After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered with award nominations within the sports business world.

Euroleague, partners share seven Sports Business Award nominations

After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered [with award nominations](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/) within the sports business world.

The recently announced shortlists for the [Sports Business Awards 2023](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/), whose winners will be revealed in November, features no fewer than seven categories featuring Euroleague Basketball and its partners.

From the season's promotional video to the Final Four broadcasts, the One Team corporate social responsibility program, technological advances in virtual reality and bodycams on referees, and the new Euroleague Basketball websites, the nominations recognize the content and community initiatives that filled last season with much more than basketball for fans.

The [Sports Business Awards](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/), launched in 2017, highlight and reward achievement by those behind the scenes in the sporting industry and celebrate the vital influence of business within sport by recognizing the organizations, teams and individuals who excel in their roles.

**Best Sports-Related Commercial or Promotional Video**

[The EuroLeague Maze](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7rPpLmZqU&t=2s) - Euroleague Basketball

**Most Successful Sports Event Broadcast**

[2023 EuroLeague Final Four](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxK1F8T-onE&t=45s) - IMG Productions

**Best Sports Community or CSR Scheme (non-football)**

[One Team project](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/) - EuroLeague Basketball

**Best Sports Marketing Initiative**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sports Innovation Award**

[2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four referees bodycam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynrS9fivSVA) – MindFly

**Sports Technology of the Year**

[EuroLeague TV VR](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-and-ybvr-to-stream-euroleague-games-in-vr/) - Yerba Buena VR

Set to compete in the BKT EuroCup after seven years away, Besiktas Istanbul has revamped its roster in the hope of putting together a competitive run. The club first appointed as its new head coach former EuroCup Coach of the Year, Dusan Alimpijevic, who knows a thing or two about making long runs in the competition, having guided Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the EuroCup Finals in 2022. With a squad that has a fine mixture of experience and talented youth, something that worked for him in the past, the hope is that Alimpijevic will guide Besiktas to a successful EuroCup return.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Besiktas Istanbul

Set to compete in the BKT EuroCup after seven years away, Besiktas Istanbul has revamped its roster in the hope of putting together a competitive run. The club first appointed as its new head coach former EuroCup Coach of the Year, [Dusan Alimpijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-hires-former-coach-of-the-year-alimpijevic/), who knows a thing or two about making long runs in the competition, having guided Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the EuroCup Finals in 2022. With a squad that has a fine mixture of experience and talented youth, something that worked for him in the past, the hope is that Alimpijevic will guide Besiktas to a successful EuroCup return.

### BACKCOURT

Coach Alimpijevic has put the team's offense in the hands of [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-lands-point-man-derek-needham/), who arrived with the coach from Bursaspor where he was his right-hand man on the court. The two were together the past two seasons and Needham was named to the All-EuroCup First Team in 2021-22. Needham is capable of turning any offense into a highly potent one. He and [Berk Ugurlu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-signs-playmaker-ugurlu/), the team's second-string point guard who is battle-tested himself, will have in [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-brings-in-scorer-jonah-mathews/) and [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-recruits-shooting-guard-matt-mitchell/) a couple of big weapons who can make Besiktas's offense a dangerous one.

Both Mathews and Mitchell arrive from France, where Mathews averaged 10.6 points in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. He can help with playmaking duties, too. Small forward Mitchell is a prolific scorer, too. In addition, swingman [Yigit Arslan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-strengthens-with-arslan/) had his coming-out party last season, for the first time averaging double digits in points in the Turkish League, while knocking down 2.5 triples per game on 43.9% shooting. This backcourt bunch makes Besiktas's offense a dangerous one.

Derek Needham Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup highlights: Derek Needham, Bursaspor

### FRONTCOURT

The main two pieces of Besiktas's front line are [Leyton Hammonds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-strengthens-with-leyton-hammonds-arrival/) and [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/besiktas-signs-big-man-angel-delgado/). Both are EuroCup newcomers hoping to leave their mark on the competition. Hammonds is a stretch-4 and as such will be important to help create space for the other scorers. Delgado is a center who has been a dominant rebounder wherever he played in the past, including being the top rebounder in the Spanish League in 2020-21, the third-best rebounder in the Turkish League last season, and is currently doing the same job for the Dominican Republic at the 2023 World Cup.

