Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 9 of the 2025-26 EuroCup season, and who might be missing in action.

Round 9: Pregame quotes and injury reports

## Thursday, December 4

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Neptunas Kleipeda (17:00 CET)

\--

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Slask Wroclaw (18:30 CET)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija head coach**

"On Wednesday, after the competition break, we gathered for the first time with practically the full roster. This gives us one day to prepare for Thursday’s game – this is not the same Śląsk we followed at the start of the season, as our opponents are showing their teeth and have proven that they can beat anyone. Among other things, before the break they also defeated Bahçeşehir. This is an offensively extremely high-quality team at all playing positions. We will see what this break has brought us, but we certainly know that this ‘pause’ was not good, as we had several players away with their national teams, and our young players were part of the team in the ABA U19 League, so our work was made more difficult. The game is extremely important for us, but we are certainly not one hundred percent ready for it. We will see in what condition the players will step on the court on Thursday.”

**Nikos Chougkaz, Cedevita Olimpija forward**

“Another big and important game is ahead of us. Our main goal before it is to continue our winning streak. If we want to extend it, we will have to give everything we have. I was out for six weeks due to an injury, but now I’m back and feeling much better. I feel that I am returning to the form I had before the injury. The team has been playing very well from the very beginning of the season. You can see that we are very competitive, especially on our home court, where we are difficult to beat. What also contributes to this is the excellent chemistry among us, as all the guys are great.”

### ratiopharm ulm vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (19:00 CET)

**Fabio Bongi, Trento assistant coach**

"We return to action after the national-team break with the first of three consecutive road games, starting on Ulm’s court. It will be a difficult game, in a hot environment where the fans are able to transmit a lot of energy to their team. Ulm plays with great pace, runs the floor well, and has a very cohesive group in the way they interpret their brand of basketball: it will be a challenge we must face with great focus. We have all our players back, and we’ve finally been able to practice with a full roster — something that hadn’t happened since the start of the year. Being able to work together consistently will help us grow over time and be ready for every challenge that lies ahead."

**DeVante' Jones, Trento guard**

"We’re happy to get back on the court after the break. On Thursday we’ll face a tough game against Ulm, but we’ve finally recovered from the small injuries we picked up in the first part of the season. I believe this pause helped us recharge our energy, and spending some time with our families was good for us as well. Ulm is a high-level team: aggressive, fast, and able to play with a lot of energy, especially at home. We’ll need to play a great game for the full 40 minutes. We want to get back to winning in the EuroCup as well."

### NINERS Chemnitz vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:00 CET)

**Rodrigo Pastore, Chemnitz head coach**

"Turk Telekom is a team built with a solid roster, expected to go all the way in this competition. They have been extremely efficient on the offensive end the last five games. Our main Goal is to be able to disrupt their offensive flow through a disciplined defense and to be able to create open court opportunities that will allow us to score in the early seconds of the possession."

**Yordan Minchev, Chemnitz forward**

"We are heading into a game against a very tough and experienced team, both the players and the coach. They lost their battle versus Besiktas and definitely took their lessons and will come and try to get the win at our home. After the break we are looking to play better basketball and show better face in the EuroCup games and start us a winning streak after the last win in Trento. Hopefully we will stay solid, play as physical as we can, be focused during 40 minutes and give our fans a good win."

### Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. London Lions (19:00 CET)

**Tautvydas Sabonis, London Lions head coach**

"Like always… Nothing changes. Physicality, energy, toughness, just playing our basketball, preparing for the next stretch of games that we have, which is going to be interesting. \[Lietkabelis is a\] very unorthodox team. Play a very specific style of basketball. We are going to have to be very mentally tough and physical, because they are very well coached, and I know the coach very well… We have to be ready to play a very tough, physical game. Like always game confidence, showing what we do every single day matters for what we want to do for every game…for every practice. At the end of the day, it’s confidence and just producing for the game what we do in practice."

**Amin Adamu, London Lions guard**

"They are a bit unorthodox. There are a lot of things we need to learn, be prepared and come out and set the tone as always. They're not to be taken lightly, like every team in EuroCup. As long as we stick to our plan and play our game, we'll be alright."

**London Lions' injury report:** Joel Scott, Shavar Reynolds and Mo Soluade are ruled out.

### Aris Thessaloniki Betsson vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:00 CET)

**Igor Milicic, Aris head coach**

"Obviously, we have a very tough game ahead of us. Cluj plays at a fast pace, their roster is made up mostly of foreign players, and the fact that they don’t compete in their domestic league gives them that advantage. We are dealing with some injuries now and we still have a few question marks regarding who will be available to play tomorrow. The key for us to get a positive result is to have good defensive transition and not allow them to play a free, high-tempo style — especially offensively. We know how to combine tough, physical defense with quick offense when needed."

