By George Bakolas/ info@eurohoops.net
It was exactly 26 years ago when a miracle team full of young talent from Split won the Euroleague, then called European champions cup. Do you remember Jugoplastica, Tony, Dino and co?
Τhe story: It was the third Final Four in European basketball history and the final stage of the competition then was dominated by the “curse of the favorites”. Barcelona was the team to beat and the young guns of Jugoplastica Split, under coach Boza Maljkovic did exactly this, getting an even easier win in the final against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Who were the members of miracle team? Among others Tony Kukoc and Dino Radja in the start of their legendary careers.
The good: Dino Radja: He held his ground against Barcelona’s Audie Norris and in the final he dominated the paint against Maccabi‘s Mercer, Magee and Barlow.
The bad: Panagiotis Giannkis: His infamous brawl with Magee was the turning point of the semifinal between Maccabi and Aris, as the best Greek team of the era lost its biggest chance for a final.
The final standings: 1. Jugoplastica, 2. Maccabi T.A., 3. Aris, 4. Barcelona
The final (6th of April 1989)
Jugoplastica-Μaccabi T.A. 75-69
Jugoplastica (Μaljkovic): Sretenovic 7, Ιvanovic 12, Κukoc 18 (3/6 2p., 4/7 3p.), Sobin 11 (6 r., 3 st.), Radja 20 (9/13 2p., 10 r.), Perasovic 1, Pavicevic 4, Τabak 2
Μaccabi T.A. (Serf): Lippin 2, Jamchy 25 (3/6 2p., 5/9 3p.), Barlow 13 (6r.), Magee 10 (11 r.), Μercer 10 (7 r.), Simms 9, Daniel