Forward [Egehan Arna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/egehan-arna/005348/) arrived from powerhouse Anadolu Efes Istanbul and returns to Besiktas where he played the best two seasons of his career to date. Arna is one of several familiar faces for Besiktas fans in this frontcourt. Another of those is young center Samet Yigitoglu who will be playing behind Delgado, looking to give Besiktas a rebounding boost off the bench, similar to [Berkan Durmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/berkan-durmaz-joins-besiktas/) at the power forward position and 18-year-old talent Demir Dogan. Athletic 20-year-old Kerem Konan will get his first taste of professional basketball having previously been a member of the Besiktas Youth Academy.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Is Matt Mitchell ready to take the EuroCup by storm? Last season this small forward averaged 18.4 points per game for French side Strasbourg before a right-hand fracture in mid-December sidelined him for five months. The 24-year-old winger is in his third professional season and does not only have bunches of points in his hands on any given night, but also has a defensive toughness that makes him even more important for this team. More than anything, however, Mitchell has all the motivation in the world as he takes another step in his career while proving he can be as good as he was before the injury. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">P O T A N I N K A R T A L L A R I  💪🏻 <a href="https://t.co/oRbRXirqVj">pic.twitter.com/oRbRXirqVj</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Basketbol (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1692504466644218223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### OUTLOOK

Besiktas has several players who can dominate at their positions, including Needham, Mitchell and Delgado, and in a long season, it will also be important for this team to see how the youngsters react and how much they can contribute. For that reason, a fast start to the season and a few victories early on could do wonders for Besiktas and buy this team time until things fall into place. And while it might be hard to gauge how far a new team with so many new players like Besiktas can go in the competition, one thing's for sure: Coach Alimpijevic will have this team battling and competing.

Veolia Towers Hamburg have reached the EuroCup elimination rounds in both of the club's two seasons in the competition and will look to at least match that feat in 2023-24. Benka Barloschky, who was promoted to head coach midway through last season, now gets a full preseason to build a team in his style. The collection of players gathered in Hamburg is largely new to the club and several did not play in a top European league last season. However, the cast of talents is sure to surprise many, just as Hamburg has done in each of its first two seasons in the EuroCup. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Veolia Towers Hamburg

[Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/veolia-hamburg-towers/roster/ham/?season=2023-24) have reached the BKT EuroCup elimination rounds in both of the club's two seasons in the competition and will look to at least match that feat in 2023-24. [Benka Barloschky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/coach-barloschky-agrees-to-lead-hamburg-for-two-more-years/), who was promoted to head coach midway through last season, now gets a full preseason to build a team in his style. The collection of players gathered in Hamburg is largely new to the club and several did not play in a top European league last season. However, the cast of talents is sure to surprise many, just as Hamburg has done in each of its first two seasons in the EuroCup. 

### BACKCOURT

There should be much excitement about the trio of point guards Hamburg has assembled. Only 1.73 meters tall, [Terrell Gomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-picks-up-point-guard-terrell-gomez/) helped Saint-Quentin win the second-division championship in France last season. His combination of speed and excellent three-point shooting makes Gomez tricky to guard and fun to watch. Fellow playmaker [Mark Hughes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-towers-make-mark-hughes-its-third-signing-of-the-summer/) played in Spain's second division last season and will step up a level, too. [Nico Brauner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-towers-add-guard-nico-brauner/), 28, brings experience to the position after putting up strong numbers in the German League last season with the Giessen 46ers. All three are fine three-point shooters who made at least 40% of their shots from deep last season. 

Shooting guard [Aljami Durham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-puts-aljami-durham-at-guard/) split his first professional campaign between the Greek and British Leagues last season and by the playoffs was pouring in 25.5 points per game for Caledonia. A product of the Hamburg youth system, [Leif Moeller](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/leif-moeller/profile/010070/) got into two EuroCup games last season and four more in domestic competition. At age 20, he will try to build on that experience. 