**Elijah Mitrou-Long, Aris guard**

"I believe that the key to every game is our defense. We want to rely on our defensive identity; Cluj has very good players, but so do we, especially now with the new guys who have joined the team. In order to get the win tomorrow, as well as in the games that follow, we need to be the best version of ourselves, bring defensive energy, and play tough. If we do these things, I believe we will win the majority of the games ahead of us."

**Mihai Silvasan, Cluj head coach**

"A very important match for both teams, two teams fighting for a place in the Top 6 at the end of the regular season. They have a new coach, a good one, who has put things in order within the team and has brought in three new players recently. Aris is an extremely competitive team, especially on their home court, where everyone knows what kind of atmosphere is created. We are not in an ideal situation, because we still haven’t managed to hold a training session with the full team after the national team break. These things matter less, because, as we want our mentality to be, we are not trying to find excuses, but we want to find solutions for the problems we have, and we will certainly approach this match thinking only about victory."

**Trey Woodbury, Cluj guard**

"We are very excited for this game. We are coming back after the break and we want the victory in a very important EuroCup match. We had a good week of practices and we can’t wait to get back on the court. I like the atmosphere in Thessaloniki, I played there last year. Their fans are very passionate, so it should be a fitting environment for this game."

### Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem vs. Umana Reyer Venice (20:00 CET)

**Neven Spahija, Reyer head coach**

"There are two key factors for this game. The first one is about us; we want to see how the team reacts coming back from the break. I must say that after these practice sessions, the feeling is positive: the team is prepared, even though Wiltjer will join us directly in Belgrade. Furthermore, we are facing one of the best teams in the competition. In my opinion, they have a EuroLeague roster, and right now, they are playing the best basketball in the EuroCup. It will be tough, but we go to Belgrade with the same desire as always: to play to our full potential and be protagonists. They have great offensive potential and can score in many ways and from different positions. That’s why we need to be tough. We have prepared for the game carefully, and our defense will be crucial."

**Jordan Parks, Reyer forward**

"Coming off the break, we immediately face one of the strongest teams in the EuroCup. It will be a tough challenge, but it is also a great opportunity to test ourselves and see who we are as a team. We need to continue building on the last two games, where we played well together and showed greatly improved chemistry. It will be crucial to stay together and work hard on the boards to avoid giving them second chances."

## Friday, December 5

### Besiktas GAIN Istanbul vs. Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (18:00 CET)

\--

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (19:30 CET)

**Frederic Fauthoux, Bourg head coach**

"We're expecting a tough game tomorrow night as we defend our top spot in the standings. Podgorica is a team that concedes very few points, with an extremely solid defense and a deep squad. We'll need to be focused for the full 40 minutes, both defensively and offensively, to secure this home victory."

**Darius McGhee, Bourg guard**

"Podgorica is a really tough and experienced team. Our team will have to make sure we are connected on both ends of the floor for 40 minutes of the game. It will be a good game!"

**Andrej Zakelj, Buducnost head coach**

"Today we had our first practice with the full roster. We have two practices before the game against Bourg. We are dealing with some injury issues after the national team window, but that must not affect our desire or the way we want to play. We are going to Bourg to try to win. We will prepare as we do for every game — we know exactly who we’re up against. At this moment, they are the top team in our group. They are a very athletic team that runs a lot, plays aggressive basketball, crashes the boards hard, and relies heavily on one-on-one situations, so a tough challenge is in front of us, especially on the road and right after the break. We have to be tough and show the kind of basketball we played before the break, although it won’t be easy. Bourg is one of the best teams in the league, but we also have our own goals and ambitions."

**Axel Bouteille, Buducnost forward**

"Next game is going to be a good one for us — a tough test on the road. We know Bourg is the top team in our group, so we have a lot of work to do if we want to win. It’s going to be tough. They’ve been playing really well and have only one loss this season. They’re a very physical team and they can score in many ways. So we expect a difficult game, and we have to be ready for that."

### BAXI Manresa vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (20:45 CET)

\--

BAXI Manresa v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-12-05T19:45:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-12-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul v Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (2025-12-05T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-12-04T19:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm ulm v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

NINERS Chemnitz v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Lietkabelis Panevezys v London Lions (2025-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-12-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Slask Wroclaw (2025-12-04T17:30:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-12-04T16:00:00.000Z)

Every competitor wants a career full of titles. Cassius Winston is no different, and he hopes to finally get a league crown in Europe with Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem – especially now that the team can play the BKT EuroCup at home. 

