Toronto Raptors Fans: Put On Your Scouting Hats For CSKA Moscow

The Raptors have been making an interesting habit of playing Euroleague clubs during preseason.

Usually, they've beaten them. There is always the chance, however, that there could be a repeat of 2005, and they run into another Anthony Parker buzzer-beater which would be the source of embarrassment, and the talk of the media for weeks to come.

But give the Raptors' brass some credit. They don't waste these games at all from a scouting perspective. In fact, an impressive showing could mean an NBA contract for the players in the road jerseys—or a draft selection.

Note in 2004-05, the Raptors played Benetton Treviso in a preseason exhibition game. The game featured Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, and a young Italian named Andrea Bargnani—who two years later ended up being the Raptors' first-overall selection in the 2006 NBA Draft.

In 2005-06, the Raptors played host to Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv, and anyone who had watched them in Europe knew that they were more capable than any European club of knocking out an NBA team.

The result was a buzzer beater by Anthony Parker over then-Raptor Morris Peterson. That's right—the same Anthony Parker the Raptors signed to a contract the very next season.

Last season, the Raptors were in Europe for their preseason. They ran into a Lottomatica Roma team which featured Roko Ukic, a player whose rights they held. Ukic was arguably the best point guard on the floor.

He penetrated the Raptors defense at will, hit his shots, and made Toronto pay dearly in transition with his creativity. It was a clear display of him outplaying TJ Ford and nearly making the game a close contest for his club.

Welcome to your 2008-09 Raptors, which feature none other than that very same Roko Ukic, whose arrival was made possible by the departure of one TJ Ford. Seems interesting then, that the Raptors will once again be squaring off against one of the top teams in Europe tonight.

But as you are looking to see which young player could be wearing a Raptors cap on draft night 2009, don't forget to keep an eye on the guys in suits—in particular, Ettore Messina.

Messina has been one of those name Colangelo was rumored to be interested in bringing in to the Raptors organization. It may not be as a head coach immediately, but it certainly wouldn't be asking too much of the Euroleague great.

Colangelo has never been shy about making the risky hire, and while someone might argue that anyone as successful as Messina could be considered safe, it'd have to be at the very least a little unconventional. By becoming an NBA head coach, he'd become the first non-American in league history to do so.

But Messina has won on every level in Europe, and knows the game very well. Many analysts have said that he would be the most likely candidate to break that Euro-American border of coaching, and it could be with the Raptors.

If Sam Mitchell manages to fall short of expectations this season, he could be on his way out. Tonight, he could be coaching against the man who will most likely be the most worthy replacement should he fail. That's a lot of pressure for an exhibition game against a Euroleague team.

Messina is no stranger to the Raptors head office either. Maurizio Gherardini hired him as Benetton's coach in 2002. Certainly, if someone wants to know which way the Raptors are headed, they need only listen to Gherardini speak.

He spoke glowingly about Andrea Bargnani, Roko Ukic, Thabo Sefolosha, Marco Belinelli, and for the most part, they ended up being players the Raptors seriously pursued. Its no secret that Mitchell has had his problems with Bargnani, and the Raptors may attempt to bring in a coach who they feel can better develop the Italian.

Furthermore, if the Raptors are trying to create a winner, there isn't a coach in this world outside the current NBA coaching ranks who is better qualified. So while some will be watching for the next player the Raptors are going to sign, others may want to turn their eyes to the sideline.

I can't imagine what a loss to CSKA Moscow would mean right now. But if Sam's as smart as he believes he is, I'm sure he does.