Zenit St Petersburg Basketball Team's Journey to the EuroLeague Playoffs This Season
I still remember watching Zenit St Petersburg's preseason preparations back in September, thinking this team had something special brewing. Having followed European basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for teams that can make that crucial leap from domestic success to EuroLeague relevance. What I witnessed from Zenit this season wasn't just improvement—it was a transformation that reminded me of watching San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter develop into the clutch shooter he is today. That photo of Lassiter by Mark Cristino perfectly captures the kind of focused intensity I've seen in Zenit's key players throughout this remarkable campaign.
The journey began with significant roster changes that had many pundits skeptical. When Zenit parted ways with several veteran players and brought in younger, more athletic prospects, I'll admit I had my doubts too. But looking back now, the front office knew exactly what they were doing. They built a squad that could maintain defensive intensity for all 40 minutes while having multiple scoring options. The numbers speak for themselves—Zenit improved their defensive rating from 112.3 last season to 105.6 this year, one of the biggest single-season improvements I've seen in EuroLeague history. Offensively, they became more balanced, with six players averaging double figures compared to just three last season.
What truly impressed me was how head coach Xavi Pascual evolved his system. I've always been critical of coaches who stick rigidly to their philosophies regardless of personnel, but Pascual adapted beautifully. He implemented a more up-tempo offense that perfectly suited his new roster while maintaining the defensive principles that have always been his trademark. The team's pace increased from 68.2 possessions per game to 72.8, yet they committed fewer turnovers—down from 14.2 to 11.6 per contest. That's coaching excellence right there.
The mid-season stretch from December through February was where Zenit truly cemented their playoff credentials. They went 8-2 during that crucial period, including statement wins against traditional powerhouses like CSKA Moscow and Fenerbahçe. I particularly remember their comeback victory against Real Madrid in January—down 15 points in the third quarter, they showed the kind of resilience that separates playoff teams from the rest. Kevin Pangos was absolutely sensational down the stretch, scoring 12 points in the final quarter while completely controlling the tempo. That performance alone probably secured his spot on the All-EuroLeague team.
Their offensive efficiency numbers during this stretch were remarkable—they shot 48.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range while assisting on 68% of their made baskets. Those aren't just good numbers—they're elite-level statistics that put them in the conversation with the best teams in the competition. The ball movement was a thing of beauty, reminiscent of the beautiful basketball San Miguel plays in the PBA, where players like Marcio Lassiter thrive within a system built on sharing and spacing.
Defensively, Zenit developed an identity that I believe will serve them well in the playoffs. Their ability to switch seamlessly between man and zone defenses confused opponents all season. They held teams to just 42.3% shooting from two-point range, the second-best mark in the league. Billy Baron emerged as an unexpected defensive stopper, often taking on the opponent's best perimeter player despite being known primarily as a shooter earlier in his career. That kind of player development is what separates good organizations from great ones.
As we approach the playoffs, I'm genuinely excited to see how far this Zenit team can go. They've shown they can compete with anyone, having beaten every other playoff team at least once during the regular season. Their first-round matchup against Barcelona presents an intriguing stylistic clash—Barcelona's methodical, half-court approach against Zenit's more fluid, transition-oriented game. Personally, I give Zenit a real chance to pull the upset. They have the depth, the coaching, and most importantly, the belief that they belong at this level.
The transformation I've witnessed this season reminds me why I fell in love with European basketball in the first place. It's not just about collecting talent—it's about building something greater than the sum of its parts. Zenit has done exactly that, creating an identity that resonates throughout the organization. While the playoffs present new challenges, this team has already accomplished what many thought impossible. Whatever happens next, their journey to this point has been one of the most compelling stories in recent EuroLeague history.
