Dreamland Gran Canaria: 2023-24 games to watch

The reigning BKT EuroCup champion returns to the competition with history in mind. Dreamland Gran Canaria will be aiming to become the first team ever to defend its title. Of course, getting there will not be far from a walk in the park. On contrary, teams in the EuroCup don't usually have a chance to play a reigning champion, so Gran Canaria will have a rocky road in Group B as it will be entering each game knowing the opponent has a bit of an extra motivation. Here are some of the game to pay attention to.

 

[Gran Canari's full regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/games/can/?season=2023-24)

 

[Round 1: Aris Thessaloniki vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-thessaloniki-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/9/#comparison)

### Start to a title defense

The title defense for Gran Canaria starts in northern Greece against a team whose army of fans will do anything to help get their favorite team's return to the competition on the right foot. Aris Thessaloniki is back in the EuroCup after a seven-year hiatus, and has never played Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, Gran Canaria enters this game on an eight-game winning streak and a road win in a tough environment in a season-opener would immediately confirm Gran Canaria's status as a team to beat this season.

Gran Canaria - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 8 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Round 9: Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2023/88/#comparison)

### Staying perfect against old rival

Both teams combine for 33 EuroCup seasons, and even when Gran Canaria qualified to the 2018-19 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Buducnost also made it to Europe's top competition as the Adriatic League champion. And while they split home wins that season in the EuroLeague, they have faced each other eight times in the EuroCup and Gran Canaria won all of them, however, needed overtime to beat Buducnost at home last season. With Buducnost not hiding its ambitions to finally earn a right to host a playoff game this season, this clash has all the makings of a highly important, must-watch game.

 

[Round 15: Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/147/#comparison)

### A rare EuroCup finals re-match

This season we are set to witness something that has never happened before in the competition, a re-match of the previous season's EuroCup Finals, and in Round 15, Gran Canaria and Turk Telekom Ankara both come back to the venue where they were battling it out for EuroCup crown this past May. It was clash in which Gran Canaria prevailed 71-67. With this game scheduled during the final stretch of the regular season, it will be a clash you will not want to miss.

Gran Canaria -Turk Telekom Ankara | Final Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

With the 2023 FIBA World Cup just a few days away, fans of both the EuroLeague and the EuroCup will be glad to know that many of their favorite players will be taking part in the tournament. In fact, across Europe's top two club basketball competitions, 77 players – 60 from the EuroLeague and 17 from the EuroCup – and three coaches will be in Manila, Philippines, for the World Cup.

Euroleague Basketball is at the heart of the 2023 FIBA World Cup

With the 2023 FIBA World Cup just a few days away, fans of both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup will be glad to know that many of their favorite players will be taking part in the tournament. In fact, across Europe's top two club basketball competitions, 85 players – 60 from the EuroLeague and 25 from the EuroCup – and three coaches will be in Manila, Philippines, for the World Cup.

Of those 85 players and three coaches, they cover 20 of the 32 nations competing at the World Cup, with these countries being: Angola, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, New Zealand, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

One of the fairy tale stories of the World Cup is no doubt going to be Cape Verde on its first-ever trip to the tournament, with Real Madrid center [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) having led the team there. Tavares is coming off another dominant season with Real, in which the club won its 11th EuroLeague title, and he will no doubt be keen to put on a show when he takes to the floor with Cape Verde.

Walter Tavares | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Some Euroleague Basketball clubs have more representation than others, too, with Spain and Greece leading the way with nine players apiece. Both Spain and Greece also have a EuroLeague head coach guiding the teams, with Virtus Segafredo Bologna's **Sergio Scariolo** in charge of the former and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's **Dimitris Itoudis** leading the way for his native Greece. When it comes to just EuroLeague players, France joins Spain and Greece in having eight players from Europe's premier club basketball competition.

### EuroLeague Basketball players at the FIBA World Cup

Below, these are the 85 Euroleague Basketball players and three coaches that will be taking part in the World Cup in Manila. (Final rosters may change before play begins on Friday, September 25.)

