The London Lions will host Paris Basketball in the latest edition of this growing rivalry, which takes place at Copper Box Arena in Round 4 of the 2023-24 EuroCup Regular Season.

EuroLeague dreamers London Lions, Paris Basketball face off

Nothing beats derby day, right? Well, on Tuesday night (20:30 CET), the latest installment of the rivalry between the [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/carousels/london-lions/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22lli%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=London%20Lions) and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/carousels/paris-basketball/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22prs%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Paris%20Basketball) takes place at Copper Box Arena, with both sides having gone 3-0 to start the new BKT EuroCup season.

Unlike many of the other rivalries in Europe, this one has a twist as the two teams are from different countries. Despite that, they have more similarities than differences, as both London and Paris are highly ambitious clubs that have their sights set on a place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in the not-too-distant future.

### The London Lions vs. Paris Basketball rivalry

The first edition of this new derby took place on December 21, 2022, as London hosted Paris in the English capital. That night, 5,297 fans packed out Copper Box Arena, with popular influencer Yung Filly acting as the host, rapper K-Trap performing at halftime and the likes of Maya Jama, Elz the Witch and Julie Adenuga all in attendance.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best seat in the house for <a href="https://twitter.com/MayaJama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mayajama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JulieAdenuga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@julieadenuga</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/jammerbbk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jammerbbk</a> last night ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wearelondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wearelondon</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ik6mrbLJyA">pic.twitter.com/Ik6mrbLJyA</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1605929747460067331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the court, things did not quite go to plan for London. Paris outscored the hosts by 23 points in the second and third quarters, making it a 20-point ballgame, 57-77, entering the final stanza. The visitors, then led by Will Weaver, took their foot off the gas in the fourth but [still came away with an 80-93 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/london-lions-paris-basketball/U2022/90/). The first derby officially went into the books and it was 1-0 Paris.

London Lions - Paris Basketball | Round 9 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Just over three months later, the two teams faced off at Halle Georges Carpinter in front of 800 people in the French capital. There was not much riding on this Round 18 contest, with both squads having already secured their spot and seed in the playoffs, but it was a chance to see Episode 2 of this derby.

London came firing out of the blocks, opening a 19-29 lead after 10 minutes, before putting the game to bed in the second half by outscoring Paris 36-47, which [allowed it to win 85-96](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/paris-basketball-london-lions/U2022/180/). There may not have been the pressure of the previous Round 9 matchup, but London had done enough to even its head-to-head series against Paris.

Paris Basketball - London Lions | Round 18 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### Lots of change over the summer

London and Paris may both have made it to the playoffs in their first-ever EuroCup seasons last year, but the two teams now have new head coaches in Petar Bozic and Tuomas Iisalo, respectively. In the case of Iisalo, he joined Paris after leading Telekom Baskets Bonn to the Basketball Champions League title last season, while Bozic replaced Ryan Schmidt in London.

Looking at the playing rosters, London can still call upon several of its players from last season, including Sam Dekker, Jordan Taylor and Josh Sharma, but the signings that it has made have catapulted the English side to another level. So far this season, Matt Morgan, Donte Grantham, Gabe Olaseni and Conor Morgan are all proving to be hits, as is Coach Bozic, which certainly makes London a more dangerous proposition.

It is a different story at Paris, however. From last year’s team, there are just three players still at the club – Gauthier Denis and youngsters Mohamed Diawara and Jean Noba – after an offseason that saw Coach Iisalo put his fingerprints on his team. Of Paris’s 11 new player additions, six followed Iisalo from Bonn to the French capital, including 2022-23 Basketball Champions League MVP TJ Shorts, who has been on fire so far this season.

London Lions point guard Matt Morgan and Paris Basketball counterpart TJ Shorts have been lighting up the BKT EuroCup in the early weeks of the 2023-24 regular season.

Matt Morgan vs. TJ Shorts

### A battle between potential MVPs

One incredibly exciting matchup that everyone will be tuning in to see at Copper Box Arena will be the clash between Matt Morgan and Shorts, as the two first-year players are already in the discussion to be the 2023-24 EuroCup MVP. While Morgan has posted 17.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 steals and a 19.7 PIR, Shorts has averaged 17.3 points, 1.0 rebound, 8.0 assists, 2.7 steals and a 25.0 PIR. Whoever comes out on top in this battle may end up also being on the winning side come the final buzzer.

