Team Focus: Regal FC Barcelona

A former Euroleague champion is fully loaded looking to make its first trip to the Final Four since 2006. Regal FC Barcelona won its only Euroleague title in 2003 after previously losing five title games. And just like in 2003, a new era has begun with scoring machine Juan Carlos Navarro and the arrival of a multiple-time Euroleague champion. Navarro, the rising star of that team returned from a year this summer and is joined by big man David Andersen. Both are former All-Euroleague first team selections. Barcelona has also landed versatile forward Lubos Barton, physical point guard Victor Sada, talented playmaker Andre Barrett and Euroleague power Daniel Santiago to join the core of players that took the team to the Euroleague Quarterfinals Playoff and the Spanish League finals last season: Jaka Lakovic, Fran Vazquez, Jordi Trias, Gianluca Basile, Roger Grimau and Ersan Ilyasova. Head coach Xavi Pascual is on a mission to turn his collection of stars into a Euroleague title contender and as usual, Barcelona has no other mission than winning it all.

Few teams, if any, have deeper backcourts than Regal FCB. Navarro returns to his boyhood club as the leader of this team. In addition to his speed and all-around scoring skills, Navarro will thrill the Palau Blaugrana crowd with his trademark "Bomba," an outstanding floating jumper. Barrett is a newcomer to European competition, but offers great court sense and passing skills, while Sada returns to Barcelona as one of the most promising young point guards in Europe. His unbelievable physical skills make him an outstanding defensive player. With Barrett and Sada around, Lakovic is set to see more time at the shooting guard spot. His unlimited shooting range and leadership make him a big-game player. Basile is expected to come off the bench, from where he is always ready to step in and pull down the trigger from downtown, while Grimau provides intensity, aggressiveness and penetration skills. His efforts make him a fan-favorite.

When Barcelona is not employing a three-guard setup, it will turn to Barton, an elite and versatile small forward who can help the team with his size, ball-handling, shooting range and toughness. Ilyasova overcame an adjustment period last season to show his best basketball as a modern power forward. His athleticism, mid-range jumper and rebounding skills turn him into a nightmare for most defenders. Andersen could become the first player to win the Euroleague with three different teams. He is deadly from downtown and in the low post, boasting a virtually unstoppable turn-around jumper. Santiago arrived as a late addition in the summer, and his paint skills will only increase Barca's deadly power in the frontcourt. Vazquez is a talented center with outstanding shot-blocking skills. He has a good chance to show his full potential this season. Trias is a great rebounder as well as one of the best defensive power forwards in Europe, while young Xavi Rey could earn some playing time due to his power and intensity.

Barcelona has only been to one Final Four since winning the Euroleague title in 2003 and the goal now is nothing but making it to the big event in Berlin. Few teams are as deep as Barcelona, which has talent at every spot and a squad that is hungry to fight for the ultimate club title. If coach Pascual is able to makae the chemistry work, keep everyone happy and the team keeps improving as it has since he arrived midway through last season, Barcelona will surely be a top contender to go all the way.