The men’s finals will be played this week (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday if necessary). The coaches of the opponents in the Total League make their picks, they answered the question: « Who is going to win the finals and why? »
Alexis Kreps (Résidence)
The team that stays healthy will win. That being said Esch has more players in there regular rotation or that have contributed in big ways during the season so that fact should make them the favorites. I however have to go with Dudelange because it would be a great story for the amazing careers of Schumi and Frank not to mention Ken stepping away from Dudelange. What a way to go out on top!
Christophe Ney (Arantia)
I think there is no clear favorite in this series. T71 has a lot of Finals experience which clearly speaks in favor of them. On the other hand, Esch has a deeper bench and has therefore more options. Esch also has big guys to contain Harris and Muller. Jimond Ivey needs to step up on defense for T71 in order to stop the guards from Esch.
I think T71 needs to close the series in 2 games if they want to win. If there will be a game three, I see Esch as the favorite. Therefore, whoever wins Game 2, also wins the title.
Etienne Louvrier (Amicale)
On one game I would bet on T71. But in a series I think Esch should win. They have a deeper bench. The addition of Kovac is a real good point. And they proved against Etzella that physically and mentally they are very strong. The key is Cartwright, he’s the difference maker in such a competition!
Gabor Boros (Telstar)
Both of these teams have been playing so well these past weeks that I am not really comfortable picking one over the other. Both rosters are strong, both teams are coached very well, and they seem to match up well too. I am hoping for exciting and close games, and even more so I hope we will be lucky enough to have the mens finals go to 3 games too so we can see as much strong basketball as possible.
John Dieckelman (Musel Pikes)
Simple question-difficult answer! Both teams seem to be playing their best basketball right now and both teams have a good mix of talent and experience. Both are evenly matched so I believe the team that takes care of the ball better (limits their turnovers) will win. For that reason, I would pick T71.
Pit Rodenbourg (Racing)
T71 is currently playing very dominantly and should be considered the favorite in this series. They had the best offense and defense during the season, are well coached and are the most experienced team. Both meetings in the regular season were clear wins for T71. However, if Esch happens to limit the offensive output from T71 and they play as they did against Etzella, they can win it as well. This will be a very tight and entertaining series! T71 in 3!
Pascal Meurs (Sparta)
I think it will be a very close finals series. The home court advantage is an important factor, but even more the game plan the coaches come up with, and the details they change in the series. I have former players on both teams, I won’t predict a winner. Looking forward to watch and analyze the series.
Gavin Love (Contern)
Both teams statistically are very similar and over a season are separated by one loss.. you can imagine a tight three game series that can go either way, a great prospect for the both sets of fans and neutrals alike. If pushed to choose I would imagine Esch’s depth may prove decisive and give them the edge 2 to 1.
Article « 10 things about the finals » –>
10 things about the men’s finals
