Group L features some of the great teams in Eurocup's recent history, plus an ambitious newcomer like Lokomotiv-Kuban. Still-undefeated Lietuvos Rytas won the competition twice in 2005 and 2009. L. Rytas also reached the final in 2007 and has all the experience and talent needed to fight for the title. Alba Berlin made it to the Eurocup title game in 2010, losing against Power Electronics Valencia. With a renewed roster, a very competitive roster and a strong fan base, Alba is ready to battle for a Quarterfinals spot - and then take it from there. Benetton made it to the Eurocup Finals last season and hopes to use that experience to survive the Last 16. Only two players - Massimo Bulleri and Jakub Wojciechowski - have remained in the team, however. Loko relies on a deep roster, led by four-time Euroleague winning coach Bozidar Maljkovic, and its great athleticism and talent to keep advancing in the competition. Expect a hard battle, as any team can beat anyone, anywhere.

THE STAR

JONAS VALANCIUNAS A rock-solid center at age 19, Jonas Valanciunas will stay as a dominant force throughout the Last 16. Valanciunas leads L. Rytas in rebounding (6.2 rpg.) and blocks (1.3 bpg.) and has been really effective on offense (58.8% 2FG, 78.6% FT). Expect Valanciunas to keep making the difference.

KEEP AN EYE ON...

RONNIE SEIBUTIS A key player for coach Kurtinaitis, Ronnie Seibutis has another shot to win his first Eurocup title. Seibutis leads L. Rytas in scoring (14.3 ppg.), fouls drawn (3.2) and performance index rating (15.8). He reached back-to-back Eurocup semifinals with Bilbao Basket - and now wants to go two steps higher.

THE FACT

Steponas Babrauskas and Arturas Jomantas already won the Eurocup title with L. Rytas in 2009. They have the chance to join an exclusive group of players with two Eurocup titles, as only Mindaugas Lukauskis, Kelly McCarty and Edu Hernandez-Sonseca have won the competition more than once.

THE STAR

DASHAUN WOOD Alba relies on its floor general to make the difference this season. In his second Eurocup season, DaShaun Wood leads Alba in scoring (14 ppg., 44% 3FG, 90.5 % FT), steals (1.5 spg.) and performance index ranking (18). Wood is also the 2011-12 Eurocup assists leader (6.7 apg.).

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TORIN FRANCIS An old-school big man with size and great post moves, Torin Francis leads Alba in rebounding (7.2 rpg.) and averages 10.8 points. Francis already shined in the Last 16 (15.7 ppg., 8.2 rpg.) with Panellinios last season. His next goal will be taking Alba to the quarterfinals.

THE FACT

Francis and Yassin Idbihi have been unstoppable around the baskets this far. Francis has made 30-of-39 two-pointers (76.9%). Idbihi is the only Eurocup player who did even better (27-of-35, 77.1%). Surprisingly enough, however, Alba trails Banvit and Spartak SPB on two-point percentage.

THE STAR

JEREMIAH MASSEY Right at the prime of his career, Jeremiah Massey has been unstoppable until now. He leads all Last 16 players in index ranking (19.3 per game), total rebounds (9.3 rpg.) and steals (2.83 rpg.). Massey has registered three double-doubles until now - and obviously wants more.

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ROD BLAKNEY A key player for coach Bozidar Maljkovic, Rod Blakney has been the only Loko player to start all Eurocup games until now. Blakney has been really solid, averaging 11.5 points on 47.8% triples and 3.2 assists. He reached the Eurocup Finals with Panellinios in 2009-10.

THE FACT

Ali Traore leads the 2011-12 Eurocup in offensive rebounds (3.6 orpg.) and Massey ranks second at 3.3 per night. Primoz Brezec led the 2010-11 Eurocup regular season is offensive rebounds (4 oprg.) playing for Krasnye Krylia. Unsurprisingly, Loko is first in offensive boards at 14.8 per game.

THE STAR

SANI BECIROVIC A well-rounded veteran at age 30, Sani Becirovic has been essential for Benetton to survive a very tough regular season group. Becirovic leads Benetton in assists (4.8 apg.) and performance index ranking (16) despite stepping on court less than 23 minutes per night.

KEEP AN EYE ON...

JOBEY THOMAS Despite arriving late in the regular season, Jobey Thomas has been nothing short of sensational so far, averaging 16 points on 8-of-9 shots from downtown in his first 2 Eurocup games. Benetton needs Thomas to be its main scoring threat to challenge for a Quarterfinals spot.

THE FACT

Massimo Bulleri wants to keep his free throw strike in the Eurocup. Bulleri has not missed from the free throw line since Game 1 of last season's Quarterfinals on March 30, 2011. Since then, Bulleri has hit 23 consecutive free throws over his last 9 Eurocup appearances.