Jaylen Hoard, Xavier Munford, J'Covan Brown and Tomer Ginat led Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. to a 100-73 win against KK Cedevita Olimpija.

Returning quartet led the way for Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. against Cedevita

It might be the start of a new season, but it was four returning players that stepped up to guide [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to a 100-73 win against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hapoel-tel-aviv-records-statement-win-cedevita-olimpija/). The Israeli side wowed fans across the continent with its performances in last season's BKT EuroCup, and starting the 2023-24 campaign in this manner is likely to get pulses racing in Tel Aviv.

Of the 100 points that Hapoel put on the board, a combined 72 came from [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) (21), [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) (18), [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) (18) and [J'Covan Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/j-covan-brown/011991/) (15). What's more, between them they grabbed 22 rebounds and dished 18 assists. In short, it was quite the night for Hapoel's returning quartet.

"It was just the way we wanted to start," Munford said in his post-game interview. "We wanted to set the tone early. We've got a lot of weapons – Jaylen played well, Tomer played well, J.B. orchestrated the whole show, so we've got a lot of guys. Any given night, any guy can go off."

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D7%94%D7%AA%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%A0%D7%95?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#התחלנו</a><br><br>הפועל מנצחת את לובליאנה 73:100 במשחק הראשון בשלב הבתים ביורוקאפ.<br><br>ועכשיו? יום ראשון, 19:40, גליל עליון בית, מתחילים את הליגה.<br><br>יאללה הפועל! <a href="https://t.co/5munmFwe8u">pic.twitter.com/5munmFwe8u</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1709282607228182860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Jaylen Hoard starred from the bench

Hoard particularly shined for Hapoel with some highlight-reel plays that almost took the roof off Shlomo Group Arena. The 24-year-old, who played in Europe professionally for the first time last season, looks set for a bigger role at Hapoel in his second year at the club. Once again coming off the bench, as he did in the 2022-23 campaign, Hoard provided a big spark for the hosts on both ends of the floor, which is something Munford touched on in the post-game press conference.

"Jaylen was excited coming into the game," he stated. "He's been working hard throughout the summer and you could see it – it shows. I think throughout the year he's going to be our X factor. I'm proud of Jaylen's performance tonight."

The best plays of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward Jaylen Hoard during his team's 100-73 win against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Jaylen Hoard's highlights vs. Cedevita

After all, Hoard was able to add 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks to his 18 points in what was an incredibly rounded performance. Last season saw Hoard record two MVP of the Round awards – in Rounds 4 and 18 – but his performance against Cedevita was that of a player who is ready to lead the way for his team, despite starting from the bench.

For new signing Braian Angola, who had an impressive EuroCup debut with 11 points, 3 assists and 4 steals, it is the work ethic of Hoard that impresses him so much: "Last year you guys saw it, now this year you are seeing what he's doing. He's probably the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. It's only his second year, so he doesn’t have a ceiling. I think he's going to have a great, great impact for us – offensively and defensively. He's a great defender. For us, having someone like that in blocking shots and helping us in that way is amazing for us."

### Munford, Brown continue to sparkle

Much of Hapoel's run to the EuroCup Quarterfinals in 2022-23 was down to the elite-level play of Munford and Brown. On Tuesday night, they picked up where they left off, with Munford pairing a game-high 21 points with 4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Brown had 15 points and 8 dimes.

Although speaking after a defeat, Cedevita head coach Simone Pianigiani admitted that having Brown running Hapoel's offense and Munford being even more comfortable in year two is good news for fellow coach Danny Franco: "J'Covan Brown, Bar Timor… this means the brain of the team is in good hands all the time," he noted. "Munford, also, it's his second season here, so he plays like he's at home."

The best plays of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv duo Xavier Munford and J'Covan Brown during their team's 100-73 win against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Xavier Munford and J'Covan Brown's highlights vs. Cedevita

On a night-by-day basis, Brown will be entrusted with making sure that Hapoel's offense continues to tick, and Munford offers an all-round threat that means he will always be circled on the opposition's scouting report. Should the two continue to play as they did on Tuesday night, and how they did last season, Hapoel should be one of the favorites to win the EuroCup title.