London and Paris remain undefeated through the first three games, but only one team will continue with a 100% record. There’s no way that you will want to miss this game, so make sure to tune in from 20:30 CET. It’ll be worth it. 

A photo from the upper stand at Copper Box Arena during the first-ever meeting between the London Lions and Paris Basketball in Round 9 of the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Both teams are 3-0 to start the season and have impressed in the first few weeks of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup campaign.

EuroLeague dreamers London, Paris face off in the English capital

London Lions v Paris Basketball (2023-10-24T18:30:00.000Z)

### Neven Spahija, Venice head coach

"I expect another difficult game for us. Not only because Joventut is good, credit to them, but also it will be interesting to see how we react one day after a demanding game in domestic competition. We have to play better offense and defense than in the last games. I am asking our fans to come support us. Our players deserve it, we are trying to do our best. Finally we will be together after a long time, even Jordan was back to the team. He will help with the rotation."

### Carles Duran, Joventut head coach

"When you play on the road, your defense has to be pretty solid. It's one of the things we have to improve a lot in general, and it will be a challenge for us in Italy. We must be solid behind and we must crash the bards, another weakness we have this season. Venice will put us to the test and I hope we show ambition to improve on defense. We always want to win, and I hope the team has the experience to keep growing with a winning mentality."

### Rayjon Tucker, Venice player

"Against Joventut we need the same energy and focus of the last Treviso game. We want our first win in the BKT EuroCup. We expect al lot of fans because we need their energy. It's great to see how much our team is together and tied. We fight together through adversities and we trust each other."

Game News

Winless Reyer (0-3) needs to overcome its poor start to the season by downing a Joventut (2-1) team boosted by last week's dramatic overtime win against Wolves. Rebounding could be key: Reyer is the worst team in the competition with just 30.7 boards per game, while Joventut is among the best with 40.7. Reyer's key performer in the paint, Aamir Simms (14 ppg., 6.7 rpg.), faces a tough task in overcoming Ante Tomic, who has shown he is still one of the league's best big men by averaging 9.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.

Pre-game quotes: Venice vs. Joventut

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

Having returned to the BKT EuroCup with a 3-0 record so far, Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul hopes that this is only the beginning.

The Eagles of Besiktas are flying high again

The BKT EuroCup’s new season has started with the same excitement as always, and with a team that made waves back in 2016 making a triumphant return so far. Indeed, Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul is back with a bang!

We are talking about a club that has won championship trophies in Turkiye and Europe, produced numerous talents for both the Turkish national team and global basketball, and, at more than 100 years old, is among Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious clubs.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1570900/the-eagles-of-besiktas-are-flying-high-again/)

Round 5 of the BKT EuroCup lands with four games on Tuesday and six more on Wednesday. Here's your guide to the action, including the red-hot reigning champ facing another perfect team. 

Unbeaten teams collide in a mouthwatering Round 4

### Tuesday, October 24

[Wolves Vilnius vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/wolves-vilnius-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/32/)

Tuesday's action starts with winless Wolves (0-2) aiming to end that record with a visit from unbeaten Besiktas (3-0). The home team shouldn't be too low in confidence after coming agonizingly close to triumphing in last week's overtime loss at Joventut. Wolves will look for more high-scoring exploits from [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) after he scored 15 and 21 points in the first two games. Besiktas has based its success so far on smothering defense, topping the league in points allowed (66 per game), partly thanks to the rebounding excellence of [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/) (8.3 boards per game). [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-wol-bes)

[Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/34/)

Hapoel (2-0) is looking to extend its unbeaten start to the season with a trip to Hamburg (0-3), which has its sights set on a first victory. [Hapoel boasts the most potent offense in the competition](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=Score&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) with 98.5 points per game based on a fluent approach which has led to an average of [24.5 assists, another league-high](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=Assistances&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame). The task of winning the backcourt battle against Hapoel playmaker [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) (18 ppg., 4.5 apg.) falls to [Aljami Durham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aljami-durham/012582/), who leads Hamburg in scoring with 15.3 points per game. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-ham-hta)

Backcourt matchups could prove to be decisive in this intriguing clash with Hamburg's Kendale McCullum and James Woodard facing-off with Hapoel's Xavier Munford and J’Covan Brown, but which will emerge as the dominant pair come the buzzer?

