Panionios Athens celebrated its BKT EuroCup return with a thrilling comeback victory in overtime after losing a big lead to beat debutant NINERS Chemnitz 89-86 at home. The Greek side, which was playing in its first EuroCup game in 11 years and eight months, wasted a 17-point lead but managed to rally from 13 points down late in the third quarter. 

Panionios wins OT thriller in return thanks to Jaylen Hands's heroics 

Panionios Athens celebrated its BKT EuroCup return with a thrilling comeback victory in overtime after losing a big lead to beat debutant NINERS Chemnitz 89-86 at home. The Greek side, which was playing in its first EuroCup game in 11 years and eight months, wasted a 17-point lead but managed to rally from 13 points down late in the third quarter. 

Jaylen Hands buried two three-pointers in the final 34 seconds, including the game-winning triple with 6.4 seconds to go. Michalis Lountzis paced five Panionios players in double figures with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals while Giorgos Tsalmpouris had 15 points. Hands and Markel Starks both scored 11 points. For Chemnitz, Corey Davis scored 26 points and John Newman had 22 points.

Game Videos

Starks hit a three-pointer to open the scoring for the hosts and it was 5-0 when Newman drained a triple for Chemnitz’s first-ever EuroCup points. Lountzis was unstoppable early on with two triples among his 12 points for a 20-7 lead. Thanks to six triples, Panionios’ cushion extended to 17 points 30-13 after 10 minutes.

Davis knocked down three triples for the guests to pull within 34-26. Two Nate Watson dunks helped Panionios push the margin to 44-30. Chemnitz was unfazed and continued to get closer with a 5-15 surge to make it 49-45 at halftime.

Game News

Chemnitz scored the first basket of the second half and allowed only one basket in the first nearly 4 minutes but could only make it 51-49. Panionios was leading 53-49 when its offense went ice-cold, as Nike Sibande and Davis scored five points apiece in a 0-17 run over more than 5 minutes for a 53-66 Chemnitz advantage. And it was 57-66 after 30 minutes.

Tsalmpouris hit Panionios’s first five points and Hands buried a triple to finish the 9-0 start to the fourth quarter to tie the game 66-66. Chemnitz finally got on the board after 3 minutes for the next five points. Lountzis responded with six points and Starks’s three-pointer put the Greeks back ahead 75-73 with under 2 minutes to play. Lountzis added two free throws with 37 seconds left for a 77-73 cushion. Davis answered with a layup and then Yordan Minchev knotted the game 77-77 with two free throws with 4.0 seconds remaining. Both teams failed to convert and the game went to overtime.

Neither team could really get going in the extra session, with missed free throws and turnovers as both ends. Davis and Sibande converted layups for Chemnitz for an 81-85 lead with 76 seconds to play. Tsalmpouris followed with two free throws before Hands’s heroics. The guard tied the game with a three-pointer with 35 seconds to go and won it with a long, long triple with 6.4 seconds remaining.

The Greek team's guard hit the game-winner three-pointer with 6.4 seconds to play

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

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana enjoyed a sweet BKT EuroCup debut when it defeated visiting BAXI Manresa 76-69 at Arena Stozice on Wednesday evening. The hosts improved to 1-0 while the visitors start their debut campaign with a defeat.

Cedevita Olimpija gets past Manresa, 76-69

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana enjoyed a sweet BKT EuroCup debut when it defeated visiting BAXI Manresa 76-69 at Arena Stozice on Wednesday evening. The hosts improved to 1-0 while the visitors start their debut campaign with a defeat.

An 11-0 opening run allowed Cedevita to build a solid double-digit lead at halftime, 42-27, that went above 20 points in the second half. A late rally by Manresa cut the deficit to 5 points in the last period, but a three by Aleksej Nikolic with 27 seconds left secured the home win. 

Nikolic paced the winners with 17 points and 6 assists, Thomas Kennedy posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 boards, and Nikos Chougkaz added 10 and 9. Alex Reyes led Manresa with 16 points, Louis Olinde had 11, while Grant Golden and Hugo Benitez contributed 10 apiece for the losing side.

The hosts had a perfect start as they easily built an 11-0 lead in less than 3 minutes. Manresa couldn’t find momentum, struggling on offense while going 0 of 2 from the field and committing 3 turnovers. The visitors found some relief when Dani Perez and Reyes came off the bench, as they connected three times from downtown to make it 23-13. Cedevita held off Manresa's comeback attempt by using the free-throw line to perfection, closing the first period with a solid 29-18 advantage.