### Tomer Ginat is the perfect glue guy

Finally, Ginat deserves some love. The 28-year-old Israeli had a solid campaign with Hapoel last season, and he seems primed to once again have an important role for Coach Franco's squad. Ginat is a player that does the little things that tend to go unnoticed, but which are crucial for a winning team.

Unlike the three players written above, Ginat was putting points on the board in a quieter manner, while he also grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 3 assists and had 1 steal. More displays like that should result in more victories for Hapoel, which should feel very confident about its chances in the EuroCup this season.

Game Videos

Game News

J'Covan Brown in possession of the ball during Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv's 100-73 win against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Jaylen Hoard, Xavier Munford, J'Covan Brown and Tomer Ginat were all key in the victory.

Returning quartet led the way for Hapoel against Cedevita

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

A new-look Paris Basketball got off to a winning start in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season by downing BC Wolves 105-78 at Halle Georges Carpentier.

Paris Basketball cruises past BC Wolves in season opener

Paris Basketball hit the ground running in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season by grabbing a 105-78 victory over Wolves Vilnius at Halle Georges Carpentier on Tuesday night. The hosts recorded their first win of the season, while Wolves debuted in the competition with a loss on the road. Paris looked dominant throughout the duel, comfortably breaking the 100-point barrier in the fourth quarter.

TJ Shorts paired his 20 points with 9 assists for a PIR of 30. Collin Malcolm and Nadir Hifi scored 16 and 11 points off the bench, respectively, with the latter also dishing 7 assists. Mikael Jantunen scored 12 points and Gauthier Denis added 11 for the hosts. Rasheed Sulaimon led Wolves with 15 points, in addition to recording 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Eigirdas Zukauskas scored 14 points and Arturs Zagars added 10.

### How the game played out

Shorts and Sebastian Herrera scored Paris's first baskets to give the hosts a 5-2 lead. Wolves bounced back, with Sulaimon bagging five straight points to put the guests ahead, 5-7. Yet, Paris received a boost from the bench as Hifi and Michael Kessens scored a couple of points each to give Paris a 9-7 edge. Zagars stepped up, scoring two from the line and downing a triple for an 11-12 Wolves lead. Hifi took his tally to 4 points and Denis sank a three-pointer with his first touch with the basketball to make it 19-13. An explosive Shorts scored a layup and a jump shot to secure a 24-15 lead for the hosts heading into the second quarter.

Despite the game being basket-for-basket in the opening stages, Paris went on a 15-2 run to open a double-digit lead, 29-15, which forced Wolves to call a timeout. Sulaimon responded with a triple, but Malcolm had a basket-and-one to reach 8 points and help the hosts maintain a 41-25 advantage. Zagars scored five points in a hurry as he looked to lead the fightback. Zukauskas stole the ball and sank a layup before downing one from behind the arc to trim the deficit to 41-32. Herrera responded with a triple, but Wolves managed to maintain the margin to single digits before halftime.

The hosts entered the second half ahead, 48-40, and Shorts scored his team’s first six points of the third quarter before setting up Ward, who downed a triple for a 57-44 Paris lead. Malcolm knocked down his second triple of the game, but Tre'shawn Thurman responded with five points in just a few seconds, as he stole the ball after downing a triple and scored a layup to trim down Paris’s lead to 64-53. Wolves did try to hang in there, with Arnas Berucka sinking a three-pointer and Christian Mekowulu scoring a basket to make it 72-62.

Shorts netted Paris’s last basket of the third quarter, as well as its first two points in the fourth, to take his tally to 20 points. Then, he turned provider for Ward, who scored in transition to open his team’s biggest lead of the night, 81-62. Hifi, Kessens and Bandja Sy came off the bench to inspire the hosts to an 11-point run for a 95-68 lead and practically put the game to bed. It was just a matter of time for Paris to break the 100-point barrier, and Malcolm did so from the line with 04:07 remaining. The hosts then went on to break their scoring record in the EuroCup, sealing a 105-78 triumph in their season opener.

Tyson Ward of Paris Basketball is in possession of the ball during his team's BKT EuroCup season opener against Wolves Vilnius.

