Igor Petrinovic explains why he can see the club from Istanbul is going all this way
Why Bahcesehir can win the EuroCup
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3 Mins read
Defense wins championships, right? And the secret of Bahcesehir College Istanbul’s success is the team’s defense.
Coach Dejan Radonjic has put together a roster to his liking, one that will have enough on offense to cause opposition play-callers a headache (Bahcesehir is averaging a respectable 82.2 points), but also one that will shine on defense. And his squad has played some stellar defense this season.
This Bahcesehir side allows the fewest points (75.1 ppg.) in the EuroCup this season. It also holds opponents to a league-low in rebounds (32.6 rpg.), allows the third-fewest assists (16.3) and holds opponents to 51.3% two-point shooting, the third-lowest mark this season.
Bahcesehir has held opponent to 70 points or fewer in eight games this season, and in four more it allowed 76 or fewer.
Bahcesehir also understands how important it is to take care of the ball as it commits a EuroCup-low 11.2 turnovers. That part of the game is a product of the team’s experience.
The likes of Jaleen Smith, Furkan Korkmaz, Axel Bouteille and Mateusz Ponitka have played a lot of EuroCup and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague basketball, so they certainly understand the importance how every possession matters.
Also, those four might be the team leaders, but Bahcesehir has a deep roster and its frontcourt is among the most dangerous in the competition, with the inside force of Tai Odiase, the long range-shooting of Tyler Cavanaugh, and a bit of both from Marko Simonovic.
Add the X-factor called Sehmus Hazer into the equation and the importance of getting CJ Massinburg and Pontika back after long absences, as well as mid-season playmaking addition of Kenan Sipahi fitting in like a glove, and Bahcesehir seems ready to make a push for the throne.
This group of guys are certainly hungry for success because, among all the names listed above, there are no EuroCup titles next to their name. There are many EuroCup finals, and semifinals and quarterfinals appearances, but no championships.
This team, these players and their head coach have not been flashy, but steady. And showcased they know how to win games. They certainly can win four more and go all the way.