Paris Basketball duo TJ Shorts and Tyson Ward are bullish ahead of their team's chances against JL Bourg in the 2023-24 EuroCup Finals.

Paris’s TJ Shorts, Tyson Ward feeling confident ahead of EuroCup Finals

The BKT EuroCup Finals have arrived, with Paris Basketball hosting Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse at Adidas Arena in Game 1 this Tuesday night. For Paris duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyson-ward/012610/), they are optimistic about their team’s chances.

Ward is one of six Paris players, as well as head coach Tuomas Iisalo, who lifted the Basketball Champions League title with Telekom Baskets Bonn last season, so they now have the chance to lift back-to-back continental trophies, something the American forward relishes.

“It feels surreal. For a couple of guys, it’s a chance to win another international tournament,” Ward tells Javier Gancedo of [EuroCupBasketball.net](http://EuroCupBasketball.net). “For a couple of guys, it’s a first time to be in the championship \[games\]. It’s super exciting for me, it’s super exciting for the guys, so we’re looking forward to it, for sure.”

### Paris's its style of play

Paris has made waves right across Europe with its high-paced, exciting brand of basketball this season, which Ward believes is one of the team’s key strengths.

“It’s our identity,” he states. “That fast-paced game is hard to keep up with, but it’s about how well we can get them out of their spots and make them as uncomfortable as possible. That’s our goal for everybody and that’s how we’re going to do it.”

Watch the rest of the interview below.

Paris Basketball forward Tyson Ward spoke to Javier Gancedo of EuroCupBasketball.net ahead of Game 1 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Finals.

Tyson Ward, Paris: ‘It would be crazy, surreal’

Curiously, Bourg defeated Paris 83-81 at Ekinox in the French League back in December, meaning Coach Iisalo’s men are 0-1 against Tuesday night’s opponent. Yet, Shorts insists that there’s no added motivation to avenge that defeat.

“I don’t think it’s any extra motivation,” he states. “If you’re still looking for motivation at this point in the season, it’s probably too late. We know they got us in the French League – we’ll be prepared, we know they’re a really good team. They’ve got great pieces, they’re intense on the defensive side, so we know that they’ll be ready for us and we’ll be ready for them.”

### A chance at history

Just in its sixth season as a club, Paris has the chance to lift its second trophy in club history if it goes all the way in the EuroCup. Earlier this season, Coach Iisalo’s men beat Nanterre 90-85 in the French Cup final to secure Paris’s first-ever title, with Shorts earning MVP honors in the final. He would certainly sign up for a similar outcome against Bourg.

“I’m more than looking forward to \[the EuroCup Finals\],” Shorts comments. “Any chance you get to play in a final, you can’t take those moments for granted, so I’m just grateful to be able to be in yet another final this season with Paris and hopefully we can do something special and get that ticket to the EuroLeague.”

Watch the rest of the interview below.

Paris Basketball guard TJ Shorts spoke to Javier Gancedo of EuroCupBasketball.net ahead of Game 1 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Finals.

TJ Shorts, Paris: ‘Hopefully we can do something special’

Game News

The EuroCup MVP and Paris forward caught up with Javier Gancedo before Game 1

Paris Basketball v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2024-04-09T18:30:00.000Z)

T.J. Shorts has guided Paris Basketball to the EuroCup Finals in dominant fashion, becoming the EuroCup MVP for his efforts.

BKT EuroCup MVP, 2023-24: T.J. Shorts, Paris Basketball

Paris Basketball star [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2023-24) has been voted as the MVP for the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season after an incredible debut season in the competition. Euroleague Basketball congratulates Shorts on the award, which was chosen by a combination of EuroCup head coaches, team captains, fans and media.

Shorts has been the engine that has made this near-perfect Paris team run, with the club – in its second year in the EuroCup – going 20-1 to date. With two more wins in Paris's [all-French EuroCup Finals series](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/paris-basketball-vs-jl-bourg-let-the-eurocup-finals-begin/) with Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, Shorts and co. will have achieved the most-ever wins in a EuroCup season. With a place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague up for grabs, which would mark the first time Paris or Bourg has played in Europe's premier club basketball competition, the American will be looking to continue a magical season on both an individual and collective level by inspiring Paris to a finals victory.

[From day one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S00OuIiSiFI), Shorts was intent on displaying his talent at the EuroCup level in his rookie season in the competition, leading Paris to a perfect 7-0 record while posting of 16.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 2.3 steals and a PIR of 20.0 per night. Paris and Shorts tasted defeat for the first – and only – time in Round 8, but the 26-year-old's dominance showed no sign of slowing down, as he finished the regular season with averages of 17.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.8 steals and a 22.6 PIR. Without Shorts's leadership at the point guard spot, Paris's 17-1 regular-season record would likely have looked far different.