The French club showed its title credentials with a convincing win to start the BKT EuroCup season.

Paris cruises past Wolves in season opener, 105-78

Paris Basketball v Wolves Vilnius (2023-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm, last year's German League champion, got its BKT EuroCup campaign off to a perfect start by defeating Aquila Basket Trento 80-70 at ratiopharm arena.

ratiopharm Ulm makes winning start after holding off Aquila Basket Trento

German League champion ratiopharm Ulm ground out an 80-70 home victory against Dolomiti Energia Trento to get its BKT EuroCup Group B campaign off to a winning start, thanks to superb offensive rebounding coupled with a flurry of turnovers from the visitors.

Dakota Mathias paced the home team with 18 points, towering center Trevion Williams racked up 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Georginho De Paula chipped in with 11 first-half points. At the other end, Davide Alviti netted all his 15 points for Trento beyond the three-point arc, having sank 5 of 6 attempts from downtown. Andrejs Grazulis added 14 points, Kamar Baldwin scored 11 and Prentiss Hub amassed 10.

### How the game played out

It looked like Ulm was in for plain sailing after racing into an 8-0 lead on the back of a couple of three-pointers from its 19-year-old Spanish guard Juan Nunez, but Trento hit back with a 13-2 run which put the visiting team in the driving seat for much of the first half.

Both teams played in fits and starts as Ulm missed its next 10 shots from three-point range while Trento kept turning the ball over. Still, the Italian side was able to carve out a 30-35 lead in the closing stages of the first half before De Paula turned the tables with some fine individual skill, enabling Ulm to lead 42-38 at halftime.

Trento had committed a staggering 14 turnovers in the opening half and the trend continued after the break, as the visitors had 21 by the end of the third quarter. Those struggles allowed Ulm to lead 60-54 ahead of the final 10 minutes, despite blowing hot and cold on offense itself.

The two teams traded a flurry of three-pointers early in the fourth quarter and after Mathias made a four-point play to keep Ulm ahead, the home side engineered a decisive 11-4 run to open up a 77-66 lead in the closing stages. Trento battled hard to stay in the game but there was no way back for the Italian team, who did not have enough left in the tank to force late drama.

ratiopharm Ulm guard Thomas Klepeisz shoots over Dolomiti Energia Trento's Toto Forray in the two teams' Round 1 matchup in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

The German side protected its home court with a hard-fought triumph.

Ulm makes winning start after holding off plucky Trento, 80-70

ratiopharm Ulm v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-10-03T17:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Tel Aviv B.C. sent a strong message to the rest of the BKT EuroCup with a dominant 100-73 win against KK Cedevita Olimpija at Shlomo Group Arena.

Hapoel Tel Aviv records statement win against Cedevita Olimpija

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv started its 2023-24 BKT EuroCup campaign on the right foot by dominating Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 100-73 in front of a packed-out crowd at Shlomo Group Arena. After boasting the joint second-best home record in last year's regular season, Hapoel seems set to be a big threat on its home court once again.

Xavier Munford led the way in scoring for the hosts with 21 points, followed by Tomer Ginat and Jaylen Hoard with 18 points apiece, J'Covan Brown with 15 and Braian Angola with 11. Hapoel center Idan Zalmanson also grabbed 10 rebounds to go with 4 points. For Cedevita, Justin Cobbs scored a team-high 15 points, while Jaka Blazic recorded 13. DJ Stewart and Karlo Matkovic had 11 points each, too.

### How the game played out

One of the keys to the win was the fast start that Hapoel enjoyed, with the Israeli side making the most of Cedevita's turnovers. Head coach Danny Franco saw his team take an early 10-point lead, 21-11, with 3:53 minutes left in the first quarter, before closing the opening period 28-21 ahead.

It was more of the same in the second quarter, with Hapoel capitalizing on every turnover committed by Cedevita. The hosts were enjoying plenty of joy on the fastbreak, too, which allowed Hapoel to open a game-high 44-30 lead with 2:37 to go before halftime. Heading into the break, Hapoel led 48-36.

