The EuroCup is set to provide Romanian side CSU Asesoft Ploiesti with a stern but welcome test and Jojic Mladan's side have proved in the past that they enjoy nothing more than a challenge.

As well as being crowned last season's Romanian League champions, losing just once throughout the 24-match campaign, Asesoft also won the Romanian cup in a hugely profitable year.

In 2005, the team proved its mettle in Europe, prevailing in the Europe Cup.

As their nation's representatives in this year's EuroCup competition, they enter the event with a real sense of optimism and have been particularly buoyed by the capture of American guard Reggie Elliot from TSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

Elliot averaged 16 points and eight rebounds in Europe and will bring some valuable, continental experience to the Asesoft set-up.

The much-travelled Elliott spent time in the NBA with both Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers in the mid-to-late 1990s and will bring a sense of assurance to Asesoft's youthful ranks.

The Romanians also welcome another American, Darius Hargrove, who joins from Virginia Union in the NCAA.

The team will not have the inspiration play of Romanian center Catalin Burlacu, who has joined BC Kalev.

Asesoft are grouped with JDA Dijon Basket of France, Ironi Iscar Nahariya from Israel and Spain`s Club Estudiantes in the group stage of the competition.