When the subject is well-organized clubs at the very elite of European basketball, Benetton Treviso always jumps immediately to mind. Benetton always seems to be have everything under control and doesn't hesitate when it comes to renovating its roster. That is exactly what Benetton did last season, replacing the core of its roster, but still managing to stay competitive and fight for every trophy in all its competitions. Indeed, Benetton added its seventh Italian Cup title last year, while also winning the Italian League regular season and reaching the Euroleague Quarterfinal Playoffs. From its founding in 1954 through the arrival of the Benetton family as owners in 1982, the club from Treviso was more concerned with making it to the first division than shining on a national or international scale, but things ever since have changed. Its first Italian League title came in 1992 when the legendary Toni Kukoc arrived to the team,. He helped Benetton to make it all the way to the Euroleague final in 1993, while also sparking a string of three consecutive Italian Cup crowns. The last of those coincided, in 1995, with the club's first European success, a Saporta Cup title. Benetton added its second domestic title in 1997, another Final Four appearance in 1998, a Saporta Cup in 1999 and a new Italian Cup in 2000. Benetton capped off its 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons by winning the Italian League and reaching the Euroleague Final Four in both. Even when Benetton won its Top 16 group last season, Tau Ceramica stood in the way to reaching yet another Final Four. Few teams can win titles and be that competitive in a season of transition, so with its new core of players knowing each other better, Benetton will be ready to reach even higher in 2005-06.