Cedevita came out with a lot more energy, but Hapoel was able to match the visitors every step of the way. In fact, with just under five minutes remaining in the third, Angola recorded his fourth steal of the game – and Hapoel's 11th at that point – before scoring an easy layup to make it a 60-45 ballgame. Soon after, a big alley-oop slam by Hoard from a Brown assist took the roof off Shlomo Group Arena. That advantage extended to 16 points, 71-55, after Hoard tipped the ball in with the last score of the quarter.

The final quarter proved to be a celebration of basketball for the Hapoel fans, who saw their team score the first seven points of the last period to make it 78-55. Munford scored back-to-back triples to further stress Hapoel's dominance, 84-60, before Hoard wowed the fans with a reverse slam to open a game-high 25-point difference, 90-65. In the end, a triple by Bar Timor ensured that Hapoel reached 100 points, with the Israeli side sending a strong message to the rest of the EuroCup. Cedevita, meanwhile, will hope to use this game as a tough learning experience.

New Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv signing Braian Angola drives to the rim on his BKT EuroCup debut against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

The Israeli side thoroughly impressed in a dominant home victory.

Hapoel records statement win against Cedevita, 100-73

Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz route from  Guachupita, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, was lined with obstacles, but his parents and basketball guided him to greatness as he seeks to become a BKT EuroCup champion.



Joventut's Andres Feliz: A grateful man

[Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/roster/jov/?season=2023-24) playmaker [Andres Feliz ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/)is one of the biggest names in the BKT EuroCup this season. 

Feliz grew up in Guachupita, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital. Basketball kept him away from crime and violence, as did his parents, who Feliz credits for raising him the right way. 

At age 16, given the chance to play high school basketball in the United States, he left without speaking a word of English. He ended up meeting his wife Lisa at college and getting his degree. 

A late bloomer in basketball, Feliz joined El Prat in the Spanish third division and soon moved to Joventut, where his role has increased each and every season. Over the summer, Feliz played a starring role with the Dominican Republic at the 2023 World Cup. 

Now, the sky seems to be the limit for the 26-year-old Feliz, who hopes to lead Joventut to its second EuroCup title, and first since 2008, at the end of the season that starts this week.

 Joventut Badalona playmaker Andres Feliz route from Guachupita, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, was lined with obstacles, but his parents and basketball guided him to greatness as he seeks to become a BKT EuroCup champion.


BKT EuroCup Interview: Andres Feliz, Joventut Badalona

The 2023-24 season is here with a fresh format that lets just 12 teams out of 20 make it to the knockout stage, making the BKT EuroCup more competitive already by definition.

BKT EuroCup Power Rankings Vol. 1 – The champs are back

The 2023-24 season is here with a fresh format that lets just 12 teams out of 20 make it to the knockout stage, making the BKT EuroCup more competitive already by definition.

This time around, 40% of the teams will not make it past the group stage and that makes each game even more interesting.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1560800/eurocup-power-rankings-volume-1/)

As the BKT EuroCup season starts, Eurohoops ranks the twenty contenders



Euroleague Basketball has reached an agreement with TV3, the public television platform of Catalonia, that will exclusively bring all Joventut Badalona's BKT EuroCup games to the Spanish territory in the 2023-24 season. TV3 digital platform Esport3cat and the new transmedia and interactive OTT platform that will be launched soon 3cat, will broadcast all Joventut Badalona games to the Spanish territory, while all Catalonia fans will also have the chance to watch selected Joventut games on the dedicated sports linear channel Esport3.

TV3 to broadcast Joventut Badalona's 2023-24 BKT EuroCup fixtures

Euroleague Basketball has reached an agreement with 3Cat, the new public audiovisual platform of Catalonia, that will exclusively bring all of Joventut Badalona's BKT EuroCup games to the Spanish territory in the 2023-24 season. The digital platform [Esport3cat](https://www.ccma.cat/tv3/directe/esport3/) will broadcast Joventut games until the official launch of the new transmedia and interactive OTT platform 3Cat, which will broadcast all Joventut Badalona games to the Spanish territory. Fans in Catalonia will also have the chance to watch select Joventut games on the dedicated free-to-air sports linear channel Esport3. 

