In a battle of undefeated teams, Cedevita shut down Aris with an 80-59 win to improve to 3-0

Cedevita sends defensive statement in 80-59 victory over Aris

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana bagged an important early victory atop Group A of the BKT EuroCup in beating Aris Thessaloniki Betsson at home with a strong defensive statement.

In a battle of undefeated teams, Cedevita shut down Aris with an 80-59 win to improve to 3-0. While even Cedevita head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic said the final result was a bit deceiving in terms of how tight the game felt, he loved the second number of the scoreline.

“They were a team who scored an average of 90 points (91.5) through two games and today they had 59. That was really good,” said the coach. "Maybe the difference was bigger than it should have been, but this is the reward for our great defensive effort.”

Aris shot over 60 percent on two-pointers and over 35% on three-pointers in both of its first two games. But Bogdan Karaicic’s team connected on only 44 and 33%, respectively in the Slovenian capital. And after launching 50 three-pointers in the first two games, Aris attempted only 12 against Cedevita, making four of them. Many of those came as Aris tried to come back from a 16-point third-quarter deficit.

Cedevita got a big break early in the second half when Aris’s star guard Bryce Jones picked up his third and fourth fouls within 42 seconds of the first minute of the third quarter. Jones ended up not coming back until 8 minutes left in the game and couldn’t turn the game around before fouling out. Jones finished with 6 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists in less than 20 minutes - well below his averages of 21 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists coming into the game.

Mitrovic, meanwhile, has to be happy about his team coming through with DJ Stewart having another pedestrian game of 9 points and 7 rebounds - down from the 27-point, 8-rebound and 5-assist outburst in Round 2.

Umoja Gibson looked for some time as if he would set a new personal scoring mark with 19 points early in the third quarter. But he remained on those 19 points the rest of the game. Aleksej Nikolic was reported to have health issues, but he fought through them with 15 points.

But Cedevita got a boost off the bench from their sharpshooter Joseph Girard, who hit 4 three-pointers for 16 points - 2 fewer than his total output from the first two games.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Kapetan <a href="https://twitter.com/JakaBlazic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JakaBlazic</a> je napredoval ⬆️ za eno mesto na večni lestvici strelcev v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/IVI0TU7zqB">pic.twitter.com/IVI0TU7zqB</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1978179931050770823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Even 35-year-old veteran Jaka Blazic gave some strong production with 6 points and 5 assists in 16 minutes, which saw him move past Jamar Smith and into fifth place on the EuroCup's all-time scoring charts with 1,399 career points. Blazic had only collected 6 points and 1 assist so far this campaign.

Put it all together and Cedevita is really happy to have grabbed this victory. It’s a statement that the Slovenian side can win with defense too - having conceded only 69 points in a Round 1 home win over BAXI Manresa.

“It was very big, very big. We had a chance to go 3-0 in the EuroCup. It’s a wonderful feeling. I am excited about it,” said Gibson.

Another reason why it is big is because of the aforementioned final score. A 21-point victory could go a long way in securing Cedevita a better spot in the final rankings after the Regular Season if the team could get into a tie with Aris.

Sure, that is a long road from now, but the first stones in the road are being laid.

Game News

Cedevita has given up just 64 points per game in its two home wins

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (2025-10-14T16:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara had been chasing the kind of night where everything clicked on the court. Back in front of their home crowd, the blue-and-whites broke through for their first BKT EuroCup win of the season, defeating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 79-72.

Turk Telekom finds rhythm, holds off Buducnost 79-72 for first EuroCup W

Turk Telekom Ankara had been chasing the kind of night where everything clicked on the court. Back in front of their home crowd, the blue-and-whites broke through for their first BKT EuroCup win of the season, defeating Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 79-72.

Kyle Allman emerged as one of the catalysts for Turk Telekom’s breakthrough night. The American guard brought energy on both ends, finishing with 16 points and 4 assists through his hustle, defense, and timely scoring. He attacked the rim with intent, repeatedly breaking through defenders and putting pressure on Buducnost’s interior defense. Even when Turk Telekom’s outside shooting struggled, Allman stepped up with a crucial triple that shifted the momentum back in his team’s favor. With sharp jabs, hesitation moves, and strong finishes, he delivered the spark Turk Telekom’s backcourt had been looking for.