#### ANGOLA

- **Kevin Kokila** - Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse
- **Silvio De Sousa** - Aris Thessaloniki

#### BRAZIL

- **Yago Dos Santos** - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
- **Raul Neto** - Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
- **Bruno Caboclo** - Umana Reyer Venice
- **Georginho De Paula** - ratiopharm Ulm

#### CANADA

- **Kevin Pangos** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Kyle Alexander** - Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

#### CAPE VERDE

- **Walter Tavares** - Real Madrid

#### DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

- **Andres Feliz** - Joventut Badalona
- **L.J. Figueroa** - ratiopharm Ulm
- **Angel Delgado** - Besiktas Istanbul

#### FINLAND

- **Mikael Jantunen** - Paris Basketball

#### FRANCE

- **Terry Tarpey** - AS Monaco
- **Elie Okobo** - AS Monaco
- **Yakuba Ouattara** - AS Monaco
- **Sylvain Francisco** - FC Bayern Munich
- **Nando De Colo** - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
- **Moustapha Fall** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Mathias Lessort** - Panathinaikos Athens
- **Guerschon Yabusele** - Real Madrid
- **Isaia Cordinier** - Virtus Segafredo Bologna

#### GEORGIA

- **Tornike Shengelia** - Virtus Segafredo Bologna

#### GERMANY

- **Johannes Thiemann** - ALBA Berlin
- **Maodo Lo** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Johannes Voigtmann** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Isaac Bonga** - FC Bayern Munich
- **Andreas Obst** - FC Bayern Munich
- **Niels Giffey** - FC Bayern Munich
- **Justus Hollatz** - Anadolu Efes Istanbul

#### GREECE

- **Nikos Rogkavopoulos** - Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz
- **Georgios Papagiannis** - Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
- **Kostas Papanikolaou** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Thomas Walkup** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Giannoulis Larentzakis** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Michalis Lountzis** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Ioannis Papapetrou** - Panathinaikos Athens
- **Dinos Mitoglou** - Panathinaikos Athens
- **Dimitris Moraitis** - Panathinaikos Athens
- **Eleftherios Bochoridis** - Aris Thessaloniki
- **Dimitris Itoudis** (head coach) - Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

#### IRAN

- **Mohammad Amini** - AS Monaco

#### ITALY

- **Gabriele Procida** - ALBA Berlin
- **Matteo Spagnolo** - ALBA Berlin
- **Giampaolo Ricci** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Stefano Tonut** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Nicolo Melli** - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
- **Achille Polonara** - Virtus Segafredo Bologna
- **Alessandro Pajola** - Virtus Segafredo Bologna
- **Marco Spissu** - Umana Reyer Venice

#### LATVIA

- **Rolands Smits** - Zalgiris Kaunas
- **Andrejs Grazulis** - Dolomiti Energia Trento

#### LITHUANIA

- **Tomas Dimsa** - Zalgiris Kaunas
- **Donatas Motiejunas** - AS Monaco
- **Tadas Sedekerskis** - Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz
- **Rokas Jokubaitis** - FC Barcelona
- **Ignas Brazdeikis** - Zalgiris Kaunas
- **Deividas Sirvydis** - 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys
- **Gabrielius Maldunas** - 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys
- **Kazys Maksvytis** (head coach) - Zalgiris Kaunas

#### MONTENEGRO

- **Marko Simonovic** - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
- **Vladimir Mihailovic** - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica
- **Andrija Grbovic** - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica
- **Andrija Slavkovic** - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica
- **Aleksa Ilic** - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica
- **Petar Popovic** - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

#### NEW ZEALAND

- **Yanni Wetzell** - ALBA Berlin

#### PUERTO RICO

- **John Holland** - Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

#### SERBIA

- **Vanja Marinkovic** - Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz
- **Dejan Davidovac** - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
- **Marko Guduric** - Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
- **Nikola Milutinov** - Olympiacos Piraeus
- **Aleksa Avramovic** - Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade
- **Ognjen Dobric** - Virtus Segafredo Bologna

#### SLOVENIA

- **Ziga Samar** - ALBA Berlin
- **Mike Tobey** - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade
- **Jaka Blazic** - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana
- **Zoran Dragic** - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

#### SPAIN

- **Dario Brizuela** - FC Barcelona
- **Willy Hernangomez** - FC Barcelona
- **Joel Parra** - FC Barcelona
- **Alex Abrines** - FC Barcelona
- **Juancho Hernangomez** - Panathinaikos Athens
- **Rudy Fernandez** - Real Madrid
- **Sergio Llull** - Real Madrid
- **Victor Claver** - Valencia Basket
- **Juan Nunez** - ratiopharm Ulm
- **Sergio Scariolo** (head coach) - Virtus Segafredo Bologna

