2010 Euroleague Champions – Regal FC Barcelona
Regal FC Barcelona is the 2010 Euroleague champion!
2010 Euroleague Champions - Regal FC Barcelona
Barca downed Olympiacos 86-68 in the final before a packed house at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in the French capital to win its second Euroleague crown.
Juan Carlos Navarro, the only remaining player from Barcelona’s 2003 Euroleague-winning squad, was named Final Four MVP after leading the charge with 21 points. Pete Mickeal added 14 and Fran Vazquez set a title game record with 4 blocked shots as the Barcelona defense limited the top scoring team in the Euroleague this season to 68 points, matching its season low.
The Reds never led again after a 5-6 start as the Barcelona defense held Olympiacos below 20 points in all four quarter. Ricky Rubio added 9 points for the freshly crowned champs, led by head coach Xavi Pascual.
Olympiacos, which beat Barcelona for its only Euroleague title in 1997, got 15 points from Josh Childress. Linas Kleiza added 13 points, Theo Papaloukas had 12 and new Euroleague MVP Milos Teodosic was held to 10.
This summary from euroleague.net. You can read the full article (plus some video highlights) here.
Well done to the 2010 Euroleague Champions, Barca.
Was interesting to watch this match compared to the NBA playoffs which are also happening. Noticed how little space there is on the floor and in the key. With the proposed court and key changes it should open the game up.
Also, great, great team defense. Awesome examples of help, closeouts and recovery. Really enjoyed seeing that.
Rubio was a no-show, Beverly completely took him out the game. Rubio is way to casual withe the ball and he got his pocket picked. Papalukas is getting to old and is not the same as he was a couple years ago.
What also stands out is how much the players move from one team to another.
Good to appreciate the different style from the NBA play, although I admit I prefer the NBA's bigger key and further 3 point line.
Agreed Zeke, years ago defense had much more of a European stigma to it so no surprise that its still such a focus. Really creates a strong team feel watching them on the court.
Couldn't help wondering if African basketball could ever approach these levels – our countries are further apart geographically making it difficult to put these types of tournaments together to develop international experience. Even Australia, New Zealand and South America are too far to really do it well.
Wonder what could work for us in terms of giving our players much wider exposure.
Its a great idea, which could work even from a African champions league. Very possible.
Its a great idea, which could work even from a African champions league. Very possible.