Cassius Winston wants to finish job with Jerusalem, now with home fans 

Every competitor wants a career full of titles. [Cassius Winston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/cassius-winston/011940/) is no different, and he hopes to finally get a league crown in Europe with [Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-midtown-jerusalem/jer/) – especially now that the team can play the BKT EuroCup at home. 

Jerusalem has found its groove in the EuroCup with a five-game winning streak going into the national team break. And Winston has been a big part of the Israeli side racing out to a 6-2 mark, good for a three-way tie atop Group A. 

“We like our position. It’s a long season, but I feel like we're getting better as a team and hitting a pretty good stride right now. So it's just about being consistent and just keeping at it,” Winston told David Hein. “There is still got a lot more season to go, but I like our chances.”

The 27-year-old point guard has shined in his first season in the EuroCup, averaging 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. And it shouldn’t be a surprise that the 1.85-meter guard is playing well. 

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After a stellar college career which included winning a Big Ten Conference championship with Michigan State University, Winston spent the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons trying to make the NBA, playing predominantly in the G League. 

He left the United States for Europe and made his continental debut in the EuroLeague with FC Bayern Munich in 2022-23, where he averaged 11.0 points and 3.4 assists. Winston moved onto Tofas Bursa in Turkiye the following season and spent the 2024-25 campaign in Italy playing for Reggio Emilia. 

Winston played internationally the last two seasons in the Basketball Champions League – both times losing in the quarterfinals of the playoffs to a Spanish club. 

This off-season he was attracted to the move to Israel and Jerusalem. 

“It was just a great opportunity, a legendary club. I knew they were trying to do some really special things. And I just wanted to be a part of that; I wanted to be a part of something that can be that major,” he said. “I definitely wanted to come and play with all this talent and just see where I could impact the game and help the team out.”

Jerusalem would love to get to the EuroLeague, and Winston wouldn’t mind being there again, too. Each season since leaving Bayern, he has been able to measure himself against two EuroLeague teams in his domestic leagues: Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Turkiye, and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Virtus Bologna in Italy. 

“It's always the goal to play at the highest level possible and go there and contribute, and show that you can compete at that level, too. So, it's a great opportunity and a great situation to help this team and help myself in the process,” he said. 

When asked how motivated he feels to get back to the EuroLeague, Winston answered: “It's up there. I just want to play at the highest level and whatever is best for me. I know the EuroLeague is filled with really good players and really good competition. So if I get an opportunity, I would love to challenge myself against the best, always.”

Through his time in Europe, this season with Jerusalem is the first opportunity for Winston to play with someone for a second time. Winston and [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) played together at Tofas and really provided a strong point guard-big man combo. 

“We had a really good year in Tofas – just our chemistry and how we played together. And it carried over into this year, just reading each other, knowing each other's spots, just going out there playing with somebody that dominant. It always helps make the game easier on us as guards,” Winston said.

The top plays of Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem guard Cassius Winston through the first eight rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Cassius Winston's best plays this season

Wiley had joined Jerusalem after that year at Tofas while Winston went to Italy. And Winston said he talked to Wiley about a move to Israel.

“I talked to him just to see how things were, how he liked the coaches and the game and the play style. And he loved it. He told me I would enjoy it and that I would do well here, so it was nothing but good things to say.”

While things have gone well with Wiley and the rest of the team, one thing Winston hasn’t experienced yet is the home crowd for a Jerusalem game in the EuroCup. Games in the EuroCup have not been played in Israel since October 2023, but that will change on December 9 when Jerusalem hosts Veolia Towers Hamburg. 

"Oh, man. It's super exciting. I've seen how the fans get here for our \[Israeli League\] home games, so I know they're going to show up for those games too, and it's going to be cool to add that environment to the EuroCup games,” he said. 

“It's kind of hard going out there and playing in empty gyms with no fans. So to have that extra support, an extra teammate with us, it's going to be a huge lift for us.”

Jerusalem has already shown it can challenge for the EuroCup title, but Winston believes EuroCup games at home in Israel will make a major difference. 

“I think it changes the whole dynamic. You don’t have to travel. You can be at home, prepare for the games on a more normal normal schedule. I can only imagine how much this will help us as a team from top to bottom,” he said. 

Winston captured a Big Ten regular season crown and Big Ten Tournament title with Michigan State. And he helped Bayern win the German Cup and Jerusalem secure the 2025 Israeli Super Cup. But there is still that elusive league crown on the European continent, as well as a possible EuroCup championship, to fight for. And that push will become stronger now that Jerusalem's home fans are back at EuroCup games. 

More Hapoel Jerusalem News

The guard is still looking for his first league title in Europe

The BKT EuroCup returns after the FIBA window, which means there are new opportunities to win in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. 