What's more, if you look at the World Cup rosters in general, there are a number of ex-EuroLeague and EuroCup players who are set to be among the star players in Manila. Some of the standout names in this regard are Slovenia's **Luka Doncic** (Real Madrid), Serbia's **Bogdan Bogdanovic** (Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul), Montenegro's **Nikola Vucevic** (Buducnost VOLI Podgorica), Lithuania's **Jonas Valanciunas** (Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius) and **Domantas Sabonis** (Unicaja Malaga), Italy's **Simone Fontecchio** (EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, ALBA Berlin, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz), Germany's **Franz Wagner** (ALBA Berlin) and France's **Rudy Gobert** (Cholet Basket).

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan guard Maodo Lo (Germany), Real Madrid's Walter Tavares (Cape Verde), FC Barcelona's Rokas Jokubaitis (Lithuania) and Milan forward Nicolo Melli (Italy) will all be playing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines.

Hapoel Sholomo Tel Aviv bolstered its frontcourt by inking center [Jeff Withey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeff-withey/008906/) to a one-year deal, the club announced Tuesday. Withey (2.13 meters, 33 years old) arrives from Surne Bilbao Basket, where he averaged 9.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 24 Spanish League games last season. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">הפועל שלמה ת&#39;&#39;א מודיעה על צירופו של הסנטר ג&#39;ף וויטי (33, 2.13). בשנתיים האחרונות שיחק וויטי בבילבאו מהליגה הספרדית, כשבעונה החולפת העמיד ממוצעים של 8.8 נקודות ויותר משישה ריבאונדים למשחק ב-19 דקות. קודם לכן בין היתר בעירוני נס ציונה שם קלע 14.1 נקודות יחד עם.9.9 ריבאונדים. בנוסף… <a href="https://t.co/9XjRIJFpGl">pic.twitter.com/9XjRIJFpGl</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1693959295694409731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Withey started his professional basketball career with New Orleans of the NBA, and also played for Utah and Dallas joining joining Tofas Bursa of Turkiye in the 2018-19 season. He made his BKT EuroCup debut that season, averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Withey has also played for Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona of Israel and Goyang Orions of South Korea before joining Bilbao in 2021. He has also been a member of the USA U18 national team and helped the University of Kansas reach the NCAA Tournament final in 2012. 

Hapoel signs center Jeff Withey

London Lions: 2023-24 games to watch

The London Lions come back for a second consecutive BKT EuroCup season after a debut campaign in 2022-23 which saw them fall in the eighthfinals. The British team underwent some pivotal roster changes in the off-season, but it retained key pieces like Sam Dekker or Luke Nelson, and will try to build from there with the new additions. The Lions will try to solidify their position in the EuroCup, even if they landed in [Group A](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/2023-24-bkt-eurocup-group-a-at-a-glance/) in the draw last july, which means a tough road lies ahead if they want to match their success from last season.

[London Lions full regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/london-lions/games/lli/?season=2023-24)

 

[Round 6: London Lions vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-joventut-badalona/U2023/54/#comparison)

### Eighthfinals rematch

In Round 6, the Lions will welcome Joventut Badalona - the team that ousted them in the eightfinals last season - to London. Joventut is always a candidate to go all the way in the EuroCup, and it was only stopped by eventual champ Dreamland Gran Canaria in semis last season. The visit of Joventut will surely be a big attraction for the London basketball fans and it comes with a little extra as the hosting team will try to make up for the loss of that first-ever encounter by both teams.

Joventut Badalona - London Lions | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Round 13: Paris Basketball vs. London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-london-lions/U2023/125/#comparison)

### Visiting city of lights

It will be a new edition of the capitals derby in Round 13 when the Lions travel to the city of lights to meet Paris Basketball. Last season, both teams were in their first EuroCup incursion and each managed to pull a road win. This regular season we will all be able to enjoy a couple more chapters in this rivalry that could go a long way in the EuroCup. London will try to repeat their road success from last season in the other biggest European capital.