The 2023-24 edition of the BKT EuroCup has implemented significant changes to the competition format that will bring more drama than ever before, with the top six teams making the playoffs. The top two seeds in each regular-season group advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the other eight teams battle it out in the eighthfinals. After a single-game elimination format in the eighthfinals and quarterfinals, the playoff series will be played in a best-of-three format in the semifinals and finals.

Joventut Badalona, the EuroLeague champion in 1993-94 and EuroCup winner in 2007-08, has been placed in Group A ahead of the 18-game regular season. The other teams in Joventut Badalona's group are: Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, the London Lions, Paris Basketball, Prometey Slobozhanske, Umana Reyer Venice, Veolia Towers Hamburg and Wolves Vilnius.

Esport3 will begin its broadcasts with the Round 1 showdown between Joventut Badalona and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, which will be played at Palau Olimpic de Badalona on Wednesday, October 4 and will have extensive coverage of the entire BKT EuroCup competition.

The EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime, returns for another season and Round 1 is here! The 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season opens this week with 10 games. There are plenty of new players, which gives managers a lot of new options. Today, however, let's look at players returning for another season in the competition who, therefore, may have an advantage over some EuroCup newcomers. Here they are.

Fantasy Challenge tips, Round 1: Here we go!

Alpha Kaba, A.J. Slaughter, Pep Busquets, Sam Dekker and Karim Jallow are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips, Round 1

**Sam Dekker, London Lions (16.0 credits) –** He was this page's main recommendation at the start of the game last season and Dekker remains a go-to guy. It is no surprise that Dekker is the most expensive player in the game, as he guarantees points, rebounds and leadership. Dekker should be an MVP candidate this season.

**Pep Busquets, Joventut Badalona (4.9 credits) –** He played a lot for Joventut in pre-season and has averaged more than 15 minutes on the court in Joventut's first two Spanish League games. Right now, Busquets looks like the best option for less than 5 credits and you know how it goes: in order to afford stars, you need good backups like him.

**A.J. Slaughter, Dreamland Gran Canaria (9.6 credits) –** We are including Slaughter based on the fact that he can become the EuroCup's all-time leading scorer. He ranks third with 1,418 points and needs 196 to pass Bojan Dubljevic. It should be good motivation for Slaughter to play well and lead the standings.

**Karlo Matkovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (8.4 credits) –** Rock-solid centers are the key to success in Fantasy, and you cannot get a much better signing than Matkovic. Last season, he averaged 9.3 points on 63.1% two-pointers and 5.2 rebounds. At age 22, Matkovic is ready for bigger challenges. Expect good things from him. 

**Karim Jallow, ratiopharm Ulm (9.5 credits) –** Jallow took a really important step forward last season and, at age 26, he is a young veteran on a fun-to-watch Ulm squad. He helps on the boards, is a solid shooter and his role should be even bigger this season. All for less than 10 credits!

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2023-10-04T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-10-04T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-10-04T16:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Slask Wroclaw (2023-10-05T19:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2023-10-04T18:15:00.000Z)

London Lions v Umana Reyer Venice (2023-10-04T18:30:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-10-04T16:00:00.000Z)

Hello again! This is Ondrej Balvin of Prometey Slobozhanske, back for another BKT EuroCup season after reaching the semifinals six months ago. Does that make us one of the favorite teams this season? Well, I'm not sure if I'm the one to judge if we are favorites or not, but obviously we would like to continue the way we played last year and we definitely want to fight for the highest spot, so let's see what the season brings. 

We want to build on last season. To begin with, I think we are a better three-point shooting team this season. Last year, I think three-point shooting was kind of one of our weaknesses. Right now, we have a lot of new players that are great shooters, so hopefully this is going to be one aspect where we are going to improve compared to last season.

It was a long summer for me, as Prometey was one of the first team to finish the 2022-23 season. Personally, it was a kind of interesting summer. I resigned with Prometey but asked for permission to play elsewhere because otherwise I would have a really long break, basically four months, before we started the pre-season. I never had this much free time in my life! I always went with the national team or something, and maybe had two or three weeks off each summer, that's enough for me. 

