Il dilemma del secolo: Parker o Bird?

Quando si dice "uno schiaffo alla miseria"... Ekaterinburg per le Final Eight di Eurolega che stanno per cominciare ha dovuto scegliere tra Candace Parker e Sue Bird perché le regole non consentono la presenza di entrambe (da ricordare che Ekaterinburg negli ultimi anni non ha mai vinto l'Eurolega nonostante miliardi profusi a bizzeffe).

When UMMC Ekaterinburg had to choose between utilising the stellar talent of either Candace Parker or Sue Bird, it was undoubtedly one of the biggest dilemmas in the history of women's basketball.

Due to eligibility restrictions, the hosts of EuroLeague Women Final Eight had to decide which of these global stars would suit up for the big event, with Parker eventually being given the nod.

And, speaking on the eve of the first game, the forward reiterated that whoever was chosen, it was always something the pair just had to accept.

"That's just the professional aspect of the situation," said Parker.

"We have both played for this club and I don't think there would have been any ill feelings either way.

"We knew they (the club) were always going to make the decision they felt was best and I was always going to support it."

Now preparing to deliver the silverware which UMMC and their fans crave, a relaxed Parker was also quick to dismiss fears the favourites would let any pressure of being hosts affect them.

"We don't really think about it," insisted the 26-year-old.

"This is what we've been waiting for all season. We know EuroLeague Women Final Eight is the big tournament and we don't feel any pressure - the main emotion is one of excitement."

With a decade having elapsed since the clubs' first step to the top of the EuroLeague Women podium, patience may now be running thin from the UMMC hierarchy who continue to demonstrate their eagerness to be crowned champions once again.

But, Parker is adamant that the combination of drawing strength from lessons learned from previous disappointments, along with the teams' vibrant form so far this season, puts UMMC in a good frame of mind.