Besiktas Cola Turka vs. Red Star

Predrag Drobnjak, Besiktas Cola Turka

Few players in the ULEB Cup bring the experience to the table that Besiktas ColaTurka center Predrag Drobnjak can. Signed in the middle of the season from Akasvayu Girona, Drobnjak can boast a varied career that includes appearances in the Euroleague Final Four, Olympic Games, World Championships and NBA playoffs. His experience and know-how is a big plus for Besiktas, especially going up against Red Star, a team from his native land, Serbia, in the Last 16. Although Drobnjak did not have a major impact in the Last 32 series against Hapoel Jerusalem, you cannot underestimate a player who is one year removed from averaging 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in the Euroleague. Having played in so many pressure games throughout his career, Drobnjak can be counted on by Besiktas as a pillar off the bench, capable of making key plays on the road and at home.

"Our new opponent Red Star is a good team, maybe one level better than Hapoel Jerusalem. They have some young talented players and they proved that they are a tough opponent by beating Benetton Treviso. When they have their fans’ support, they’re gonna have 30 or 40 percent better performance in their home court. We’ll see what we can do, but I think we have a big chance to play the Final Eight."

Steven Markovic, Red Star

After two injury-shortened campaigns, Red Star guard Steven Markovic has shown this season why it was important for the club to bring him over from halfway around the globe. The Australian national team player had made a big impact on Red Star's successful ULEB Cup campaign so far, averaging 8.5 points on 45.5% three-point shooting in 10 games off the bench. His impact can be seen clearly on in the stats: In the four games when he scored at least 12 points, Red Star went 3-1. He also had a few big baskets in the team's Last 32 second-leg win at Benetton Tamoil, bringing Red Star a step closer to duplicating last season's run to the ULEB Cup quarterfinals. Now the combo-guard looks to push the club to a spot in the first ULEB Cup Final Eight.

"Before the competition started, we had the ambition to reach the Last 16. But this is not the end of our appetite: we are still hungry. After beating Benetton, we restored our self-confidence and feel our form is growing. Also I feel my form is growing after lot of ups and downs due to injuries. My energy is back and I hope my contribution to the team will be stronger. The ULEB Cup quarterfinals means a lot to us all, but we have to be very patient in the upcoming games."