Andrea De Nicolao of Reyer Venezia and Pau Ribas of Joventut Badalona go head-to-head for the sixth time in Round 4 of the 2023-24 EuroCup Regular Season.

Reyer Venezia, Andrea De Nicolao search for first win over Pau Ribas, Joventut Badalona

Tuesday night's high-profile Round 4 clash between [Umana Reyer Venice (0-3) and Joventut Badalona (2-1)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-joventut-badalona/U2023/33/) in Group A of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season will once again pit [Andrea De Nicolao](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrea-de-nicolao/000968/) and [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) up against each other. For almost a decade, the two veteran guards  who have been on the opposite sides on EuroCup floors.

De Nicolao enters this game with 103 appearances to his name, including 35 in a starting role, while Ribas has played 101 games in the EuroCup, with 34 coming as a starter. Among those fixtures, the two players have had four head-to-head games during their careers, all in the past three seasons.

### Ribas's best game in his career

Interestingly, however, the very first time De Nicolao and Ribas were on opposite sides, it was in December 2013, when De Nicolao was playing for Cimberio Varese and Ribas was with Valencia Basket. De Nicolao did not enter the game, but watched on from the bench as [Ribas had the best game of his EuroCup career](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2013-14/cimberio-varese-valencia-basket-club/U2013/200/#boxscore). Ribas scored 23 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists for a 30 PIR. Those marks for points, triples made and PIR still stand as his career highs.

### De Nicolao, Ribas both on the floor

The two players did not cross paths again until 2020, when Joventut beat Reyer in a pair of regular-season games. In the first of those two games, each player scored 13 points as [Joventut won 92-78](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2020-21/joventut-badalona-umana-reyer-venice/U2020/39/#boxscore), then later in the season Ribas had 11 points and De Nicolao scored just 2 as Joventut again won by 14 points, this time [75-89](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2020-21/umana-reyer-venice-joventut-badalona/U2020/97/#boxscore).

De Nicolao and Ribas played against one another once again last season, and again it was Joventut that swept the regular-season series.

Ribas had 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals as Joventut edged Reyer [on its home floor, 90-87,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/joventut-badalona-umana-reyer-venice/U2022/73/#boxscore) on a [buzzer-beating triple](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/videos/7days-magic-moment-of-the-night-ellenson-wins-it-at-the-buzzer/?game=73&homeTeamCode=JOV&awayTeamCode=VNC&title=Joventut%20Badalona%20vs%20Umana%20Reyer%20Venice&season=U2022). De Nicolao was quite involved in his 10 minutes off the bench, scoring 3 points on 1-for-5 three-point shooting, which was a game-tying triple at 87-87 with 6 seconds remaining, and 2 steals.

Later last season, when [Joventut held off Reyer 74-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/umana-reyer-venice-joventut-badalona/U2022/163/#boxscore) in Venice, Ribas again replicated his 7 points and also dished 3 assists, while De Nicolao had 9 points, netting 2-of-3 triples, with 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist in 18 minutes on the floor.

Andrea De Nicolao of Umana Reyer Venice and Pau Ribas of Joventut Badalona played four games against each other.

Head-to-head: Andrea De Nicolao vs. Pau Ribas

### How they are playing this season

Heading into Round 4 this season, Ribas is averaging 11.0 points, shooting 41.7% from behind the arc, along with 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds

Interestingly, De Nicolao is yet to score a single point so far in the 2023-24 campaign. He missed Reyer's season opener, then attempted only 3 shots in a total of 40 minutes and 28 seconds on the floor across the last two rounds.

De Nicolao has never won with Ribas on the other side of the floor, and Reyer is winless in four games against Joventut. De Nicolao and his team wants to end that run, which would give Reyer its first win of the current campaign. For that to happen, Reyer will need much more contribution from its veteran guard on Tuesday night.

Head-to-head: Andrea De Nicolao, Umana Reyer Venice vs. Pau Ribas, Joventut Badalona.

Pau Ribas and Andrea De Nicolao clash once again in Round 4 as Umana Reyer Venice looks to end a losing streak against Joventut Badalona.