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

[Round 16: London Lions vs. Besiktas Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-besiktas-istanbul/U2023/153/)

### Besiktas comes to town

When the regular season is in its final stretch, the Lions will be welcoming Besiktas Istanbul in their first encounter ever. The huge Turkish community in London will probably want to go see one of the most traditional Turkish sports institutions, so the hosts should expect almost a road atmosphere in their on home with this one. Besiktas is always a contender to anything it plays in, so the Lions will be right in expecting anything in this game, hopefully playing for big goals at this stage of the season.

Many teams from the BKT EuroCup have hit the ground running with the start of preseason practices and training camps this week. Among the many teams that have already got the ball rolling are newcomer Wolves Vilnius, Paris Basketball, Slask Wroclaw, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Veolia Hamburg Towers, Mincidelice Jl Bourg en Bresse, Aris Thessaloniki, Besiktas Istanbul, Joventut Badalona, Umana Reyer Venice, London Lions, last season's runner-up, Turk Telekom Ankara, and defending champions Dreamland Gran Canaria!

2023-24 BKT EuroCup preseason camps are underway!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔜 Esto empieza a 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗿. <a href="https://t.co/EVoOZjnezr">pic.twitter.com/EVoOZjnezr</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1691749135836193228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### The champs hit the hardwood

Gran Canaria, which has the rare opportunity to win a second consecutive EuroCup title, is off and running toward that goal. The reigning champs have started official practices, helped by seven players from the club's third-division squad, while Roko Prkacin, Nico Brussino and Jean Montero play with their respective national teams.

Head coach Jaka Lakovic already had his first press conference at Gran Canaria, saying: "We are happy to start, looking forward to it. I think we have to be very humble at the start of the preseason, knowing that we have to work very hard. We won't change a lot. The players we signed are smart and have played at a very high level. They join a group pf players who are already here and will help them adjust fast. I think we will be very versatile and smart on offense, which should give us a plus. On defense, we have to be very solid and also very smart."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back to work 🐺💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreWolves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreWolves</a> <a href="https://t.co/jgwsaO1di2">pic.twitter.com/jgwsaO1di2</a></p>&mdash; BC WOLVES (@wolves_bc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolves_bc/status/1691357450253828097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### From newcomers to regulars

Wolves, the only EuroCup newcomer this season, started to get ready on Tuesday. By that time, Paris had been doing workouts for a week. Indeed, Paris has already played a friendly exhibition game, walloping Spirou Charleroi 93-59 in its first game under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo as 20-year-old guard Nadir Hifi had 32 points in his debut with the team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Belle victoire de nos Parisiens 93-59 hier soir pour leur 1er match de préparation de la pré-saison ! <a href="https://twitter.com/NadirHifi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NadirHifi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyson_Ward24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tyson_Ward24</a> et <a href="https://twitter.com/BandjaSy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BandjaSy</a> dans le top 3 du scoring 💪👏 <br>Prochain RDV dimanche contre <a href="https://twitter.com/bcm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCM</a> ! 🏀 <a href="https://t.co/6PUpIRBMqA">pic.twitter.com/6PUpIRBMqA</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1692127356855427571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Once again, Slask was one of the first EuroCup teams to hit the hardwood, with newcomers Dusan Miletic and Jawun Evans showing that they are raring to go to work. Slask has its earliest friendly game scheduled against Stal Ostrow on August 22.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Dzień dobry, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a>! ☀<br><br>Dziś porozmawiamy z Dusanem Mileticiem. Chcielibyście o coś go zapytać? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/fyiXDttFSR">pic.twitter.com/fyiXDttFSR</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1691728230934352068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Former EuroCup star Roberts Stelmahers is back to the competition, coaching Lietkabelis, and his team is already getting ready for the new season. 

Meanwhile, Hamburg had its first team meeting on August 9, and plays its first preseason game on August 24. The team was treated [to a city tour and dinner on August 15](https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1691479870562258944) to start bonding right away.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Was für ein Teamevent in der schönsten Stadt der Welt! ☀️⛴️<br>Gudrun &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BarkassenMeyer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarkassenMeyer</a> haben uns gestern eine exklusive Tour von den Landungsbrücken bis nach Wilhelmsburg beschert. Im Anschluss hat uns das <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/W%C3%A4lderhaus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wälderhaus</a> im Inselpark mit einem köstlichen Dinner verwöhnt. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TowersFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TowersFamily</a> <a href="https://t.co/0EcQeyhuIL">pic.twitter.com/0EcQeyhuIL</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1691479870562258944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### London hosts Rooftop Rumble

