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 An era of revitalization and decades of aspiration were rewarded on April 30, 2006 when CSKA Moscow once again became the undisputed champion of a continent with ultimate triumph at the Euroleague Basketball Final Four. CSKA’s first continental crown in 35 years confirmed the rebirth of Russian basketball. Victory was that much sweeter after CSKA had come up short in the previous three Final Fours, including at home in Moscow. A thrilling 73-69 decision over Maccabi Tel Aviv at the final in Prague featured all the highlights of a heavyweight title fight between the most dominant teams of the decade. However, hopes of a repeat came just short as CSKA fell to Panathinaikos in another classic 2007 title game in Athens. Now the perennial Russian champion is certain to be extra-motivated heading into a new season. CSKA is the owner of four European titles, fourth-most of any club. It also boasts and endless list of 39 domestic titles in the Soviet Union and Russian domestic leagues. CSKA's 25 titles between 1945 and 1990 amounted to more than half of those available in the highly competitive Soviet Union, with legendary players over the years such as Sergei Belov, Vladimir Tkachenko, Stanislav Eremin, Vladimir Andreev, Anatoli Myshkin, Sergei Tarakanov and head coach Aleksandar Gomelsky, all belonging to the very elite of European basketball history. CSKA and Real Madrid dominated European basketball in the 1960s, and the team stayed fully competitive in the '70s and the mid-'80s before bouncing back from tough times. Soon, CSKA achieved total dominance in the Russian League, winning all nine crowns between 1992 and 2000. On the European level, CSKA has reached the Final Four on seven occasions since 1996, including the last five Euroleague seasons.
2006-07 RESULTS | Euroleague | R. Season | 13-1 | Top 16 | 6-0 | Quarters | 2-1 | Final Four | Finalist |
| Lithuanian League | R. Season | 21-3 | Playoffs | Champion |
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Five more Russian League titles and three Russian Cups have also come, but CSKA is still hungry. The current dynasty's original plans were made with the 2005 Moscow Final Four in mind. Players like Theodoros Papaloukas, J.R. Holden, Aleksey Savrasenko and coach Dusan Ivkovic led the team to three consecutive Final Four appearances. But the 2004-05 season was particularly bitter, as CSKA posted an unprecedented 60-4 overall record, but was left disappointed by not winning the Final Four in Moscow. That changed in 2006, as coach Ettore Messina arrived and CSKA signed Matjaz Smodis, Trajan Langdon and David Vanterpool to join Papaloukas and his crew. Instant success followed, as CSKA won the Euroleague title in 2006 and returned to the final last season. CSKA remained unstoppable in Russia, sweeping through the finals, and is now back for another Euroleague run as one of the teams to beat. With its tradition, background, fan support, ambition and superb organization, CSKA will not stand for less than glory.
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Euroleague.net
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