After the game, Allman reflected on the team’s slow start to the season: "It’s been a long road. We started out slow in both leagues, the Turkish league and EuroCup. I think it’s kinda been low energy and we always tried to pick it up in practice and pick it up when we’re around each other. This is the way we need to play, and I think when we look forward, we need to look at this game. And this is how we need to start the games and be able to push to end games."

The blue-and-whites shared the ball exceptionally well in the first half, with all 10 players who got game time contributing to the score from the opening quarter. Even after a 14‑0 run, Turk Telekom went into the break just ahead at 43‑42, with Buducnost’s hot outside shooting keeping the game close.

Another standout for Turk Telekom was Marko Simonovic, who had signaled a strong season in Round 2 out with a PIR of 33 and followed it up with a PIR of 15 against Buducnost. In a game where the team struggled from beyond the arc, Simonovic’s 2 key triples provided crucial scoring. Kyle Alexander also made an impact in his first minutes of the season, combining with Marko Simonovic, who finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds to make a difference around the rim. Alexander added 10 points and 7 rebounds of his own, helping Turk Telekom control the paint.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Galibiyet sevinci 💙🤍 <a href="https://t.co/xP1qghp4JD">pic.twitter.com/xP1qghp4JD</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1978179756286759190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The key factor behind Turk Telekom’s win was its defense. Head coach Erdem Can, who also guided the team to the 2022‑23 EuroCup final, highlighted the importance of containing their opponents in the post-game press conference, saying: "Lately we were not playing great basketball, but some periods in the game we were playing really decisive, and the problem was our consistency throughout 40 minutes. We opened the first quarter very good and then we were not smart in the second quarter, making easy mistakes. But overall, we just received 30 points in the second half and that was the key to the game."

With the win, Turk Telekom claimed its sixth straight victory over Buducnost, a matchup that has gone their way every time since 2022. Turk Telekom will look to ride that wave of momentum into Round 4, when it faces Dolomiti Energia on the road in Trento. 

Strong defense powers the hosts to the victory 

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-10-14T16:00:00.000Z)

You were probably expecting to see señor Javier Gancedo for the Round 3 fantasy tips, but since I outscored the Fantasy Guru in last week's EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, here I am!

Fantasy tips, Round 3: Hopping on the wave

You were probably expecting to see señor Javier Gancedo for the Round 3 fantasy tips, but since I outscored the Fantasy Guru in last week's EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, here I am!

My objective is to help your fantasy team by recommending players who have started to find their rhythm, or in one case a player who I’m convinced is primed for a bounce-back performance. But enough with the pleasantries – these are my five fantasy tips for Round 3.

### Devon Dotson, Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (12.6 credits)

I’ll let you in on a secret. Last season when [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-dotson/013285/) was playing for Joventut Badalona, he immediately became one of my favorite players in the EuroCup. Now, he’s the head of the snake for a Besiktas side that has to be viewed as a contender to win the whole thing. After a decent performance in Round 1, Dotson elevated his play in Round 2 and I expect him to keep that momentum going at home to NINERS Chemnitz on Wednesday night.

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### Cheickh Niang, Dolomiti Energia Trento (4.8 credits)

While Saliou Niang is earning rave reviews in his rookie EuroLeague season with Virtus Bologna, his 17-year-old brother [Cheickh Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/cheickh-niang/013756/) is starting to make waves in the EuroCup. From a fantasy perspective, Niang had a rough start as he posted a -5.00 fantasy score in Round 1, but he turned things around in Round 2 by recording 8.80 fantasy points. At 4.8 credits, I really think it’s time to jump on the Cheickh Niang train before his value skyrockets.

### Jordan Usher, Turk Telekom Ankara (9.2 credits)

Remember I mentioned a player who I think is ready for a bounce-back performance this week? Well, let me introduce you to Mr. [Jordan Usher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-usher/013265/). He had a very decent debut for Turk Telekom in Round 1 (19.00 fantasy points) but didn’t enjoy a great individual night in Round 2 (-3.00 fantasy points). With Turk Telekom 0-2 heading into Round 3, I think we’ll see a big game by Usher in front of an expectant home crowd.