This time, I had four months off for the first time in my life, and I didn't know what to do with myself, so my agent came up with this interesting idea. He said: "Hey, there is a summer league in China and they are playing for two months, you can make some money and it will be a new, interesting experience." Obviously, when I resigned with Prometey, I asked them if it would be okay with them for me to go there, and they said "yeah, no problem", so I spent the summer playing basketball in China.

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I had the experience of playing in Japan, so it was not such a cultural shock for me. Still, there were some funny moments. One of the funniest things is that I lived in a city with an eight-million population. I was asking about the city and they were like "oh, this is a small city". And I looked at him and replied "hey, my whole country have like 10.5 million people, and you want to tell me that an eight-million city is small?" That was kind of funny. 

Being white and tall in there was also interesting: everyone was staring at me. I am really used to it, people usually stare at me because of my height, but it was funnier in China. I almost caused this guy an accident, because even people who drive a motorbike, they would slow down and look at me, because they don't see many guys in China looking like me. It was raining a little but and this one guy slipped on the motorbike, so I almost caused an accident!

Last season I did not tell you that I have a dog; his name is Charlie and he is a big part of my life. I even have a tattoo on my forearm! It's actually funny and I think he is enjoying this basketball life, too. It's not easy but I always find ways to take care of him. It has been an experience for me, especially in the beginning. But I think it's something that I'm really always excited about. 

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You can have a bad game, a good game, whatever, but when I come home, he doesn't care about how I played. He just always come to me and brings me some toy he wants to play with and it is something that completely takes my mind away from basketball. It's really nice to have him around. I got him in my fourth year in Sevilla, so we have been together for nine years.

Charlie is a flat-coated retriever, more or less similar to the golden retriever. Traveling with him is kind of fun because he has taken me to places I would never expect to visit. For example, when I lived in Gran Canaria, after my first season there, I actually had my car on the island, one of my friends brought it for me. So I had to take a ferry from Gran Canaria to Cadiz and then drive like 20-25 hours back to the Czech Republic. It was an interesting experience. I could have taken a flight but if there is a possibility to drive to that place, I prefer to drive because it is less stressful for him.

Balvin helped Prometey reach the BKT EuroCup semifinals.

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Ondrej Balvin, Prometey

Speaking of traveling, we are going to some nice cities this season, even though our first game is at home against Hamburg. It is better than last year. I am not saying that we travelled to bad cities, but other than Barcelona (close to Badalona), we didn't really go to any major city and this year, we will go to a lot of big ones: Paris, London, Vilnius, Ljubljana, Venice, Istanbul, Barcelona. There will be good traveling connections, too. Last season, I remember when we went to Brescia. First of all, we got our asses kicked, and we had to travel for 15-16 hours to play the game. So I am definitely enjoying playing in bigger cities, definitely better connections. 

Personally, I think I have been to all these cities. I was in London with my school when I was a kid, so I don't remember that much. I won't have that much time but I can see it with different eyes now. I have been to Paris a few times with my ex-girlfriend. It is a romantic city and you should visit it with your significant other. I am really excited to see these cities again. It's going to be a nice experience and in a different time, because you usually go to these cities during the summer.

It is a new EuroCup season but my personal goals remain the same. Right now, I am not a young fellow chasing good numbers so that I can find a better team or anything like that. I am in a really great spot, on a great team with a lot of potential so for me, more than anything, it is about team play and continuing to build on what we did last season. This means more than any personal goal and more than anything, I hope we can play in the EuroCup Finals. 

I am sure more and more people will come to see us. Last season, our club tried a lot of things to bring the fans to the arena and towards the end of the season, it started to pay off. Our president also did an amazing job, bringing buses full of fans from Ukraine, so we had support. It just shows that Prometey is trying to do something special not just for sports, but also for Ukrainian fans. If we keep working in the right direction, all of us, good things will happen!

Ondrej Balvin is back for the 2023-24 season and so is his EuroCup blog! Follow everything going on in Riga with Ondrej and his faithful dog Charlie as Prometey Slobozhanske tries to go all the way and become the first Ukrainian team to win the EuroCup! 