Reyer, De Nicolao search for first win over Ribas, Joventut

Umana Reyer Venice v Joventut Badalona (2023-10-24T18:00:00.000Z)

### Andrea Turchetto, Cedevita Olimpija assistant coach

"We will play against a very strong team that likes to play uptempo basketball. Prometey is a very physical team with a lot of  very talented players. We need to be focused on our jobs. We need to keep working on our game. We need to improve day by day, and work on our chemistry. We are still a new team, so I hope, that our work and progress will show soon on the court."

### Ronen Ginzburg, Prometey head coach

"They are a team with many expectations. They added another new player in Prepelic, and they have a lot of experience. We need to play like we did in the first quarter in our last game against Besiktas. If we do more of that, we should be able to win games. We have to play good defense and do our thing on offense."

### Karlo Matkovic, Cedevita Olimpija player

"A tough match is ahead of us, as a great team will be our opponent. We play at home, so we need to step on the court ready to give it our best. We know, what kind of positiong we are in, so a win would be very good for us."

### Oleksandr Lypovyy, Prometey player

"After two losses in the EuroCup we did not find our structure on defense. We should play better defense. Cedevita has two quality players in Justin Cobbs and Jaka Blazic, and we need to play well. This is an important game for us."

Game News

Winless Cedevita (0-3) will look for its first win of the season with a visit from Prometey (1-2), which is also struggling after two straight losses. Prometey, which won both meetings between the teams last season, is the top rebounding team in the EuroCup, averaging 41.3 boards per game, with 9.3 of those coming from Ondrey Balvin. Cedevita has committed more turnovers than any other team in the league, 18 per game, and needs to count on more than just the consistent excellence of Justin Cobbs, who has averaged 19 points on outstanding 21-of-33 field goal shooting.

Pre-game quotes: Cedevita vs. Prometey

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Prometey Slobozhanske (2023-10-25T16:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki grabbed its first BKT EuroCup win of the season on Wednesday by defeating Turk Telekom Ankara 68-66 at home in Round 3. It was a physical contest in which neither team scored in the last 3 minutes. Playmaker Vassilis Toliopoulos was a difference-maker for the winners with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 fouls drawn for a PIR of 19.

Vassilis Toliopoulos, Aris: 'We are going to give 150%'

He made the go-ahead free throws, too. [Toliopoulos ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/)grew up with Olympiacos Piraeus and is in his second stint with Aris, in which he has found the playing time and role he needed to be the player he is now. In three EuroCup games, Toliopoulos is averaging 16.3 points and 3.3 assists for a PIR of 15.7. "I want to continue to help my team, to be as good as I can for my team to win," Toliopoulos said. "I think it will be a great year for all of us."

**Hello, Vassilis. Congratulations on your first win of the EuroCup season. What allowed you to win the game?**

"Thank you. For sure, it was our defense. It is our main focus, our defense. This is what our coach wants the most, us to fight for every possession, to be very physical and not to let the opponent feel comfortable and do the stuff that they want to do."

**There is a great atmosphere at the Palais de Sports. How important is that support and to see so many Aris fans in the stands in EuroCup games?**

"Aris fans wanted the team to be back in a European competition because this is a big team. It is a club with a big history, and the team did not play in European competitions for too many years, so it is a celebration for them. They really enjoy them and really support us, and we are blessed that we have these fans in our gym."  

"The EuroCup is a totally different level of speed than I am used to."

**As you said, this is a club with tradition. It hadn't played the EuroCup since 2016. How much of an honor is it to bring Aris back to the EuroCup?**

"As I said, it is very nice to have the team back in the EuroCup. I would even say it is like a dream come true for all of us, to be back with Aris in European competitions and in such a big tournament as the EuroCup. And we are very happy to compete in it because the teams are very good, the players are very good, and we are going to give 150% of ourselves to be better and better and compete."

**This is your first EuroCup season. It is a bit early, but how have you found the EuroCup so far?**

"The EuroCup is a totally different level of speed than I am used to in the Greek League in the last years. It's very nice to compete and play here in the EuroCup. As I said, the teams are very good, the players are very good, and you always have to be ready, always have to be concentrated because if you don't do that, then the other team will punish. I really like it."

