I think there are some very, very exciting matchups [in the Playoffs]. Obviously, there is a Turkish derby – TOFAŞ-Karşıyaka or Karşıyaka-TOFAŞ; we will get to see both of them – and there’s always a unique character when teams from the same country are playing in Europe.
The group of Türk Telekom is very, very exciting. AEK Athens – we all know what they represent – along with Tenerife, the two most successful teams in the history of the BCL. They’re now facing Türk Telekom, who made it to the Final Eight last year and has a strong roster. I think that group will have some great games. Also, Strasbourg-Telekom should be very exciting.
In Group J, we also have two teams from Spain. Our first champion and last champion [will play] each other. That is also going to have a special flavor.
We also see the great teams that did not make it to this stage of the competition. We realize the sort of depth we have this year. If you see the teams like Galatasaray, Darüşşafaka, Rytas, Bilbao, Bologna did not make it to the Top 16, this, I think, is a demonstration of the high quality of the BCL.
We had some exciting stories as well. From our side, we always value the teams who get the opportunity to shine via BCL. Bakken Bears, the champions of Denmark, would never have the chance to play against top clubs like Galatasaray, Sassari, Tenerife if it wasn’t for the Champions League. But Bakken came in prepared and they actually beat all three teams. In the end, this is the beauty of the BCL.”