February 04, 2012
Qualifying Round G, Game 1 preview: Benetton Fribourg - Kalise Gran Canaria
Benetton Fribourg finally starts its Eurocup season after drawing a first round bye and the Swiss champs get a tough second qualifying round tie against Kalise Gran Canaria. Head coach Damien Leyrolles's squad had some impressive results in the ULEB Cup last season. Now using a well-balanced attack, the Fribourg squad will look to return to the regular season and do some damage again. The leader for Leyrolles's team has been swingman Dennis Harrison, a complete player who makes his presence felt all over the court. Center Ramel Allen is a force in the paint who scores, rebounds and blocks shots. Playmaker Pascal Perrier-David has been very strong as usual at the point, while big man Oliver Vogt and guard Tresore Quidome bring experience. The team’s lack of depth, however, could be an issue, with few reliable options on the bench. Gran Canaria has an unbelievable home-court advantage. The team from the Canary Islands boasts a 22-2 record at home in the ULEB Cup over the past four seasons. Head coach Salva Maldonado's squad is an extremely balanced outfit. Guard Carl English is a lethal shooter and the squad’s top offensive gun. Big man Joel Freeland is a rising star that has proven he can score in limited action. Point guard Marcus Norris is a veteran who can create for others and score when needed. Forward Sitapha Savane and center Daniel Kickert team with Freeland to give Gran Canaria a strong trio in the paint. That’s a big help for Maldonado, who knows he has plenty of players to choose from if one guy is off. And if Gran Canaria can grab a road victory, chances are this series is over.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Eurocupbasketball.com
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