Swingman [Will Christmas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-signs-swingman-will-christmas/) was one of the top performers in Germany's second division last season. A do-it-all player, Christmas is entering his third professional season and has vast potential. [VJ King](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-brings-in-exciting-swingman-vj-king/) earned All-British Basketball League First Team honors last season in his second stop in Europe. These two small forwards have great athleticism and are sure to be difference-makers on both ends of the floor. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Fokussiert in der Saisonvorbereitung. 🏀😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowersHamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowersHamburg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndlichWiederTowersBasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EndlichWiederTowersBasketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXLwpwGD4S">pic.twitter.com/xXLwpwGD4S</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1694590361312931930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

While the backcourt players are virtually all new to the competition, Hamburg will find experience in the frontcourt. Power forwards [Lukas Meisner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-adds-meisner-at-forward/) and [Seth Hinrichs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/seth-hinrichs/009663/) are both suiting up for their third season with the club. A double-digit scorer last season, Meisner made 40.4% of his threes and improved his rebounding average, too. Hinrichs, who debuted in the EuroCup in the 2019-20 campaign with ratiopharm Ulm, has made 44.4% of his threes in 43 career EuroCup games. 

Center [Aleksander Dziewa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-bolsters-frontcourt-with-dziewa/) is new to Hamburg, but has been a force in the paint in each of the past two EuroCup seasons with Slask Wroclaw. Only 25 years of age, Dziewa should be a centerpiece of the club's halfcourt attack. [Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/hamburg-inks-big-man-wohlfarth-bottermann/) has played parts of five EuroCup seasons with four different clubs. He was among the top 20 rebounders on a per-minute basis in the competition last season and should remain a force off the bench behind Dziewa. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Wir nehmen zwar keinen Sieg mit aus dem Test bei den <a href="https://twitter.com/BBLoewenBS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBLoewenBS</a>, dafür aber einen weiteren wichtigen Entwicklungsschritt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowersHamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowersHamburg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/easyCreditBBL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#easyCreditBBL</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/soqSCnkTL2">https://t.co/soqSCnkTL2</a> <a href="https://t.co/PY5qRaLYfF">pic.twitter.com/PY5qRaLYfF</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1695850906548363448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### PLAYER TO WATCH

VJ King was as highly touted a high school star as they come. He received college scholarship offers when he was still in grade school, was the first high school freshman to start at the famed St. Vincent-St. Mary school since LeBron James, and won gold medals with Team USA at the U16 and U17 levels. After playing college basketball for Louisville, King's career veered off track, in part due to injury. He reset himself with a stop in Luxembourg at the end of the 2021-22 season and followed that by shining in the British League. If King takes another step forward with Hamburg, who knows what his ceiling will be? 

Lukas Meisner has become one of Veolia Hamburg Towers' main pillars this season.

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Lukas Meisner, Hamburg

### OUTLOOK

There are many question marks around the Hamburg roster this season, but just as many reasons for optimism. Only one member of the backcourt played in a top league in Europe last season, but those same players showed a great mixture of speed, athleticism and shooting where they were. If those traits translate well, Hamburg will be a nightmare matchup. Coach Barloschky's men also open the season by playing two of their first seven games on the road. However, once the calendar reaches 2024, Hamburg will finish the season with four of its last five games at home. So even if it takes time for everything to come together, if Hamburg can peak at the right time, a late-season playoff run could be in the cards.  

Wolves Vilnius head into their rookie BKT EuroCup season with lots of anticipation, as the owners' highly ambitious project will now be tested in Europe's second-best basketball competition. While Wolves have only been a club for a little more than a year, having been founded in early June 2022, they have been smart with the people that they have brought into the building, which makes them one of the more intriguing sides entering the 2023-24 EuroCup campaign. Led by head coach Kestutis Kemzura, Wolves are going to be a team that's worth keeping an eye on next season.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Wolves Vilnius

Wolves Vilnius head into their rookie BKT EuroCup season with lots of anticipation, as the owners' highly ambitious project will now be tested in Europe's second-best basketball competition. While Wolves have only been a club for a little more than a year, having been founded in early June 2022, they have been smart with the people that they have brought into the building, which makes them one of the more intriguing sides entering the 2023-24 EuroCup campaign. Led by head coach Kestutis Kemzura, Wolves are going to be a team that's worth keeping an eye on next season.

