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In one of the greatest and closest EuroLeague finals of all-time, CSKA Moscow came up trumps against Fenerbahce as the Russian side lifted the trophy for the seventh time. CSKA needed overtime in the showpiece event to pip the Turkish outfit to the title and send their avid supporters wild. On the day, they were much the better side but almost let the title slip through their fingers despite developing a number of commanding leads throughout the contest. But overall, CSKA just about did enough to hold on for a crucial victory as they look to build a dynasty era in the EuroLeague.
CSKA are maturing into one of the best basketball franchises in Europe and they have now won the Russian League crown 14 times in a row – an incredible achievement. However, the domestic title is no longer regarded as a major achievement and fans now expect CSKA to push on and win the EuroLeague trophy on a regular basis. Being completely honest, they are too good for the Russian League and are a class above; they must start to focus primarily on the European accolades if they are to write their names into the history books.
At the time of writing, CSKA look well placed to defend their title next season; they’ve certainly done enough to rank as one of the leading contenders ahead of the start of the new campaign. While EuroLeague odds aren’t available just yet, you can keep up with the latest Basketball betting news and information via bet365’s website. For now, punters should sit back and keep a close eye on CSKA’s moves throughout the offseason, especially as a number of their main men are now on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight years of their respective careers.
Both Nando De Colo and Cory Higgins are central to CSKA’s hopes of retaining the EuroLeague title next season. De Colo is formerly of the San Antonio Spurs and is widely regarded as perhaps the best guard in Europe right now. On his day, he is capable of winning matches more or less on his own (a little like Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors but not quite as influential). He was named the EuroLeague Final Four MVP as well as the regular season MVP for last season and deserved his individual accolades as well as the championship title.
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Some rumours seemed to suggest that De Colo would leave but, like Higgins, it looks like he will remain with CSKA for at least one more year. And with such a potent and talented member staying on, the Russian outfit must be quietly confident of making noises on the European stage once again next season. While he struggled to hold down a regular spot during his brief NBA career, De Colo can lead Moscow to back-to-back EuroLeague titles and could help to build a dynasty era at the franchise for many years to come.
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