Romania LNB 03/29 16:00 27 U BT Cluj-Napoca v CSM Constanta - View
Romania LNB 04/04 16:15 28 U - Banca Transilvania Cluj v Oradea - View

Wikipedia - U-BT Cluj-Napoca

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj-Napoca, commonly known as U-BT Cluj-Napoca, is a professional basketball club based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania that competes domestically in the Liga Națională de Baschet and internationally in the EuroCup. Like other teams that were initially part of the Universitatea Cluj multi sports club, the basketball team keeps the letter U (short form of Universitatea) in its name. The main sponsor of the team is the locally based banking institution Banca Transilvania. The team colors are black and white. U-BT Cluj plays its home games at the BTarena, which accommodates 10,000 spectators, or in Horia Demian Sports Hall with a capacity of 2,525 spectators.

Initially being founded in 1947, the basketball team split from the parent sports club at the beginning of the 2000s, due to financial difficulties, retaining its place in the top tier of Romanian basketball. While the fans consider the current club as the moral successor of the team that won three league titles before the turn of the century, the parent club claims all the trophies won before 2002 as part of its own records. In 2017, an image partnership was agreed between U-BT Cluj-Napoca and FC Universitatea Cluj (the local football club which itself was functioning as a private entity following its split from the parent sports club), uniting them under the same brand. Therefore, beginning with the 2017-18 season, U-BT Cluj-Napoca uses the same logo as the football club.

History

Whilst the parent sports club, U Cluj was founded in 1919, the basketball team was founded in 1947 and played for the first time in the Romanian Championship in 1966. Since then, U Cluj was a constant presence in the Romanian First Division, with their best performances being recorded in the 1990s, when they won three Romanian Championships.

During its history, the team had different names. Since 1990, the main sponsor is usually added to the name of the parent sports club, U Cluj. This resulted in a change of name every time the main sponsor was changed. Previous names of the team were U Ştiinţa, Ştiinţa IMF, U Metalul Rosu, U Fimaro, U SM Invest, U Sanex, and U Carbochim.

In the 2012–2013 season, U Mobitelco Cluj Napoca finished on 7th place (20 wins – 10 losses) and qualify for the play-off. Here the team played the first round against CSM Oradea but lost with 3–1. Also the team played the Romanian Cup final but lost against CS Gaz Metan Medias with the score 62–76. At the end of that season the coach and all the foreign players left the team.

The most famous player who played for U Cluj was Gheorghe Mureșan, who signed in 1993 with the Washington Bullets, becoming the tallest player ever in the NBA. He played 6 successful seasons with the Bullets and the New Jersey Nets, averaging a career 9.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists. Mureșan obtained the title of NBA Most Improved Player following the 1995–96 NBA season. He began his career playing two years for Universitatea Cluj-Napoca.

U - Banca Transilvania Cluj is a professional basketball team based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The team was founded in 2004 and has since become one of the most successful basketball teams in Romania. The team plays in the Romanian Basketball League and has won multiple championships and cups.

The team is known for its strong defense and fast-paced offense, which is led by a talented group of players. The team's roster includes both Romanian and international players, who bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the court.

U - Banca Transilvania Cluj has a dedicated fan base and plays its home games at the Sala Polivalenta, a state-of-the-art arena that can hold up to 10,000 spectators. The team's colors are blue and white, and its logo features a stylized basketball with the team's name written in bold letters.

Overall, U - Banca Transilvania Cluj is a dynamic and exciting basketball team that is committed to excellence both on and off the court. With a strong track record of success and a passionate fan base, the team is poised to continue its winning ways for years to come.