U-BT Cluj-Napoca grabbed its first win of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup campaign by beating Neptunas Klaipeda 102-107 in a hard-fought battle at Svyturio Arena. Led by Fatts Russell’s 37 points and 5 assists, Cluj stayed solid in the closing minutes to secure an important home win. 

Cluj edges Neptunas in back-and-forth road battle, 102-107

U-BT Cluj-Napoca grabbed its first win of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup campaign by beating Neptunas Klaipeda 102-107 in a hard-fought battle at Svyturio Arena. Led by Fatts Russell’s 37 points and 5 assists, Cluj stayed solid in the closing minutes to secure an important home win.

In addition to Russell, the visitors could lean on Mitch Creek, who had 20 points and 4 rebounds, and Karel Guzman, who contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Nathan Mensah also delivered a double-double with 15 points and 13 boards for a PIR of 26. On the other side, Donatas Tarolis paced Neptunas with 21 points and 5 assists, followed by Arnas Velicka, who finished with 19 points and 7 assists.

Game Videos

The game opened with Cluj on offense as Creek put his team on the board with a two-pointer. Both teams focused on scoring inside early on, with Cluj attacking the paint more. During the first five minutes, the visitors attempted only one shot from beyond the arc. Toward the end of the quarter, Cluj attempted several threes but couldn’t find its rhythm. The lead reached double digits as the quarter closed at 30-19.

The second quarter began with a layup from Mensah, as Cluj continued to attack the rim in search of easy points. Cluj’s first three-pointer of the period came from Guzman, cutting the deficit to 13, but a quick response from Velicka, turning a turnover into a layup, restored the double-digit margin. Guzman struck again from deep, while Russell kept Cluj in the game before the visitors found their rhythm toward the end of the half, trimming the gap to eight, 56-48, at the interval.

Game News

Cluj carried its momentum into the third quarter, with Russell, Creek and Mensah scoring inside to cut the deficit to two. Richard Lomasz hit a three-pointer to open Neptunas’s second-half scoring, followed by shots from Martynas Pacevicius and Velicka to restore a double-digit lead. Cluj responded through Mensah and Creek before Russell’s three-pointer made it a five-point game. From Neptunas, Tarolis and Harrison Cleary each added timely buckets to keep their team in front, 78-77.

The final quarter opened with a free throw from Guzman, tying the game for the first time in a long stretch. Neptunas responded with back-to-back three-pointers, but Russell answered with two triples. Guzman’s layup gave Cluj its first lead since the opening quarter. Tarolis stepped up for Neptunas, trading threes as both sides exchanged blows down the stretch. Mensah came up with a crucial offensive rebound, and Molinar’s floater to make it 105-102 proved to be the turning point. Cluj then sealed the deal from the free-throw line.

The Romanian side improved to 1-1 after coming back from 17 points down

Neptunas Klaipeda v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-10-07T16:00:00.000Z)

The sports club that was established in 1919 and has had the services of names like Dusan Ivkovic and Zarko Paspalj, is back in continental competitions, picking up from where it left off.
If you are a basketball junkie, or even worse, a basketball hipster, then your team should be Panionios Athens. It's not just the fact that it won in overtime in its first EuroCup game since 2014 in dramatic fashion with back-to-back threes by Jalen Hands against NINERS Chemnitz.

Panionios honors club legacy with EuroCup return

If you are a basketball junkie, or even worse, a basketball hipster, then your team should be [Panionios Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/panionios-athens/nio/). It's not just the fact that it won in overtime in its first EuroCup game since 2014 in dramatic fashion with back-to-back threes by [Jalen Hands](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaylen-hands/013914/) against NINERS Chemnitz.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1877161/panionios-honors-club-legacy-with-eurocup-return/).

