ULEB Cup draw profile: Asvel Basket
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Former quarterfinalist Asvel Basket returns to the ULEB Cup elimination rounds two years later on the strength of a second-place finish and one of the top offenses among the 54-team competition. In fact, Asvel opted for first place in Group G right up to the end of the regular season, but finished second to Gran Canaria after losing their final game on the road by just six points. Nonetheless, Asvel moves ahead as a team to watch due to a healthy mix of talent and experience - not to mention the regular season's fifth-best offensive production, 86.4 points per game. Four consisent double-digit scorers accounted for 59.6 of Asvel's offensive average. Tag-team forwards Lamayne Wilson and Robert Conley averaged together more than 35 points, ranking 12th and 20th, respectively among regular  season individiual scorers. Big man Uchenna Nsomwu added 13.1 more points per game and led Asvel in rebounds. Chevon Troutman and Laurent Foirest were solid offensive contributors off the bench, while guards Aymeric Jeanneau and Yohanne Sangare pushed the high pace this team likes. Asvel shook off an early, unexpected overtime home loss to win three of its next four games, then rebounded from another close loss to challenge Gran Canaria for first place. A propensity for turnovers figured in all four of Asvel's losses, but if this team safeguards the ball, it can expect to put it in the basket, too. At the same time, Asvel allowed more points than two-thirds of the teams that advanced to the elimination rounds. Precisely at this time of the season, when defenses get tougher, Asvel needs to do the same, but will have the knowledge that its own shots will likely fall even in lower-scoring games. Having any of five double-figure scores to choose from makes Asvel dangerous going forward.
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POST-DRAW REACTIONS | Asvel Basket head coach Yves Baratet:“We will play against one of the most impressive teams of the second seed. Galatasaray had good results during the first part of the competition. This is a difficult draw for us, but the game isn't lost without being played. ASVEL will have to play at its best level to qualify to the next round. It will be a pleasure to play against Charles Gaines et Huseyin Besok, ex players of ASVEL.” | Pierre Grall, Asvel Basket sports manager: "Asvel will meet one of the most impressive teams in the second group. Galatasaray Galatasaray achieved very good results in the first phase. On paper, this draw is not easy, but it does not mean we are beaten.. It will be necessary for the team to be at its best level of play to qualify for the Last 16. This match will also be an opportunity to cross paths with Charles Gaines and Huseyin Besok. " |
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