Shorts's supremacy only increased upon the arrival of the playoffs, with Paris entering the postseason in last eight thanks to its first-placed finish in Group A. For Shorts, there was no hanging around as he became the [quarterfinals MVP](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6RQ-wXK24M) and [semifinals MVP](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogiMiEk-d38) in back-to-back rounds of the playoffs. Against Joventut Badalona in the quarterfinals, he amassed 21 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 0 turnovers and a 28 PIR. In the semifinals, he averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 4.0 steals and a 28.5 PIR in Paris's 2-0 series sweep of the London Lions. All told, ahead of the finals, he is averaging 18.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.0 steals and a 23.4 PIR in 21 games.

Paris Basketball star T. J. Shorts has been voted as the MVP for the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season after an incredible debut season in the competition. Euroleague Basketball congratulates Shorts on the award, which was chosen by a combination of EuroCup head coaches, team captains, fans and media.

BKT EuroCup MVP, 2023-24: T. J. Shorts, Paris Basketball

The main statistical categories paint a picture of dominance, too. So far in 2023-24, with at least two more games to come in the finals, Shorts has scored the sixth-most points in any EuroCup season ever with 377; based on his 18.0 points per game average this season, he could find himself in second once the finals are wrapped up. En route to those points, he has made 124 two-pointers, the fourth most all-time, and could move past the 130 of Paris Levallos's Sharrod Ford in the 2014-15 season, although the 151 of Aykon Ted Ankara Kolejliler's Vladimir Golubovic in the 2013-14 campaign may be difficult to reach.

He has also made EuroCup history by setting a new single-season record by dishing 158 assists. What's more, Shorts has the chance to write his name further into the history books when it comes to steals; his 41 to date – the 14th best all-time – are just eight behind the single-season leader Jerry McCullough of Metis Varese from the 2003-04 campaign. Last but not least, his 491 combined PIR through this season is currently the second-best mark all-time, and he could pass the 533 set by Golubovic in the 2013-14 campaign come the end of the finals.

Shorts now has the opportunity to add a second successive European trophy to his collection. Last season, Shorts – and several of his Paris teammates, as well as head coach Tuomas Iisalo – helped lead Telekom Baskets Bonn to the 2022-23 FIBA Basketball Champions League title, with the point guard earning MVP and Final Four MVP honors. Shorts was also chosen as the German League MVP for last season, but Bonn came up short to ratiopharm Ulm in the finals.

Not only is Shorts Paris's first EuroCup MVP award winner, but he is the first to come from a French team. He follows in the footsteps of many Americans who have earned this honor, albeit some held double nationalities at the time: Chuck Eidson (2008-09, Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius), Dontaye Draper (2010-11, Cedevita), Patrick Beverley (2011-12, Spartak St. Petersburg), Nick Calathes (2012-13, Lokomotiv Kuban), Drew Goudelock (2013-14, UNICS Kazan), Tyrese Rice (2014-15, Khimki Moscow Region), Errick McCollum (2015-16, Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul), Scottie Wilbekin (2017-18, Darussafaka Istanbul), Luke Sikma (2018-19, ALBA Berlin), Jamar Smith (2020-21, UNICS) and Jerian Grant (2022-23, Turk Telekom Ankara). The European-born season MVPs in the EuroCup have been Marko Banic (2009-10, Bilbao), Alexey Shved (2016-17 Khimki) and Mam Jaiteh (2021-22 Virtus) . There was no MVP of the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season.

The rookie guard has guided Paris to the finals in dominant fashion

BKT EuroCup MVP, 2023-24: TJ Shorts, Paris Basketball

Paris Basketball and JL Bourg face off in the EuroCup Finals, starting this Tuesday, April 9.

Paris Basketball vs. JL Bourg: Let the EuroCup Finals begin!

Three hundred and seventy three games later, the BKT EuroCup Finals are finally here – and for the first time we have an all-French series, with Paris Basketball and Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse set to face off.

Paris and Bourg – both of which will compete in their first finals – are the third and fourth French teams to make it this far, following on from Strasbourg in 2015-16 and AS Monaco in 2020-21. Everything is set up for an intriguing best-of-three series, which gets underway at Adidas Arena in the French capital on Tuesday night (20:30 CEST).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Pour continuer d&#39;écrire l&#39;histoire 💫<br><br>🏆 Finale de l&#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> 100% française, du jamais vu 🇫🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> ⚡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JLBourgBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/jrMCwjuWt4">pic.twitter.com/jrMCwjuWt4</a></p>&mdash; LNB (@LNBofficiel) <a href="https://twitter.com/LNBofficiel/status/1777274687111999980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Two clubs with very different projects

Paris, in many ways, epitomizes much of what the French capital represents: swagger, style and ambition. Bourg, meanwhile, reflects the underdog nature of Bourg-en-Bresse, a city with a population of just over 40,000 people 70 kilometers north of Lyon. Just looking at where the two clubs play, the EuroCup Finals will see a battle of David against Goliath.

