A quick check by the historical statistics of the Euroleague shows us two names that are frequently repeated in the top positions. On the one hand, Vassilis Spanoulis: first in scoring, in assists, in free throws and in minutes, second in games … On the other, Felipe Reyes: first in offensive rebounds, second in total rebounds and free throws, third in games and seasons played … The Greek won three titles: one with Panathinaikos and two with Olympiacos. The Spanish added two with Real Madrid. Both announced their retirement at the end of last year. Two myths of European basketball that today will no longer be at the start Euroleague 2020-21. It is worth mentioning as a loud applause before the first initial jump takes place.
Spanoulis and Reyes will not be there, but there will be two other veterans like Jankunas and Printezis, who face their 19th Euroleague. Alongside these stat-eaters will be a host of stars. For instance, Micic, the MVP of the last edition, who took an unexpected swerve to quit the NBA and continue in the Efes, the current champion, where he will once again form a stellar couple with Larkin. The Turkish team, which starts on the pole of the forecasts, debuts this Thursday against the Madrid of Pablo Laso, which returns to the front line of the favorites, thanks to the wise reinforcements of Williams-Goss, Heurtel, Hanga, Yabusele, Poirier … That is surely the great news for continental basketball. The return of the King. In that group of candidates, Barça, current runner-up. The Milan of Chacho Rodríguez and Fenerbahçe, in addition to the eternal CSKA, are pushing hard. The best in Europe will fight for 34 days in a ‘all against all’, prior to the playoffs and the Final Four. In the last ten courses there have been seven different champions. Just like in the NBA. Equality, spectacle and records. To play.