London went one step further and already had a meeting with fans in an event called Rooftop Rumble in the British capital, setting an indoor basketball court on top of a building and inviting fans over to play with them.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The vibes! 🦁❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RooftopRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RooftopRumble</a> <a href="https://t.co/OFF9F6dnVe">pic.twitter.com/OFF9F6dnVe</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1691489442295427073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Cluj players were all smiles when they met for the first time on August 14. Jarell Eddie and Emanuel Cate had already played together in Spain. Aris and Besiktas are back in the competition for the first time since 2016, and both teams are already practicing and trying to gel as soon as possible. Joventut players underwent medical tests, and marquee signings Andrew Andrews and DeShaun Thomas are already in Badalona. Turk Telekom, last season's finalists, is back in action, too, as well as Reyer.

Some teams will be missing players who are with their national teams getting ready for the 2023 World Cup in the Philippines. After that, the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season is right around the corner!

London Lions found a new head coach in Petar Bozic, the club announced Thursday. Bozic, age 44, replaces Ryan Schmidt, who left London earlier this summer. He arrives from Austin of the G League, where he worked for the last six years, four an assistant coach and the last two as head coach. Prior to that, Bozic coached Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, where he also played for eight seasons, becoming the team's captain and winning 18 domestic titles. He was hired an assistant coach in January 2013, became Partizan's head coach before the start of the 2015-16 season, and was released in February 2016. 


London signs head coach Bozic 

London Lions found a new head coach in Petar Bozic, the club announced Thursday. Bozic, age 44, replaces Ryan Schmidt, who left London earlier this summer. He arrives from Austin of the G League, where he worked for the last six years, four an assistant coach and the last two as head coach. Prior to that, Bozic coached Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, where he also played for eight seasons, becoming the team's captain and winning 18 domestic titles. He was hired an assistant coach in January 2013, became Partizan's head coach before the start of the 2015-16 season, and was released in February 2016. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s official! ✍️🦁<br><br>Petar Božić is the new Head Coach of the London Lions!<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/Oq5QgXdarK">https://t.co/Oq5QgXdarK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://t.co/BYBWLChyPH">pic.twitter.com/BYBWLChyPH</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1692207073709240830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Bozic helped Austin win the G League title in 2018. He is set to make his BKT EuroCup coaching debut with London. "We are ecstatic to welcome Coach Bozic and his family to the London Lions. He is an individual who brings toughness and passion of his playing days right to the sideline," London general manager Brett Burman said. "Coach Bozic embodies all the characteristics we were searching for when identifying the next leader of our program. I can't wait to watch him raise the bar and take this group to new heights." 

London Lions found a new head coach in Petar Bozic

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys: 2023-24 games to watch

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys is set to start its sixth BKT EuroCup season, and has been to the competition in the last four years. It has been really solid recently, making it to the playoffs in each of the last two campaigns and getting the home-court advantage in the eighthfinals last season. Lietkabelis is ready for bigger goals and in order to achieve them, it needs to be successful in some likely key matchups along the way.

 

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys's [regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/games/lkb/?season=2023-24)

 

[Round 7:  7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/70/#comparison)

### Canak returns

It should be a really special night at Cido Arena. Nenad Canak returns to Panevezys, this time as Turk Telekom head coach. Canak led Lietkabelis to its current situation, coaching the team for the previous five seasons. Last season, Canak guided Lietkabelis to the EuroCup Eightfinals for the second consecutive season. He also helped his former team make it to the Lithuanian League finals in 2022. Expect Lietkabelis fans to welcome him back with a well-deserved standing ovation.

[Round 14: 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/140/#comparison)

In order to be one of the best teams in the competition, you need to do well against those who reached far in the 2022-23 season, and no other team did better than reigning champions Gran Canaria. It is its first visit to Cido Arena since 2016, and Lietkabelis usually plays well against Spanish teams at home, beating five of them in as many seasons. Given the fact that everyone has an extra motivation against the champions, Lietkabelis should be ready to give his team in a critical showdown late in the regular season.