Fantasy tips, Round 9: The mid-range edition

The BKT EuroCup returns after the FIBA window, which means there are new opportunities to win in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11).

Managers will try to be first in the private leagues and beat the overall leader, our very own Frankie Sachs, who we keep protecting by not revealing his picks. So once again it's me, Javier Gancedo, ranking 287th overall, sharing my favorite players.

This time, I am focusing on players who are between 10.0 to 12.5 credits, because this is where good picks can give you the edge. Here we go.

Joel Scott, Adam Mokoka, Amine Noua, Rihards Lomazs and Jordan Usher are featured in this week's article. 

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 9

### Adam Mokoka, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (11.5 credits)

There are many good reasons to pick [Adam Mokoka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/adam-mokoka/012698/) this week. He is in a team that usually wins, is playing at home against high-scoring Buducnost, and has been sensational lately. In the last three games, Mokoka averaged 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and a PIR of 22.7. He should have a solid game in Round 9.

### Amine Noua, Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (11.4 credits)

[Amine Noua](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/amine-noua/006068/) comes off a really good season in the Spanish League and delivered right away. In his first two EuroCup games since 2022, Noua averaged 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 20.5. Noua is set to keep bringing the energy, going to the foul line often and having solid numbers.

### Rihards Lomazs, Neptunas Klaipeda (11.1 credits)

I hear you: shooters gotta shoot, right? [Rihards Lomazs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/rihards-lomazs/005553/) is a great shooter but has been doing a little bit of everything lately. In the last four games, Lomazs averaged 20.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a PIR of 21.0. So yes, Lomazs is hitting shots... but he's doing so much more than just that for Neptunas!

### Jordan Usher, Turk Telekom Ankara (10.4 credits)

[Jordan Usher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordan-usher/013265/) has been really effective lately, hitting 12 of his last 15 two-point shots to average 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a PIR of 17.7. After a five-winning streak, Turk Telekom lost against Besiktas and will wait to bounce back against a run-and-gun team like Chemnitz.

Javier Gancedo has some ideas to help your EuroCup Fantasy Challenge teams this week

Neptunas Klaipeda has strengthened its frontcourt with the addition of Lithuanian center Egidijus Mockevicius, the club announced on Tuesday

Neptunas lands rebounding ace Egidijus Mockevicius

[Neptunas Klaipeda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/neptunas-klaipeda/kla/) has strengthened its frontcourt with the addition of Lithuanian center [Egidijus Mockevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/egidijus-mockevicius/002333/), the club announced on Tuesday. Mockevicius (2.08 meters, 32 years old) returns to his home country after several seasons abroad and is expected to provide rebounding power and experience.

The veteran big man returns for a third stint in the EuroCup after debuting with Rytas Vilnius in 2017 and playing for Wolves Vilnius two seasons ago. Mockevicius is widely recognized for his elite rebounding ability and physical presence in the paint. He led the NCAA in rebounding during his senior year at the University of Evansville, before launching a professional career that has taken him across Europe. His résumé includes stops in Spain, Italy, Turkiye, France and Romania in addition to spells in the G League, Mexico, Uruguay and Taiwan.

Most recently, Mockevicius played for Club Atletico Aguada, where he averaged 7.1 points and 8.3 rebounds in seven games in Uruguay. He has also represented Lithuania at various youth levels and was part of the senior national team pool in previous years.


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The latest Neptunas news

The veteran center brings toughness and versatility to the Lithuanian side’s frontcourt

Joseph Girard III remembers the 2011 NCAA Tournament like it was yesterday. Brigham Young University stormed into the Sweet 16 with one of the most thrilling players in the country, Jimmer Fredette, who had captivated the United States. And Girard was one of his biggest fans. 

Joseph Girard carrying on tradition from Jimmer Fredette 

[Joseph Girard III](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/joseph-girard-iii/013856/) remembers the 2011 NCAA Tournament like it was yesterday. Brigham Young University stormed into the Sweet 16 with one of the most thrilling players in the country, [Jimmer Fredette](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jimmer-fredette/009842/), who had captivated the United States. And Girard was one of his biggest fans. 

Fifteen years later, Girard is playing for [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) in the BKT EuroCup and carrying on the tradition of Fredette, as they are the only two players to have their numbers retired from Glen Falls High School in New York. 

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Girard has had his moments in his first EuroCup season, most notably his 16-point outburst in Cedevita’s Round 3 home victory over Aris Thessaloniki Betsson. The 25-year-old is averaging 7.8 points while shooting 38.9% on three-pointers to go with 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.  

