hervelle, who probably has the chance to prove all of his 100% this season, after being involved in rumors of americas. Alex Mumbru, at the time, will have the same task coming of the bench: hard work and witness. Raúl López will have to compete with Sánchez for the starting lineup and also, at the guard, the teenager Sergi Llull will fight for respect.
At the frontcourt, Hamilton and Papadopoulos are back. First of them, product of an cruel injury, but the Greek is supposed to be rised from the ashes. Papadopoulos has prepared strong the last weeks and he looks more athletic and versatile. By the moment, the white giant has proved that his performance during the preseason has shown good feelings.
Probably, the starting five will be guied by ‘Pepe’ Sánchez as the titular PG, Louis Bullock at SF, Quinton Hosley at F and Massey (PF) & Reyes (C). A good and strong lineup that will defend the white honor during the next months.
After the last year disappointment, Real Madrid is searching again the correct way to get in Berlin. Plaza has another chance to lead the team to a new successful era but the departings, the player adding and the money doesn’t confirm the exit in the Euroleague, a competition where the heart, the experience and the strong work are valuable but doesn’t make miracles.
Final Four:
Winner: FC Regal Barcelona
written by Alberto Notario
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