Ever since Paris made its EuroCup debut in the 2022-23 season, it has not hidden its goal to make it to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague as soon as possible. Each year since its inception in 2018 the side from the capital has gone from strength to strength, but the decision to appoint Tuomas Iisalo as head coach last summer has allowed Paris to go to another level entirely. The shakeup of the roster also paid dividends, with [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) establishing themselves as EuroCup stars in their first season in the competition.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">LA FINALE À GUICHETS FERMÉS 🚨🌋<br><br>Vous serez 8000 personnes demain soir pour soutenir Paris face à Bourg pour le premier match de ces finales européennes 😳😍<br><br>Merci Paris 🖤❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/YTFVDiaxBU">pic.twitter.com/YTFVDiaxBU</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1777273894925148431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It has been a bit of a different story at Bourg, a club that has been in existence since 1910 – 108 years more than Paris. Yet, like Paris, a head coaching change propelled Bourg to new heights, as Frederic Fauthoux has turned a middling EuroCup team into a side that has reached the finals in his second year in charge. Just five players from last year’s roster remained, but Bourg got its business done early last summer and that provided the platform for Coach Fauthoux to work his magic. As it has been at Bourg ever since Julien Desbottes became club president in 2012, smart thinking has won out over overspending.

Will the glitz and the glamour of Paris win out or will the underdogs from Bourg-en-Bresse come out on top? It should be a fascinating watch, particularly with sold-out crowds expected at both Adidas Arena and Ekinox.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">FINALES EUROCUP 2024 ⭐️<br><br>La JL Bourg est en finale d&#39;EuroCup face à <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> 🔥<br><br>2️⃣ clubs représentant la France<br>2️⃣ clubs qui écrivent leur histoire<br><br>Il n&#39;en restera qu&#39;un ⚔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/UFy5gwB6J2">pic.twitter.com/UFy5gwB6J2</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1775923785889157208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### EuroCup stars on show

What these EuroCup Finals will guarantee is plenty of talent and lots of attention. Bourg’s [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zaccharie-risacher/010718/), the projected No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft depending on which mock draft you look at, is sure to be in the spotlight after winning the EuroCup’s Rising Star award. The forward, who turned 19 yesterday (Monday, April 8), averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 12.1 PIR through 17 regular-season appearance but has seen a drop in those numbers in the postseason, averaging 5.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist and a 4.0 PIR in four playoff games. As such, some of the hype surrounding Risacher has diminished somewhat, but he has the chance to get everyone back on board with a strong showing in the finals.

It won’t be easy against a Paris side featuring Hifi, however. The other leading candidate to win the Rising Star award, Hifi has been lights out for Paris all season long, and his production has barely been affected in his first trip to the playoffs. Having averaged 16.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a 13.5 PIR in 18 regular-season contests, the 21-year-old has posted 16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a 12.0 PIR in three postseason games. Knowing that he also had a very good case to become the Rising Star, Hifi will be keen to show that the coaches got their decision wrong once the finals get underway.

The top plays of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse forward Zaccharie Risacher and Paris Basketball guard Nadir Hifi in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season.

Risacher, Hifi best plays this season

Hifi did, however, make it to the All-EuroCup Second Team. Then there is the case of his teammate, Shorts, who has been selected to the All-EuroCup First Team and has put together an MVP-caliber season. Shorts has been dominant from the off and has really been the heartbeat of this Paris side, which now finds itself in uncharted territory. Yet, in Shorts, Paris has a coach on the floor and that can only be a good thing against a team that knows Paris well from domestic action. Back-to-back MVP awards in the quarterfinals and semifinals is a sign of just how dominant Shorts has been and how much of a problem he is likely to be for Bourg to deal with.

The last player to have earned recognition for the season they have put together is Bourg’s [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/isiaha-mike/011836/), an All-EuroCup First Team selection. Mike had a solid debut campaign in the EuroCup last year, but this season has seen the Canadian take on a leading role for Bourg, particularly in the postseason. In fact, having averaged 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals and a 12.4 PIR in the 18 regular-season games, Mike has boosted his numbers in scoring, rebounding and PIR to 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and a 21.3 PIR in four playoff fixtures. He’s got hot at just the right time of year.

The top plays of Paris Basketball guard T.J. Shorts and Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse forward Isiaha Mike in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season.