Veolia Towers Hamburg vs Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv - Round 7 - Replay

[Umana Reyer Venice vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-joventut-badalona/U2023/33/)

Winless Reyer (0-3) needs to overcome its poor start to the season by downing a Joventut (2-1) team boosted by last week's dramatic overtime win against Wolves. [Rebounding could be key](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=TotalRebounds&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame): Reyer is the worst team in the competition with just 30.7 boards per game, while Joventut is among the best with 40.7. Reyer's key performer in the paint, [Aamir Simms](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aamir-simms/011928/) (14 ppg., 6.7 rpg.), faces a tough task in overcoming [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/), who has shown he is still one of the league's best big men by averaging 9.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-vnc-jov)

[London Lions vs. Paris Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-paris-basketball/U2023/35/)

A heavyweight Group A battle takes place in the English capital as two 3-0 records collide with London facing Paris. Last season's games between these teams were both high-scoring affairs won by the away team (85-96 in Paris and 80-93 in London), so we might expect a similar feast of scoring this time around. [Paris ranks second in the league in points scored](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=Score&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (97.0 per game), with the hosts close behind at 91.7 per game. There should be an explosive backcourt battle between [Matthew Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) (17 points, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game) and [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) (17.3 points, 8 assists and 2.7 steals). [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-wol-bes)

### Wendesday, October 25

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2023/40/)

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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/), 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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jacorey-williams/010432/), 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. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-clu-bud)

[7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2023/37/)

Two struggling teams can give their playoffs hopes a boost as Lietkabelis (1-2) hosts Trento (0-3). Both lost heavily last week and are, respectively, the second- and fourth-lowest scoring teams in the league with 74.3 and 71.7 points per game. That is partly because of carelessness with the basketball, with both teams averaging 17 turnovers per game. The ability of backcourt leaders [Paulius Valinskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paulius-valinskas/004664/) for the hosts and [Prentiss Hubb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/prentiss-hubb/012595/) for the visitors to limit those mistakes – both average 3.3 turnovers – could important in deciding the outcome. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-lkb-trn)

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-prometey-slobozhanske/U2023/31/)

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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=TotalRebounds&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame), averaging 41.3 boards per game, with 9.3 of those coming from [Ondrey Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/). 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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/justin-cobbs/005969/), who has averaged 19 points on outstanding 21-of-33 field goal shooting. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-lju-prm)

Prometey Slobozhanske - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana  | Round 14 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Turk Telekom vs. ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/turk-telekom-ankara-ratiopharm-ulm/U2023/38/)

Strong defense meets potent offense as Turk Telekom (1-2) welcomes Ulm (2-1). The Turkish team has allowed just 75.0 points per game, fourth-best in the competition, while the visitors have averaged a solid 87 points, sixth-best. The agility of [Steven Enoch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/steven-enoch/011239/) has helped Turk Telekom become the best rim protector in the league, blocking 4 shots per night. But this week he faces a huge test against Ulm's dominant force, [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/), the competition leader in rebounds (13.5) and performance index rating (25.5), who also averaging 14 points per game. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-ttk-ulm)

[Slask Wroclaw vs. Aris Midea Thessaoliniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/slask-wroclaw-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2023/39/)

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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/), 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](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/), who ranks second in the league with a performance index rating of 24.7 per game. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-wro-ari)

[Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2023/36/)

Round 4 comes to an end with a table-topping Group B showdown between reigning champ Gran Canaria (3-0) and red-hot Bourg (3-0). Led by [Nicolas Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) (14.3 ppg., 83.3% two-point shooting), [Gran Canaria is the most accurate two-point shooting team in the league](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=U2023&category=FieldGoals2Percent&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) with a conversion rate of 62.1%. But Bourg is also an efficient offensive unit, averaging a third-best 22.3 assists. Young playmaker [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/) (7.3 apg.) will look to further enhance his growing reputation by leading the French team to a huge road win. [Game notes and facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs4-game-notes-facts-can-bou)

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

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

Turk Telekom Ankara v ratiopharm Ulm (2023-10-25T17:00:00.000Z)

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-10-25T16:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2023-10-25T19:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2023-10-24T17:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Vilnius v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2023-10-24T16:00:00.000Z)

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

There’s no shortage of storylines building momentum through the first three rounds of the BKT EuroCup. Four teams are averaging over 90 points per game, Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul leads all teams in defensive efficiency in its first EuroCup campaign since 2015-16, one player has nearly doubled his scoring average from last season to lead all players in scoring, a newcomer has leaped out ahead of the field on the glass, and numerous teams have made significant stylistic changes from last season. While it is still a little too early to draw many concrete conclusions about where the season is headed, there have been plenty of compelling games early on and a few numbers that have defined them.

