FREISING (EuroLeague Women) - It promises to be a quiet summer in Ekaterinburg, but the days are still being counted down to what EuroLeague Women reigning champions UMMC hope will be a first-ever successful title defence. 

Having captured their third title when they triumphed at Final Four back in April, the Russian juggernauts will be keen to hang on to their cherished silverware and will be largely relying on the same personnel to do it. That means the return of big-hitters such as Diana Taurasi, Alba Torrens and Brittney Griner. 

Now UMMC know who will be standing in their way during the Regular Season after the successful conclusion of the EuroLeague Women Draw – and one that has not only re-ignited the memories from Istanbul, but got everybody looking excitedly at what lies down the road. 

"I have a unique situation this year, nobody is leaving the team, nobody is coming and there's no changes at all on the playing or the coaching staff - we are a very boring team this summer transfer wise," smiled General Manager, Maxim Ryabkov after UMMC were drawn in Group B along with CCC Polkowice, ESBVA-LM, Tango Bourges Basket, Hatay Buyuksehir, Uniqa Sopron, CB Avenida and Nadezhda Orenburg.  

"Every team in EuroLeague Women is highly respected by us and everyone must be scouted and prepared to get the best result. 

"A draw is only the first step of the new season and the groups are very similar to last year. We will be happy to play against our compatriots from Orenburg and we will also be happy to meet any of the other teams."

Their clashes against Orenburg promise to be some of the most exciting of the Regular Season, with the two Russian sides meeting in last year's Final Four gold medal clash.

He continued, "As usual women’s basketball will be a major focus of our city and we will have full crowds in all of our games, so we will continue this - also keeping in mind that we have a second sports project in our company, which is ice-hockey. 

"We will do our best to combine our efforts in both sports and combine our calendars to satisfy our fans on the floor and on the ice."

FIBA