### BACKCOURT

One player who is surely set to catch the attention of many EuroCup fans is new signing [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-put-rasheed-sulaimon-in-the-backcourt/), who joined Wolves this summer after averaging 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists for Konyaspor in the Turkish League last season. Sulaimon's scoring exploits from the shooting guard position will be key for Wolves, and he has EuroCup experience, too, having posted 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 18 games for Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in the 2021-22 season. Veteran combo guard [Adas Juskevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/adas-juskevicius/profile/lct/) still has something left in the tank, having averaged 10.7 points for Wolves in the Lithuanian League last season, and he will be a key presence for the team during its EuroCup adventure. [Kristupas Zemaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kristupas-zemaitis/005516/), who has been a Lithuania international, and compatriot [Arnas Berucka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/arnas-berucka/profile/006154/) round out the team's backcourt options.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Enjoying the last days of summer ☀ <a href="https://t.co/CQ4dCweyCw">pic.twitter.com/CQ4dCweyCw</a></p>&mdash; BC WOLVES (@wolves_bc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolves_bc/status/1694677191294959842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

Wolves made quite the splash when they announced the signing of Jeffery Taylor midway through last season, but he will now return to the Euroleague Basketball umbrella by playing in next season's EuroCup, a competition he has never featured in before. The 2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals for Wolves in 14 Lithuanian League games in 2022-23, and his elite-level experience will prove vital for Wolves in the EuroCup. Another forward who is set to make his EuroCup debut next season is Lithuanian international Eigirdas Zukauskas, who posted 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists for Wolves in domestic league action last season. Both he and Taylor will be expected to regularly perform for Wolves. A potential sleeper that Wolves signed this summer is [Tre'Shawn Thurman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-pick-up-forward-treshawn-thurman/), who has arrived from Belgian side Oostende. He posted 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals in nine Basketball Champions League games for Oostende in 2022-23. Should he score at a similar level in the EuroCup, it should spell good news for Wolves. [Vitalijus Kozys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vitalijus-kozys/006907/) and new addition [Christian Mekowulu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-sign-athletic-forward-christian-mekowulu/) are Wolves' other options at the forward positions. 

Then, at center, experienced big man [Djordje Gagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-bolster-paint-with-djordje-gagic/) returns to the EuroCup after previously playing in the competition with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys. The 32-year-old has regularly impressed in the EuroCup and he will be tasked with protecting Wolves' paint, as well as offering a threat on the other end of the floor. [Regimantas Miniotas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/regimantas-miniotas/profile/004645/), who averaged 7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 30 Lithuanian League games for Wolves last season, is able to play at both the 4 and the 5 positions.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

There are a few options here, but [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bc-wolves-lock-up-jeffery-taylor-for-2-more-years/) will have the biggest spotlight on him and will be expected to impress for Wolves on a night-by-night basis. The 34-year-old Swede played a total of 202 EuroLeague games for Real Madrid during his seven years in the Spanish capital, during which time the team reached the Final Four on four occasions and lifted Europe's crown once. Taylor typically had to accept more of a bench role for Real, but he is now a guaranteed starter and a key player for Wolves. Entering the new EuroCup campaign, Taylor will not only have to impress on the court but he'll have to act as the team's leader in tough moments, which should make himself even more popular than he already is in Lithuania's capital city.

### OUTLOOK

Entering a new competition and shining right away is always going to be a tricky task, but both Paris Basketball and the London Lions showed last year that reaching the playoffs can be done. Perhaps unfortunately for Wolves, however, the change to the EuroCup format has made qualifying for the postseason more difficult, with only six teams advancing to the playoffs. Wolves, playing in a tough-looking Group A, are not expected to make it to the playoffs, but with an experienced tactician in [Coach Kemzura](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-keep-coach-kemzura/) and several players who have been around the block, anything is possible. One thing's for sure, Wolves should be a lot of fun to watch in the 2023-24 EuroCup season. 

The London Lions have announced the signing of Ciaran Sandy. Sandy (2.01 meters, 23 years old) joins from Mercyhurst University and will make his BKT EuroCup next season, should he take to the floor. A Londoner, Sandy has the chance to become a fans' favorite on his return to England, having spent the last four years at college in the United States.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the Lions family, Ciaran! ✍️🦁 <a href="https://twitter.com/ciaransandy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ciaransandy</a> <br><br>We are excited to announce the signing of 23-year-old forward from London, Ciaran Sandy! 🇬🇧<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CiaranSandy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CiaranSandy</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMZ2YqerRA">pic.twitter.com/aMZ2YqerRA</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1696568537093992958?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More London Lions News

New London Lions signing Ciaran Sandy in action for Mercyhurst University.