“Obviously this is a big jump and I knew that,” Girard told David Hein when asked about his move from Nevezis Kedainiai last season in Lithuania to Cedevita in the EuroCup and Adriatic League. “No matter if it's the EuroCup or ABA League, it's always going to be a tough opponent. So each game brings something different, but it'll always be a tough game. And you have to be mentally ready each and every night.”

Girard scoring 16 points in a EuroCup game shouldn’t be a surprise given his past of putting the ball in the basket. 

Last season with Nevezis, he led the Lithuanian League in scoring with 21.0 points per game while shooting 54% on two-pointers, 41.5% on threes and 90.8% on free throws, in addition averaging to 2.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists, in his first professional season. 

“I was confident in what I was doing. My coaches were confident in me. My teammates were confident in me. And we had a really good team. It just didn't show up in the record,” said Girard, referring to the team’s 11-25 mark last season. 

Girard was a deadly scorer in college too, averaging at least 12.4 points in four of his five years while contributing at least 2.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game as well. And in two seasons he knocked down at least 40% of his three-pointers. 

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His scoring goes back to high school, where he averaged 48.5 points per game his senior season – winning the New York state high school championship with Glen Falls on a buzzer-beater in the final. Girard even averaged 50.0 points in his junior season. 

The 1.85-meter guard ended up being the all-time leading scorer in the state of New York, no small feat when you consider all the great players who have come from the state, including those from New York City. 

“It's huge. Just talking about it, it still doesn't really hit me yet because I'm still playing,” he said. “To have that happen and to see where all the hard work went and how it all played out, it was just magical. And I'm blessed to have that kind of record.”

Girard even being the leading scorer in his high school history is a feat considering Jimmer Fredette starred in the upstate school from 2003 to 2007 and scored more than 2,400 points. Fredette then had a successful college career at Brigham Young University before spending parts of six seasons in the NBA and ultimately finishing abroad, including the 2019-20 season with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the EuroLeague. 

Girard was born in 2000 and was four or five years old when he was around Fredette’s high school team, because his father was the head coach of the girl’s basketball team. A young Joseph followed Jimmer’s entire career, with his biggest memory coming on March 24, 2011 – BYU facing Florida in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. 

“Third grade. I just have it vividly in my memory. The whole school shut down to watch his game. Every room had the game on their TV. Just watching it with my friends. Everybody rooting for them,” Girard said of Fredette scoring 32 points but losing to Florida in overtime, 83-74, in his last game for BYU. 

A couple of months later, Girard was at the Glen Falls Civic Center for the NBA Draft party for Fredette, who was in attendance at the draft itself down state in New York City. He said basically the whole city of Glen Falls came to the party to root for Jimmer, who was selected No. 10 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks but traded to the Sacramento Kings. 

Another big Jimmer memory for Girard was when he, most of his family and much of Glen Falls travelled down to New York to see Fredette play against the New York Knicks. 

The best plays of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard Joseph Girard through the first eight rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Joseph Girard's top plays this season

Girard has been lucky to still have a close relationship with Fredette over the years. 

“It was a fortunate thing. It's something that you can only dream about,” he remembered. “That's the guy who, when I was running around the gym and could barely reach the hoop, I was watching and trying to be like. And then, there's a time where I got pretty good at the game and he started helping me. So we would work out. He'd come home to Glens Falls for like two weeks, maybe a summer, and during that time he would help me out and go to the gym with me.” 

Fredette showed Girard what made him successful at college and then later what made him successful as a pro. 

Fredette retired from the game in April 2025 and Girard still has contact with him, in addition to seeing his parents, who still live in Glen Falls. 

“I still talk to Jimmer. He still reaches out. He'll slide up sometimes on Instagram, congratulating me on a big game or something. It's a great relationship. He's just a great guy overall, and it's helped me out a lot.”

Girard is also a sneaker head with a room full of shoes back home at his parents’ place. Among them are two pairs of Fredette’s shoes – neither of them having ever been worn. 

They will always be a reminder of how great Jimmer was and how he helped Girard become the next big thing from Glen Falls, New York.

More Cedevita Olimpija News

The Cedevita Olimpija guard went to the same high school as the former NBA star

Following a short break, the midway point of the BKT EuroCup season arrives with 10 games on Thursday and Friday. Here’s your overview of all the action.

At a glance: The EuroCup returns with a bang

Following a short break, the midway point of the BKT EuroCup season arrives with 10 games on Thursday and Friday. Here’s your overview of all the action.

