MUNICH (Germany) - We're jumping from the First Round into the Second Round with huge anticipation and excitement as the race to make Final Six and land silverware enters a new phase in this season's fresh new format.
So, there's no better time to re-assess the Power Rankings and see where everyone now stands.
Our expert panel have taken into account performances and results so far, while also comparing where each club was in Volume 2.
1. CBK Mersin (-)
Season record: 6-0 (1st in Group E)
It's been a flawless and fabulous start for Victor Lapena and his ballers. They can smile even more being in Group E. where they will avoid the biggest guns aka Fenerbahce, Valencia and Praha. It's tough to see them dropping more than one or two games. However, the rain on the parade is star player Marine Johannes being ruled out for several months with an injury. It's a relief Iliana Rupert, Yvonne Anderson and Natasha Howard are all in form so far. It's looking good!
2. Fenerbahce Opet (-)
Season record: 6-0 (1st in Group F)
Unbeaten and on track, it will be fascinating to see the champions against Valencia and Praha. Those games will be a strong gauge of whether they are still the team to beat this year. With Emma Meesseman doing Emma Meesseman things, they could ride out unbeaten from now until trophy-time. But some of her teammates probably need to move up a gear too. Right now, only Emma and Tina Charles averaging more than 12.0 in performance efficiency. Say what?
3. Valencia Basket Club (-)
Season record: 5-1 (2nd in Group F)
Now living up to their pre-season billing, they're on a four-game winning streak and that's eventhough nobody is exactly red-hot just yet. Alina Iagupova is still warming up, but could erupt very soon. They're getting it done as a team with Steph Mavunga and Nadia Fingall impressing inside, while Queralt Casas and Leticia Romero are doing the business in the backcourt. The noisy fans are doing their part at home, while the additon of Kayla Alexander looks slick.
4. ZVVZ USK Praha (-)
Season record: 4-2 (3rd in Group F)
Only a missed Iagupova buzzer-beater away from a 5-1 record, Praha have had to settle for 4-2, but the great news is that their big-guns are starting to fire. Brionna Jones and November MVP Maria Conde in particular have made moves recently and it would not be a surprise if they were the team to inflict a first loss on Fenerbahce. It feels like it would be a shock if they don't make it to this year's Semi-Finals. Oh dear - is that the Power Rankings curse now cast on them?
5. Beretta Famila Schio (-)
Season record: 4-2 (3rd in Group E)
Still perfect on their own court and finding themselves in Group E, you could make a case for Schio being favorites to take a top two place with Mersin. Coach Georgios Dikaioulakos will ensure there is no complacency and a loss last time to Avenida will also help sharpen the focus. Janelle Salaun has been awesome and fellow forward Jasmine Keys, too. With Costanza Verona pulling the strings and Kitija Laksa always a threat, Schio look almost a lock to make the Final Six.
6. Tango Bourges Basket (+3)
Season record: 4-2 (4th in Group E)
Bourges have defied most people's expectations heading into the season. Their physical and mental toughness has really shone through so far. Kariata Diaby has been a super addition and with Amy Okonkwo also excelling alongside the veteran know-how of Artemis Spanou, the paint is tough. Opportunity knocks loudly in Group E - very loudly. But the big question is whether the backcourt truly has the kind of scoring firepower needed to ultimately make the Final Six?
7. Basket Landes (+4)
Season record: 4-2 (2nd in Group E)
They might not have the best record, but if there was an award for 'Team of the Season' at this stage, then step forward Basket Landes. Their four place jump reflects the amazing job they have done as underdogs and especially on their own floor. The coaches and players have come through the Qualifiers, the First Round and now have a genuine shot at a surprise Final Six spot. The energy and teamwork always impresses and in Group E, they have little to fear.
8. Casademont Zaragoza (-)
Season record: 4-2 (4th in Group F)
What an outstanding commitment from the club, city and region to host the Final Six for the next three years! Their phenomenal fans could potentially make it the best season finale ever - if they can roll into the showpiece. Zaragoza have done a great job, but there's no climb since Group F poses a threat with even tougher fixtures. But a big domestic weekend win against Valencia is a great sign of them moving up. Mariona Ortiz and Helena Pueyo will both be vital.
9. Perfumerias Avenida (-3)
Season record: 3-3 (5th in Group E)
Ouch. A drop of three places might feel harsh and we can hear the whistles and boos from Salamanca. But a 3-3 non-winning record is evidence of the frustrations of a team that blows hot and cold. As brilliant as she is, it shouldn't be stellar rising star and rookie Iyana Martin Carrion making the biggest splash on this roster. Still, with some consistency injected into their displays, Final Six could yet be secured. Just imagine the support they would have at the event!
10. Umana Reyer Venezia (-3)
Season record: 3-3 (5th in Group F)
After a positive start to the campaign, the wheels have been looking like they might be coming off for Reyer after three losses in the last four games. They are going to have to drive a renaissance if they want to make the Final Six and that will not be easy in Group F. Their frontline of Awak Kuier, Dragana Stankovic and Lorela Cubaj has performed, but apart from Matilde Villa, there's not been enough production from the backcourt or the wings. Can somebody else step up?
11. Zabiny Brno (+2)
Season record: 2-4 (6th in Group E)
The Czech club and underdogs march proudly into this Second Round having initially manouvered their way through the Qualifiers. Few will have envisaged them progressing, but here they are - and ready to make more noise. Quite literally with their impressive home support. And, you really have to salute Elissa Cunane, Eliska Hamzova and Steph Kostowicz for such solid and eye-catching campaigns. They might just love life in Group E and cause some upsets.
12. KGHM BC Polkowice (-)
Season record: 1-5 (6th in Group F)
Exceeding the pre-season expectations of many observers by making it past the First Round, the understandable joy at unexpectedly making the Second Round is tempered by the fact they have the worst record and are in the worst of the two groups - on paper at least. The injury to Alexis Peterson was also a blow and it's difficult to now see many more wins coming.
*The power rankings are put together by our expert panel. They are entirely subjective and are in no way a true and accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.
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