Game Preview: Bnei Hasharon-Turk Telekom

Bnei Hasharon makes its Eurocup debut in a home encounter against Turk Telekom in Group D. Head coach Moshe Wainkranz's Israeli team has become a respectable side in the Premier League though it has not started strong this season. Leading the way so far has been guard Richard Roby, who is averaging more than 12 points, 3 rebounds, nearly 2 assists and 2 steals as a rookie. Forward Ugonna Onyekwe has been tremendous in his return to the club with nearly 20 points, 8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Guard Segado Belcher has been a fine all-around performer with 10 points, more than 3 rebounds, nearly 2 assists and 2 steals. Guard Ori Ichaki adds nearly 10 points again while guard Meir Tapiro chips in more than 8 points, 5 rebounds and almost 5 assists - not to mention his invaluable experience of playing in the 2006 ULEB Cup semifinals and the 2007 ULEB Cup quarterfinals with Hapoel Jerusalem. Center Ousmane Cisse has been a strong force in the paint - especially with his shot-blocking ability - and forward Haminn Quaintance has had a fine rookie season. And a real plus for Wainkranz has been point guard Erez Katz, who has averaged 5 assists as a selfless playmaker who won the 2004 ULEB Cup title with Hapoel Jerusalem. If Hasharon can take care of the ball and apply enough pressure, it could grab a debut victory at home.

Note:Center Shawn James will not play against Turk Telekom.

But Turk Telekom will not give the game away. The undefeated leader of the Turkish league once again has Ercument Sunter in charge as head coach. Back for Sunter is the dominating one-two punch of forward Michael Wright and center Erwin Dudley, both of whom are averaging nearly 13 points and more than 5 rebounds this season. Veteran guard Serkan Erdogan gives Sunter a deadly three-point threat with the experience of playing in the 2006 and 2007 Euroleague Final Four with Efes Pilsen and Tau, respectively. Guard Roderick Blakney comes from powerhouse Olympiacos and has averaged nearly 10 points on nearly 60% shooting from long range. Guard Tutku Acik has done a great job getting his men on the same page with nearly 6 assists while center Kris Lang is a scoring/rebounding threat in the blocks. And forward Kennedy Winston appears to have found his way into the lineup with 19 points in a win over Besiktas. Sunter has a team that could definitely challenge for the Eurocup title.

Source: http://www.eurocupbasketball.com/