The sports club that was established in 1919 and has had the services of names like Dusan Ivkovic and Zarko Paspalj, is back in continental competitions, picking up from where it left off

Euroleague Basketball and talkSPORT, the home of live sport and livelier opinion across the UK and beyond, have announced an agreement to stream London Lions’ games in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season on its official YouTube channel. The deal was secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG.

talkSPORT to stream London Lions’ BKT EuroCup games in the UK

Euroleague Basketball and talkSPORT, the home of live sport and livelier opinion across the UK and beyond, have announced an agreement to stream London Lions’ games in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season on its official [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORT/featured). The deal was secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG.

Beginning this October, talkSPORT will broadcast every London Lions EuroCup game live and free-to-air via its official [YouTube channel](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.com%2Fv3%2F__https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40talkSPORT%2Ffeatured__%3B!!F0Stn7g!Gk_0yE1hOPVuhPYKB5ADQszOXfzdCn3mCANReyO3LaJoDCITdkBY9GnJpKo5P_ddyUVTgdThX5iwTT335_ATm3ywjiAoIDgujMg9%24&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C291b604622324978a17b08de04bd26be%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638953408050194135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cDX6jMUK5h4jhFRgEo%2Fz45Y7KHV%2BkkytpBYumbHDlT4%3D&reserved=0), bringing top-level European basketball to fans across the UK at no cost. 

“Bringing London Lions games to a free-to-air platform together with talkSPORT is a significant milestone in Euroleague Basketball’s commitment to expanding the sport in the UK. With talkSPORT’s powerful reach and engaged fanbase, we are confident more British fans will connect with the excitement of the BKT EuroCup.” stated Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Euroleague Basketball Chief Marketing and Communication Officer. 

Liam Fisher, Head of talkSPORT, says: “We’re committed to bringing the talkSPORT audience the best content across our audio and video platforms, and basketball is no exception. We’re delighted to be bringing all London Lions’ games to our audience this season.” 

The agreement marks a major step in Euroleague Basketball’s mission to grow its audience in the UK, one of Europe’s most dynamic sports markets. With the London Lions representing the capital in Europe’s second-tier competition, fans will have unprecedented access to follow the team’s journey against some of the continent’s best clubs. 

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to widening basketball’s footprint in the UK, building visibility for both the London Lions and the BKT EuroCup competition, and offering fans a new, accessible way to experience the game.

Games will be live on talkSPORT’s official YouTube channel and free-to-air

Fantasy guru Javier Gancedo shares five picks he likes for Round 2 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Round 2: Opportunities are there for the taking

Round 1 is in the books and it's still early days in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11). Many players under 10.0 credits did really well in Round 1 and, of course, some of the biggest stars in the competition were ready to deliver.

This week, I recommend trying to ride some players' personal momentum to make your team go from good to great. Here are my five recommendations before Round 2:

### Michalis Lountzis, Panionios Athens (9.3 credits)

[Michalis Lountzis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/michalis-lountzis/006302/) earned Round 1 co-MVP honors, getting 20 points on 3-of-4 two-pointers, 3-of-6 three-pointers and 5-of-6 free throws, in addition to 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and drawing 6 fouls for a PIR of 33. He played 30 minutes in Greek League action, too. He has great value and upside at 9.7 credits. Go for him!

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### Tobias Jensen, ratiopharm Ulm (6.0 credits)

I needed to watch at least one game to make sure of Ulm's rotation, and it looks like [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) will be in for a bigger role. In Round 1, Jensen played almost 24 minutes, getting 18 points, 5 assists and a PIR of 17. He followed that up with 19 points and a PIR of 18 in German League action. A bargain at 6.0 credits.

### Dusan Miletic, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (12.8 credits)

[Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) was already a must-have player when he was with Slask, posting huge numbers night in, night out. He is now playing for a contender but he already left no doubts in Round 1, getting 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for a PIR of 27. Solid centers are hard to find in the game, so make sure you've got Miletic in your squad.

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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPTToTJDOyG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@ubancatransilvania)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Blazej Kulikowski, Slask Wroclaw (4.9 credits)

I am trying to cover all budgets in this column and push for sleepers. [Blazej Kulikowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/blazej-kulikowski/013918/) surprised me in his first-ever EuroCup game, coming off the bench to get 11 points on 3-of-4 three-pointers and a PIR of 14. Right now, Kulikowski is worth 4.9 credits. Adding him can free extra credits for bigger stars, too.

