On a single day, there will be three inside/out matches and three passes for the Final Four in Cologne for Dunkest. The first Efes-Real match is at 6:45 pm, and the matchday ends with Barça-Zenit at 9 pm, with Milan-Bayern in the middle at 8:45 pm.
Guards:
Kevin Pangos (Zenit St Petersburg, 11.9 CR): Pangos will do whatever it takes to do well and lead Zenit to a historic milestone. It’s an opportunity to play a fatal joke on his former team.
Sergio Llull (Real Madrid, 9.3 CR): Sergio is foolish until the end and obviously in Istanbul. He must be taken into consideration as a second guard. He needs to show his talent for putting off the last dance.
Forwards:
Will Thomas (Zenit St Petersburg, 11.4 CR): When people asked what the series would have been without Ponitka, the answer was “Ask Will.” He, along with Poythress, was at times more of a puller than Pangos and Baron. He was also able to limit Mirotic.
Alberto Abalde (Real Madrid, 8.8 CR): Abalde showed all his talent in the Madrid matches, but he’s still a rough diamond to be worked on. It could be a big confidence boost for him on a mental level.
Centers:
Zach Leday (AX Armani Exchange Milan, 11 CR): Leday could be the factor of the series for Milan. He’ll be essential not to lose the seasonal goal: the Final 4, after game 1’s basket.
Usman Garuba (Bayern Munich, 8.7 CR): Garuba has the best choice in the quality/price ratio. He was the matador of Efes in Madrid races. He could score well even with Tavares returning. Others who cost less are not reliable at all.
Coach:
Xavi Pascual (Zenit St Petersburg, 6.6 CR): With three do or die games, the choice of coach is really tough. We’re focusing on the Zenit coach to keep a line on tips we gave.