This month, I was able to visit the women's finals of Euroleague, only this time not as a participant-player, and as a columnist and journalist (Photo - Julia Fedoseev).

My team, "Avenida" missed the final eight, so the schedule we have formed two weeks of free time without the games. Our coach decided to give the whole team a few days of rest before the semi-final matches, so I was able to fly to Istanbul for a crucial stage of the Euroleague.

 

This year's FIBA changed the formula of the final stage, as you know, this time it was attended by eight best teams, which were divided into two groups. Each team had to play with all the contestants in their group, and those who up to this mini-group tournament ranked first met in the final game for the "gold", fought for second place "bronze" and so on. The teams had no room for error if you lose, it is almost impossible to calculate the final place in the Euroleague.

Euroleague Final Eight left me with a mixed impression. On the one hand, pain due to injury (Maria Stepanova), on the other hand, the surprise success of "Rivas"

I think that this new formula is less successful than usual Final Four. Especially that final eight passes closer to the end of the season, when all the girls are under heavy pressure, and it is very difficult physically to a very high level four games (new formula) instead of the usual two. Hence the injury.

To everyone's chagrin, Maria Stepanova tore cruciate ligament of the knee. This is a very severe injury, will have to recover at least 6 months, so that Mary does not get to the Olympics. This is definitely a big loss for the Russian team, without Stepanova, we will be hard in London, because it over the years is the main pivot command.

By the way, such as injuries to Penny Taylor and the Italian basketball player, of "Schio." Sue Bird, too, suffered in Istanbul - she once again broke his nose in a strange situation in the warm-up before the first game c «Ros Casares." Because of this unpleasant incident Ekaterinburg club lost the main point guard and played the Spanish team, thus losing the chance to get to the finals. Therefore, this tournament was very memorable in terms of injuries. Of course, the injury - is part of the sport, but not so serious and so many in a row in one tournament!

This year our Russian clubs were unsuccessful in the Euroleague. UMMC with its stellar composition was to be the final and become the champion, but, despite all predictions, the Ural club became only the third. "Sparta&K" finished sixth in Euroleague. After an injury Ira Ospovova team from outside Moscow strongly felt gap in the positions of center.

But a surprise team "Rivas." Do not hide, the Spanish team was the underdog, but in the Final Eight beat everyone in their group. "Rivas" did not stand out stellar composition and won only through the protection and command successful game Elisa Aguilar, the main point guard for Spain, and Achsa Jones, who was recognized as a result of the Final Eight MVP.

As part of "Avenida" I met with three "Rivas" and beat them three times, with a difference of 20 points. Of course, very sorry that we lost against "Schio" a decisive step for reaching the Final Eight, I think, in Istanbul, we would have a chance.

Very disappointed "Galatasaray". Despite the large budget, the fact that this club was the host of the Final Eight, and Diana Taurasi's efforts, "Galatasay" made a failure. In the "Galatasaray" as there is a big problem with the pivot position.

In the finals of Euroleague met two Spanish teams - "Rivas" and "Ros Casares," is evidence of a high level of Spanish basketball. Of course, the result was predictable, everyone understood that "Ros Casares' win, but" Rivas "resisted to the end and behaved very honorably.

Throughout most of the tournament, I commented on matches for "NTV +" with Dima Garanenko. I thank him for having given me the opportunity to try yourself as a commentator. For me it was not just fun - to talk about basketball, but also a very interesting experience.

In conclusion, the Euroleague Final Eight left me with a mixed impression. On one hand, pain due to the injury of my friend Masha, on the other hand, the surprise success of "Rivas", and, third, I was very glad to meet friends and acquaintances I didn't meet since a long time.