### Malachi Flynn, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (13.5 credits)

Speaking of EuroCup debutantes, [Malachi Flynn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/malachi-flynn/013908/) had a stunning first-ever game in the competition, leading Bahcesehir to a road win at Cluj with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and a PIR of 32. He followed that up with a PIR of 32 in a Turkish League game against Turk Telekom. Is Flynn the steal of the season? I would say so! 

More EuroCup Fantasy Challenge News

Fantasy guru Javier Gancedo shares five picks he likes for Round 2 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge 

ratiopharm Ulm v Panionios Athens (2025-10-07T17:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-10-08T16:00:00.000Z)

BAXI Manresa v Slask Wroclaw (2025-10-08T18:45:00.000Z)

Perfect starts and opening victories are being targeted around the continent as Round 2 of the BKT EuroCup takes flight on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s your overview of this week’s action.

At a glance: Early bragging rights up for grabs

Perfect starts and opening victories are being targeted around the continent as Round 2 of the BKT EuroCup takes flight on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s your overview of this week’s action.

## Tuesday, October 7

### Neptunas Klaipeda vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (18:00 CEST)

Neptunas (0-1) will look to pick up its first win with a visit from a Cluj team (0-1) faced with the same mission. Both teams will be focusing on defensive improvement after allowing 90+ points last week, as all-action guard Arnas Velickas’s double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) wasn’t enough to prevent Neptunas from falling at Slask. Cluj was humbled at home by Bahcesehir in the season opener, despite big man Dusan Miletic showing he is ready to enjoy another big season as he compiled 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and the visiting team also needs to cut down the 19 turnovers lost in that game.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPb0QGTjIrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPb0QGTjIrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPb0QGTjIrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC Neptūnas Klaipėda (@bcneptunas)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Panionios Athens (19:00 CEST)

Prolonging a perfect start to the season is the incentive as Ulm (1-0) welcomes Panionios (1-0). The German team benefitted was propelled by 24 points and 7 assists from newly signed guard Mark Smith to triumph over Turk Telekom last week, and summer signing Malik Osborne showed that he can patrol the paint by grabbing 9 rebounds including 4 off the offensive glass. Panionios survived an overtime thriller against Chemnitz last week, and will look for more long-range scoring heroics from star guard Jaylen Hands after he netted two three-pointers in the last 30 seconds of overtime to secure the victory.

### Besiktas GAIN Istanbul vs. London Lions (19:00 CEST)

Two teams aiming to bounce back meet in Istanbul as Besiktas (0-1) welcomes London (0-1). The Turkish team will look for more toughness after surrendering several leads to lose last week at Lietkabelis, despite summer signing Devon Dotson making a strong early impression with 14 points on his debut. London also suffered defeat in its opener, going down 59-86 at home against Buducnost, so desperately needs more offensive efficiency after committing 15 turnovers and seeing only Kameron McGusty (13 points) reach double digits in scoring. In particular, forward Joel Scott needs to find his range after making just 2 of his 11 field goal attempts last week.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">London Lions maçı için hazırlıklarımıza başladık. 🤜🤛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBlackEagleRises?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheBlackEagleRises</a> 🦅 <a href="https://t.co/cTmludGw0Z">pic.twitter.com/cTmludGw0Z</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş GAİN (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1974880099339321384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Wednesday, October 8

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Umana Reyer Venice (18:00 CEST)

After starting the season with a bang, Bahcesehir (1-0) will look to keep on rolling against visiting Reyer (0-1). The ambitious Turkish team delivered an offensive showpiece to roll past Cluj in Round 1, as summer signing Malachi Flynn made an instant impact by combining 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Attempting to slow down the dangerous home team will be a tough task for Reyer, which narrowly lost at home to Aris last week. Center Chris Horton delivered a strong start with 13 points and 7 rebounds on his debut, and his ability to protect the rim and deny Bahcesehir second chances will be crucial.