**Coach Kastritis is also new at this level. You have played for him for two years. What's the best thing about him as a coach?**

"I think he's really supportive. He's a great guy on and off the court. He will look after you. He will always ask you, how are you, how you feel, what are your thoughts... And that's the most important thing with him. He is a guy that you can talk to, and everybody on the team has a good relationship with him. He really supports everybody."

In three EuroCup games, Toliopoulos is averaging 16.3 points, 3.3 assists and a PIR of 15.7.

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: Vassilis Toliopoulos, Aris

**You have taken a significant step forward in your career since you returned to Aris, playing a bigger role. How important has it been for you to be back?**

"I really wanted to stay in the team. I had a great season last year and I knew that the team would try to play in Europe. I wanted to stay because of the coach and our fans. I liked it last year and I also played really well, so it was my priority to stay here. And when we knew we would play the EuroCup, I had everything I needed to have another very nice season. I will work hard so that everything is good."

**You grew up with Olympiacos. What did you learn in the club in general and playing with Vassilis Spanoulis in particular?**

"Playing with Vassilis was one of my dreams from a young age. He was my idol and I had a great time being over there watching him play and compete. As I said before, it was a great thing for me because I saw how he was as a character on and off the court and how determined he was to win, even if it was practice, even if it was, I don't know, an easy game. He was always there with 'the eye of the tiger' to win, and I learned a lot from that."

**How important is it for Greek basketball that teams other than Olympiacos and Panathinaikos keep improving and getting better?**

"We saw that Olympiacos made it to the Final Four in the last two years and Panathinaikos is getting better this season, and we have five \[Greek\] teams playing in Europe. It is really important for the country to be better in European competitions, to have teams in the EuroLeague and the EuroCup and compete against all these very good teams, trying to win. I think it is very good because they will bring young kids to the gym to start playing basketball, and that will also be good for our national team. We want new players to come in, join basketball teams and participate."

**Your next game is against Slask in Poland. How important is it to keep winning, get that first road victory, and be even more confident going forward?**

"It was already very important to beat Turk Telekom. We proved to ourselves that we can win big games and we want to continue like this in the Greek League and in the EuroCup. We want to take our first road win in the EuroCup because it would be very important going forward in this competition. We want to be better and better."

**What would make it a good season for Aris in general and for you in particular?**

"I want to continue to help my team, to be as good as I can for my team to win. I think it will be a great year for all of us. Our goal is to be one of the top-level teams in Greece and try to be one of the first six teams in our EuroCup group to reach the playoffs, and see where we will be at the end of the season."

### Oliver Vidin, Slask head coach

"For sure game against Aris will not be an easy one. In their last win against Turk Telekom, Aris showed that they have enough strength to play against any team in EuroCup competition. I expect a very good and tough game from both sides."

### Giannis Kastritis, Aris head coach

"We have a very demanding game on the road, against Slask, a tough team with great size. They always compete hard. We have to take care of the rebounds as they are very aggressive crashing the boards and at the same time being smart and decisive in our offense will be important factor of the game."

### Silvio De Sousa, Aris player

"After three losses in the beginning of our season, we have three consecutive wins and that gives us a psychological boost. To continue this run, we have to beat a very good team, as Slask, on the road. Our opponent will be thirsty for the first win in BKT EuroCup, so we have to be focused for 40 minutes, play strong defense and follow the coach’s plan. BKT EuroCup is a very high quality competition and you have to play your best to get the wins you need."

After gaining its first win of the season in Round 3, Aris (1-2) will look to build more momentum by piling more misery on winless Slask (0-3). Excellent defense was the key to Aris's nervous 68-66 victory over Turk Telekom last week, with no points scored in the final 3 minutes. But there was also a strong offensive contribution from in-form guard Vassilis Toliopoulos, who has scored 19 and 22 points in the last two games. Slask will again lean on the all-round contribution of big man Dusan Miletic, who ranks second in the league with a performance index rating of 24.7 per game.