Shorts, Mike best plays this season

Paris has home-court advantage entering Game 1, although Bourg certainly has the capability to make things interesting. Bourg came out on top in the only previous meeting between these two this season, winning 83-81 at Ekinox in the French League last December, but a lot of time has passed since then. The EuroCup Finals are about to start – make sure you don’t miss it!

Maksim Salash of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse looks to make a pass against Paris Basketball in their French League game earlier this season. 

The two French teams will go head to head in a best-of-three series, starting Tuesday night

Paris vs. Bourg: Let the EuroCup Finals begin!

Paris Basketball guard Nadir Hifi caught up with Javier Gancedo to discuss his team's successes this year and his expectations ahead of the EuroCup Finals.

Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball: 'We just have to do our jobs and get to the EuroLeague'

Paris Basketball star [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) has really put himself on the map this season and now, heading into his first BKT EuroCup Finals, the ‘Prince of Paris’ is full of confidence.

On Monday, the 21-year-old became one of the youngest players in competition history to be named to the All-EuroCup Second Team, with his streetball style and no-fear approach resonating with basketball fans right across Europe. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Très fier et honoré de faire partie du deuxième meilleur 5 d’EuroCup pour ma première saison européenne 🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/CjO8YdCYZg">pic.twitter.com/CjO8YdCYZg</a></p>&mdash; Nadir Hifi (@NadirHifi) <a href="https://twitter.com/NadirHifi/status/1777372348905066642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Averaging 16.9 points on 95.3% free throws, 2.5 assists and a PIR of 13.3 in 22 minutes per night in his rookie EuroCup season, Hifi has played a key role in Paris’s 20-1 record and understands perfectly that the club's next goal is to make it to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by winning the EuroCup Finals. But first, Hifi and Paris must defeat a domestic foe in Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse.

Hifi sat down with Javier Gancedo of [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) to discuss the upcoming finals, playing alongside T.J. Shorts and plenty more.

**Hello, Nadir. Congratulations on making it to the final. How much are you looking forward to this opportunity, to win the EuroCup and to get your first trophy at this level?**

"It is the first time that I’m playing in a final. It is something different and very special for me. We have working since August for this, so now we have something between our hands. We just have to do the job tomorrow and \[in Game 2 at Bourg\] on Friday."

**As a team, you are breaking all of the EuroCup's scoring records – Paris is the best offensive team in the history of the competition. What has allowed you to play so well and so fast?**

"Yes, this is our style of basketball: to run, play with intensity and shock the \[opponent\] teams. But this is our way to play basketball. We don't count statistics or the points that they scored against us. We just want to win every game."

**Head coach Tuomas Iisalo arrived with six players from Telekom Baskets Bonn. You are also a newcomer. How did you adjust to this system so fast?**

"I think it is a good thing because it is a different style of basketball, and when you have six players who know this style, we just have to adapt. So yes, it was one of the good things."

**Even though you only lost one game, did you have any tough moments during the season?**

"Yes, we had a lot of tough games. I would say against Joventut, that double overtime game against London. It has not been so easy but I think losing one game in the whole season is very tough, so we can be proud of ourselves."

**Let's talk about you a little bit. I cannot think of a young player coming into the EuroCup with such self-confidence. What does it come from?**

"I think it is just a state of mind. I worked so hard to be here, so I'm confident in my game. I think I'm ready to play at the best European level but yes, I'm working so hard. This is my style of basketball: to be confident and take every open shot and just play my game."

Nadir Hifi is averaging 16.9 points on 95.3% free throws, 2.5 assists and a PIR of 13.3 in 22 minutes per night. Hifi helped Paris reach the EuroCup Finals with a 20-1 record.

Nadir Hifi highlights, Paris Basketball

**Speaking about style, how important is style for you off the court?**

"Yeah, the style off the court is important, but this is a little bit of a problem for me because I'm so focused on basketball that I don't do extra things off the court. But I’m working on it. It's important to see other things."

**Bourg is that only team that you haven't beaten this season. What do you like about them?**

"Bourg is a very tough team. They play very aggressive, and, as you said, we lost once against them \[in the French League\] at the beginning of the season, in November or December I think. We did big things from there, so I think we are ready. It is going to be a big matchup for us, but I think we are ready."

**Generally speaking, what do you need to do to win this series, to win two games against Bourg?**

"I think we’ve just got to do what we’ve done since August. We’ve worked so hard to be there, so we have to be aggressive, play our game like we did during the year and everything will go fine. I think we are going to win."

**How great is it to play with T.J. Shorts, and how amazing has his season been until now?**

"T.J. is like a brother for me – off the court and on the court. It's very important that at my age, to be a good player... it's not only T.J., but every teammate I had this year pushed me to get better and my staff, my coach. So I'm very proud to be there in basketball, and I just get better every day. And that's what I need at this time of my career."

