FINAL EIGHT 2009: Benetton Basket
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 A decade after its last European triumph, Benetton Basket Tamoil returns to the spotlight looking to reclaim a place as one of Europe’s top powers. Head coach Oktay Mahmuti has built a true team out of a mix of veterans and newcomers who started both the Eurocup regular season and the Last 16 as strong as any team in the competition. A 4-0 record to begin the regular season made Benetton among the first to reach the next round. Once in the Last 16, a similarly strong start saw Benetton secure a Final Eight berth on the earliest possible date. Now, as the only Italian team playing in the Final Eight, Benetton will try to make proximity to Turin pay off in the form of Eurocup glory. Its road to Turin hasn't been so easy as Benetton made it look. Only one player – leading scorer Gary Neal –started every Eurocup game as injuries brought roster changes throughout the season. The last new arrival was veteran guard Massimo Bulleri, a throwback to the Benetton’s last shot at a continental trophy, the 2003 Euroleague title game. If Benetton gets a trophy try this time, a balance roster bursting with talent and experience will be the reason. The big-man combo of Sandro Nicevic and C.J. Wallace has been among the Eurocup's most productive in the paint, while veteran shooter Matteo Soragna, Domen Lorbek and playmaker Dashaun Wood have come together in the backcourt with Neal, who collects points in bunches. Together they will try to write a new chapter in Benetton's illustrious history. Founded in 1954, the team became a giant with the arrival of the Benetton family as owners in 1982. The first Italian League title came a decade later, in 1992, when the legendary Toni Kukoc arrived to the team. He helped Benetton reach the Euroleague final in 1993, while also sparking a string of three consecutive Italian Cup crowns. The last of those coincided, in 1995, with the club's first European success, a Saporta Cup title in which Orlando Woolridge and Petar Naumoski played critical roles. Benetton added its second domestic title in 1997, another Final Four appearance in 1998, a Saporta Cup in 1999 and the Italian Cup in 2000. Another pair of Italian League crowns, in 2001-02 and 2002-03, came with Euroleague Final Four appearances, too. Indeed, Benetton returned to the Euroleague title game in 2003, but FC Barcelona stood in its way. Benetton won its fifth Italian League title to cap the 2005-06 season and lifted its eighth Italian Cup in 2007. In its ULEB Cup debut last season, Benetton won its regular season group but lost a Last 32 series. There were no missteps during this Eurocup season, however, as Mahmuti steered a roster of mostly strangers through a minefield of tough opponents. And so, with a tradition of success at its back, Benetton arrives to Turin with its eyes on another prize.
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Eurocupbasketball.com
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