By Stefan Djordjevic / info@eurohoops.net
Basketball Champions League was quick in its decision-making to suspend the season when the coronavirus breakout happened but also with the plan to finish the season with a Final Eight in late Septemeber, early October.
However, with everything uncertain, there haven’t been any updates on the details whether it be the exact date or the place itself where the tournament will be held.
Nonetheless, BCL is working towards a solution that would allow them to complete the 2019-20 season and name the champion but with the health and safety being the primary focus.
The games are expected to be played between the 28th of September and the 4th of October.
So far, the favorite for hosting the final phase is Greece. To be more precise, the city of Athens with its hall OAKA which have been also the hosts for the BCL’s Final Four in 2018.
The main advantage for OAKA in these circumstances is its size as BCL has been hoping to organize the whole ordeal with fans in the stands. Of course, not at the full capacity of the hall but with the necessary safety and health precautions, including distance.
That said, it should be noted that, since the start of the COVID pandemic, no fans are allowed in any sporting events in Greece, so, BCL will need the ‘green light’ from the country’s authorities in order to go through with the plan.
If, in the end, that cannot be done, BCL might take into consideration other destinations as well, including Turkey as Ankara has been a candidate for the hosting as well.
Turk Telekom will certainly be ready for it as they’ve completed some high-profile signings this summer including Sam Dekker, Tyler Ennis, and Michael Eric while also keeping Kyle Wiltjer.
BCL season got suspended with two Round of 16 matchups remaining undecided and which will have to be completed before the Final eight tournament tips off.