Shakeup coming for Greece’s BCL representatives

Greece’s Basketball Champions League representatives could be in for a major shakeup come the new season as the tournament’s organizers explore changes to how clubs qualify for the regular season…

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The Greek Basket League has been informed of potential changes to the 2019/2020 Basketball Champions League, which could see a fourth Greek club earn a berth in the competition’s preliminary rounds.

According to reports, the Basket League could be in line to receive a fourth entry to the competition in the form of a wild card entry.

Basket League officials confirmed the possibility of a wild card berth for a fourth Greek club in the form of a short announcement. “The possibility of one more team participating via wild card is examined,” the announcement read.

Currently, the top three clubs at season’s end outside of EuroLeague-bound Olympiacos and Panathinaikos earn a spot in the Champions League regular season. This year, however, Greece was granted a fourth berth after Aris were invited to take part in the first qualifying round even though the Thessaloniki outfit finished in ninth-place at the end of the 2017/2018 Basket League season.

While a fourth Greek club entering the competition appears to be a real possibility, the change could impact how many of Greece’s representatives earn a direct passage to the regular season.

The proposed changes would see just two of Greece’s representatives earn a direct passage to the regular season, compared to three as the remaining sides form the Greek top flight would be forced to begin their campaign in the preliminary rounds.

Promitheas eyeing EuroCup future

Just months after wrapping-up their maiden European campaign, Promitheas are reportedly working to secure a spot in the 7DAYS EuroCup as early as next season.

Despite a successful run that saw the Patras outfit progress to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, Promitheas are said to be keen on becoming the first Greek club to compete in the EuroCup since the Champions League was established three years ago.

Promitheas president, Christos Milas, confirmed the speculation of a move to the EuroCup in a recent interview with the newspaper, Peloponisos.

“It’s no secret we contacted ULEB. We are discussing about the club’s future determined for Promitheas’ best interests. We will soon make our final decision,” Milas was quoted by the newspaper.

Should Promitheas secure a spot in next year’s EuroCup, the amount of Greek clubs in European competition between the EuroLeague, the Champions League, and the EuroCup could grow to seven clubs.

by Peter Katsiris

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