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### Rok Radovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (4.8 credits)

One player who I’ve had on my own EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team since Round 1 is [Rok Radovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rok-radovic/009392/). Not only is he a bargain at 4.8 credits, but he’s putting up decent fantasy numbers too – 7.70 points in Round 1, then 9.90 points in Round 2. If you’re looking to fill out your team and are low on funds, the Cedevita Olimpija forward would be a very smart addition.

### Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, Manresa (8.6 credits)

For anyone who watched Manresa in Round 2, [Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kaodirichi-akobundu-ehiogu/013845/) has to be at the forefront of your mind. He had a rough EuroCup debut in Round 1, recording a -3.00 fantasy score, but his all-action display against Slask Wroclaw last week saw him earn an 18.70 fantasy score. With Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem coming to Pavello Nou Congost on Wednesday night, I would fancy Akobundu-Ehiogu to put his fingerprints on the game once again, which can only spell good news for fantasy managers.

More EuroCup Fantasy Challenge News

Geoff Gillingham is here to offer fantasy managers some recommendations for this week

London Lions v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)

BAXI Manresa v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2025-10-15T18:45:00.000Z)

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul v NINERS Chemnitz (2025-10-15T17:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-10-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-10-15T17:00:00.000Z)

Panionios Athens v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-10-15T16:30:00.000Z)

Lietkabelis Panevezys v ratiopharm ulm (2025-10-15T16:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-10-14T17:30:00.000Z)

Starting his first overseas season with 20.0 points per game in two winning efforts for Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the BKT EuroCup Regular Season, Malachi Flynn is hoping for more of the same all the way to a championship, which would secure the Istanbul side a spot in next year’s EuroLeague.

Malachi Flynn seeks EuroCup championship: ‘That’s what we’re all here for’

Starting his first overseas season with 20.0 points per game in two winning efforts for [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) in the BKT EuroCup Regular Season, [Malachi Flynn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/malachi-flynn/013908/) is hoping for more of the same all the way to a championship, which would secure the Istanbul side a spot in next year’s EuroLeague.

“Absolutely,” the 27-year-old point guard told Eurohoops when asked about the team’s main goal for the 2025-26 campaign. “That's what we're all here for. Obviously, we’ve got to go out game by game and prove it. Nothing's going to be given to us, but I think we definitely have that potential.”

Naturally, his strong performances have already sparked interest from other European clubs.

“To be honest, I’m not really worried about what’s being said,” Flynn said. “The main thing is what’s going on within these walls – who’s on the team – and I’m committed to this team. I think we’ve got a pretty good thing going right now.”

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1879769/malachi-flynn-talks-bahcesehir-koleji-eurocup/).

More Bahcesehir News

During the offseason, the 27-year-old confirmed Bahcesehir’s plans to contend for the BKT EuroCup title

Round 3 of the BKT EuroCup regular season will see five teams defending perfect records, with five more seeking a first victory. Here’s your overview of the upcoming action.

At a glance: At least one unbeaten record will end in Round 3

Round 3 of the BKT EuroCup regular season will see five teams defending perfect records, with five more seeking a first victory. Here’s your overview of the upcoming action.

## Tuesday, October 14

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (18:00 CEST)

This week’s opening tipoff will see Turk Telekom (0-2) seek its first victory with a visit from Buducnost (1-1). The hosts will feel that a win is on the way after a couple of tight losses, and will hope for more fireworks from big man Marko Simonovic after he combined 27 points with 10 rebounds at Bourg last week. Buducnost needs to bounce back from a home loss against Trento when defense was the main problem, allowing 107 points. Offensively, the visiting team will be driven by forward Skylar Mays, who has averaged 17.0 points over the first two games.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (18:30 CEST)

Two perfect records will be on the line as Cedevita (2-0) welcomes Aris (2-0). The Slovenian team’s strong start to the season has been powered by excellent defense, allowing opponents just 76.5 points per game partly thanks to the ball thieving skills of Joseph Girard (2.0 steals per game). DJ Stewart’s efficiency near the basket, with 11 of his 14 two-point attempts converted, will be a major threat to an Aris team which has also been very effective inside the paint. Naz Mitrou-Long scored 15 points on perfect two-point shooting in last week’s win over Hamburg, and maintaining those levels of offensive execution will be the task for both teams.