Pre-game quotes: Slask vs. Aris

Slask Wroclaw v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2023-10-25T18:00:00.000Z)

### Mihai Silvasan, Cluj head coach

"We will play against a really talented team. They have many players that can make the difference and also benefit from a deep bench. Anyway, we will play at home, so we only think about a victory. I hope we will celebrate with our fans at the end of the game. Jarell Eddie is a little bit injured, we will see soon whether he can play or not."

### Karel Guzman, Cluj player

"We will try to do the right thing on the court, play together and tough. We are motivated to get another victory in the EuroCup. We will play at home, so we hope our fans will come in high numbers, as they always do. We promise to fight for every ball and do everything to win. Buducnost has tough players, with scoring mentality. Obviously, we have the same objective and winning is the only option!"

Cluj (2-1) hosts Buducnost (2-1) in a key game in the race for the knockout phase. The home team will be powered by D.J. Seeley, the league's second-highest scorer with an average of 19.3 points per game, including 22 in last week's narrow loss at Bourg. Buducnost bases its offense on a strong inside game, scoring 28 two-pointers on 43 attempts in last week's big win over Slask. Feeding the ball to JaCorey Williams, who registered a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds last time out, will be essential for the visiting team in Wednesday's opening tip-off.

Pre-game quotes: Cluj vs. Buducnost

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2023-10-25T16:00:00.000Z)

The 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season keeps moving fast and Round 4 is already upon us. There are six teams still undefeated and six others looking for their first win, so there is already pressure to either stay atop the standings or rejoin the playoffs race. A lot of players keep doing well and become good options for the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime. These are our recommendations for this week.

Fantasy tips, Round 4: many undervalued options!

The 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season keeps moving fast and Round 4 is already upon us. There are six teams still undefeated and six others looking for their first win, so there is already pressure to either stay atop the standings or rejoin the playoffs race. A lot of players keep doing well and become good options for the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). These are our recommendations for this week.

[Amedeo Tessitori, Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/-amedeo-tessitori/003759/) (8.9 credits) – Reyer is looking for its first win but Tessitori has been nothing but sensational until now. He is averaging 15.0 points on 66.7% two-pointers, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 5.7 fouls drawn and a PIR of 20.7. Tessitori faces a challenge against Joventut, led by star center Ante Tomic.  

[Bryce Brown, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bryce-brown/012628/) (9.5 credits) – It took Brown just three games to showcase his shooting skills, burying 11 three-pointers with a solid percentage, 47.8%. He is a perfect fit in a fast-paced team that shares the ball really well. In Round 3, he had 25 points and amassed a PIR of 28. All for less than 10 credits!

Amedeo Tessitori, Donte Grantham, Trevion Willaims, Silvio de Sousa and Bryce Brown are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips, Round 4

[Silvio de Sousa, Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/silvio-samuel-de-sousa/012702/) (7.9 credits) – Aris's man in the middle has been rock-solid until now. In around 20 minutes per game, de Sousa is averaging 8.3 points on 64.7% two-pointers, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He leads his team in PIR per 40 minutes, 27.9, and is set to see more playing time from now on.

[Trevion Williams, ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) (11.9 credits) – Williams missed a game but returned to action to prove everyone he is one of the best big men in the competition. In Round 3, Williams led ulm past Lietkabelis with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a PIR of 31, missing just two shots. He leads the 2023-24 EuroCup in rebounds (13.5).

[Donte Grantham, London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/donte-grantham/012586/) (11.2 credits) – Many fantasy managers thought Grantham's numbers would go down once Sam Dekker returned to action but he proved them wrong in Round 3. Grantham had 17 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high PIR of 29 against Prometey. In 3 games, he averages 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a PIR of 21.0.  

Turk Telekom B.K. has confirmed its decision to sack Nenad Canak after the club's disappointing start to the 2023-24 EuroCup Regular Season.

Turk Telekom B.K. parts ways with Nenad Canak

Turk Telekom Ankara has confirmed its decision to dismiss head coach Nenad Canak after a disappointing start to the season.