 

[Round 18: U-BT Cluj-Napoja vs. 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/179/#comparison)

It is not going to be easy to rank sixth or better in any group, but Lietkabelis managed to do so in the last two seasons. Indeed, Lietkabelis ranked fifth in its regular season group in 2021-22, and was fourth last season. It may go down to its last game in Group A, against a team knows for its loyal fans able to sell out Bt-Arena on regular basis. Whether Lietkabelis is qualified or has chances to advance in Round 18, playing in front a strong atmosphere always helps the team's chemistry and prepares the team for bigger challenges.

U-Bt Cluj Napoca - 7Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys | Round 13 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

 Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv: 2023-24 games to watch 

Following a debut in which it rolled as far as the quarterfinals, [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/carousels/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/?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%22hta%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Hapoel%20Shlomo%20Tel%20Aviv) returns for its second BKT EuroCup season as a force to be reckoned with. Hapoel matched the second-best home mark of any team last season, 8-1, behind its devoted crowd at Shlomo Group Arena, but perhaps even more impressive was the support its fans brought on the road. With some great destinations to visit in [Group A](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/2023-24-bkt-eurocup-group-a-at-a-glance/) during the upcoming season, expect those fans to be pushing Hapoel at arenas near and far to rise even higher in its sophomore EuroCup campaign.

Check out [Hapoel's full schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/games/hta/?season=2023-24)  

[Round 3 vs. Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/23/#roster)

A high point of Hapoel's first EuroCup season was its [eighthfinals home victory against Reyer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/hapoel-vegan-friendly-tel-aviv-umana-reyer-venice/U2022/187/), which returns to Tel Aviv on October 17 in search of paybacks. It will be Hapoel's third straight home game to start the season and will help determine whether its dominance there is set to continue. This game will also be Hapoel's first chance to measure itself against another post-season participant from last season.

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv - Umana Reyer Venice | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Round 8 vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-joventut-badalona/U2023/75/#roster)

As many as eight returning players on Hapoel's roster will have this game circled on the calendar as a first chance to avenge their [quarterfinal defeat last season to Joventut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/joventut-badalona-hapoel-vegan-friendly-tel-aviv/U2022/192/#boxscore). Hapoel won each of the last three quarters in that game, but it wasn't enough to overcome a lopsided start in favor of Joventut, which has signed that game's best rebounder that night, Chinanu Onuaku, from Hapoel. Expect Hapoel to take the lesson from that season-ending night in Badalona to heart and come out ready to rumble in the rematch.

[Round 14 @ London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/132/#roster)

The [Group A](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/2023-24-bkt-eurocup-group-a-at-a-glance/) race will be in crunch time by the time Hapoel travels to the British capital for the second time in a row. Last time there, backed by [an amazing show from 1,500 of its own traveling fans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/1500-traveling-fans-help-hapoel-to-improbable-fourth-quarter-rally/), Hapoel pulled off a miraculous come-back victory, rallying from 14 points behind with 8 minutes left thanks to a 2-20 run. There is no doubt that having its fans there at Wembley Arena impacted not only the outcome but the playoffs race last season. No one will be surprised if the Hapoel hordes arrive in force with the same purpose in Round 14.

London Lions-Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv | Round 10 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

  Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv news

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv: 2023-24 games to watch

BKT EuroCup teams might have largely stocked their rosters by the early part of August, but a few teams remained busy announcing signings last week. Here is look at some of the most significant announcements EuroCup between August 7 and 14.

### Familiar faces return

Over the weekend, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica and Aris Thessaloniki each brought a fan favorite back to the team. [Buducnost signed veteran guard Vladimir Mihailovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/fan-favorite-mihailovic-returns-to-buducnost/), who returned to the club after almost a decade away. Mihailovic spent the last two years with a fellow Montenegrin rival Mornar Bar, and has missed the second part of last season with a pair of injuries, before which he averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in nine Adriatic League appearances. When he previously played with Buducnost from 2010 to 2014, he helped the team reach the EuroCup quarterfinals in 2012 and 2013, and also helped Buducnost win four Montenegrin League and three Montenegrin Cup titles.

Meanwhile, [Aris signed experienced shooter Eleftherios Bochoridis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/bochoridis-heads-back-to-aris/) for his third stint with the club. Bochoridis started his career with Aris, before leaving to play for Panathinaikos Athens in 2014. He already returned once to Aris and played with the team between 2017 and 2020, before once again leaving to join the Greens where he spent the past three seasons. Bochoridis has not played in the EuroCup since 2011-12 season, but will give the team much-needed experience. He is one of two players Aris signed last week, along with a 27-year old forward Ronnie Harrell, who is set to make his competition debut.