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:30 CEST)

It’s bottom against top in Germany as winless Hamburg (0-2) welcomes high-flying Bahcesehir (2-0). The host has struggled defensively, allowing 99.0 points per game with its opponents converting a league-high 71.8% of two-point shots, despite the outstanding rebounding skills of big man Zacharie Perrin with 11 and 14 boards in the first two games. He faces a big challenge this week against visiting center Trevion Williams, whose double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds was instrumental in last week’s win over Reyer. Bahcesehir has been firing on all cylinders behind an offense led by Malachi Flynn (20.0 points and 6.0 assists per game), and will look for more of the same on Tuesday.

## Wednesday, October 15

### Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. ratiopharm Ulm (18:00 CEST)

Lietkabelis (1-1) needs to rediscover its offense as it faces the challenge of ending Ulm’s (2-0) perfect start to the season. The Lithuanian team could only muster 67 points in last week’s loss at Chemnitz, especially struggling from long range with only 5 three-pointers converted. Shooter Jamel Morris will be particularly keen to find his range after making just 3 of his 14 long-range attempts so far this season. Ulm had no such problems as it blasted 103 points past Panionis in Round 2, and will hope that Nelson Weidemann can maintain his hot hand after converting 75% of his three-point attempts across the opening two gsmes.

### Panionios Athens vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (18:30 CEST)

Panionios (1-1) will attempt to return to winning ways with a visit from Group B leader Bourg (2-0). The French team maintained its perfect start by downing Turk Telekom last week, powered by the versatile scoring skills of Both Gach (21 points). But Panionios has shown it possesses plenty of firepower by averaging 92.5 points in the first two games, with Jaylen Hands netting 23 points in last week’s high-scoring loss at Ulm. The distribution of Markel Starks, who dished 11 assists in that game, will also be crucial against a Bourg team relying on more backcourt inspiration from Darius McGhee (21.5 points and 5.0 assists per night).

### Besiktas GAIN Istanbul vs. NINERS Chemnitz (19:00 CEST)

After both teams won convincingly last week, Besiktas (1-1) and Chemnitz (1-1) will look to build more momentum when they meet in Istanbul. The German team will look to control the paint through the power of Bulgarian big man Yordan Minchev, who has averaged 9.5 rebounds over the first two games, while Ty Brewer will again attempt to fire from long range after netting 4 triples in last week’s win over Lietkabelis. The home team showed its potential with a thumping win over London in Round 2, with six players in double digits led by Ante Zizic’s 17 points to showcase the variety of weapons at the disposal of coach Dusan Alimpijevic.

### Slask Wroclaw vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:00 CEST)

Two teams tied in the middle of Group A go head to head as Slask (1-1) welcomes Cluj (1-1). Slask needs an offensive improvement after scoring just 62 points in last week’s loss at Manresa, with no players scoring in double digits. Kadre Gray will look to lead the necessary upturn after failing to record any assists in Round 2, but he faces a tough task for backcourt supremacy against Cluj dynamo Fatts Russell, who has made a spectacular start to the season with 21 and 37 points in the opening two rounds. Nathan Mensah was also key to last week’s win at Neptunas with 15 points and 13 boards, so he will look to control the paint again.

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Neptunas Klaipeda (20:00 CEST)

A first win of the season is up for grabs as Reyer (0-2) faces Neptunas (0-2). The home team needs to find its three-point shooting game after only making 31% of triples so far, and guard RJ Cole will be confident of rising to that challenge after shooting 3 of 5 from long-range in last week’s loss at Bahcesehir. Reyer struggled off the glass in that game, so needs Amedeo Tessitori to shine against a Neptunas frontcourt led by Arnas Venicka, who has averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. The Lithuanian team will also look for more scoring heroics from Donatas Tarolis, who netted 21 in last week’s high-scoring loss to Cluj.