**And finally, what would it mean to you to win the EuroCup and go to the EuroLeague with Paris next season? How great would that be?**

"When I signed with Paris Basketball, this was my first goal. I know we are going to have a very competitive team and we are going to get to win two games to put Paris Basketball in a good situation next year. But we just have to do our jobs and then be in the EuroLeague next year."

Nadir Hifi in action for Paris Basketball in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season.

The talented guard caught up with Javier Gancedo ahead of the EuroCup Finals

Nadir Hifi, Paris: 'We just have to do our jobs and get to the EuroLeague'

The Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse big man spoke to Javier Gancedo on the eve of the BKT EuroCup Finals. 

Maksim Salash, Bourg: 'We know we can win'

In just three seasons, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has gone from second-bottom in its regular season group to playing for the 2024 BKT EuroCup crown. Bourg finished atop its regular season group, beat Prometey Slobozhanske in the quarterfinals and survived a tough best-of-three series against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul to reach the EuroCup Finals against Paris Basketball. Power forward [Maksim Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/maksim-salash/004525/) was one of Bourg's heroes in the semifinals as he shone in Game 3, leading Bourg to a no-doubt-about-it 89-63 victory with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 19 in over 18 minutes. 

Salash played professionally in Spain, Poland, Estonia, Russia and his native Belarus before joining Bourg. He said he hopes his outstanding performance in Game 3 will be just the beginning of a new chapter in his career. "Obviously, getting games like this can give you a little boost, especially when my season has had some ups and downs so far," Salash told Javier Gancedo of [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com). "I hope playing games like this can help me maintain my best level. I guess the finals are going to be different."

**Hello, Maks. Congratulations on making it to the final. Bourg missed the playoffs two years ago and now it's in the EuroCup Finals. How has the season been for you guys and what allowed you to get to this point?**

"Thanks. It has been a great season from the start. From the first day of training in pre-season, we set our goals and knew what we wanted to achieve this season. I think we are on the way. The season is still not finished, there is still a long way to go, but I think we are on the right path, and now we are in the EuroCup Finals. It has been a long way, a long season with a lot of games, but we were on top of our group and are in the Finals, so it has been great." 

"It's the EuroCup Finals, anything can happen there."

**In Game 3 of the semifinals, you lost Bodian Massa early but you played well at the '5' position, probably having the best game of the season. What allowed you to play so well? Did you think it was your time to step up and make a difference?**

"Unfortunately, Massa was ejected along with Delgado and I had to play the '5'. But I played the '5' during the season, especially in the beginning of this season, so I do this sometimes for the coach, for the team. I mean, it wasn't a big surprise because I can play at the '5'. And as far as the game, it was Game 3 of the playoffs, you have to give 100%, give your best, so I cannot say there was anything special happening. It was just us wanting to win this game so badly in front of an amazing home court. Everything happened like we wanted it to."

**How important is it for you to have a game like this in terms of confidence, right before the EuroCup Finals?** 

"It's great. Obviously, getting games like this can give you a little boost, especially when my season has had some ups and downs so far. I hope playing games like these can help me maintain my best level. I guess the finals are going to be different. It's the EuroCup Finals, anything can happen." 

**A decade ago, you were one of the stars of the Adidas Next Generation Tournament and played in the finals in Milan in 2014. What do you remember about that experience?**

"Only positive, good things. We won this tournament \[ANGT Qualifier in Rome\], which was obviously great. Yes, it was a great time, for sure, but it's just different now. I was a teenager back then, and it was not even a professional level. Being in the EuroCup Finals is different, I cannot compare these two experiences. It's just different." 

Maksim Salash helped Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse reach the 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals.

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: Maksim Salash, Bourg

**The club, Baloncesto Sevilla, had a lot of foreign prospects like Kristaps Porzingis, Tomas Satoransky, Nikola Radicevic and Beqa Burjanadze, who all played in the EuroCup at some point. What happened in Sevilla during those years that allowed so many young talents to blossom and become professional players?** 

"The structure of the club there was absolutely great at that time. Everything was ready to prepare these young guys. Their academy and the way they handled things was great. And that's actually why I went there because I was 16 years old and had a few different offers from other teams. But I decided to go there because of how they handled things, how they prepared young guys and stuff. It was just the really good structure of the academy." 

**You are about to face Paris Basketball in the finals. They are breaking all sorts of scoring records. What do you think has allowed them to play so fast and effectively?** 

"First of all, as you said, they play fast. They play with a lot of energy, and that's probably one of the main reasons why they score so much. Obviously, there is a lot of talent there, and they're just having a great season. They are rolling and have a lot of confidence, I guess, so all that translates to the points they score."

