Can debutantes CBK Mersin make a splash at the Final Four?

MERSIN (Turkey) - They've already hit a new high tide mark by landing at the Final Four, but CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld are hungry to seal another historical first with a maiden EuroLeague Women title.

The ambitious Turkish club are far from satisfied with the progress they have made by reaching the Semi-Finals and have every reason to be confident they can show their best face in Prague.

It has undeniably been a campaign of two halves, with Roberto Iniguez taking over coaching duties mid-season and sparking an upturn in fortunes.

"I ALWAYS THINK I AM PART OF A TEAM THAT CAN GO ALL THE WAY - YOU HAVE TO THINK LIKE THAT." - Tiffany Hayes

Now they have the opportunity to go all the way at the Final Four - something the sharp-shooting Tiffany Hayes believes could happen.

"I am proud of this team as we have gone through a lot, but there are ups and downs everywhere," she mused.

"There is always talent in EuroLeague Women and there is always going to be either the people you know about - the big names; or there will be people who will be stepping up.

"I always think I am part of a team that can go all the way - you have to think like that. If you don't think like that, it is not going to happen," insisted Hayes.

Check out the CBK Mersin Yenisehir Bld team profile:

Four reasons Mersin can make a splash and serve a slice of history

The one-two punch of Gray and Hayes 

There are few players in the competition who have been performing as strongly as Chelsea Gray this season and as well as her scoring power, it has been passing the rock more than six times per game that has really caught the eye. With Gray a clutch performer, Mersin fans can take massive comfort in that she is not the only one, since Tiffany Hayes is also capable of putting on the big show. And, if you remember, when she was playing for Coach Iniguez at the Final Four a couple of years ago, she balled out with Perfumerias Avenida.

Some serious momentum

It's wholly understandable that the spotlight has been wedged firmly on the headline act aka Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding and their 14-game winning run. However, Mersin also have some impressive momentum with seven wins in their last eight games and their only loss being a nail-biter at Bourges - one that they may have won with a few more seconds left on the clock. They destroyed Bourges twice in the Quarter-Finals and will step out with massive confidence and knowing they have what it takes.

That experience and fire of Roberto Iniguez

If you think the passion for the game and for EuroLeague Women might subside after so many Final Four appearances, then forget it. One follow of Mersin's and the playcaller's own social media accounts and you will have it confirmed that the fire of basketball desire burns more fierce than ever in Iniguez. An expert navigator, the team has not looked back since he took charge and they will take to the floor with someone that has been at the showcase event nine times with six different clubs. 

They love taking care of the ball

It might not be the most exciting of reasons, but from a basketball perspective, it rarely gets more vital. Yes, Mersin love to take care of the ball and have the joint-lowest number of turnovers in the entire competition this season with just over 12 per game. If they are as frugal and as controlled in these next games then they have a great platform to build on. At this stage of the campaign, the other teams don't need gifts and on recent evidence, Mersin won't be giving any. 

FIBA