By Vaggelis Patas/ info@eurohoops.net
Galatasaray are coming off the best season in their history as they celebrated their first ever European trophy. The Turkish club won the Eurocup, in this way securing their ticket to this year’s Euroleague. Galata are back after a year’s absence from the biggest tournament, in which they are going to take part for the fourth time.
A substantial loss is going to be the MVP of last year’s Eurocup, Errick McCollum, but also Stephane Lasme, who was suspended for use of prohibited substances, but they filled the gaps with notable players. A question mark remains as to the extent to which they will be affected by their financial problems and the loose ends that come to the surface from time to time.
Signings
Even though they lost some key pieces of last year’s roster they made sure to cover them in the best possible way by acquiring players with experience in the Euroleague. Galata got unlucky with Krstic but they just might benefit as they moved swiftly and acquired Tibor Pleiss.
Coach
Ergin Ataman is possibly the most experienced Turkish coach. He continues on the team’s bench for the fifth season, and from now on it’s going to be his exclusive focus since he left the Turkish national team after two years.
They will be satisfied if…
… they can get into the playoffs. They have a considerable roster but with the new format introduced in the Euroleague they’re going to have to surpass themselves in order to be amongst the top eight teams.
We are anxiously waiting to see…
… the excellent scorer, Russ Smith! The NCAA champion with Louisville in 2013 wasn’t able to settle in the NBA but he might be tailor-made for Europe, where he’s going to compete for the first time. He was great in the NBDL last year (27.8 points on average), he can get good contracts in our parts if he adapts to the circumstances.