The Final Four predictions

EKATERINBURG (EuroLeague Women 2017) – With EuroLeague Women Final Four now approaching, we get some expert insight from players, coaches and the media who tell us how they think the action will unfold in Ekaterinburg.

Frederic Dusart, head coach of  ESBVA-LM
"My favorite team for The Final Four is UMMC Ekaterinburg because they are playing at home, they can use all of their foreigners [which is not possible in the Russian Championship], they have played together for the past two years and already know what it takes to win a EuroLeague Women title. I also wish Emma Meesseman to win two consecutive EuroLeague Women titles, but we must be careful about Fenerbahce because they have just changed their coach and for them it could be a new start and without any pressure. And in a one-off game, anything is possible!

Dusart recently led ESBVA-LM to their best-ever Regular Season record in the competition.

"My indecision is stronger when it comes to Dynamo Kursk and ZVVZ USK Prague. While Kursk did a big first part in the Regular Season, they did have some trouble in the Quarter-Finals against Tango Bourges Basket. The pressure is on Kursk because they are undefeated in EuroLeague Women and they would like to reach the Final. Prague are getting better and better in this competition and it’s hard to choose a favorite team between those two!"

You can follow Coach Dusart: @fredusart

Maris Noviks, Latvian journalist with Sportacenters.com and a long-time EuroLeague Women follower
"Dynamo Kursk will win it all as Lucas Mondelo is a great strategist and a proven winner – he brings out the very best from his players. It happened with Sancho Lyttle, Silvia Dominguez and Alba Torrens in Avenida, with Maya Moore in China and now it's true with Nnemkadi Ogwumike and Angel McCoughtry in Kursk. Dynamo may be undersized but its offensive potential is enormous. Following tradition this year and after an all-Turkish EuroCup Women Final, we might now see an all-Russian EuroLeague Women Final."

You can follow Maris: @MarisNoviks

Miljana Bojovic, Tango Bourges Basket guard and former Fenerbahce playmaker
"When it comes to UMMC and Fenerbahce, we have two great teams who are offensively orientated, so it will be nice game to watch. It’s hard to predict how the change of coach will affect them. But in this Semi-Final, I will go with Fenerbahce because I think that as a team and as individuals, they have more to prove and will be more motivated.

Miljana Bojovic has played against UMMC twice this season for Bourges

"In terms of Dynamo Kursk and ZVVZ USK Prague, I think highly of Prague, but I don't think they have enough defensive weapons to stop the multiple offensive threats of Kursk. I go with Kursk because they have been more constant and they have already beaten Prague twice this season.

"Assuming the Final is Fenerbahce and Kursk, I think that with the addition of Parker, Fenerbahce have more advantage in individual match ups. If they manage to put Ekat out of the Semi-Finals and if they can stop the transition game of Kursk and minimize their offensive rebounds, my friends from Fenerbahce have a big chance of winning EuroLeague Women this year." 

Silvia Dominguez, three-time EuroLeague Women champion and Perfumerias Avenida captain
"It is difficult to talk about predictions when we talk about The Final Four. Amazing things have happened in the past and every team has a chance, but for me the favorite is UMMC. They have a deep roster, experience, they play at home, they are the reigning champions - many factors are on their side. But, if Dynamo Kursk make it to the Final, I know how Coach [Lucas] Mondelo likes these kinds of challenges, and for sure he can do something special to try to win EuroLeague Women. They are unbeaten and they also beat UMMC in the Russian League - but in EuroLeague Women, UMMC has a different roster, so I think it's more complicated.

Dominguez played against Fenerbahce and UMMC in the Regular Season for Avenida and has won a trio of EuroLeague Women titles 

"As for ZVVZ USK Prague and Fenerbahce, I think they are not favorites in their respective Semi-Finals, but that can also make them dangerous teams. Playing with less pressure than their opponents and with a lot of players with experience, can change the predictions. Whatever happens in The Final four, what is absolutely sure is we will enjoy another great women's basketball event!"

You can follow Silvia: @sdominguez6

Elizabeth [Betty] Cebrian, former Spanish star and double-Olympian
"Dynamo Kursk head coach Lucas Mondelo has a special talent to motivate players to give their best and especially in situations like this. He is well-known for having always an ace up his sleeve and preparing something tactically that will make the opponent play uncomfortably. Prague on the other hand are very used to situations like this, having also won the title. Their players are also very experienced and the bonus point is that they will play without pressure and for them to be in Ekaterinburg means they have reached their goal. Coach Hejkova is also very experienced and has great chemistry with the players. I expect a very exciting and tight game!”

"UMMC Ekaterinburg are a team made to win. They have home-court advantage, experienced players and most people will expect them to advance to the Final. The battle in the zone is quite equal, while the perimeter might make the difference and tip the game towards the Ekat side. Fenerbahce are arriving with a new coach and it opens up two possibilities and both are linked to the players' chemistry with the new and old coach. It is a big question mark and we will soon find out the answer."

You can watch The Final Four via www.livebasketball.tv

FIBA