[Canak only arrived as Erdem Can’s successor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-makes-nenad-canak-its-new-head-coach/) over the summer, but a 1-2 start to the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season, has led to a change on the team’s bench. Turk Telekom also went 2-2 in the Turkish League under Coach Canak.

“Thank you, Nenad Canak! We would like to thank Nenad Canak, who served as the head coach of Turk Telekom Basketball Team in the new season, for his services so far and his contribution to our team,” Turk Telekom said in a statement.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Teşekkürler Nenad Canak! Yeni sezonda Türk Telekom Basketbol Takımı başantrenörü olarak görev yapan Nenad Canak’a bugüne kadar yaptığı hizmetler ve takımımıza sunduğu katkı için teşekkür ediyoruz. <a href="https://t.co/zLDRDDhk7r">pic.twitter.com/zLDRDDhk7r</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1716718906138656975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Nenad Canak's coaching career

Last season, the 47-year-old tactician guided 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys to a 10-8 regular-season record in the EuroCup before falling in the eighthfinals to Paris Basketball. He had spent five years in charge of Lietkabelis (2018-23), while he previously coached MKK Spartak Subotica and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the 2017-18 campaign.

More Turk Telekom News

Nenad Canak gives out instructions during a timeout in a Turk Telekom Ankara game in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

The Turkish team has gone 1-2 through its first three BKT EuroCup games this season.

Turk Telekom parts ways with Nenad Canak

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana announced a two-month deal with sharpshooter Klemen Prepelic on Monday evening. Prepelic (1.91 meters, 31 years old) arrives from Valencia Basket, where he played until the end of last season.

Cedevita brings in Prepelic until end of the year

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana announced a two-month deal with sharpshooter [Klemen Prepelic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/klemen-prepelic/profile/002661/) on Monday evening. Prepelic (1.91 meters, 31 years old) arrives from Valencia Basket, where he played until the end of last season. Prepelic has six seasons of BKT EuroCup experience under his belt. He has played a total 82 games in the competition for 913 points and 204 assists. He has played in the compoetition with Banvit of Turkiye, EWE Baskets of Germany, Levallois of France and Joventut and Valencia of Spain. Prepelic had also already played with Olimpija in the EuroCup during 2014-15. Prepelic also amassed four seasons of EuroLeague experience with Valencia, Olimpija and also Real Madrid.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Klemen se je danes v Stožicah že pridružil svojim novim soigralcem.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/yePQQnBW6k">pic.twitter.com/yePQQnBW6k</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1716511050072224198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Joventut Badalona has completed the signing of Kenny Chery on a two-month contract, following the injury to guard Andres Feliz.

Joventut Badalona signs Kenny Chery on two-month deal

Joventut Badalona has confirmed the signing of [Kenny Chery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kenny-chery/009572/), who has penned a two-month contract at the club. Chery (1.80 meters, 31 years old) has two years of experience in the BKT EuroCup, having played for Nanterre 92 in the 2019-20 season and Germani Brescia in the 2020-21 campaign. Across his two seasons in the competition, he has posted averages of 14.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a 13.5 PIR. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔥 Kenny Chery reforça la línia exterior verd-i-negra<br><br>🤝 El base canadenc amb passaport d’Haití signa per dos mesos amb la Penya<br><br>🔗 La notícia: <a href="https://t.co/gMpaAZivHM">https://t.co/gMpaAZivHM</a><br><br>😃 Welcome to Badalona, <a href="https://twitter.com/KChery1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KChery1</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/tXqALIKdhE">pic.twitter.com/tXqALIKdhE</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1716482467282976878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Chery has also played for ALBA in Hungary (2015-16), Real Betis (2016-17), Gipuzkoa (2017-18) and Dreamland Gran Canaria (2021-22) in Spain, Boulazac in France (2018-19), Avtodor in Russia (2021-22) and Petkim in Turkiye (2022-23). Last season, Chery posted 14.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 23 Turkish League games for Petkim.

More Joventut News

Kenny Chery in action for Nanterre 92 in the 2019-20 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

The Canadian guard will help cover the loss of Andres Feliz to injury.