NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - We all thought the 2018 edition of the EuroLeague Women Final Four would be memorable and how right we were.

Here are the key reasons it will be a tournament that lives with me for quite some time.

Atmosphere and organization

I am struggling to remember an atmosphere that was so special at any women's basketball event - let alone just at a Final Four. It was deafening, but so supportive and friendly. The arena is compact and perfect for this kind of tournament. The UMMC fans helped with the noise too, but as for those Sopron locals? Wow - just wow. Congratulations also need to be dished out to Sopron for the organization. It was excellent and thanks from us all. Combined, both of these elements made it feel like a celebration of female ball and EuroLeague Women. It was amazing to be a part of it.

That shot

Special people taking part

It was fitting that as the curtain fell, the main protagonists added to the feelgood factor of this tournament by showing not only how good they are professionally, but what special people they are too. MVP Emma Meesseman of UMMC is one of the nicest players around and it was no surprise she spoke almost exclusively about Sopron and their fans at the media conference - rather than herself. Next up, winning Coach Miguel Mendez opened by talking about Sopron - the supporters and the organization. He also showed his class by referencing the missing Diana Taurasi and Deanna Nolan, plus his predecessor Olaf Lange who left mid-season. Then, Sopron play-caller, Roberto Iniguez wrapped up by talking first about Coach Mendez. Sat at the back of the Conference, I had a huge smile, because it showed what a great women's basketball family we have - despite all the pressure, stress and seriousness of pro-sport.

Falling short of a fairy tale, but Sopron still felt like winners

Usually when the Final ends, there are tears of joy and despair in equal measure. This year it was different. Sure, Sopron were disappointed to lose, even as underdogs. But, having reached the title game for the first time and in dramatic circumstances in front of their own fans, they still had some smiles afterwards. They knew they had been outclassed by the excellent UMMC [who I give maximum credit to after a roller-coaster season] and could have done no more. It felt so good afterwards to see both clubs so fiercely proud of what they had achieved. Perhaps most notably, Sopron showed that with some chemistry, hard work, talent and a great coach, clubs can not only dream, but take historical footsteps forward. 

'D-Page' making us laugh

I had to throw this one in. If you missed it, this has to be clicked. If you saw it the first time around, it's worth another look. If she is not playing, FIBA surely have to sign-up Danielle Page to be a roving reporter at major tournaments moving forward. Top job.

So, when does the new EuroLeague Women season tip-off again?

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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