### BAXI Manresa vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (20:45 CEST)

Hapoel (1-1) seeks a return to winning ways with a tough trip to face a Manresa team (1-1) aiming for a second straight win. Hapoel star Jared Harper is aiming to hit top form after a fairly subdued start to the season, especially from long range with just 25% of three-point attempts converted. That won’t be easy against a Manresa defense which showed its toughness in last week’s win over Slask, allowing just 62 points. The big man tandem of Grant Golden (14 points) and Kaodirichi Akobundu (13 points and 3 blocked shots) functioned particularly well for the Spanish team, which will again attempt to use physicality to control the tempo against Hapoel’s dangerous offense.

## Thursday, October 16

### London Lions vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (20:30 CEST)

Thursday’s only game will see London (0-2) seek a first victory against resurgent Trento (1-1). Having lost its first game by 30, the Italian team bounced back last week to overcome Buducnost on the road behind a stellar DeVante Jones (24 points and 7 assists). Trento made 72.5% of its two-point shots in that game, so will look to again control the paint against a London team which has the worst offense in the competition with just 66.0 points per game. A key man for the British team will be Deane Williams, who paired 8 points with 10 rebounds in last week’s heavy loss at Besiktas.

Andy West previews Round 3 of the EuroCup 2025-26 season

With three teams averaging over 95 points per game, the league’s youngest group leading all teams in offensive efficiency, several standout scorers already emerging, and a rise in transition play, there’s no shortage of storylines building momentum through the first 2 rounds of the BKT EuroCup

Stats review: Understanding a faster, higher-scoring EuroCup 

With three teams averaging over 95 points per game, the league’s youngest group leading all teams in offensive efficiency, several standout scorers already emerging, and a rise in transition play, there’s no shortage of storylines building momentum through the first 2 rounds of the BKT EuroCup.  While it is still too early to draw many concrete conclusions about where this season is headed, there have been plenty of compelling games early on and a few numbers that have defined them.

 

### 3 – the number of teams scoring over 95 points per game

[ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/), [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/), and [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) have all eclipsed that mark to this point. Playing at varying paces, bringing radically different levels of ball movement in the half court, using entirely different offensive hierarchies, those three teams have been similarly prolific offensively without playing particularly similar styles. Those differences have not extended to their Synergy Shot Quality - a measure of the expected value of a team’s shot attempts based on a variety of factors.

Historically, some EuroCup teams rely on shot-making talent and others thrive on their patience hunting quality looks to sit atop the overall offensive efficiency leaderboards. In contrast, all three of this season’s most productive offenses in the early going have nearly identical - and equally exceptional - shot quality with the encouraging shot-making to match. 

### 24.8 years old and 1.08 points per possession scored

Ulm is often the youngest team in the EuroCup as it integrates a casting of prospects each season into the rotation. With their lineups featuring an average age of just 24.8 years old, this year is no exception as its players are on average a full year younger than the next closest teams, [Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/trn/) and the other team currently undefeated in Group B, [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/bou/) .

That has not stopped Ulm from jumping out to a stellar start, averaging a league-best 1.08 points per possession made even more impressive by how much of that work it has done in the half-court. The additions of [Mark Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mark-smith/013969/), [Christian Sengfelder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/christian-sengfelder/013917/), and [Chris Ledlum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/christopher-ledlum/013968/) coupled with the growth of returning wings [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) and [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nelson-weidemann/006245/) as off-ball weapons, have had Ty Harrelson’s team looking like a well-oiled machine early.

 

### 8 teams generating over 15% of their offense in transition

It is not easy to play fast at this level; the level of organization and discipline getting back on defense makes it hard for teams to get shots in early offense. Even so, and with turnovers remaining relatively flat from last season, offenses have been very aggressive looking to push this season. At the end of last season, only Valencia Basket was generating more than 15% of its offense in transition - and only by a few possessions.  This season, eight teams sit at 15% or higher with five teams above 17%.  While that may not seem like a major difference, it is one of the main reasons the league has been moving around 4 possessions per game faster than it did a season ago.

 

### 38.2 points per 40 minutes

This season marks a bit of a changing of the guard in the EuroCup, and [Fatts Russell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/daron-russell/013943/) has emerged as the league’s most dangerous scorer early on, scoring nearly a point per minute thus far. The 27-year-old has a few years of European experience under his belt, but has looked as confident in the EuroCup to this point as he has as a pro. That is an encouraging sign for Cluj, which looks to turn its back-to-back postseason berths into a streak.

