He regards B and C as topmost groups. C, for one, has gathered formidable rivals. Six out of its eight teams played in the top 16 last season. The names of Benetton and Panathenaikos speak for themselves, and Pau-Orthez honorably faces any team. Seven in the group are at approximately the same level.
At the initial stage, CSKA will meet with Spain's Taugres and Unicaja, Benetton of Italy, Pau-Orthez of France, the Greek Panathenaikos, Turkey's Ulker, and Skyliners of Germany.
The CSKA general director is eager to free his team from the pressure made in the previous years on teams who were hosting the Four's Finals, added Mr. Kushchenko.
"Barcelona and Maccabee were both aware of tremendous responsibility-not athletic alone. So, before this season takes start, we say that CSKA is merely one of the 24 clubs that start contending for the European League cup."
Barcelona was hosting the Four's Finals last year, and Maccabee of Israel decisive European League meets of the previous season. Both became league champions. CSKA will play the host next year.
