4 Pau Ribas G 1.93 5 Vladimir Micov F 2.03 9 Marcelinho Huertas G 1.90 11 Lior Eliyahu F 2.05 12 Mirza Teletovic F 2.06 19 Fernando San Emeterio F 1.98 21 Tiago Splitter C 2.12 23 Carl Eglish G 1.92 24 Brad Oleson G 1.91 35 Walter Herrmann F 2.06 42 Stanko Barac C 2.17 - Andres Rodriguez G 1.82 Head Coach: Dusko Ivanovic

With a fully renovated roster and a new strong sponsor, Caja Laboral, a new era is starting for basketball club Saski Baskonia of Vitoria, Spain, known far and wide until now as Tau Ceramica. But even if its name has changed, the team's ambitions have not. By reaching the Euroleague finals in 2000 and then making it to four consecutive Euroleague Final Fours from 2005 to 2008, this club has become a model among small-market teams competing with the biggest in Europe. Now, Caja Laboral opens a new chapter in that club history with every intention of upholding the high standards of the last decade. All-Euroleague center Tiago Splitter and power forward Mirza Teletovic are the only starters back in Caja Laboral this season, but they provide the kind of frontcourt anchor that head coaches everywhere crave. Meanwhile, a brand new backcourt is taking shape with playmakers Marcelinho Huertas and Pau Ribas, scoring machines Carl English and Brad Oleson, as well as defensive swingman Vladimir Micov. Tau also landed small forward Walter Hermann, a marquee addition by any measure due to his experience, size and power. The frontcourt is completed by a fast-rising Euroleague star, power forward Lior Eliyahu, a mobile big man whose shotmaking expertise around the basket may be second to none. With big-body center Stanko Barac and backup forward Fernando San Emeterio also back in action, head coach Dusko Ivanovic has the ingredients to make his team one the most intense and active in European basketball. With its many options on offense, Caja Laboral might be just a short adjustment period away from establishing itself once again as a contender for the club's ultimate goal and longtime dream: the Euroleague title.



Huertas arrives as the starting point guard fresh off directing his native Brazil to the FIBA Americas title over the summer. An All-Spanish League first team selection two years ago, Huertas offers creativity, quickness and court sense - not to mention a strong knowledge of how to play with star center Splitter. Ribas will have to make the transition for do-it-all guard at DKV Joventut to fulltime playmaker in Vitoria. His court sense, athleticism and determination is out of the question. Oleson hopes to shock everyone in Europe the way he did the Spanish League, where he finished second in scoring last season. A left-handed shooter with unlimited range, Oleson is an outstanding slasher and an unselfish player who rarely makes bad choices. English is a pure scorer who has filled the baskets everywhere he has played. His character and intensity perfectly match Coach Ivanovic's style, plus his game is completely compatible with either Oleson or Herrmann. Micov arrives to provide defense and intensity off the bench. A good defensive stopper that never gives up, Micov is set to play an interesting role this season. San Emeterio did not see much playing time last season but stays as a superb scorer and an intense defender ready to be really productive every time he steps on court.

Herrmann returns to the Euroleague as a force of nature at small forward. Tall, with huge hands and experience at all levels - including an Olympic title with Argentina in 2004 - Herrmann is a natural-born mismatch for opponents. What's more, his mentality and intensity make Herrmann as lethal on option on offense as he is a stellar rebounder on defensive. Coach Ivanovic has a wealth of frontcourt options, with three very different, equally productive, and fully established stars like Eliyahu, Splitter and Teletovic. A top-12 scorer and rebounder in the last Euroleague regular season, when he played for Maccabi Electra, Eliyahu is made for the transition game. He is able to run the floor like few power forwards and has an extraordinarily quick release off the dribble. His footwork and deft hands also make him a quality scorer in traffic. Teletovic, an incredible three-point shooter for a big man, led the Euroleague in three-pointers made last season (51) while ranking 10th in accuracy (42.1%). His shooting also opened the floor for Splitter to play more freely down low. Teletovic is also a top-notch rebounder when inspired. Splitter is a born center with solid post moves, patience and know-how. In his seventh Euroleague season at age 24, Splitter has developed a complete package of experience, skills and power. He is also the undeniable leader on this team now, which should push him to become an even more dominant force. Barac, a huge, skilled center, will come off the bench to offer size and deep range when called upon. With a new exciting lineup and the same mental fortitude that has served the club so well, Caja Laboral will do nothing less than fight without pause for all available the trophies in its path this season.

PAU RIBAS, GUARD Giving responsibility to players at early ages has never been a problem for Caja Laboral, whose investment in up-and-coming talent over the last decade or more has always paid off well. Its newest such bet may be the surest and safest yet, as 22-year-old Pau Ribas has already proven himself to be a versatile, intense guard who fits perfectly into Caja Laboral's philosophy. If he can handle his extra responsibilities with the same maturity he has shown until now, Ribas could be a key to the aspirations of Caja Laboral this season in the Euroleague. Ribas took off as a pro with his original club, DKV Joventut, two years ago. Despite starting that 2007-08 season as a role player behind superstars Rudy Fernandez and Ricky Rubio, Ribas soon started to earn playing time due to his character, outstanding on-the-ball defense and team-oriented game. Ribas helped Joventut to lift the ULEB Cup and the Spanish King's Cup titles in 2008, then was promoted to team captain last season based on his evident leadership qualities. Although he is a solid three-point shooter, especially from the corners, Ribas is special because of his court sense, ballhandling and intensity. Last season, Ribas had a good Euroleague debut, averaging 7 points and 1.2 steals, while also displaying his many intangibles, like silent leadership, feel for the game and intelligence. His transition to fulltime point guard at Caja Laboral should not be a problem for Ribas, as it is the next logical step in his career. He has all the tools to convert himself into a modern, tall playmaker who gives his team options as a passer, penetrator, shooter and defender. With few weaknesses in his game, Ribas now will get an expanded opportunity to put his whole package of skills together. Ribas has a lot of room for improvement, especially on offense, but doing what he already does well with consistency will be the mark of his progress. He is in the right environment to become one of his generation's best floor generals, and if he does so, Ribas will lift Caja Laboral along with him.