**You beat them in the French League. How important is that in terms of confidence, knowing that the job can be done?** 

"It's kind of funny. We just played them once this year and we won, so it's going to be very interesting. They are obviously in great shape, but we have to have some confidence. We know we can win, and it's the Finals. We just have to be ready, and we will see what happens in those games."

"Controlling the pace of the game is very important. You never want anybody to score 100 points on you, that's for sure."

**How much of a key is controlling the pace and not allowing them to run the way they usually do?**

"You can say that about French basketball, it is very fast and energetic. A lot of teams here play like this, and I think we are going to be ready for that. We like to control the pace ourselves, so maybe this is one of the reasons we can win the series. Controlling the pace of the game is very important. You never want anybody to score 100 points on you, that's for sure."

**How is the atmosphere in Bourg? It's the club's first European final, after all.** 

"It's great. It's been great since the beginning of the season: the fans, the staff, everything that is going on. It's been crazy. I think it is going to be a big game for the club in general. Our fans and the atmosphere they create have been crazy, and it is only going to get even bigger in these days. Playing at home, in front of that atmosphere, gives us this additional boost. Throughout the season, a lot of games have been sold out. People really love basketball in Bourg." 

**You won the BCL in the past. What would it mean for you to go one step higher, win the Eurocup and maybe have the chance to play the EuroLeague?**

"It still is unbelievable, because it is my first season ever playing in the EuroCup, and we went straight to the finals. It has been amazing, but we haven't won it yet, so I cannot compare it to the BCL I won with Burgos. Still, I know what we can achieve. It is hard to comprehend that we are going to play in the finals. That's crazy. I still can't believe that. And of course, everybody wants to go to the EuroLeague but right now, I try not to think about it. We have to go step by step and focus on these games. We will play these really important games and we will see what happens after that. Right now, we are focused on playing in the finals. That is all we will be thinking right now." 

The countdown to the 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals is underway. However, before a champion is crowned, it is only fitting to stop and salute the standout performers who made the 2023-24 season a resounding success. The five players selected to the All-EuroCup Second Team through voting by fans, media, head coaches and team captains are all first-time honorees who led their respective teams into the BKT EuroCup Playoffs.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup Second Team

### Andres Feliz, Joventut Badalona

His third EuroCup campaign was the best yet for Joventut guard [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/). The 26-year-old ranked sixth in the EuroCup this season in assists (5.1 apg.) and third in steals (2.1 spg.). He also led Joventut in scoring (14.7 ppg.) and was second in rebounds (4.7 rpg.). Feliz was at his best in the eighthfinals when he led Joventut to a 79-88 road win at ratiopharm Ulm with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. His 12 baskets made in that game tied for the most by any player in a game this season and helped Feliz earn the Eighthfinals MVP honor. 

### Patrick Richard, U-BT Cluj-Napoca

Cluj captain [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-richard/011801/) was among the most dangerous sixth men in the EuroCup this season. He was near the top of the team in scoring (11.4 ppg.), assists (3.8 apg.) and PIR (13.1) in helping Cluj finish second in Group B and reach the EuroCup Quarterfinals for the first time. Richard was one of only two players to shoot at least 68.8% on two-pointers and 42.0% on threes. The 34-year-old, who is in his fifth season with Cluj, is the fifth oldest All-EuroCup selection in the past decade.

### Emanuel Cate, U-BT Cluj-Napoca

One of the most consistent players for Cluj, [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/emanuel-cate/005373/) was a force in the paint. He posted 9.0 points and 4.4 rebounds during Cluj's 13-win regular season. Cate was among the team leaders in PIR (11.6), total two-pointers made (66) and accuracy (66.0%). He posted PIRs in double figures in all but five regular-season games. Cate had his best game in Round 17 with a club record and a career-high 38 PIR in a key win at Gran Canaria. He received MVP of the Round honors for that performance. 

### Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball 

[Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) broke out as one of the top young players in Europe in his debut season in the competition. Going into the 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals with Paris, he ranks fourth in the competition in scoring (16.9 ppg.), second in three-pointers made (52), and fourth in free-throw accuracy (95.3%). His 30.6 points per 40 minutes were by far the best of all EuroCup players this season. Hifi has made multiple three-pointers in all but four games. He has scored more than 10 points in 20 of his 21 appearances and had at least 20 seven times, all off the bench.

### Deividas Sirvydis, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys

The leading scorer in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup was [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/) of Lietkabelis with 18.9 points per game. He scored at least 20 points in nine of his 16 appearances in this, his fourth season in the competition. Sirvydis knocked down an average of 2.8 three-pointers per game, which was the second-most in the EuroCup, and did so with 42.3% accuracy. He led Lietkabelis with an average PIR of 17.8 and was third on the team with 4.4 rebounds. Sirvydis becomes the first Lietkabelis player ever named to an All-EuroCup team.