Although Olinde opened the quarter with an early three-pointer, the overall momentum remained unchanged. Kennedy extended the lead to 35-21 after 13 minutes by converting free throws. DJ Stewart contributed a three-point play, followed by additional free throws from Chougkaz, allowing Cedevita to maintain firm control at 40-25 midway through the second quarter. Manresa experienced a scoring drought lasting over five minutes, and by the time Olinde broke it with a basket inside, Cedevita held a commanding 42-27 advantage at halftime.

Manresa offensive woes continued after the break, as Jaka Blazic converted a corner three-pointer and Chougkaz completed a three-point play to extend the lead beyond 20 points at 48-27. Reyes provided some relief, with Golden assisting to narrow the deficit to 52-36. Steinbergs’s successful three-pointer offered Manresa additional momentum, and another interior basket from Golden brought the score to 54-43 after 17 minutes. However, further progress was curtailed by a pair of free throws from Skara and a timely three-pointer by Joseph Girard, which helped Cedevita enter the last stanza dominating 61-49.

Neither team established a consistent scoring rhythm early in the final quarter. Girard scored the only basket for Cedevita during this period, while Agustin Ubal and Retin Obasohan combined for 4 points, narrowing the gap to 63-53 with five minutes remaining. Olinde came big with a monster block, after which he made a three-pointer and Benitez added a layup to bring the score to 66-60 entering crunch time. Despite Umoja Gibson responding with a three-point shot, turnovers prevented Cedevita from securing the win sooner. Olinde cut the deficit to 69-64 with a strong slam, but Nikolic made a three-pointer with 27 seconds left to seal the outcome.

Aleksej Nikolic and Thomas Kennedy starred for the Lithuanian side

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v BAXI Manresa (2025-10-01T16:30:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul engineered a well-deserved 90-98 victory at U-BT Cluj-Napoca in both teams' opening round of the BKT EuroCup campaign after Malachi Flynn stood out for the visitors, who found an extra gear in the home stretch.

Strong finish sees Bahcesehir beat Cluj, 90-98

Bahcesehir College Istanbul engineered a well-deserved 90-98 victory at U-BT Cluj-Napoca in both teams' opening round of the BKT EuroCup campaign after Malachi Flynn stood out for the visitors, who found an extra gear in the home stretch.

Flynn poured a game-high 24 points for Bahcesehir and racked up 7 boards, while Hunter Hale added 16 points for the Turkish team which shot an impressive 13 of 26 from three-point range.

Ismet Akpinar netted 13 points for the visiting team and Kenan Sipahi added 11, including a clutch three-pointer which put his outfit in a commanding position in the fourth quarter.

At the other end, Fatts Russel led Cluj on 21 points. Iverson Molinar netted 20, Dusan Miletic amassed 17 and 7 boards while Mitch Creek posted 18 points for the home team, but the support cast was almost invisible as Bahcesehir prevailed thanks to a deep roster.

It was a rollercoaster for 35 minutes as the lead changed hands tome and again, with Cluj gaining the upper hand early on the back of fervent home support in a packed gym.

Creek led the way with 9 first-quarter points for Cluj while Hale netted as many and Flynn poured in 7 points for the visitors in the first quarter, as Bahcesehir turned the tide to lead 22-25 after the opening 10 minutes.

The teams were level 45-45 at halftime after a flurry of turnovers and steals at both ends, with Cluj nosing ahead 60-56 midway through the third quarter on the back of a 9-0 blitz, triggered by a technical foul which saw Bahcesehir’s Matthew Mitchell ejected.

However, the Turkish outfit grabbed a 71-76 lead at the start of the fourth and never looked back as Sipahi and Flynn hit big three-pointers in quick succession. The hosts fought hard to stay in touch and slashed the deficit to 84-86, but another pair of huge shots from downtown by Sipahi and the unstoppable Flynn put Bahcesehir out of sight in the home straight. 

The Turkish team also prevailed in the paint, having collected 17 boards apiece at both ends while Cluj only managed 6 offensive rebounds against a physical rival which thrived from its size advantage. Cluj was also reduced to 8 of 23 from downtown in the wake of aggressive Bahcesehir defense when the chips were down. 

The Turkish team got off the mark with a fine win in Romania thanks to a flowing team effort

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Lietkabelis Panevezys began its BKT EuroCup season on a high note, claiming a home win over Besiktas GAIN Istanbul 85-79 at Kalnapilio Arena. 

Lietkabelis secures surprise home win over Besiktas, 85-79

Lietkabelis Panevezys began its BKT EuroCup season on a high note, claiming a home win over Besiktas GAIN Istanbul 85-79 at Kalnapilio Arena. After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Lithuanian team made a strong statement to begin the new season.

