Four reasons Sopron Basket can win the EuroLeague Women 2019 title

SOPRON (Hungary) - As we knock on the Final Four door and prepare to enter, we take a look at the title prospects of each club and now it's the turn of hosts Sopron Basket.

Fan power and a touch of deja-vu

We have been here before, haven't we?  A year ago, Sopron Basket were heading into their first Final Four since 2009 and nobody expected them to win. Hit the fast forward button and it is a similar situation for the 2019 edition. Only now the fans, who will once again create an amazing atmosphere, know that it can be done and they can get a W at this stage. After seeing their team make that first ever Final last year, they will be roaring on their side to pull off another upset - or two. Don't rule out another famous and memorable night for the locals at the Novomatic Arena!

Yvonne Turner and Candice Dupree

While Sopron have so many top drawer performers, these two look like providing the usual impressive one-two punch. It's one that could get their team onto the Final Four podium again. Turner (pictured) has been sensational all year again, only just missing out on two awards (pipped by Marine Johannes on each occasion) in the fan vote for 'Beast Guard' and 'Most Entertaining Player'. Meanwhile veteran forward Dupree has turned back the clock in a big way and been the difference-maker down the season stretch. In the past few months, she has been the driving force behind Sopron going from wondering if they would even make the Quarter-Finals, to now contemplating another appearance in the title game. 

If you can win in Kursk...

Even if Sopron Basket are underdogs at this event again, it is worth remembering that they were the only team to beat Dynamo Kursk during the Regular Season and they did that in Russia. They also showed incredible resolve in that game by digging it out in overtime, despite the mental setback of blowing a big lead during regulation. It is compelling evidence of being able to beat a frontrunner. Yes, on their day, Sopron are capable. Very capable. 

Roberto Iniguez

Each season, the Spanish playcaller enhances his reputation as one of the best navigators EuroLeague Women has ever seen. He continues to break new ground and has described this season as his best in the competition to date. You can see why, since despite strong headwinds of injuries and player changes, he has ensured that Sopron Basket have made consecutive Final Four events for the first time in their history. It was a roller-coaster ride, but here we are, with Iniguez ready to mastermind yet another possible surprise. Or perhaps it just isn't a surprise anymore with this coach at the helm. Yes, the words upset or surprise should probably be binned from this moment onwards.

FIBA