The reigning BKT EuroCup champion returns to the competition with history in mind. Dreamland Gran Canaria will be aiming to become the first team ever to defend its title. Of course, getting there will not be far from a walk in the park. On contrary, teams in the EuroCup don't usually have a chance to play a reigning champion, so Gran Canaria will have a rocky road in Group B as it will be entering each game knowing the opponent has a bit of an extra motivation. Here are some of the game to pay attention to.
Gran Canari's full regular-season schedule
Round 1: Aris Thessaloniki vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria
Start to a title defense
The title defense for Gran Canaria starts in northern Greece against a team whose army of fans will do anything to help get their favorite team's return to the competition on the right foot. Aris Thessaloniki is back in the EuroCup after a seven-year hiatus, and has never played Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, Gran Canaria enters this game on an eight-game winning streak and a road win in a tough environment in a season-opener would immediately confirm Gran Canaria's status as a team to beat this season.