Is this finally the year for Fenerbahce to break their barren run?
ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women ) – The seemingly never-ending search for EuroLeague Women silverware by Fenerbahce rolls on, with the Turkish powerhouse having made some exciting changes that may breathe some new life into their latest title bid.
History: Always the bridesmaid and never the bride is a saying that has become synonymous with Fenerbahce who are one of the biggest and most consistent EuroLeague Women performers in this competition. They are always in the hunt for EuroLeague Women glory, but have fallen at the final hurdle on three occasions in the past five seasons, including last year's showpiece game when they were beaten by Dynamo Kursk.
Major arrivals: Kelsey Plum, Kia Vaughn, Aerial Powers, Tilbe Senyurek, Ana Dabovic.
Major departures: Jantel Lavender, Sandrine Gruda, Alexandria Quigley, Candace Parker.
Players to watch: There will be a strong focus on the new duo of Plum and Powers because ultimately, if they don't settle and produce a highly effective rookie season in the competition, Fenerbahce could be on the backfoot. They have the quality to do it, so it will be an interesting first journey for them as they are straight into a pressure situation taking into account the past record of Fenerbahce continually threatening to land the title.
Alongside high expectations, is the need for consistency and a rock to build around. Former EuroLeague Women Final Four MVP, Kia Vaughn was below her usual high standards last season and she will need to get back to her glory days under the hoop. As for Ana Dabovic - if she finds the hot-hand, then Fenerbahce could really light it up.
Flashback: Fenerbahce proudly reached their first ever Final during 2013 when they booked a matchup against host club UMMC in Ekaterinburg. They beat Good Angels Kosice in the Semi-Finals to get there, Angel McCoughtry landing 17 points and 14 boards in a 68-56 success.
Outlook: Always a contender, there is a case being made that Fenerbahce might not be as strong on paper this year. But the flip-side is that they could be more explosive and if things go right, they will continue to be a leading candidate and fancied to make the Final Four yet again as the talent is not in question.
Perhaps bizarrely the entire balance and powerbase of Fenerbahce has been flipped on its head. For years they have been known for their dominant frontcourt and arguably not having quite enough backcourt firepower – something that looks to now be the opposite. But, with a number of returnees including Anastasiya Verameyenka and the vital Turkish core of Birsel Vadarli Demiremen, Esra Ural, Pelin Bilgic and Ayse Cora, they are likely to remain one of the leading clubs in the tournament.
FIBA
