Focus on Final Four: Fenerbahce

EKATERINBURG (EuroLeague Women) – We’re taking a look at the clubs who are getting ready to land in Ekaterinburg for the EuroLeague Women Final Four and second on the list are Turkish powerhouse, Fenerbahce.

The History: Fenerbahce made the Final Four (the Final Eight as it was then) in Istanbul during 2012. After losing in the Semi-Finals, they went on to make the Final for the next two editions, with both Finals played in Ekaterinburg. They lost in 2013 to UMMC and then endured a stomach-turning loss to Galatasaray in 2014. For the past two editions, they have lost in the Semi-Finals and therefore are in the Final Four for an impressive sixth successive season.

The Game: Fenerbahce have been matched up in the Semi-Finals against reigning champions and host club UMMC Ekaterinburg.

The Latest: Having signed Candace Parker in recent weeks ahead of the Quarter-Finals series against Perfumerias Avenida, it looked like it would be all guns blazing at the Final Four and they would be heading to Russia on a real high. However, much to their delight, Galatasaray went and ripped up the plans of their fierce Istanbul rivals as they completed a surprisingly one-sided victory against Fenerbahce in the Turkish League last weekend. This changed everything and it ended in playcaller George Dikeoulakos leaving the club – less than a fortnight before the Final Four tips-off.

Danger Sources: Fenerbahce arguably have the best frontcourt rotation in the competition with Los Angeles Sparks and WNBA-winning trio Sandrine Gruda, Jantel Lavender and Candace Parker – as well as Belarusian star Anastasiya Verameyenka.

With veteran guard Birsel Vardarli Demirmen pulling the strings really well, it is perhaps the contribution of shooting guard Allie Quigley which will determine their success – or otherwise. She is a game-winner in waiting and is their main offensive source and 'X-Factor'. She will receive a lot of defensive attention, but if her team gets her open enough, she can be the difference-maker from the wings.

The Coach: Newly installed playcaller Firat Okul has come in for the Final Four and will only have a couple of KBSL games at the helm before the tournament. He has been coaching during recent seasons at Istanbul Universitesi, as well as with various Turkish national youth teams. He has no previous EuroLeague Women experience and certainly not at the Final Four. Every other coach there has won the tournament during their respective careers.

The Key Stat: Fenerbahce are the worst free-throw shooting team at the Final Four, having made 72.1% from the line so far this season.

The Key Questions: Can Coach Okul write himself into Fenerbahce folklore with a fairytale in Ekaterinburg? Some teams benefit from a 'new coach bounce' and after all, he is only two wins away from legendary status. Will he stick with the 'three bigs' option and keep Parker on the wing? Can Fenerbahce answer the zone defense if it is employed by their opponents and have the shooters to cope? Most pertinently – can Fenerbahce finally end the label of being 'always the bridesmaid and never the bride' at the Final Four? Has the removal of Coach Dikeoulakos lowered the expectation and pressure slightly for the players and could that now work in their favor?

The Social Media Track: Join 264,000 followers of Candace_Parker on Twitter or Les Bleues star Sandrine_gruda on Instagram.

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