## Thursday, December 4

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Neptunas Kleipeda (17:00 CET)

The week begins in Istanbul as Bahcesehir (6-2) aims to protect first place in Group A with a visit from Neptunas (3-5). The Turkish team has lost two of its last three games and will look for improved defense after allowing 99 points to Slask last time out, but that won’t be easy against a Neptunas team which averages 90.9 points per night (fifth best in the competition). Two of the EuroCup’s best guards will go head to head for a key battle as Bahcesehir dynamo Malachi Flynn (17.9 points per night) attempts to overcome visiting Rihards Lomasz, who has scored at least 14 points in five games straight for a Neptunas team which lost its last two games.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Slask Wroclaw (18:30 CET)

Group A co-leader Cedevita (6-2) will attempt to maintain that status with a visit from playoff-chasing Slask (4-4). The Polish team is still looking for its first road win but has plenty of confidence after downing Bahcesehir in its last game, led by 20 points from big man Stefan Dordevic. Cedevita has rolled to three consecutive victories, helped by big man Thomas Kennedy delivering a series of strong performances in the paint, and takes better care of the basketball than any other team with just 10.6 turnovers per game. So Slask ball hawk Jakub Urbaniak – who has multiple steals in four games so far this season – will have to fight hard for extra possessions.

### ratiopharm ulm vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (19:00 CET)

Ulm (4-4) will attempt to maintain its position in Group B’s top six by overcoming one of the chasing pack, Trento (3-5). Both teams need to improve defensively after allowing more than 100 points in Round 8 defeats, and a key aspect will be three-point shooting: Ulm has the competition’s worst perimeter defense, allowing opponents to convert 40.5% of long-range strikes, but also boasts one of the most potent three-point offenses partly thanks to Tobias Jensen averaging 11.2 points on 47.2%. Trento, however, has the EuroCup’s worst three-point conversion rate (26.2%), so needs the otherwise excellent (17.7 points per game) to improve his shooting beyond the arc after going 3-of-15 in the last three games.

### NINERS Chemnitz vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:00 CET)

Chemnitz (3-5) will try to win consecutive games for the first time against a Turk Telekom (5-3) team aiming to recover winning ways. Both teams excel inside the paint, with Chemnitz ranked third in the competition with 61.5% two-pointers, while Turk Telekom is even better (61.9%). Ty Brewer was keys to Chemnitz’s Round 8 victory over Trento with 16 points and 7 rebounds, and he faces a good battle with Jordan Usher, who has scored at least 13 points in four of the last five. Another key battle will take place in the backcourt as Corey Davis (16 points and 5.6 assists per game) confronts Dogus Ozdemiroglu (9.2 points and 5.2 assists per night).

### Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. London Lions (19:00 CET)

Two teams on the fringes of Group B’s playoff race meet as Lietkabelis (2-6) welcomes London (3-5). The Lithuanian team ended a six-game winning run by overcoming Panionis with a strong defensive performance last time out, and the all-round strength of Augustine Rubit (15.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per night) will be an important building block for seeking another victory. He will be confronted by in-form Joel Scott, who has averaged 15.2 points in the last five games. But London has struggled for offensive consistency throughout the season, and taking better care of the basketball would help after committing more turnovers than any other team (16.4 per game).

### Aris Thessaloniki Betsson vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:00 CET)

Two of the four teams tied for Group A’s fourth place go into battle as Aris (4-4) welcomes Cluj (4-4). Cluj is the competition’s highest-scoring team with 96.8 points per game, but has one of the worst defenses with an average of 94 points allowed. So Aris’s recent signing Amine Noua will hope to continue the form that saw him net 24 points to defeat Neptunas last time out. That victory also saw guard Bryce Jones approach a triple-double with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, and he faces a great matchup with Cluj playmaker Fatts Russell. The visiting team will also look for another strong performance from forward Mitch Creek, who averages 16.9 points per game on 72.4% inside shooting.

### Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem vs. Umana Reyer Venice (20:00 CET)

Red-hot Group A co-leader Hapoel (6-2) will attempt to strengthen its position in the top four by overcoming dangerous Reyer (4-4). The Italian team has won three of the last four games, most recently overcoming Manresa thanks to the shooting skills of Kyle Wiltjer, who has made multiple three-pointers in five games already this season. Hapoel has won five straight and will look to maintain the explosive offense which has surpassed 100 points in three of the last four, with Cassius Winston (15.7 points and 4.7 assists per game) among those playing at a high level. Expect a big battle in the paint between the competition’s second and third-best rebounders, Austin Wiley (8.1 rebounds per night) and Chris Horton (7.9).