Ciaran Sandy joins the London Lions

Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

Euroleague Basketball Officials Clinic celebrates 32nd edition

Just like the teams and players spread across the continent and beyond are getting ready for a new season, the complete cohort of Euroleague Basketball referees came together to hold their own four-day preparation session for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup over the weekend.

The 32nd Clinic for Euroleague Basketball Officials was held between Thursday and Sunday in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and saw all 68 referees due to work EuroLeague and EuroCup games starting the first week of October in attendance alongside 12 referee coaches and several special guests.

Their agenda was a busy one and included the first presentation to his former colleagues from Daniel Hierrezuelo, Euroleague Basketball's new Director of Officiating.

"This is the first time since my nomination as Euroleague Basketball Senior Director of Officiating that I have the opportunity to address to all our referees in person the main ideas and concepts that we will introduce during the 2023-24 season," Hierrezuelo said. "We have a strong group of 68 referees who have shared their knowledge, opinions and experience on many different topics during these four days as I firmly believe that teamwork, honesty and mutual respect are some  of the core principles to improve officiating quality”

Among the special guests who also presented to the referees were Zeljko Obradovic, head coach of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, whose presentation took place on the floor at Stozice Arena; Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Vice-President; Costas Rigas, former Euroleague Basketball Senior Director; Mar Rovira, Sports Psychologist; Gianluca Mazzoncini, Physical Trainer; and Goran Sasic, Euroleague Head Coaches Board Executive Director.

The various subjects addressed over more than 12 hours daily of the clinic included an analysis of instant replay use; a discussion of the parameters of marginal contact; a video session to study act-of-shooting and verticality calls; officiating standards, rules tests and more. There was also an emphasis put on communication while working in cross-cultural environments.

All that was in addition to the copious physical testing, reviews of officiating statistics and protocols, as well as open discussion sessions and group work among the referees themselves.

The four days of intense preparations served to assure that the 68 referees, all of whom worked in the competitions last season, will hit the ground running when the EuroLeague and EuroCup get rolling next month.

Going into its fourth consecutive BKT EuroCup season – and its second under head coach Frederic Fauthoux – Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has established itself as a club that is always knocking at the door of bigger accomplishments on the European stage. With seven new players – including NBA Draft prospect Zaccharie Risacher – added to a core that helped Bourg reach the eighthfinals last season means that early adaptation will be the key to its ambitions in wide-open EuroCup Group B when play starts on October 2.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse

Going into its fourth consecutive BKT EuroCup season – and its second under head coach Frederic Fauthoux – [Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/roster/bou/?season=2023-24) has established itself as a club that is always knocking at the door of bigger accomplishments on the European stage. With seven new players – including NBA Draft prospect [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-gets-forward-risacher-on-loan/) – added to a core that helped Bourg reach the eighthfinals last season means that early adaptation will be the key to its ambitions in wide-open EuroCup Group B when play starts on October 2.

### BACKCOURT

Bourg has the comfort of knowing that the ball will be in experienced hands, since [Axel Julien](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-signs-guard-julien/) and [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/profile/010449/) have shared the team's starting and backup point-guard duties, respectively, for the last two seasons. To that mix comes well-traveled [JeQuan Lewis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-inks-playmaker-jequan-lewis/), who excelled in the German League last season after having played previously in the G League, South Korea, Greece, Taiwan, Israel and Estonia. Sharpshooter [Bryce Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-adds-sharpshooter-bryce-brown/) comes to Bourg from winning a Polish League title, while [Jeremy Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/jl-bourg-seals-move-for-jeremy-morgan/) – the only newcomer with previous EuroCup experience – comes off a German League title with Telekom Bonn. [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-re-signs-forward-isiaha-mike/) is the team's only double-digit scorer from last season to return, so he will be relied on considerably to keep up his consistency and ability to get to the basket.

