FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.01.2010 12:49

Sevillan opposition to open Copa del Rey

Sònia de Alba

Cajasol Sevilla will face Regal Barça in the quarter final of the Copa del Rey in Bilbao. Joan Plaza’s side are on good course for the play-offs as they continue to improve.

Cajasol are into the Cup with a 10-0 record. The Andalusians sealed mathematical passage to the knockout competition by beating Suzuki Manresa (62-59). However, given the round seventeen results, they were all but through before the game.

Cajasol have enjoyed better times. In the mid 1990s the team from Andalusia’s biggest city were regulars in the League play-offs. In 1995/96 and 98/99 they were ACB runners-up, and then in 1998/99 made the cup final, but lost 61-90 to TAU, after winning their semi final with FC Barcelona.

Cajasol have been improving as this season has worn on, and could not be in finer form ahead of next month’s competition.

Naming names

Tariq Kirksay is the star in Sevilla. Playing 30 minutes a game, the American was the MVP of one ACB round, when he registered a valuation of 30 against Murcia. But a fasciitis problem has meant Kirksay starting the year on the sidelines.

Another man to look out for is Earl Calloway, the main playmaker and highest scorer with an average of 11 points a game. Veteran Tyronne Ellis, in his third season in Seville, is also a regular starter. He is quick and likes to roam the perimeter, supporting attacking plays. Inside, Dusko Savanovic and former Barça man Juanjo Triguero form the central axis at Cajasol. Savanovic gets 4.3 rebounds a game, while the player from Gandia takes 5.2.

Players that come off the bench include Xavi Rey, a product of the Barça youth system, and Andrés Miso. Serbian Ivan Radenovic left CSKA for Cajasol last December, and in the four games he has played so far, he has averaged 12 minutes on court.