Hernandez relishing EuroCup Women challenge with Wisla

KRAKOW (EuroCup Women) – Wisla Can-Pack head coach Jose Hernandez has expressed his excitement in the wake of his side being drawn against Hatay in the EuroCup Women Quarter-Finals.

The Spanish play-caller has had to battle with injuries to key players for much of the campaign, with kingpin Ewelina Kobryn missing for a large chunk of the season.

But, the return of the veteran center earlier this month coincided with an upturn in fortunes, with Wisla finishing the EuroLeague Women Regular Season on a high with three victories from their last three outings.

One of those recent highs was an 83-74 win against Mersin and now it's another Turkish team standing in their way as they make the switch to EuroCup Women and an intriguing last eight match-up against the in-form Hatay who only just missed out on the EuroLeague Women Quarter-Finals.

"Now we have finished EuroLeague Women, a new experience in EuroCup Women is waiting for us," said Hernandez.

Ewelina Kobryn will be vital in matching up with Hatay powerhouse Courtney Paris under the basket

"Hatay is the next step and it will be a long travel for us and a game against a hard team, but we have big motivation to be involved in this tournament.

"EuroCup Women will be very difficult and I feel that some Turkish teams in this competition could make the top eight of EuroLeague Women."

He added, "The Regular Season was very hard for us and we both played in very hard group and had a lot of injury problems, but we managed to compete at a good level in many of the games.

"While it will be two very tough games against Hatay, I hope we can continue to play like we have in these last few weeks, so we have the opportunity to pass to the Semi-Finals."

It will certainly be a new adventure for the Krakow-based side, who will debut in EuroCup Women, having played the last 12 consecutive seasons in EuroLeague Women.

Wisla will play the first leg at home on Tuesday 7 March and then step out in Antakya for the second game on Friday 10 March.

FIBA