### NINERS Chemnitz vs. Lietkabelis Panevezys (19:00 CEST)

Lietkabelis (1-0) will look to build more momentum with a testing trip to a Chemnitz (0-1) team gunning for its first victory. The Lithuanian team showed great character to earn a morale-boosting win over Besiktas in Round 1, with newcomers Kristian Kullamae and Augustine Rubit (17 points apiece) showing they are respectively ready to lead the team in the backcourt and frontcourt. Chemnitz was on the receiving end of an agonizing overtime loss at Panionios last week, and will hope that Corey Davis Jr, who netted 24 points in that game, can again score freely to mark an historic first ever home game in the competition.

### Aris Thessaloniki Betsson vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (19:00 CEST)

Aris (1-0) is aiming for its second straight win with a visit from a Hamburg team (0-1) looking to kickstart its season. The Greek team took an impressive triumph at Reyer in the opener, in large part thanks to an explosive debut from guard Bryce Jones with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. He will attempt to repeat those numbers against a Hamburg team which couldn’t keep pace with Hapoel last week, allowing 100 points to underline the need for defensive improvement. Carlos Stewart sparkled at the other end with 21 points, and Hamburg will need a similar contribution this week.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:30 CEST)

Two teams with strong ambitions go head to head as Bourg (1-0) receives a visit from Turk Telekom (0-1). The visiting team is searching for a first victory of the season after being edged out by Ulm in Round 1, when 24 points from Jordan Usher – who faces his former team this week – wasn’t quite enough. Bourg started strong with a comfortable win at Trento, and the rebounding power of big man Kevin Kokila (10 points and 8 boards last week, including 5 at the offensive end) will play an important part in trying to give the home team control of the paint.

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (20:00 CEST)

Two fast starters with high targets for the season will target advancing to 2-0 as Hapoel (1-0) receives a visit from Cedevita (1-0). Hapoel demonstrated all its firepower by blasting 100 points to overcome Hamburg last week, with six double-digit scorers propelled by big man Austin Wiley’s double-double of 14 points and 11 boards. Cedevita’s opening week victory over Manresa was a much more defense-dominated game, with the Slovenian team forcing 22 turnovers and then relying on Aleksej Nikolic to lead the offense with 17 points and 6 assists, so this will be a bog showdown between the home offense and the visiting defense.

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (20:00 CEST)

Buducnost (1-0) will aim to make it two wins out of two against a Trento (0-1) in desperate need of major improvement. The Italian team suffered a humbling 48-79 home loss to Bourg in Round 1, recording more turnovers (17) than field goal conversions (16), with big man Selom Mawugbe’s dominant 10 rebounds a rare bright light. Improving those numbers will not be easy travelling to a Buducnost team which produced a strong all-round team display to comfortably overcome London last time out, and can lean on the all-round talents of big man Nikola Tanaskovic (13 points, 6 boards and 3 assists in Round 1) to chase another win.

### BAXI Manresa vs. Slask Wroclaw (20:45 CEST)

In its competition home debut, Manresa (0-1) will seek an historic first victory against confident Slask (1-0). The Polish team gained plenty of confidence with an offensive exhibition last week against Neptunas, and guard Jakub Niziol will attempt to keep his hot hand after compiling 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in that game. The Spanish team needs to improve upon the 69 points it mustered in the Round 1 loss at Cedevita, and will look for new paint patroller Grant Golden to continue the promising start that saw him combine 10 points and 9 rebounds last time out.