Isiaha Mike, Hugo Benitez and 1 other Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Isiaha Mike, Hugo Benitez and Axel Julien top plays 2022-23 EuroCup

### FRONTCOURT

Risacher can be expected to get a lot of time to prove himself at small forward, while forward [Maxime Courby](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/maxime-courby/profile/010450/), the [most-accurate three-point shooter in EuroCup history](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/maxime-courby-the-unexpected-all-time-leading-three-point-shooter/), brings veteran leadership to the frontcourt. The sole other returnee is Angolan international [Kevin Kokila](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-lands-floyd-kokila/), a part-time starter at center last season. In to help at power forward is experienced [Maksim Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-completes-roster-with-maksim-salash/), a former FIBA basketball Champions League titlist. At the center spot, Kokila will share time with 25-year-old [Bodian Massa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-secures-center-bodian-massa/), who was the sixth-best rebounder in the French League last season for Strasbourg (7.3 per game), and another youngster, 22-year-old Nigerian international [Godwin Omenaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bourg-swoops-to-sign-godwin-omenaka/), who last played in Hungary.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Zaccharie Risacher is a player to watch on a global basis due to his excellent length and skills for a 2.04-meter-forward who can play at least three positions. Still just 18 years old, Risacher has as many EuroLeague games under his belt, having averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13 minutes last season for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, the team from whom he was lent to Bourg. Risacher, whose father Stephane was an elite EuroLeague player, has excelled at all junior levels, including the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament, and is now poised to make an impact at the next level. There is little Risacher cannot do, as he runs, handles, shoots, rebounds, steals and assists in equally impressive numbers.

Zaccharie Risacher Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Zaccharie Risacher top plays 2022-23 EuroLeague

### OUTLOOK

Coach Fauthoux might have his work cut out for him with such a young team with little EuroCup experience. Nonetheless, the fact that three backcourt players in their primes - Benitez, Julien and Mike - bring plenty of know-how should make the growing pains less severe. The backcourt and wing production will be key since Bourg is youngest and least experienced under the rim. Massa is the team's tallest player at 2.08, which means that perimeter play and fastbreaking will likely be Bourg's style until the big men can adjust. Bourg played better on the road than at home last season, but with just six teams going to the playoffs from each group under [the new EuroCup format](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/new-eurocup-format-certain-to-bring-increased-drama/), protecting Ekinox arena becomes an imperative for the French team going into the EuroCup season.

It is hard to imagine the BKT EuroCup without ratiopharm Ulm, which is in ninth consecutive appearance in the competition and 11th overall. Ulm comes off a great season in which it won its first German League title and reached the EuroCup quarterfinals. It lost some key players but Ulm's management, led by sports director and former coach Thorsten Leibenath, has found young, interesting new players to keep the team very competitive. 


2023-24 Roster Rundown: ratiopharm Ulm

It is hard to imagine the BKT EuroCup without ratiopharm Ulm, which is making its ninth consecutive appearance in the competition and 11th overall. Ulm comes off a great season in which it won its first German League championship and reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals. It lost some key players, but Ulm's management, led by sports director and former coach Thorsten Leibenath, has found young and interesting players to keep the team competitive.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Dakota freut sich schon jetzt, euch alle beim ersten Heimspiel am 27. September in der ratiopharm arena zu treffen 🧡🏀 <br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uuulmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareone</a> <a href="https://t.co/f7J0QwNIyv">pic.twitter.com/f7J0QwNIyv</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1692637710521962568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### BACKCOURT

[Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and [Georginho de Paula](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-brazilian-international-georginho/) are set to split most of the minutes at point guard. In his second season with Ulm, Nunez is a unique talent, a pass-first playmaker with outstanding one-on-one skills. The club went to the Brazilian market again to find de Paula, an all-around guard with great athleticism and surprising rebounding skills, which is a perfect fit for head coach [Anton Gavel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/gavel-anton?season=U2023)'s run-and-gun game. Seikou Sisoho Jawara is an intriguing prospect making his EuroCup debut, and [Maximilian Langenfeld](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/maximilian-langenfeld/012066/) is set to fight for playing time.

[Dakota Mathias](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-sharpshooter-dakota-mathias/) is Ulm's main addition at shooting guard with the well-rounded and reliable [Tommy Klepeisz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/thomas-klepeisz/010582/) as his backup. Mathias is a great shooter with unlimited range and good ballhandling skills. Ulm will rely on [Alex Anigbata](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-forward-prospect-alec-anigbata/) and [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) to grow during the season and enter the team's rotation.

