MUNICH (FIBA Europe Cup) - Nizhny Novgorod and Keravnos may have begun their FIBA Europe Cup campaigns with completely different mindsets, but their winding paths have led to the same destination.

In recent years, the Russian side became a staple participant in various European competitions, while the Cypriots from the Nicosia suburb of Strovolos had seen their solid achievements on the international stage fade into the past.

However, freed of their pre-season status by the never-certain nature of the Play-Offs, they now enter the Round of 16 on level footing and with mutual respect and appreciation.

"I'm convinced Nizhny Novgorod are going to be competitive in the Play-Offs and I hope we'll be interesting to follow."Petr GubanovPetr Gubanov

"I'm not much of a predictor and don't like to set long-term goals, especially in a competition like FIBA Europe Cup, where every team can make a surprise," Nizhny Novgorod captain Petr Gubanov explained.

"First of all, we should concentrate on our next opponent, Keravnos, and think only about this first step in the final phase of the tournament. I'm convinced Nizhny Novgorod are going to be competitive in the Play-Offs and I hope we'll be interesting to follow."

Playing internationally for the first time since the 2012-13 season, results-driven pressure never entered the conversation for Keravnos. The emphasis in their European return was all on the process, admits team captain George Theocharides, who is the last remaining player from the club's last continental campaign.

"We entered the FIBA Europe Cup without any kind of previous experience, as the club was out of European competitions for many years, so the goals we set at the beginning of the season were very simple," he says, pausing before continuing: "To enjoy every game, to play for the club and to gain experience that will help us improve as a team and as individuals. Those are our goals for the Play-Offs as well."

George Theocharides (#15) is the only remaining Keravnos player from their 2012-13 European run in the EuroChallenge

Having gone 8-4 in the Regular Season and the Second Round combined, Keravnos jumped onto the Play-Off train as one of the best third-placed teams, as Elan Chalon and Movistar Estudiantes exercised their FIBA Europe Cup opt-out clauses.

The maroon-gold-and-whites from Strovolos have achievements they can be proud of on the international stage, having finished third in the FIBA Europe Cup Conference South Final Stage in the 2004-05 season and placing second in the FIBA EuroCup Challenge a couple of years later.

"We will play with passion, we will fight hard like we always do and see what comes of it."George TheocharidesGeorge Theocharides

However, for the time being, Keravnos and Theocharides are more than content with the underdog label: "We are going to face a very good and experienced team in Nizhny Novgorod and, of course, they are the favorites to qualify. We will play with passion, we will fight hard like we always do and see what comes of it."

"Any team who qualified for the Round of 16 is a very good team. My opinion is that we are going to see many close games between the teams and qualification in most ties will be decided by details," he adds.

After topping Group H in the Regular Season with a 5-1 record, Nizhny Novgorod finished the Second Round as runners-up in Group I with a 3-3 mark, despite learning some hard lessons along the way.

"We were rather solid throughout the Regular Season and the Second Round in the FIBA Europe Cup. Though, we can't be totally satisfied, because we looked a bit lost in a couple of games and that is what we should avoid in the Play-Offs," Gubanov clarifies.

"We will encounter Keravnos for the first time, that's why I can't say for sure what to expect from them. It doesn't really matter whether they are from the Basketball Champions League or the FIBA Europe Cup and what place they had in the Second Round, as we should respect every team that we face."

The first leg of the tie will be played at the Costas Papaellinas Arena in Nicosia on Wednesday, with the reverse fixture set to take place in a weeks' time in Nizhny Novgorod.

FIBA