In its inaugural EuroLeague season, Monaco has already exceeded the expectations and is fighting for a spot in the postseason.
The Red and Whites currently hold the final playoff spot, with a 14-14 record. Despite their loss to league leaders FC Barcelona on Thursday (88-83), they have kept their playoff chances intact.
Monaco will need to protect its home court in the last part of the season to clinch a spot in the postseason.
Four of its last five games will take place at Salle Gaston Medecin. Starting with the game vs the reigning champions Anadolu Efes next week, Monaco will also host Olympiacos, Baskonia and ALBA Berlin.
La Roca Team will seek to remain undefeated until the end of the regular season to advance to the playoffs. Reaching the postseason will ensure the club’s inaugural EuroLeague season will be successful.
Photo: Yiannis Bouranis/Hedge Out
Since its return to the top tier of French basketball (2015), the club has been getting better year after year. First, they competed in the French League Finals and the Basketball Champions League Final (2018).
Next year, they made their EuroCup debut and went on to win their first-ever continental title in 2021. The triumph over UNICS Kazan in the EuroCup Finals helped them clinch their spot in the EuroLeague for the first time ever.
And what a season they have in the league so far. With ups and downs, staff/players changes and a tough schedule because of Covid-19, Monaco still remains a playoff contender.
Head coach Sasa Obradovic has helped the team solve its chemistry issues and elevate its game on both ends. Monaco has been playing really well lately, with six wins and three losses in the last nine games.
The players enjoy their time in Monaco and have their sights set on advancing to the playoffs. With no guaranteed place for next season, reaching the postseason may seal Monaco’s ticket for the 2022/23 EuroLeague.
And that will be the best reward for a club that has gone from the fourth division in France to the EuroLeague in the last decade.
For now, the Red and Whites focus on the game vs Anadolu Efes. A win on Friday will bring them a step closer to the playoffs.
With the Russian teams out of the competition because of the Russia-Ukraine war, Monaco could see a change in its record. Currently at 14-14, their record will drop to 10-13, if the EuroLeague officially bans the Russian teams.
This means a win vs Efes is crucial for Monaco, as the reigning champions will be at 12-10 in the standings.
*I had the chance to travel to Monaco for the game vs Fenerbahce on February 25 and I was impressed by what I see.
From the renovated arena and the great atmosphere in the game to all the help the media team of Monaco offered me, especially with my interview requests.
**Stay tuned and follow Hedge Out, as exclusive interviews with star guard Mike James and head coach Sasa Obradovic will come soon.
Photo: Yiannis Bouranis/Hedge Out
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