## Friday, December 5

### Besiktas GAIN Istanbul vs. Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (18:00 CET)

Besiktas (6-2) is aiming for a third straight victory as it welcomes a Panionios team (1-7) stuck in Group B’s last place. The home team’s outstanding offensive production (91.4 points per game) is based on the EuroCup’s second-most accurate three-point shooting (39.8%), with Brynton Lemar making 9 of his 13 attempts from deep in the last two games. In contrast, Panionios’s long losing run is the result of an offense which has only reached 80 points once in the last six games and ranks last in the competition with just 75.3 points per game, but an excellent start from newcomer Stedmon Lemon (20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals against Lietkabelis last time out) provides some hope.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (19:30 CET)

It’s first against second in Group A as Bourg (7-1) receives a visit from Buducnost (6-2). The French team, which is 3-0 at home, has relied on outstanding defense recently, allowing just 64 and 68 points in the last two games. That will definitely be needed against a confident Buducnost team which has won five straight and poured in 101 points – led by Rasheed Sulaimon with 19 – to overpower Ulm last time out. For Bourg, the versatile skills of guard Adam Mokoka (12.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game) are a key driving force, and he faces a good backcourt battle against Yogi Ferrell, who has reached double digits in scoring in five of the last six.

### BAXI Manresa vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (20:45 CET)

The week’s action concludes with Manresa (3-5) seeking a return to winning ways while Hamburg (0-8) targets its first victory. Manresa has lost four straight and needs to recover the defensive stability that delivered early-season success, while hoping that Alfonso Plummer can continue the long-range accuracy which has seen him average 4.5 triples in his last three games. Hamburg’s hopes of breaking into the win column require all-round improved shooting accuracy: the German team has made just 50.2% of two-point attempts and 26.2% from long-range so far, respectively, ranking 18th and 19th in the competition. One cause for optimism is the addition of Devon Daniels, who scored 19 points on debut last time out.

Andy West previews Round 9 of the 2025-26 EuroCup campaign

Veolia Towers Hamburg has announced that forward Justin Edler-Davis is leaving the club after both sides agreed to terminate the contract

Hamburg releases forward Edler-Davis 

[Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/ham/) has announced that forward [Justin Edler-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-edler-davis/013933/) is leaving the club after both sides agreed to terminate the contract. The 27-year-old American played 16 official games for Hamburg during the 2025–26 season, including 8 in the BKT EuroCup. Edler-Davis averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in those EuroCup games.

“Justin was always exemplary as a person and brought great energy in practice,” said Towers sporting director Marvin Willoughby. “However, he was unable to reach the performance level and role we had envisioned. We thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future.”

Edler-Davis becomes the third player to leave Hamburg within the first third of the season, joining Eric Reed and Carlos Stewart.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">📢 In beiderseitigem Einvernehmen haben wir an diesem Wochenende die Zusammenarbeit mit Forward Justin Edler-Davis beendet.<br>ℹ️ <a href="https://t.co/jRTrQT8e4X">https://t.co/jRTrQT8e4X</a><br><br>Thank you Justin, we wish you all the best for your future! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowersHamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowersHamburg</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1994738000086061359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

The latest Hamburg news

The American forward averaged 8.5 points in the EuroCup before agreeing to leave the club

Hamburg releases forward Edler-Davis

Lietkabelis Panevezys has bolstered its frontline by signing veteran Lithuanian forward Justas Furmanavicius for the remainder of the season

Justas Furmanavicius strengthens Lietkabelis’s frontcourt depth

Lietkabelis Panevezys has bolstered its frontline by signing veteran Lithuanian forward Justas Furmanavicius for the remainder of the season. Furmanavicius (2.01 meters, 31 years old) will help fill the void left by Vytenis Lipkevicius, who could miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

He arrives from Polish side Anwil Wloclawek, where he averaged 4.0 points per game across six Polish Basketball League appearances this season. Last season Furmanavicius played in Serbia, where he averaged 11.8 points and 3.3 rebounds over 22 Adriatic League games for Borac Cacak.

Furmanavicius last played in Lithuania during the 2023-24 campaign with Gargzdai and Jonava. He previously suited up for Lithuanian sides Siauliai, Dzukija, Pieno Zvaigzdes and Pasvalys as well as for Greece’s Kastoria. Furmanavicius is expected to make his EuroCup debut on Thursday against the London Lions.

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The veteran forward brings scoring, versatility, and experience to Panevezys

Venice has provided inspiration to many in the art world over thousands of years. Given that, it wouldn’t be a surprise if one day Denzel Valentine writes a song about the Italian city. Yes, Denzel Valentine of Umana Reyer Venice – the former NBA guard who has released three full-length albums in the last five years.

Denzel Valentine living his evolution through “The Journey” and other music 

Venice has provided inspiration to many in the art world over thousands of years. Given that, it wouldn’t be a surprise if one day [Denzel Valentine](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/denzel-valentine-/013930/) writes a song about the Italian city. Yes, Denzel Valentine of [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) – the former NBA guard who has released three full-length albums in the last five years.