Andy West previews the second round of the 2025-26 EuroCup season

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul v London Lions (2025-10-07T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-10-08T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-10-08T17:00:00.000Z)

NINERS Chemnitz v Lietkabelis Panevezys (2025-10-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-10-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-10-08T18:00:00.000Z)

A new BKT EuroCup season is upon us bringing with it perhaps a few more new standouts to track as the season goes on than usual. Here is a closer look at which players hit the ground running in Round 1:

Stats review: A EuroCup changing of the guard

A new BKT EuroCup season is upon us bringing with it perhaps a few more new standouts to track as the season goes on than usual.  In last week's opening round, 13 players scored 20 or more points.  Of those 13, only [Jordan Usher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-usher/013265/) of [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) appeared in the EuroCup last season — and that was with a different club.  Here is a closer look at which players hit the ground running in Round 1:

### The scorers

[Cory Davis Jr.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/corey-davis-jr-/013890/) of [NINERS Chemnitz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/niners-chemnitz/nin/) and [Bryce Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryce-jones/012621/) of [Aris Thessloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) tied to lead all scorers with 26 points in their respective openers.  Davis is a newcomer not just to the EuroCup, but to Chemnitz as well.  A quick, tough lead guard, he showed his shotmaking prowess and ability to score opportunistically in transition as his team pushed Panionios Athens to the brink in overtime in Greece in their debut.

Jones competed in the EuroCup two seasons ago but appears set for more chances on the ball in his second go-round.  Pulling down 8 rebounds and tallying 6 assists on top of the 14 points he scored out of pick-and-rolls alone; he unsurprisingly led all players in Performance Index Rating in Round 1 to help Aris score a coveted road victory to start the season.

### The shooters

EuroCup rookie [Darius McGhee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/darius-mcghee/013859/) led all players by going 6 of 14 from beyond the arc in Round 1.  His range has been a talking point for nearly his entire career to this point and he was not shy in [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/bou/)'s emphatic road win to open the season. [Eric Reed](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/eric-reed/013934/) of [Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/ham/) shot 5 for 14 in his debut at this level.

### The playmakers

[Arnas Velicka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/arnas-velicka/006326/) dished out a Round 1-best 10 assists in his first appearance in the EuroCup.  Making all manner of reads and unselfish plays for [Neptunas Klaipeda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/neptunas-klaipeda/kla/), the way he used his size to make passes over the top to rollers from a variety of angles was especially impressive.  EuroCup veteran [Hugo Benitz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/) dished out 8 assists for [BAXI Manresa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/baxi-manresa/man/) as he settles into his role playing his first season outside of France.

Thomas Kennedy of Cedevita Olimpija was one of 4 players with 11 rebounds in Round 1

### The rebounders

[Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) of [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/jer/), [Zacharie Perrin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zacharie-perrin/011579/) of Hamburg, [Yordan Minchev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yordan-minchev/007423/) of Chemnitz, and [Thomas Kennedy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/thomas-kennedy/013973/) of [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) all pulled down 11 rebounds in Round 1.  In their respective EuroCup debuts, Minchev did a lot of dirty work on the interior for Chemnitz, Kennedy corralled all 11 of his rebounds on the defensive side, and, at just 21 years of age, Perrin pulled down 6 offensive rebounds in his debut for Hamburg.  In his second year with Jerusalem, this was par for the course for Wiley who would have finished among the top 5 rebounders in the EuroCup last season, but did not play enough games to qualify.

### The defenders

Second-year forward [Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/) blocked 3 shots to help Jerusalem to a 100-point effort on the road.  While he is not a classic rim protector, his ability to slide with guards in rotation helped him make multiple plays at the rim in Round 1.  Velicka tied [Michalis Lountzis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/michalis-lountzis/006302/) of [Panionios Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/panionios-athens/nio/), [Malachi Flynn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/malachi-flynn/013908/) of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/), and [Ty Brewer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ty-brewer/013894/) of Chemnitz with 4 steals in week one.  Lountzis made his EuroCup debut 5 years ago while Flynn is playing in Europe for the first time and Brewer has worked his way up the ranks to make his EuroCup debut.