The countdown to the 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals is underway. However, before a champion is crowned, it is only fitting to stop and salute the standout performers who made the 2023-24 season a resounding success. The five players selected to the All-EuroCup First Team through voting by fans, media, head coaches and team captains are all first-time honorees who led their respective teams into the BKT EuroCup Playoffs.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team

### T.J. Shorts, Paris Basketball

Few EuroCup players have ever had the team and individual success that [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has enjoyed. In his first season in the competition, Shorts leads the 2023-24 EuroCup in assists (7.5 apg.), two-point shots made (5.9) and PIR (23.4), while ranking second in scoring (18.0 ppg.) and fourth in steals (2.0 spg.). He was the MVP of Rounds 1, 10 and 12, the quarterfinals and the semifinals. Shorts recorded five points-and-assists double-doubles this season. He is leading Paris to record-setting numbers, as well as a 20-1 record entering the EuroCup Finals. Paris is averaging 98.4 points per game and has a PIR average of 116.0, each of which are on course to become new competition records. Kudos to Shorts on a one-of-a-kind season!

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team: T.J. Shorts, Paris Basketball

### Trevion Williams, ratiopharm Ulm

In his first EuroCup season, [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) established himself among the best centers in the competition. He led the EuroCup in total rebounds with 10.8 per game. He needed just 18 games to record 12 double-doubles, which tied Vladimir Golubovic (2013-14) for the most by any player in a single EuroCup season. Williams also ranked in the top 20 in points (14.8 ppg.) and assists (4.3 apg,), leading all centers in the latter category. That led to Williams ranking second in the competition in average PIR with 22.1. He also earned Round 3 co-MVP honors with a PIR of 31. Williams amassed a PIR of 20 or more in 12 out of 18 games this season.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team: Trevion Williams, ratiopharm Ulm

### Gabe Olaseni, London Lions

[Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) helped London reach the EuroCup semifinals, thus achieving the biggest success ever for any British basketball team in European competition. Olaseni ranked fifth in the competition with an average PIR of 20.1. He was also in the top 10 in average points (15.5) and rebounds (7.4). Olaseni was London's most reliable player; he scored in double figures in 19 of his 21 appearances! He posted five double-doubles this season for London, too. Olaseni ranked fourth in free throw attempts (5.4 per game) and made 78.9% of his attempts, and was second in two-point shots made per game (5.6), with a solid percentage (64.1% 2FG), too.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team: Gabe Olaseni, London Lions

### Isiaha Mike, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse

On a team without superstars, [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/isiaha-mike/011836/) became Bourg's most consistent and reliable player all season, leading the club to a first-place finish in Group B and to the EuroCup Finals. Mike led Bourg in both PIR (14.0) and points (12.8) per game in the team's most successful EuroCup season. He was also among Bourg's leaders in average rebounds (4.2 rpg.) and steals (1.6 spg.), ranking 10th overall in the latter. Mike stepped up when his team needed him, posting better numbers in the playoffs. Mike upped his numbers to 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 21.3 PIR in the quarterfinals and semifinals. He has now become the first-ever All-EuroCup selection from Bourg.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team: Isiaha Mike, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse

### Matt Morgan, London Lions

[Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) made sure to fill the baskets in his first-ever EuroCup season. He ranked fifth in scoring in the EuroCup with 16.5 points per game. Morgan scored at least 20 points in nine of his 22 appearances. He proved to be more than a scorer, too, as Morgan was among London's top three in average PIR (18.0) and assists (3.9). In just his second game ever in the competition, Morgan earned MVP of the Round honors with a PIR of 30. He was one of three players to earn MVP of the Round honors more than once this season: Morgan shared the honor with T.J. Shorts in Round 10, too.

2023-24 BKT All-EuroCup First Team: Matt Morgan, London Lions

Joventut Badalona confirmed on Monday that it has sacked head coach Carles Duran.

Carles Duran dismissed as Joventut head coach

Joventut Badalona announced on Monday that it has terminated the contract of head coach [Carles Duran](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/duran-carles/). The Spanish team had a quarterfinal exit to Paris Basketball in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Playoffs and finds itself 10th in the 18-team Spanish League after going 14-14 through the first 28 games.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Comunicat oficial: Carles Duran<br><br>El Club Joventut Badalona i Carles Duran han arribat a un acord per rescindir el contracte que unia ambdues parts<br><br>La notícia: <a href="https://t.co/KK07xGFLeA">https://t.co/KK07xGFLeA</a><br><br>Gràcies per tot, Carles. 𝐋𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐞́𝐬 𝐢 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚̀ 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐚 <a href="https://t.co/RSzYbf5WM3">pic.twitter.com/RSzYbf5WM3</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1777265254516367774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Carles Duran's EuroCup record

The 48-year-old had been in charge of Joventut for the last six seasons, the last five of which were spent in the BKT EuroCup. In that time, Duran led Joventut to a 59-34 record and the team got as far as the semifinals, doing so in the 2022-23 campaign before falling to eventual champion Dreamland Gran Canaria.

