The greatest team vs. the greatest coach. Real Madrid's 10 continental titles – two more than any other club – vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach Zeljko Obradovic's nine – two more than any other individual. An oversimplification? Not really, because those are more than accolades.
True, you won't see "tradition" or "excellence" across the back of any jersey in this series, but both play huge roles, beginning with the rosters themselves.
Players worldwide drop whatever they were doing when Real and Obradovic call, because both are seen as tickets to the kind success that starts with winning in the playoffs, nothing less. Their interest is the highest form of basketball flattery, and dressing in Real white or playing under Coach Obradovic transforms many players.
Being invited to walk through Real's door comes with an understanding that you are meant to win titles – now. Upside is what the club's junior teams are for.
"The objective is to compete for every possible title," Sergio Llull said after becoming team captain before last season. "It's a huge club, one of the greatest in the world, and when you come here, you have to accept this responsibility and this pressure."