### Impact players

Jones, Lountzis, Flynn, [Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) of [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/), and [Mark Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mark-smith/013969/) of [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/) took the top 5 spots in PIR. Only Miletic had significant EuroCup experience prior to last week, appearing in three seasons since emerging as a pro eight years ago. Flynn’s dynamic ability with the ball, Miletic’s size and Smith’s versatility at the guard spots figure to play prominent roles in the success of their respective teams.

With a host of newcomers emerging out of the gates this season, it will be fascinating to see which players solidify themselves as stars as the year wears on.

Dusan Miletic had a strong start for Cluj

Let's have a look at which players started the season on the right foot

Look back at all the action in Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 1

Look back at all the action from Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

The list of high-level European prospects who have come to ratiopharm Ulm and taken major steps forward continues to grow. With names like Killian Hayes, Juan Nunez, Pacome Dadiet, and most recently Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue, the German club’s reputation for developing young talent was simply too strong for Diego Garavaglia to ignore.

Diego Garavaglia: 'Ulm’s history brought me here'

The list of high-level European prospects who have come to [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/) and taken major steps forward continues to grow. With names like Killian Hayes, Juan Nunez, Pacome Dadiet, and most recently Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue, the German club’s reputation for developing young talent was simply too strong for [Diego Garavaglia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/diego-garavaglia/012115/) to ignore.

The Italian guard, who came through the youth ranks of [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/), had already achieved success at both club and national team level. So when it was time to take the next step, Ulm stood out for more than just basketball reasons.

"I looked at a couple of Italian clubs that really wanted me. They were known for giving young players real minutes, not just putting them on the bench. But what made me choose Ulm was just their history,” said Garavaglia, who also had the option of playing college basketball in the United States. “There’s good money there \[in the US\], but Ulm felt like the right place for me."

A big part of his decision came down to trust in Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson, sporting director Thorsten Leibenath, and the overall management team.

“I like how they think about a young player developing over the course of a season – having the ball in his hands, being allowed to make mistakes, turn the ball over. It’s part of the process,” he said. “In Italy, that doesn’t happen as much. Young players are usually expected to just play defense. It’s a different approach.”

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Garavaglia also noted that Ulm’s philosophy extends beyond just the court.

"They see young players as professionals off the court, too. I’m excited to live the whole season like a pro – traveling a lot, playing in tough arenas, and getting better every day. I’m playing with a top-level team in Germany and in the EuroCup, so it’s going to be intense. It’s also my first year outside Italy, living on my own. It’s going to help me grow in every way.”

He recalled a conversation with Leibenath during last season’s German League Playoffs that helped seal the move.

“He told me, ‘If you come here, you’re not going to live with other players. You’re going to live alone because we see you as a professional. That means being responsible and taking care of yourself on and off the court.’ I really liked that. It made me feel like they believed in me.”

Living alone, of course, comes with new challenges – like cooking for yourself. Garavaglia came prepared, bringing a serious taste of home with him: 20 kilograms of pasta, five bottles of olive oil, and three bricks of Parmesan cheese.

“I brought it all from home, just to be safe,” he said with a smile.

At a preseason fan event, someone from the club tipped him off about an Italian market near his apartment, and he’s eager to check it out. But he’s also counting on his parents to bring reinforcements when they come to visit.

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Garavaglia already has experience on big stages. This past spring, he helped [U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/jmi/) reach the [Championship Game of the 2024-25 Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/news/jtf424-next-gen-dubai-report-final-milan-zalgiris/), where it lost to U18 Zalgiris Kaunas in Abu Dhabi.

“We had already beaten Zalgiris twice that season, so I really thought we were going to win. But they had something extra in that final,” said Garavaglia, who finished with 13 points and 7 assists in 37 minutes during the 89–81 loss.

That game still lingers in his mind, not just because of the result but because it was his final game with Milan.

“Every time I think about that game, I feel like we could have won. It was my last one with Milan, and that makes it harder. We deserved to win that competition for how we played. I’m really sad it ended like that.”