The start of the EuroCup, by the numbers

### 4 – is the number of teams scoring over 90 points per game

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/roster/hta/?season=2023-24), [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2023-24), [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/roster/can/?season=2023-24), and the [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/london-lions/roster/lli/?season=2023-24) have all eclipsed that mark to this point. Despite playing at varying paces, finding different levels of success from beyond the arc, and even turning the ball over at far different rates, those four teams have been able to hang their hat on two things: they have all created quality looks consistently and — to separate themselves from the rest of the field — made them at an above average rate as well.  Hapoel led all teams scoring 88 points per game last season, so there’s a regression to the mean on the horizon, but it does not take much effort to see why all four of those teams are unbeaten to this point.

### 0.82 and 0.95 - points per possession allowed

[Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/besiktas-istanbul/roster/bes/?season=2023-24) is one of the other two teams that remains undefeated through Round 3 and its defensive efficiency has been the story. It has allowed a league-best 0.82 points per possession in the early going, but that only tells part of the story. Using Synergy’s new strength of schedule adjustments, we can see that Besiktas has allowed 0.95 points per possession after adjusting for who it has played to this point as its first three opponents rank in the bottom half of the EuroCup in offensive efficiency. That still ranks in the top four, but reflects that Besiktas still has some things to prove moving forward.

### 31% of available rebounds

In his first stint in Europe, 23-year-old center [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) is setting a tone with his productivity and that has been especially true on the glass.  On top of his effective scoring, he’s pulled down 27 rebounds through two games corralling just under a third of all available rebounds when he’s been on the floor for [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/?season=2023-24).  Alpha Kaba comfortably led the EuroCup by pulling down 22% of available rebounds last year, putting the young big man’s impact in perspective.

JaCorey Williams posted a double-double 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead Buducnost BOLI Podgorica to a 103-89 road win.

Williams's double-double leads Buducnost past Slask

### 9.3 points per game

Veteran forward [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) was Hapoel’s fifth-leading scorer last season averaging 10.3 points per game.  He’s averaged a EuroCup-leading 19.5 per game through two appearances this season nearly doubling his production — an exciting development for a team intent on building on last season’s quarterfinals appearance.  While Ginat was efficient in a complementary role last season, his energy level this one has been part of the reason Hapoel has cruised to a pair of easy wins to start the year. 

### 37% full-court pressure rate

Paris Basketball owns this season’s highest point-differential so far and while its offense has been key in the team's three wins, its defense has been more of a nuisance than meets the eye.  Picking up full court on over a third of the possessions it has faced — nearly three times as often as last year, Paris has been as aggressive guarding the length of the floor as any team in recent memory.  

No team has come close to pressing more than just a quarter of the time in modern EuroCup history and there’s little doubt Paris will have plenty of incentive to change its tactics as it encounters elite teams in the coming weeks.  All of these trends are subject to change to this point, but in an 18-game regular season, teams cannot take the little things for granted in their pursuit of a playoff berth.

Godwin Omenaka is not your average Nigerian newcomer to the BKT EuroCup, having called Hungary home for eight years, before joining Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in the summer.

Godwin Omenaka left 'home' in Hungary to elevate game with Bourg

[Godwin Omenaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/godwin-omenaka/012619/) is not your average Nigerian newcomer to the BKT EuroCup. The power forward has actually called Hungary home for the last eight years, and he comes to Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse looking to elevate his game.

 

Omenaka has been playing in the Hungarian League for the past five full seasons, averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 2022-23 for Egis Kormend. He also appeared on the international stage for the first time last season, picking up 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in the FIBA Europe Cup.

 

"I'm very excited about playing in the EuroCup because it is a whole different level of basketball and challenge," said Omenaka, who turned 23 a week after his debut EuroCup game with unbeaten Bourg. "The biggest thing I learned from the FIBA Europe Cup is to be tough and the broad experience of the games."

 

Omenaka's experience in basketball was very limited when he arrived in Hungary in 2015 as a 15-year-old. He had discovered basketball only in 2013 after suffering an injury while playing his first love – football. 

 

Omenaka was recruited to Europe and initially had hoped to go to Spain and Real Madrid, but could not get a visa for the country. He ended up in southwestern Hungary, not far from the Croatia border, at the Ratgeber Academy in Pecs. 