Valentine released his latest single “Like McGrady” on September 25 of this year, a year which also saw him bring out the “Plead the 5th” single in late July, the seven-track album “Part-Time” in mid-May and even the 12-track album “The Journey” in late January. 

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The album cover for “The Journey” features Valentine in a collage of photos over the years, including wearing jerseys of the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, the NBA G League’s Windy City Bulls and Maine Celtics, Michigan State Spartans from college, as well as his high school J.W. Sexton and Italian club Trieste from last season. 

“I like to separate music and basketball, but also at the same time intertwine them,” Valentine told David Hein. “So, because I'm a realist and don’t like to lie and exaggerate stuff. ‘The Journey’ is just about my life experiences, what I've experienced to this point. And I just wanted to share that through music with everybody who wants to choose to listen to it. 

“Also, I feel like I've gotten better as well. So I just had fun with it. I just made some songs, just kind of went in the studio and did my thing and it came out. It was a great turnout.”

“The Journey” was recorded in the summer of 2024 in Chicago with his producer and engineer Kylann Griffin, with whom he has worked since 2017.

The “Part-Time” cover, meanwhile, features two pictures of Valentine in a Trieste uniform. And that was actually recorded last season in Italy. Jayce Johnson, his teammate from last season, is listed as co-writer for all seven songs. 

“Jayce actually came up with the name,” said Valentine. “We were trying to figure out a name for the project, and he was like, ‘Part-Time,’ because literally that’s what we are. We’re basketball players, but you have a life outside of it, so we’re part-time artists. So that’s why we named it ‘Part-Time.’”

He said Johnson would always be singing in the locker room and was pretty good. 

“I’m like, ‘Bro, I've got to get you in the studio.’ We went in there our first time in February, maybe. And the first song on the album is called ‘Loose’. That was his first time ever doing a song, and he was so good from day one. I said you’re a natural. And that’s how we hit it off,” Valentine remembered. 

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Valentine has three albums, two EPs and 15 singles listed on Spotify.

The other album, “517: Made Me”, includes 11 songs and references the 517 area code in the United States, designated for the area around his home city of Lansing, Michigan. And the EPs are the four-track “It’s Bout Time” from June 2024 and the November 2022 release “Life Is What You Make It” with five songs from November 2022. 

Valentine said his favorite songs are “Wreck” from “The Journey”, “Come Vibe” from “It’s Bout Time”, and “On Sight” from “517 : Made Me”.

The song that probably means the most to him, he said, is “Blackout” from “The Journey”. 

“I’ve listened to that song multiple times and shed tears to it. It’s about my journey, how I grew up, and the struggles I’ve dealt with. It’s about all the hard work and sacrifice my parents made to get me here,” he said.

Valentine started off with straight rap music but then did some R&B and the pop music. Then the influence of Johnson showed he could do some alternative, borderline rock songs.

Even though basketball is his true love, Valentine said music provides an important release as a hobby. 

“I feel like I am able to express my true feelings when I’m in the studio, and it kind of releases a dopamine,” he admitted. “I feel mentally better. It’s crazy. I always feel so much better after I go in the studio. And then the songs, they last a lifetime.”

Valentines listens to his songs and that gives him a great vibe, too. 

“It reminds you of a great time that you had and how you were feeling at the time. It kind of motivates you to succeed and keep going,” he said. “It also gives me confidence too, because I’m like,  ‘Dang, I actually made that.’ It’s kind of mixed emotions with it, but it’s all positive.”

Valentine is currently helping Reyer in the fight to make the BKT EuroCup Playoffs, with holding a 4-4 record in the national team break. And the 32-year-old is playing a strong role, averaging 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and a team-high 4.9 assists while shooting 34.1% on three-pointers. 

That comes after a very solid campaign last year in Trieste, his first full season in Europe. 

“I was playing for something, playing for the pride of a city, playing for the pride of the league, trying to get a championship. It felt really good to improve and reinvent myself in year nine. And I wanted to take that energy into this year and have another great year,” he said. 

He now wants to leave a footprint in Europe.

“I feel like the new challenge is to show Europe and the world who Denzel Valentine is and what I can bring to an organization and a team. And that's winning, good vibes, and just the joy of basketball. And I think I have a platform to do that now with the opportunity that this team has given me,” he said.

And the added bonus of making music on top. 

When asked if Venice has inspired him, he answered: “Oh, definitely. Music videos are coming: water taxis, gondolas, all that. I’ve got some stuff planned, for sure.”

The top plays of Umana Reyer Venice guard Denzel Valentine through the first eight rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Denzel Valentine's best plays this season

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Reyer’s former NBA guard has released three full-length albums since 2020