Despite that disappointment, Garavaglia left Milan with a full trophy cabinet. He won the Italian U15 title, as well as the U20 Next Gen Cup and U19 Italian League championship in 2024 and 2025. On the international stage, he helped Italy win silver at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2023, silver at the FIBA U17 World Cup 2024, and bronze at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2025, where he was also named to the All-Star Five.

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One of the games Garavaglia is especially looking forward to this season is December 4 against [Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/trn/) in the EuroCup. Not only will he be facing an Italian team, but Trento’s roster includes two young Italian players he knows well – [Theo Airhienbuwa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/theo-airhienbuwa/012289/) (born in 2006) and especially [Patrick Hassan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-hassan/012242/), a fellow 2007-born talent.

“They were one of the teams that wanted me back in Italy. They’re a great place for young players. I know Patrick really well – we’ve played together for Italy the last three summers and won three medals together,” he said. “I hope he plays. Every time I’ve played against him with our clubs, I’ve won. I want to keep that going. No reason to change a winning formula,” he joked.

So far, Garavaglia is clearly enjoying his time in Ulm and is confident he made the right move.

“I feel good here. I’m growing, I’m learning, and I’m playing in a high-level environment. Ulm is the perfect place for me right now.”

More Ulm News

The German club’s track record of developing elite young talent was too attractive to pass up for the Italian prospect

Bryce Jones of Aris Thessaloniki Betsson and Michalis Lountzis of Panionios Athens were named Round 1 co-MVPs, each posting a round-high PIR of 33.

Round 1 co-MVPs: Bryce Jones, Michalis Lountzis

[Bryce Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryce-jones/012621/) of Aris Thessaloniki Betsson and [Michalis Lountzis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/michalis-lountzis/006302/) of Panionios Athens were named Round 1 co-MVPs, each posting a round-high PIR of 33.

Jones led Aris to an 85-81 road victory over Umana Reyer Venice with a well-rounded performance: 26 points on 9-of-14 two-pointers, 1-of-3 three-pointers, and 5-of-7 free throws, along with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 7 fouls drawn. Panionios needed overtime to edge NINERS Chemnitz 89-86, with Lountzis leading the charge. He scored 20 points on 3-of-4 two-pointers, 3-of-6 three-pointers and 5-of-6 free throws, added 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and drew 6 fouls.

[Malachi Flynn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/malachi-flynn/013908/) of Bahcesehir College Istanbul posted a PIR of 32 in his team’s 98-90 road victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca. Flynn contributed 24 points on 6-of-8 two-pointers, 2-of-5 three-pointers and 6-of-8 free throws, along with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 5 fouls drawn.

[Mark Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mark-smith/013969/) of ratiopharm Ulm and [Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) of Cluj, each with a PIR of 27, round out the top individual performances. Smith tallied 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in Ulm’s 96-93 win at Turk Telekom Ankara, while Miletic finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block.

### Individual highs: Arnas Velicka, Neptunas, 10 assists

Bryce Jones of Aris and [Corey Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/corey-davis-jr-/013890/) of Chemnitz topped the scoring charts with 26 points each.

[Thomas Kennedy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/thomas-kennedy/013973/) of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, [Yordan Minchev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yordan-minchev/007423/) of Chemnitz, [Zacharie Perrin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zacharie-perrin/011579/) of Veolia Towers Hamburg, and [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem each grabbed 11 rebounds, the most in Round 1.

[Arnas Velicka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/arnas-velicka/006326/) of Neptunas Klaipeda was the only player to reach double digits in assists, dishing out 10 in his team’s 95-85 road loss to Slask Wroclaw.

Four players collected 4 steals apiece in Round 1: Velicka, Michalis Lountzis, Malachi Flynn, and [Ty Brewer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ty-brewer/013894/) of Chemnitz.

[Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/) of Jerusalem led the round with 3 blocks.

Three players recorded double-doubles: Velicka (16 points, 10 assists), Wiley (14 points, 11 rebounds), and Kennedy (10 points, 11 rebounds).

Panionios Athens v NINERS Chemnitz (2025-10-01T16:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (2025-09-30T18:00:00.000Z)