Eleftherios Bochoridis Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Eleftherios Bochoridis Top Plays of the 2022-23 Season

### Lietkabelis, Wolves add new faces

Aris is one of three teams that brought two players last week, with the others being Lithuanian sides 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, which signed a pair of EuroCup rookies, while Wolves Vilnius opted for more experience.

[Lietkabelis added firepower to its backcourt with guard Jon Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/lietkabelis-adds-firepower-with-jon-davis/), who impressed during his two-month late-season stint with a fellow Lithuanian side Juventus Utena last season, averaging 15.9 points, 3.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 13 Lithuanian League appearances. The first part of the season, Davis played with Mladost Zemun in Serbia, scoring 19.4 points along with 4.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the Serbian League action. [Lietkabelis also inked a versatile big man Alen Hadzibegovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/lietkabelis-adds-size-with-hadzibegovic/) who played with Zastal Zielona Gora in Poland last season, posting 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks in the Polish League action. Both Davis and Hadzibegovic will make their respective EuroCup debuts in the upcoming season.

Wolves Vilnius, getting ready to for their BKT EuroCup debut, opted for experience when they signed center Djordje Gagic on Wednesday. Gagic who split time between Blois Basket in France and Borac Cacak in his native Serbia last season. The big man is a veteran of two Turkish Airline EuroLeague seasons, both with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade between 2012 and 2014, and five EuroCup campaigns during which he appeared in 54 games. The last time he played in the competition, in 2020-21 in a jersey of Lietkabelis, Gagic averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Djordje Gagic's top plays of the 2021-22 season

After Gagic, the [Wolves added a key piece to the backcourt on Monday by bringing scorer Rasheed Sulaimon back to the EuroCup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/wolves-put-rasheed-sulaimon-in-the-backcourt/) after a one-year absence. Capable of playing on or off the ball, Sulaimon excelled in his sole previous EuroCup experience, with Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse two seasons back, putting up 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 18 games. As such, the EuroCup newcomers from Vilnius will play their debut with a couple of more practiced hands who know what it takes in the competition.

### More veterans under the rims

[Slask Wroclaw added size and experience to its frontcourt by signing power forward Saulius Kulvietis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/slask-adds-veteran-forward-kulvietis/) to a one-year contract. Kulvietis averaged 9.2 points on 40.0% three-point shooting, as well as 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists with Buyukcekmece in the Turkish League action last season. "He has a lot of experience from the best European leagues," Slask head coach Oliver Vidin said. "I think he will be one of the leaders, although not necessarily in terms of points scored, but more in terms of the way we want to play."

The similar is true with [Bandja Sy who joined Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/paris-brings-in-veteran-bandja-sy/). Sy is a veteran of six EuroCup seasons. In his 75 appearances, including 47 as a starter, he has averaged 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds. He is also a brother of Paris sports director Amara Sy. His signing completed Paris roster, the club announced.

### Roster completions

Paris is one of several teams that announced completed their rosters last week. [Trento has done it after signing Prentiss Hubb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/trento-completes-roster-with-prentiss-hubb/). He played with from German side Ludwigsburg last season, his first professional campaign, averaging 15.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 37 German League games, and had similar numbers in the Basketball Champions League action, posting 15.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

[Joventut announced its roster complete after signing teenage star Ruben Pray](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/joventut-signs-angt-star-ruben-prey-long-term/) to a five-year deal. Pray has shined at the Adidas Next Generation Tournaments over the past two years. This past spring, at ANGT Patras, Prey was the tournament MVP after guiding Joventut to the tournament crown.

Also announcing its final roster was ratiopharm Ulm. The reigning German League champs made their last signing on August 1, when they brought [sharpshooter Dakota Mathis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ulm-inks-sharpshooter-dakota-mathias/), and decided last week that was the final arrival for this summer.

Dreamland Gran Canaria: 2023-24 games to watch

Euroleague Basketball is at the heart of the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Hapoel signs center Jeff Withey

London Lions: 2023-24 games to watch

2023-24 BKT EuroCup preseason camps are underway!

London signs head coach Bozic

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys: 2023-24 games to watch

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv: 2023-24 games to watch

The Week in EuroCup signings