 

"I never ever heard of or knew that a country like Hungary existed. Me going to Hungary and to Ratgeber Academy was fate," he said.

 

Omenaka left behind a big family in the Anambra State in the southeastern Nigeria. He is the sixth of seven children – four boys and three girls – with the oldest sibling being 37 years old. 

 

"Leaving my family behind was tough and a hard decision, but I had to do what I am supposed to do to help my family," said Omenaka.

 

 

Godwin Omenaka Top Plays from 09/20/2023 to 10/20/2023

Godwin Omenaka's top plays for Bourg

After starting with Ratgeber, Omenaka would land with first division side Debreceni Egyetem (DEAC) in 2017-18 and actually made his professional debut two days before his 17th birthday, playing against Atomeromu. He played one more pro game that season and went onto the club's junior team. Omenaka went on to play 28 games for DEAC's pro team in 2018-19 as an 18-year-old. 

 

"My improvement was due to hard work. I did extra work before or after each practice," he said. 

 

Omenaka moved to Alba Fehervar in 2020 and spent two seasons there. After the 2021-22 season, the 2.05-meter big man's accomplishments were recognized with his first appearance for the Nigerian national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers. He picked up 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in a win over Guinea in August 2022. 

 

"The World Cup African Qualifiers were a whole new experience: representing my country and getting to meet new people from different parts of the world," he said of the game in Ivory Coast. "I learned to appreciate and adapt to certain situations that I find myself in."

 

Omenaka was selected to play for Nigeria again this past summer at the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in the Nigerian capital of Lagos. 

 

"It was awesome representing my country for the second time, and in my home country. It was a whole new vibe to be home," said Omenaka, who had family present. 

 

The games did not go as he had hope with Nigeria losing to Senegal and Mali to miss out on the final Olympic qualifiers next summer.

 

"Losing to both teams taught me that a tree cannot make a forest. We have to be a team to perform great on the court," said Omenaka, who totaled 2 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in a combined 17 minutes.

 

Omenaka knew before the tournament in Lagos that he would be joining Bourg this season. After eight years in Hungary, it was time for another level.

 

"I chose France and Bourg because I needed a place where I can learn more and elevate my game and grow in my career," he said. 

 

Indeed, it is time for Omenaka to make a new home.

Having played his entire basketball career far from where he was born and raised, Bourg's young big man brings adaptability and ambition to his new team.

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 3 by checking out the best photos of the week!

EuroCup, The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 3

Plenty of players used Round 3 of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season as their personal stage for major performances that by and large guaranteed their teams victories.

Round 3 roll call: Happy returns and promising newcomers

### Landesberg gave Granca scoring punch

Sylven Landesberg is Dreamland Gran Canaria's main addition to a backcourt that already worked really well together, up to the point of lifting the BKT EuroCup trophy for the first time last season. [Landesberg provided instant offense in Round 3 against Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dolomiti-energia-trento-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/30/), coming off the bench to get 21 points in as many minutes. He buried 5 of 6 two-pointers and 2 of 4 shots from downtown, adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 fouls drawn for a game-high PIR of 24. Good news for Gran Canaria, bad news for everyone else: the champs have potential to be even better this season.

Sylven Landesberg of Dreamland Gran Canaria had 21 points in 21 minutes against Dolomiti Energia Trento,

Landesberg leads Gran Canaria's second unit

### Toliopoulos led Aris to first win

Aris is back to the EuroCup for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign and had to wait until Round 3 to collect its first win, [edging Turk Telekom Ankara 68-66 at home](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/28/). It would not have been able to do it without playmaker Vassilis Toliopoulos, who had another brilliant performance. He finished the game with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 fouls drawn, good for a PIR of 21. Toliopoulos played a decisive role, too, hitting 3 of his 4 triples in the third quarter as Aris pulled away to a nine-point lead. He also buried the go-ahead free throws as the last player to score in the game.

Vassilis Toliopoulos helped Aris Egalis Thessaloniki down Turk Telekom Ankara in Round 3

Toliopoulos leads Aris to first EuroCup win in 8 years

### Dekker shined for London in his EuroCup return

Since the day he arrived in the English capital last season, Sam Dekker has been the London Lions' franchise player. He missed his team's first two games this season due to injury but Dekker is back and was ready to showcase his versatility and talent right away. [He led London to an 87-99 road victory against Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-london-lions/U2023/21/), one of last season's semifinalists, with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 22. London made sure that Dekker has more talented players around him this season but make no mistake, he remains the Lions' leader due to his experience, charisma and all-around skills.

