Friday Frappé: AEK chasing historic season
In this week’s edition of the Friday Frappé, AGONAsport’s Peter Katsiris takes a look at how AEK have the chance for a historic season as the Athenians have their sights set on winning the treble.
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After capturing their fifth Greek Cup in club history last weekend with a win over Promitheas in the Cup Final in Heraklion, AEK are on the verge of what could be a historic season for the Vasilissa.
With one title already to boot, AEK could close in on a triple haul of titles in the latter half of the season as the Athenians remain in strong contention in the Basket League while also still competing in the Basketball Champions League knockout rounds.
AEK’s impressive 2019/2020 campaign has come just two seasons after the club complete a double-winning season with triumphs in the Greek Cup and the Champions League on homecourt. Now, for a club that is enjoying its best stretch of campaigns in more than a decade, AEK could make even more history if the club can carry forward their momentum in the final weeks of the season.
The stretch run of the Basket League season won’t mean too much for AEK as the Enosi are virtually guaranteed a playoff spot, but keeping league leaders Panathinaikos in check in the final weeks could ensure that AEK avoid their OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall co-tenants until at least the Basket League Finals. A win over Panathinaikos last month will certainly give AEK the belief needed to beat their city rivals in a playoff series, with the likelihood of such an event boosted by Olympiacos’ absence from the Basket League and the struggles faced by traditional sides like PAOK and Aris.
Of course, Greek basketball continues to be dominated by Panathinaikos but with the Trifylli proving they are capable of losing games unexpectedly in Greece unlike in years past, the odds of AEK managing a domestic double are better than ever. Not to mention the main focus at Panathinaikos remains the EuroLeague, particularly with the Basket League lacking EuroLeague pedigree following Olympiacos’ relegation.
On the European scene, AEK have shown in the past two seasons they have what it takes to make deep runs in the Champions League. Having won their first Champions League crown just two years ago, AEK have emerged as one of the teams to fear in the competition. Despite ultimately settling for second place in their group, AEK emerged from the group stage as one of the teams to avoid in the knockout round draw.
Paired with Germany’s Telekom Baskets Bonn, AEK aren’t necessarily runaway favourites to advance but the Athenians are expected to progress to the quarterfinals where another potentially favourable tie could await Ilias Papatheodorou’s men.
While nothing is of course guaranteed for AEK, one thing for certain is that this AEK side is perhaps the best roster the club have had in a while and with experienced players like Nikos Zisis in the mix the Enosi could have a chance to rekindle the status AEK once had several decades ago.
