Bartonova could be difference-maker for Olympiacos SFP
ATHENS (EuroCup Women 2017) – It could be a big 12 months for Katerina Bartonova as she looks to raise her game to new levels with EuroCup Women side Olympiacos SFP and hit top gear ahead of next year’s EuroBasket Women 2017 on home soil.
Now 26-years-old, many feel that the Czech Republic playmaker has an opportunity to finally realise her full potential by getting to grips with leading the Greek champions from the backcourt alongside the legendary Evanthia Maltsi.
Bringing energy is what Bartonova does best and that perpetual motion and intensity is likely to prove a valuable fuel for a team packed with veteran players.
The guard has played at all the top events for her country, including London 2012, the 2014 FIBA Women’s World Championship and four EuroBasket Women Final Rounds – the latter number showing just how highly she was rated as a youngster and how she could have many more in front of her.
Having moved out of the shadow which she sometimes found herself in while playing at ZVVZ USK Prague, Bartonova looked like she enjoyed the freedom to express herself last season with Piestanske Cajky and now she can spread her wings even more fully alongside some quality players in the Greek capital.
"I'm excited to play for Olympiacos which is the biggest club in Greece and I will do my best to help the team achieve its goals,” stated Bartonova as the club began its pre-season.
"It is very positive that my new team will play in EuroCup Women.
"I know several players from the national team of Greece, such as [Evanthia] Maltsi and [Styliani] Kaltsidou and the team made excellent progress last season and won the championship and the Cup unbeaten.
"I also know the dynamics of Olympiacos which are famous around the world and the way that they [the fans] support the team!"
Excited by a season which will see her new club play Good Angels Kosice, Aluinvent DVTK Miskolc and either Istanbul Universitesi or YDUBGD, who will clash in the EuroCup Women Qualifiers, it's true that Group D of Conference 1 could potentially emerge as the best and most compelling.
Olga Chatzinikolaou is one of numerous experienced Greek players on the roster
While having quality teams in this pool might make realising goals difficult for Olympiacos as they end their long sabbatical from the competition, one of the Greek veterans who will play alongside Bartonova is determined to deliver against anticipation.
"I do not want to say big words, but I believe that this group is made for big things," insisted long-serving Greece national team star, Olga Chatzinikolaou.
"We are very happy that we are gathered here for the start of the new season. Last year was very successful and we showed that Olympiacos has big goals.
"We are a new team, but we are experienced and have very valuable players who have won titles.
"I believe that if we all have our health and things are going as they should, then we will celebrate many successes."
FIBA
