NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - The climax of the European club season is almost upon us and with less than a fortnight until Final Eight in Ekaterinburg tips-off, it's time to check out the runners and riders; starting with Group A.

The fact the groups have been drawn up according to the ranking of teams during the season and not as a lottery-style draw, has thrown up some fascinating dynamics.

Notably in this first group, which sees three Turkish clubs thrown together and as a result, will bring one of the biggest rivalries in world sport to the event.

Fenerbahce are the favourites to finish top of the group having reached the final in 2013 and will arrive in Russia as the only team yet to taste defeat this season. Head-coach Roberto Iniguez was the last man to mastermind a win against UMMC Ekaterinburg on their home floor, a couple of seasons ago. That was en-route to the top of the podium with Ros Casares where he won the title, (rather ironically) in Istanbul.

Whether Fenerbahce can go one step further than last season and win the title inside the DIVS Arena remains to be seen. They have a well balanced team, a particularly powerful frontcourt and a driving force in the shape of their in-form small forward, Angel McCoughtry who is leading in points, rebounds and steals. Rather interestingly, Fenerbahce have lost two league games domestically of which one was against Kayseri, as well as the Turkish Cup Final, against Galatasaray. The two big factors they do have firmly in their favour are firstly great depth - something always useful in such an intense tournament, which demands so much mentally and physically. Secondly, they really do know how to win tight games and even when not at their best, This is a hallmark of a classy and potential champion team.

The other Turkish juggernaut had a horror show at the event last year and failed to win. This time it should be very different for Galatasaray in that they look full of confidence compared to last year. It will be fascinating to see if they can arrive as regular season Turkish League champions, since they face Fenerbahce in a vital TKBL meeting before Final Eight begins. With Spanish duo Alba Torrens and Sancho Lyttle firing on all cylinders, Nevriye Yilmaz back after missing out last year and Shavonte Zellous a potential game-winner on any night, Galatasaray should be as capable as any team of winning the group.

The only real issue is that they have been strong mainly on their home court, but not so hot away from it - something which may be a potential factor. Ekrem Memnun had a tournament to forget in difficult circumstances last time, but you get the sense that despite not consistently excelling outside of Istanbul, 2014 could offer an opportunity to make amends.

Kayseri Kaski spor have been one of the stories of the season so far, if not the story. The rookies had a tricky start, but have been sensational of late. They have beaten every club they have faced during their maiden campaign at some point, although their reliance on home form has been more weighty than any other club. Much will depend on whether they can turn around their (relative) struggles when playing outside of their hometown.

Lara Sanders has been immense throughout the season, whilst Camille Lyttle and Tanisha Wright are always the kind of players that can win a game. But, with limited depth, the real success (or otherwise) could depend on their bench and whether they can produce the goods. Look out for unsung heroes in Italian national team forward, Sabrina Cinili and veteran Spanish playmaker, Nuria Martinez. The real hero so far though has been play-caller Ayhan Avci, someone who probably hasn't received the plaudits he deserves for punching a Final Eight ticket.

As in the case with Avci, the job done by Alexander Vasin in his first season coaching a EuroLeague Women side has been arguably even more impressive. He has weaved some real magic with former four-time winners, Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje who are by far the youngest team at Final Eight. In fact, their average age is several years younger than anyone else and they don't have an American player either (Asjha Jones was injured early in the season), something which makes their record this year all the more remarkable.

Having been the only team to win in Prague during the regular season, they can deliver big results and they split 1-1 with Galatasaray in the first phase. I love the job being done by Sonja Petrovic, who has been genuinely awesome, whilst Russian duo Evgenia Belyakova and Natalia Vieru have also done great in providing leadership and their production. With young players like Daria Namok sliding onto the radar, there has been plenty to love about Sparta&K.

This will be a stern test for a youthful roster, but if they show the same bravery and fine play that they have done for most of the campaign, then those who have continually written them off will continue to have their words rammed back down their throats.

The last real thing to point out about Group A is that fans will get to see Fenerbahce play Galatasaray. And, whatever the sport, whatever the location, this is always one seriously special occasion!

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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