FIBA Europe Cup Power Rankings: The mid-season review

MUNICH (Germany) - We're at the midway point of the Second Round with some teams showing their title credentials, so it's time to roll out the first FIBA Europe Cup Power Rankings of the 2023-24 season.

Results, performances and roster changes are all taken into account as race to lift the trophy heats up with just a few more weeks of action to determine the final eight.

1.  Surne Bilbao Basket 

Season Record: 9-0
FIBA Europe Cup debutants Bilbao have vanquished all that have come before them with an average winning margin of almost +16 in their nine games played so far. They have been led by the deadly duo of point guard Adam Smith, who is posting 13.7 points per game, and forward Sacha Kileya-Jones - adding a team-high 13.9 points - making the Spanish side a force to be reckoned with.

2. NINERS Chemnitz 

Season Record: 9-0
The German side are also yet to taste defeat this season in the FIBA Europe Cup and have done so by being one of the best teams offensively - shooting 50.3 percent from the field and ranking second in scoring at 92.8 points a game. Led by Wesley Van Beck's 16 points a game, NINERS have been in devastating form and also sit top of their domestic league, too.

3. Bahcesehir College 

Season Record: 8-1
The 2022 winners have recovered from their opening heartbreak against ERA Nymburk to put together an eight-game unbeaten streak to complete the top three in the Power Rankings. With five players averaging in double figures in points - led by Jerry Boutsiele's 16.2 points per game - the Turkish side have multiple weapons at their disposal and are hitting form at the right time as they close on the Quarter-Finals.

4. Casademont Zaragoza 

Season Record: 7-2
One of the pre-season favorites, Zaragoza haven't had the smoothest of rides this season, but the Spaniards have battled through from the Qualifiers thanks to their deep roster packed with talent and experience. Mark Smith is averaging 14.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game to lead the way, and Zaragoza are currently locked in an intriguing three-way tie for top spot in Group M after a vital victory in Turkiye last time out.

5. FC Porto 

Season Record: 7-4
No doubt FC Porto have been one of the most talked about teams in the FIBA Europe Cup. They made the most of their lifeline as a lucky loser from the Qualifiers and look well placed in the Second Round after road wins over Balkan and Gottingen. Their two remaining home games could be decisive for their last eight hopes, and they will look for more of the same from the likes of key figures Anthony Barber and Cleveland Melvin.

6. Legia Warszawa 

Season Record: 7-2
Legia have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, thanks mainly to having the competition's leading scorer in their ranks. Christian Vital has three 30-point games to his name including in their recent victory over Sporting CP to put them in their second spot. The Polish outfit are a force to be reckoned with when in rhythm and will have their sights set on the Quarter-Finals.

7. ERA Nymburk 

Season Record: 7-2
The pride of Czechia have quietly been going about their business this season. An opening day scalp of Bahcesehir College sent a strong statement and now find themselves locked in a tight battle in the Second Round. Jitaurious Gordon and Thomas Bell have both impressed, and Nymburk will look to continue their strong home form when they take on Casademont Zaragoza to take a step towards the last eight.

8. BCM Gravelines Dunkerque 

Season Record: 4-3
The French side were the talk of the opening stages of the Second Round with back-to-back victories including beating Nymburk at the buzzer. There was tragedy over the break with the loss of their arena due to a fire, and Gravelines were beaten in their first game back against Nymburk. They will play their remaining games in Calais and hope for some much needed home support to get them over the line in a tough group.

9. Itelyum Varese 

Season Record: 6-3
Varese have not found life in the Second Round easy with losses in their first opening two games before bouncing back last week. The former runners-up will hope their big win over Oradea could be the lift needed to advance. They are the leading scorers in the competition at an average of 94.1 points per game and have recently added Italian international Nico Mannion to the likes of Gabe Brown and Olivier Hanlan - so Varese should not be taken lightly.

10. BG Gottingen 

Season Record: 6-3
A 4-0 start to the FIBA Europe Cup season put the German side in the conversation as one of the early front-runners. However, a slight dip of form has dimmed their bright light with their home loss to Porto putting them at 1-2 in the Second Round. Gottingen are capable of running any team off the floor with their deadly fast-break style with rising stars Fedor Zugic and Zach Ensminger stepping up, so they will look to get back on track.  

11. Sporting CP 

Season Record: 3-4
Sporting have had recent experience in the Quarter-Finals of this competition and with a strong core of that squad still involved, they will look for inspiration to carry them forward in this Second Round. Housed in a strong Group L formed with fellow Regular Season victors has had its challenges, but two of their final three at home to boost their chances. And, they have a lot of talent at their disposal, too.

12. ZZ Leiden 

Season Record: 4-3
Despite being a team that has gone under the radar somewhat as they rank towards the bottom for points and rebounds, Leiden have still been pulling out hard-fought victories in the FIBA Europe Cup. Luuk van Bree has been in sublime form with 16.3 points per game, and the Dutch side will look to come out on top in what seems like a battle for second with Varese and Oradea.

13. Manisa BBSK 

Season Record: 7-4
After making it through the Qualifiers, then convincingly winning their group in the Regular Season with a 5-1 record, the omens looked good for the Turkish side. However, they have lost all three games so far in the Second Round to leave them reeling. Mexican international Pako Cruz has been in fine form - averaging 15.4 points and dishing 4.8 assists a game - but Manisa are facing a big challenge to turn their fortunes around.

14. CSM CSU Oradea 

Season Record: 5-5
The Romanian side are one of the more unpredictable teams in the FIBA Europe Cup, you never know what kind of team you're going to get. But when on form, they can be a match for anyone - as shown when they dismantled Legia in the Regular Season. The ever-consistent Lithuanian forward Donatas Tarolis is leading the way with 19.6 points and 5.5 rebounds a game, and Oradea know they need to bounce back from a heavy loss last time out.

15. Jonava CBet 

Season Record: 4-5
After narrowly beating Rostock Seawolves to top spot in Group C of the Regular Season, the Lithuanian side entered the Second Round hoping to continue their momentum. However, they have hit a slump, dropping their first three games with their hopes of advancing fading fast. Jonava have to beat Sporting on the road in their next encounter or it could be an early exit pending.

16. Balkan Botevgrad 

Season Record: 3-4
After starting their campaign with three straight wins to book their place in the Second Round, the Bulgarian outfit have struggled for form since with four straight losses and are the last ranked side in the pile. They are currently 0-3 in a strong Group K and are in desperate need of recapturing their early season successes having lost by 32 at home to Bilbao in their recent outing.

Disclaimer: The power rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking system. All comments are purely those of the author.