Sportradar looks at the trends that have led to more points early in the EuroCup season

Any time Zsombor Maronka was fighting through his difficult 2024-25 season, he just had to look at his wrist and the bracelet he wears. The gift from his family a decade ago reads: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”. And those words helped the young Hungarian talent get back on the court after 10 months out. 

Inspirational bracelet means even more for Zsombor Maronka after successful recovery

Any time [Zsombor Maronka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zsombor-maronka/008103/) was fighting through his difficult 2024-25 season, he just had to look at his wrist and the bracelet he wears. The gift from his family a decade ago reads: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”. And those words helped the young Hungarian talent get back on the court after 10 months out. 

Maronka will remember September 24, 2025, for quite some time. It was the first time the 23-year-old got stepped on the parquet for a game since November 2024 after recovering from cartilage being removed from his foot. Hamburg lost 94-89 to Bamberg, but Maronka finally felt the rush of playing in front of fans again.

“Despite the loss, honestly, it was amazing and just uplifting to be back on the court. After such a long time of just watching the guys play and now finally being able to be on the court and help the team and do stuff, it was just amazing,” said Maronka, who totaled 8 points and 2 rebounds in 17 minutes in the game, told David Hein.

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Maronka has been playing basketball since he was four years old and that was by far his longest stretch of being away from the game, having previously missed about two months with a sprained ankle. 

Back in November 2024, Maronka took a wrong step and said he heard a crack. An MRI could not really provide immediate clarity and surgery was needed to see exactly what had happened. 

Before the surgery, Maronka was told by doctors he could miss six weeks or six months. They wouldn’t know until they went into to examine the ankle. 

“When I woke up the doc told me: 'Everything went well, the surgery was successful and everything went according to plan. But there's going to be a longer recovery time.' So that's when the first moment of realization hit,” he remembered.

A large piece of cartilage at the front of his foot had broken off and had to be removed. Surgeons, he said, replaced the empty space with a matrix gel to help regrow the cartilage. Maronka was forced to wear a boot for six weeks to make sure the matrix stayed in place. 

He was on crutches for that time and it was a challenge for him to do every day tasks, including taking the stairs to his apartment on the fourth floor. 

Maronka initially was doing the math and thinking six months meant he could maybe get back in time for the end of the regular season or the playoffs in May. The progress turned out to be slower than he'd hoped and it was clear he would have to wait instead of risking it. 

“By the end, the most difficult part for me was knowing when you're at that point of almost coming back, but you still have to hold yourself back, be patient and not rush the end of the process,” said Maronka. 

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He did not go the rehab process alone. Beside family and friends, he also talked to Hamburg’s sports psychologist Renate Eichenberger throughout the entire rehab. Still, Maronka always tries to keep a positive mindset and believes things happen for a reason. And he said he used the rehab time to work on his body and his mental aspect of the game.

He worked out with the club’s strength coach on basketball-specific training. That and other work helped him eliminate previous lower back problems that had bothered him. Maronka joked that he worked out so much with the club’s assault bike – a stationary exercise bike for full-body, high-intensity workouts – that it became his best friend.

Right there with him also was that bracelet from his parents and brother, given to him when he left Hungary in 2016 to join Joventut Badalona. And the messages meant even more while he was rehabbing.

“There were a lot of moments last year where I felt like I could have accepted the mentality of I'm not playing, I cannot contribute to the team. But I feel like I attacked rehab even harder than I would do regular practices. I felt like this is a time that I can really create habits and a mentality that will help me even more moving forward once I'm back playing,” he said.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CumtBsFMfg5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Zsombor Maronka (@maronkazs)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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Maronka is still in the process of creating the Zsombor he wants to be.

“I feel like first of all even more of a team player, a team guy. I was able to see aspects of how important it is the standards you hold for yourself to around the team.”

He may still be one of the younger players, but he came into last season with 13 EuroCup games played over three seasons with Joventut, starting with his debut in November 2020.

“I'm one of the guys who played at a pretty high level already, so maybe bring some tips, some experience with that energy and intensity. So I just want to be a supportive guy to my teammates and be the best version of myself.”

