FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.07.2007 18:39

Opponents of AXA Barça strengthen squads

Gustau Galvache

The European basketball transfer market is showing plenty of movement as the teams that AXA Barça will face in the Euroleague next season strengthen their squads.

AXA FC Barcelona have already signed up Turkish star Ersan Ilyasova and the technical staff are working hard to add further recruits to the squad. However, here we are taking a look at the moves being made by Barça's opponents in the first phase of the Euroleague 2007-2008.

Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, Lottomatica Roma, Partizan, Fenerbahce, Bamberg and Roanne are Barça’s opponents in Group C of the first phase of next season’s Euroleague.

Transfer activity

Greek side Panathinaikos have recruited two guards from Panionios in the Greek league: Kennedy Winston, an American who made his European debut with Gran Canaria in the ACB; and Stratos Perperoglou. Two excellent reinforcements for the always dangerous side coached by Zelko Obradovic.

Real Madrid have also turned to Greek players to strengthen their squad. The side coached by Joan Plaza have incorporated power forward-center Lazaros Papadopoulos from Dynamo Moscow and forward Michalis Pelekanos from Greek side Panellinios.

Partizan Belgrade, who will be Barça’s first opponents in the Euroleague, have signed another rising Serbian star. Forward Cedomir Vitkovac is the first reinforcement for the Serbian outfit, who are always a rival to respect, especially on their home court.

Experience and debutants

Turkish club Fenerbahce are making a strong bid to do well in next season’s Euroleague. Experienced coach Bogdan Tanjevic is taking over from top flight Turkish coach Aydin Oros while so far, on the playing side, they have signed two young Slovenian talents Gaspar Vidman and Emir Preldzic, both from Geoplin Slovan. Given the intense atmosphere always found on Turkish courts, Fenerbahce will definitely be hard to beat at home.

Roanne (France) and Bamberg (Germany) will both be making their Euroleague debuts this season. The French champions have incorporated Rion Rush, a free-scoring center from the Italian second division and guard Adam Hess.
Brose Basket Bamberg have put their faith in the experience of 28-year-old center Demon Greene, from Alba Berlin, and 31-year-old New Zealander Mark Dickel. Serbian guard Pedrag Suput completes the roll call of new signings.