Karim Jallow Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Karim Jallow, Ulm

### FRONTCOURT

[Robin Christen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/robin-christen/011188/) and [Karim Jallow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karim-jallow/005422/) should see most of the playing time at small forward. Christen is a tough defender and a three-point specialist. Jallow comes off a strong season and along with Christen and Klepeisz, is set to play a key veteran role despite being just 26. His explosiveness and physicality are key to his team's success. [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/) is an intriguing prospect, a versatile swingman with great speed and coordination.

Dominican national team forward [L.J. Figueroa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-athletic-forward-lj-figueroa/) offers versatility and physicality, help on the boards and the ability to score in many different ways. In his third season with Ulm, [Philipp Herkenhoff](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/philipp-herkenhoff/006997/) is a stretch power forward with a very high basketball IQ which he uses to find advantages on offense. [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-adds-size-with-trevion-williams/) arrives to be Ulm's main reference in the paint. He is a strong rebounder and a mobile big man. [Nicolas Bretzel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-bretzel/007952/) is back to offer post skills and a solid contribution in both paints.

Juan Nunez Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroCup highlights: Juan Nunez, Ulm

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Ulm is set to have an electric backcourt featuring Nunez and de Paula. At age 19, Nunez is one of the most interesting point guards in the continent who is starting for the mighty Spanish national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Nunez is a special talent who earned MVP honors at the 2022 U20 European Championships playing against opponents two years older than him. Earlier that year, he sat on Real Madrid's bench in the 2022 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. 

Nunez's passing skills and leadership set him apart, as well as his quick first step. He needs to improve his three-point shooting to become a complete player. Nunez shot 30.3% from downtown in the German League and 36.1% in the EuroCup last season. Practice makes perfect and Nunez has everything else needed to become a world-class guard: poise, character, talent and very special court vision.

### OUTLOOK

Ulm has made it to the EuroCup Quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons. Despite its many roster changes and a tougher regular season, Ulm remains ambitious and can be expected to challenge for EuroCup glory. It has a deep, young backcourt ready to run the floor, and more experienced frontcourt players looking to help in many different ways. It may be one of the youngest (if not the youngest) teams in the competition, but Ulm will play fun-to-watch basketball. If you look back in basketball history, when a young team has fun on the court, good things can happen.

The BKT EuroCup has been put on notice by the display of Joventut Badalona guard Andres Feliz at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Feliz erupted for 24 points to lead the Dominican Republic to an 82-87 victory over Italy on Sunday at Manila Araneta Coliseum that greatly increased his country's chances of reaching the second round.

Andres Feliz erupted for monster game in Manila

The BKT EuroCup has been put on notice by the display of Joventut Badalona guard [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Feliz erupted for 24 points to lead the Dominican Republic to an 82-87 victory over Italy on Sunday at Manila Araneta Coliseum that greatly increased his country's chances of reaching the second round.

Already widely-known as a great shooter and scorer, Feliz dominated with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead all players with a performance index rating of 28. Most impressive was Feliz's marksmanship from deep as he made 7 of 10 three-pointers.

The fact that Feliz's threes went down at such a high rate was not a major surprise, he was the EuroCup leader in three-point accuracy last season at 51.2%. What stood out was how often Feliz felt comfortable firing up shots from downtown.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Andres Feliz IMPARABLE 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/c1mrvTX4iY">pic.twitter.com/c1mrvTX4iY</a></p>&mdash; Selección de Baloncesto de la República Dominicana (@RDBSeleccion) <a href="https://twitter.com/RDBSeleccion/status/1695726318577754239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With Joventut last season, he never made more than 3 triples or attempted more than 6 in any EuroCup game. He shot less than half as many threes (43) as he did two-pointers (97) in 21 EuroCup games. In two games with the Dominican Republic in the Philippines, he has taken more than twice as many threes (16) as he has twos (7).

All the while, Feliz has maintained his incredible accuracy, making 57.1% of his two-point shots and 56.3% of his threes. To boot, he has averaged 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in leading his country to a 2-0 start in Group A.

Usually, when a scorer takes on a larger role, whether with club or country, his averages may go up, but the efficiency might take a dip. That has not been the case thus far with Feliz and if his play at this tournament is an indication of what is to come, the 26-year-old could be in for a monster campaign in his third EuroCup season with Joventut.