This past summer also saw Maronka sign a two-year contract with Hamburg. He had been in Hamburg last season on loan from Joventut – the club that loaned him to Neptunas Klaipeda in 2023-24 as well.

“I made the decision because after coming off of a long injury, I would need a lot of playing time. And I felt like this was a better place for me to be able to play,” he said. “I felt like the coaches' expectations for me here are more suitable for my plans. That's why I made the decision.”

Maronka actually signed the new contract while he was in Badalona this past July, saying goodbye to the people in the Spanish club. 

Maronka still had two more years on his long-term deal with Joventut so it didn’t seem odd at all to pen a two-year contract with Hamburg. 

“Signing a two-year contract here also would give me more security. I don't have to rush things, and the club gave me that sign too. So I also really appreciate that."

Now things are in place for Maronka to create the best Zsombor Maronka he can be. 

More Hamburg News

The Hamburg forward wears a bracelet reading: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”

Look back at all the action in Round 2 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 2

Look back at all the action from Round 2 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

A stellar individual performance in a big road victory allowed DJ Stewart to earn MVP honors for BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 2 with a PIR of 41. Stewart led Cedevita to an 84-99 come-from-behind victory over Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem with 27 points on 7-of-9 two-point shooting. He made 2 of 4 three-pointers and was perfect on 7 free throw attempts. Stewart added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn. In 37 previous EuroCup career games with Cedevita, Stewart's highest PIR had been 23 until now. 

Round 2 MVP: DJ Stewart, Cedevita 

A stellar individual performance in a big road victory allowed DJ Stewart to earn MVP honors for BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 2 with a PIR of 41. Stewart led Cedevita to an 84-99 come-from-behind victory over Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem with 27 points on 7-of-9 two-point shooting. He made 2 of 4 three-pointers and was perfect on 7 free throw attempts. Stewart added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn. In 37 previous EuroCup career games with Cedevita, Stewart's highest PIR had been 23 until now. 

The Round 2 runner-up was Fatts Russell of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, who amassed a PIR of 38 in his team's 102-107 road win at Neptunas Klaipeda. Russell had 37 points on 7-of-13 three-point shooting. He also made 8 of 9 free throws, dished 5 assists, swiped 2 steals and drew 14 fouls, which tied the EuroCup single-game record. 

Marko Simonovic of Turk Telekom Ankara posted a PIR of 33 against Cosea JL Bourg en Bresse. He had 27 points on 7-of-9 two-point shooting, 2-of-4 on three-pointers and 7-of-7 on free throws. Simonovic also collected 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 fouls drawn. Jaylen Hands of Panionios Athens, DeVante Jones of Dolomiti Energia Trento, and Skylar Mays of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica, each with a PIR of 29, completed the top individual performances in Round 2. 

### Individual highs: Fatts Russell of Cluj, 37 points

Among the many players who stood out in Round 2, here are the weekly and season-long leaders in the main statistical categories:

Fatts Russell of U-BT Cluj-Napoca was the round's top scorer with 37 points in his team's 102-107 road win over Neptunas Klaipeda. He is also the competition's top scorer with 29.0 points per game. 

Zacharie Perrin of Veolia Towers Hamburg pulled down 14 rebounds in Round 2 to top the charts. Perrin also ranks first overall with 12.5 rebounds per night. 

Markel Starks of Panionios Athens was the only player who reached double digits in assists, dishing 11 against ratiopharm ulm. Arnas Velicka of Neptunas is the competition's assists leader with 8.5 per game. 

Dogus Ozdemiroglu of Turk Telekom Ankara collected 6 steals in Round 2, which matched a club record. Before him, Chris Williams had 6 steals for Turk Telekom in a 73-81 road victory over ALBA Berlin on January 15, 2008. Ozdemiroglu also leads the EuroCup in steals with 4.5 per night. 

Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu of BAXI Manresa, Jakob Forester of Aris Thessaloniki Betsson and Amedeo Tessitori of Umana Reyer Venice each had 3 blocks in Round 2. Akobundu-Ehiogu and Jerusalem’s Justin Smith are tied for first place at 2.0 blocks per night. 

Simonovic, Perrin, Trevion Williams of Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Nathan Mensah of Cluj all recorded respective double-doubles in Round 2.  

The 26-year-old guard erupted with a career-best performance