Anadolu Efes and Galatasaray will lock horns in an all-Turkish clash in Group E of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.
In an exciting all-Turkish showdown to open the Top 16 for both teams in Group E, Anadolu Efes welcomes Galatasaray Cafe Crown in Istanbul on Thursday.
It is the first time that two Turkish teams face each other since the competition started in late 2000. The last such match-up at the top-level competition took place in February 2000, when Efes beat Ulker 95-74.
This game features a total of five players who previously played for their opponent – Cenk Akyol, Ermal Kuqo, Kerem Tunceri from Efes; and Preston Shumpert and Ender Arslan from Galatasaray. Oktay Mahmuti, Galatasaray’s head coach, led Efes to the 2001 SuproLeague final four and coached the team in four Euroleague seasons from 2001 to 2005.
Tarence Kinsey is back in action and ready to face Galatasaray, but Kuqo has been out for three weeks and is doubtful. Kerem Gonlum remains sidelined since the beginning of the season. Galatasaray was without Arslan in a recent Turkish League game and he may not play against Efes.
With Kinsey back at small forward, Efes has more options at both wings, as it can play a more physical game with him and Sinan Guler on the court or open the floor for sharpshooters like Sasha Vujacic and Cenk Akyol.
Kinsey is a tough mismatch due to his size, strength and quickness, but Galatasaray has the right man to guard him in Josh Shipp, in what promises to be a key match-up in this game. Vujacic must use his experience and shooting skills against Jaka Lakovic, who recently became the third top scorer in Euroleague history.
Guler may see extended playing time to use his long arms and defensive skills against combo guard Jamon Gordon. If Arslan stays sidelined, Tutku Acik will see the most minutes at point guard, with Lakovic and Gordon helping him out.
Acik will need his experience and defensive skills against well-rounded playmaker Kerem Tunceri. Galatasaray must be ready to stop power forward Dusko Savanovic, in good form recently. Savanovic leads a deep frontcourt that also includes rock-solid big man Esteban Batista and talented center Stanko Barac. Batista must be aggressive against up-and-coming big man Furkan Aldemir.
Galatasaray will put Shumpert at power forward to exploit his one-on-one skills and mid-range jumper against Savanovic. Guarding Barac is a critical issue for the guests, so expect Luksa Andric and Darius Songaila to be really active against him.
Efes needs Kinsey and Savanovic to step up. Galatasaray will turn to Lakovic and Shipp to make the difference.