This season, Joventut had a 10-8 regular-season record – good for fifth place in Group A – and beat ratiopharm Ulm in the eighthfinals, but a quarterfinal defeat to Paris ended its European adventure.

Over the years, Duran's side reached the Top 16 in 2019-20, the quarterfinals in 2020-21, the eighthfinals in 2021-22, the semifinals in 2022-23, and the quarterfinals in 2023-24.

Paris, having ended the regular season atop the standings in Group A, had a bye and thus begins its postseason journey, whereas Joventut Badalona are encouraged by their last-16 triumph over ratiopharm Ulm. This is a colossal test between two of the favourites to go all the way.

Paris Basketball-Joventut Badalona | Quarterfinals Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Saving Joventut from relegation

Duran was appointed as Joventut head coach in February 2018 and helped the team avoid relegation from the Spanish League, with Nicolas Laprovittola – now of FC Barcelona – inspiring the team in the final weeks of the season. 

"Club Joventut Badalona would like to thank Carles for everything he has done for our club," Joventut said in a statement. 

"He has spent more than two decades defending the interests of *La Penya*, both in his first stint and in this second one, with the maximum involvement and professionalism, and always putting the interests of the team above all else. We are sure that soon he will be back competing in the place where he belongs: at the highest level."

More Joventut News

Carles Duran on the sidelines during a Joventut Badalona game in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season.

In terms of tactics, the finals will be richer for both teams knowing each other well.

Stats review: Key themes in the BKT EuroCup Finals

The 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals are set to tip off this week as Paris Basketball will carry its nearly unblemished record into a matchup with a Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse team that beat them by 2 points in their lone matchup in the French League back in mid-December. Both teams shot the three well in that encounter, but Bourg settled in against Paris's full-court pressure after a couple early mistakes and protected the rim well enough to notch a hard-fought comeback win at home.

### Defending Against Dominance

How well Bourg's defense holds up in a three-game series against an offense that will break the record for both points per game and points per possession figures to be the biggest key to this series. In their domestic faceoff, Bourg managed to hold their own around the basket – a real accomplishment given Paris leads the EuroCup in points scored at the rim, has shot remarkable 70% in close, and is set to break the EuroCup's record for two-point field goal percentage as well. Keeping Paris away from the rim starts with keeping them out of transition, and Bourg has done as good a job of any team in the EuroCup of not just preventing opportunities in the open floor but also defending well the ones they do allow. In their first game, it was the athleticism and activity level of their wings and forwards that proved to be the difference around the rim. Bourg is a somewhat unique defensive team from a personnel perspective as they do not play a classic, bruising center in many lineups but have mobile big men and size on the perimeter.

JL Bourg en Bresse Top 3-pointers, Deep 3'S from 03/01/2024 to 04/08/2024

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse threes in the BKT EuroCup

### Pick-And-Rolls

The mobility of Bourg's big men and their intensity off the ball will be put under the microscope in the Finals as Paris finished first in the EuroCup in both pick-and-roll scoring and efficiency. Generating a record 44.6 points per game out of ball screens, Paris's ball handlers have shot a spectacular 51% in pick-and-roll situations while their teammates have converted 54% of the shots generated by their passes. T.J. Shorts and Nadir Hifi have made Paris a real pick-your-poison proposition with the ball in their hands this season, but Bourg ranked among the top teams guarding pick-and-rolls and the resulting passes this season, doing a great job preventing cuts and closing out shooters.

Paris Basketball Top Steals from 03/01/2024 to 04/08/2024

Paris Basketball steals in the BKT EuroCup

### Drive and Kick

Bourg was one of five EuroCup teams to shoot over 40% from beyond the arc in catch-and-shoot situations this season. While its ball movement has been around the average this season, Bourg's 19 assists in that first encounter with Paris was key to the successful second-half comeback. With several players who drive an kick to open teammates, and a group of shooters who went 44% from beyond the arc on unguarded attempts, how well Bourg can use Paris's pressure against itself could flavor this series.

### Lineups

Bourg and Paris were two of this season's deepest teams, using their benches far more than average. However, the four-man unit of Jequan Lewis, Jeremy Morgan, Zaccharie Risacher, and Isaiaha Mike has come through for Bourg in big games and Paris's decision to start or bring game-changing defender Collin Malcolm off the bench is something to monitor as well. The EuroCup's move to a best-of-three format for the latter rounds of the playoffs should make this series more of a back-and-forth chess match than last year's championship game.