Sam Dekker led London Lions to a big road win against Prometey Slobozhanske, 87-99.

Dekker returns in good shape

### Ginat stepped up for Hapoel in Venice

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv remained undefeated in Group A [by downing Umana Reyer Venice 81-97 in the Floating City](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/23/). Tomer Ginat had a really solid night shooting the ball, hitting 6 of 9 two-pointers and 3 of 4 triples on his way to 21 points, adding 6 rebounds to amass a PIR of 20. When Venice led 55-52 midway through the third quarter, Ginat followed a baseline jumper with a three-pointer in an 0-8 run that put Hapoel ahead for good, 55-60. The guests never trailed after that and Ginat had 5 quick points midway through the fourth quarter to make sure Hapoel sealed the outcome.

Tomer Ginat led Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to a 81-97 against Umana Reyer Venice, hitting 6 of 9 two-pointers and 3 of 4 three-pointer on his way to 21 points

Ginat is rock-solid in Venice

### Wolves forward Mekowulu showed his potential

Wolves Vilnius was very close to sealing its first-ever win in the competition but Joventut Badalona rallied from a double-digit deficit to force overtime and win the game, 107-98. Despite his team's loss, [Christian Mekowulu had an all-around performance](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/joventut-badalona-wolves-vilnius/U2023/24/) despite not having the best shooting night, hitting just 1 of his 8 field goal tries. Nonetheless, he finished with 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 13. He intimidated on defense, changing a lot of shots, and was accurate from the foul line, hitting 6 of 7 attempts. His only miss, however, took place late in regulation, in a game that went down to small details like that.

Christian Mekowulu had 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 5 fouls drawn in his team's 107-98 road loss against Joventut Badalona.

Mekowulu has a solid game in Badalona

### Williams was Buducnost's main pillar

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica grabbed its second consecutive home win in Group B, [downing Slask Wroclaw 103-89 in the Montenegrin capital](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-slask-wroclaw/U2023/27/). It was a very team-oriented performance, as six Buducnost players scored 12 points or more. JaCorey Williams finished the game with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 8 of 12 two-point shots and adding 2 steals and 3 fouls drawn for a PIR of 23. Buducnost led 58-56 early in the first half and Williams went on to score 8 points in the final 5 minutes of the third quarter. Thanks to Williams's effort, Buducnost boosted its margin to 74-66 after 30 minutes and never looked back.

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2023-10-18T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-10-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-10-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Slask Wroclaw (2023-10-17T16:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2023-10-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-10-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Wolves Vilnius (2023-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2023-10-17T18:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Paris Basketball (2023-10-18T17:30:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v London Lions (2023-10-18T16:00:00.000Z)

A pair of big men, BKT EuroCup rookie [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) of ratiopharm Ulm and a competition veteran [Vladimir Brodziansky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vladimir-brodziansky/010458/) of Joventut Badalona, led their respective teams to big offensive performances in Round 3 while earning themselves co-MVP of the Round honors. Williams dominated in [Ulm's 99-74 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/29/) over 7-bet Lietkabelis Panevezys. In just his second EuroCup game ever, he had 15 points, making 4 of 5 two-pointers and 2 of 3 triples, while pulling down 11 rebounds and also collecting 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. His PIR or 31 was shared by Brodziansky, who stepped up in [Joventut's 105-98 overtime win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/joventut-badalona-wolves-vilnius/U2023/24/) against Wolves Vilnius. Brodziansky scored 22 points, making 3 of 5 two-pointers and going a perfect 4 of 4 on triples and free throws, in addition to 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Trevion Williams & Vladimir Brodziansky | Round 3 co-MVPs | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

The next-best best PIR, 29, belonged to [Donte Grantham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/donte-grantham/012586/) of the London Lions, who combined 17 points with 11 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block in [an 87-99 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-london-lions/U2023/21/) over Prometey Slobozhanske. His teammate [Matthew Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) and [Bryce Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bryce-brown/012628/) of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse posted PIRs of 28 each. Morgan collected 21 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, while Brown netted 25 points with 2 assists and 2 rebounds in [a 92-88 triumph over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2023/26/). Rounding out the list of Round 3's top performers was [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) of Paris Basketball, who had 14 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for a 27 PIR in [a 69-105 drubbing](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/veolia-towers-hamburg-paris-basketball/U2023/22/) of Veolia Hamburg Towers.