Oct 14, 2008 @ 7:00 pm Air Canada Cente, Toronto Raptors TV/The Fan 590 CSKA Moskow (W-L) 0-1 (?) PG Jon Robert Holden SG Trajan Langdon SF Ramunas Siskauskas PF Matjaz Smodis C Erazem Lorbek @ Toronto Raptors (W-L) 2-1 PG Jose Calderon SG Anthony Parker SF Jamario Moon PF Chris Bosh C Jermaine O'Neal Key Matchup: Who knows? Prediction Messina is understandly ticked after a poor showing in Orlando and will not want to get blown out again. Given Toronto's spotty record against European teams and the way the Raps collapsed against Philly, I look for CSKA to take this one
Never having seen CSKA play before I didn't know that you say CSKA like its a word, chess-ka. Or at least that's what the guys on RapsTV have been doing.
Shookem, c'mon, Raptors winning this for sure. Well, that is, if they want to show up and play. Skill wise, we are way above CSKA, no doubt. However, I've noticed that our players just aren't trying. I know it's pre-season, but we need the workout and we need to create chemistry. Jermaine and Chris should have no problem down low, and Moon should put up some highlight reel dunks. Now, if I was SMitch, I start Solomon and some bench guys, to see what they can to against a top Euro club. There is no harm in that and it will give everyone a could idea of what the second group could do.
Yeah, chess-ka is common, but I still prefer C S K A. I'm telling you, if it comes down to a chess game of coaching wits, it's game over for Smitch and the Raps. Ettore will eat him alive. KS you bring up a good point about chemistry, something the two-time defending champs will have no problem with. Either way this is by far, my most hyped game in the preseason.
I wish I could see this game. CSKA changed a lot of their main players in the offseason, so they're still not really gelling together as a team. I expect the Raptors to win this one. Players to watch (on CSKA): -Terrence Morris: Dominated the Euroleague with Maccabi last season, earning Euroleague First Team honors and finishing 2nd in DPOY voting. Signed by CSKA in the offseason and is expected to be their most stable player this season. Great shotblocker, very good shooter from the international 3 point line, doesn't like to drive much, probably because his ballhandling is sub-par. -Erazem Lorbek: Another offseason transfer to CSKA, Lorbek is a very interesting prospect. 24 years old big man, entering his 7th season in the Euroleague. Played for Roma last season and did well in both Lega A1 and in the Euroleague. -Zoran Planinic: Brought in to replace Theo Papaloukas who bolted to Olympiacos. You all probably know him from his days on the Nets. Tall point guard, can definitely lead this team high in Russia and the Euroleague. -Ramunas Siskauskas and Trajan Langdon form maybe the best 1/2 backcourt punch in Europe. Siskauskas was Euroleague MVP, while Langdon dominated Maccabi in the Euroleague Finals last season. Langdon is an incredible shooter as well. -Sasha Kaun was drafted by the team formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics in the 08 Draft, 56th overall. Good chance to see him play for college bball fans like you, Geoff. -JR Holden is the veteran leader of this team. He's played for CSKA for 6 seasons and has Russian nationality. He helped the Russian NT win Eurobasket and become European Champions. Didn't do well vs the Magic, but is arguably CSKA's most dangerous player when he gets hot. The best of the rest: Matjaz Smodis, Viktor Khryapa (former Blazer), Nikolaos Zisis
AB at the 3! hell yeah. had a decent game. once JO gets fully up to speed and AB/Hump are rolling off the bench, CB4 is going to take this team to the next level.
thank gawd that Joey is back practicing to take back his minutes from Adams. Roko is going to as exciting as I'd hoped. The kid's got a future in the NBA, especially with Jose to mentor him.
JR Holden played very well against the USA basketball team, I don't see why he hasn't come over to the NBA yet, but I guess he gets paid more over in Russia.
Bargnani started to demand the ball and play defense at one point, but then he started rushing and forced bad shots, as usual. Looks like we're going to see more of the same from him this season.
Not the biggest margin of victory, like I hoped for, but still a nice win. I only caught a few minutes at my buddies house, but I really like how Bosh and JO look together on the floor (No homo). Bosh had a very good game, and I think a lot of credit goes to his trust in JO and how everything can open up for either of them. I think this is the first time, Bosh has complete and utter trust in a teammate, and that's great. As for the rest of the team, good game for them. Jose and Parker were solid as usual, and Moon had a shaky game, but we'll let that pass. I really like how Il Mago and Kapono played. Overall, good pre-season so far and I can't wait till our next game against Minny. EDIT: I just remembered, Jose played the entire second half. Sam was pissed at his bench and I guess wanted to send a message. I hope this doesn't continue or BC is gonna trade their asses fast.