Lietkabelis had multiple players step up as Augustine Rubit finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Kristian Kullamae scored 17 points and also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Paulius Danusevicius chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Besiktas was led by Jonah Matthews with 15 points, while Devon Dotson added 14 points and Anthony Brown contributed 12 points.

The first quarter started with Dotson opening the scoring for Besiktas, converting a layup and drawing a foul. Lietkabelis answered with Kullamae’s basket, making it 3-2. Ante Zizic then converted a layup plus the and-one free throw to tie the game at 10-10, marking his first EuroCup points. Besiktas attempted multiple three-pointers throughout the period but struggled with accuracy. Meanwhile, Lietkabelis connected on 3-of-5 triples and capitalized inside the paint to pull ahead late in the quarter, leading 22-14. Top contributors for Lietkabelis in the opening period included Lazar Mutic, Kullamae, and Rubit. Besiktas managed to trim the deficit slightly, closing the quarter at 22-19.

In the second quarter, Besiktas took control by attacking the paint and building momentum. Ismael Kamagate asserted a physical presence inside, dominating the paint on both ends. The team’s defense also pressured Lietkabelis into 6 turnovers. Lietkabelis stayed in the game thanks to Lavrinovicius’s three-pointer. Besiktas leaned on Dotson, Matthews, and Brown to push the ball inside, taking an 8-point lead into halftime, 43-35.

The third quarter opened with Ante Zizic’s dunk for Besiktas, pushing the margin to double digits at 35-45. Lietkabelis responded with a 15-0 run, fueled by Rubit’s dominance in the paint, taking a 50-45 lead. Dotson’s three-pointer ended the run, and Matthews’ contributions helped Besiktas close the quarter slightly ahead, 57-55.

Lietkabelis carried the momentum into the fourth quarter with hot perimeter shooting, hitting three straight triples to take a 66-61 lead. Strong performances from Kullamae and Rubit in the paint made an impact on both ends of the floor. Danusevicius’s triple extended the lead to 75-68, and Lietkabelis pulled further away with back-to-back shots, holding off Besiktas to claim its first win of the season.

Augustine Rubit played a key role in the win

Lietkabelis Panevezys v Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (2025-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg guard Osaro Rich suffered a radius fracture during Tuesday’s BKT EuroCup game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

Hamburg loses Osaro Rich to a broken wrist

Veolia Towers Hamburg guard Osaro Rich suffered a radius fracture during Tuesday’s BKT EuroCup game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. The injury occurred just before halftime after a successful basket, when he landed awkwardly on his right arm. Rich was immediately taken to the hospital, where the fracture was confirmed. Surgery is scheduled soon, and Rich is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Rich had been off to a strong start with 10 points in 7 minutes before the injury. This is his third EuroCup campaign with Hamburg. It’s the second early season loss for the team after Niklas Wimberg went down with a broken finger in training camp.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Gute Besserung, OJ! 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hamburg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/0RGvTSpFDb">https://t.co/0RGvTSpFDb</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1973358447904301257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Hamburg basketball news

The guard suffered the injury during Tuesday's BKT EuroCup opener  

All eyes were on Jaleen Smith heading into the opening night of the BKT EuroCup season. But by the final buzzer, it was another Smith – Mark Smith – who stole the spotlight.

Mark Smith outshined Jaleen in the Battle of the Smiths

All eyes were on [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) heading into the opening night of the BKT EuroCup season. But by the final buzzer, it was another Smith – [Mark Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mark-smith/013969/) – who stole the spotlight.

In what many expected to be a statement win for Jaleen Smith and his new-look Turk Telekom Ankara side, coached by 2022-23 EuroCup Coach of the Year Erdem Can, it was [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/) and Mark Smith who flipped the script.

Making his EuroCup debut, the 26-year-old guard was a steady, commanding presence throughout, guiding Ulm to a confident victory. Known for developing young prospects, Ulm has found a more seasoned gem in Smith, who made an immediate impact.

He finished the night with a game-high 23 points, along with 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, a 27 PIR, and a +22 plus/minus – the highest of any player across the four opening-night fixtures. Even when Ulm coach Ty Harrelson tried to manage his minutes, Smith’s influence was too valuable to keep off the court for long.

“He led us from the beginning,” Harrelson told EuroLeague TV. “He showed that we can take a lead and hold on to it. I thought he really had command of the game. It’s unfortunate with the foul situations... a couple of times we were up by 10 and I had to take him out, but we managed to hold on. I thought he was great.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Magic made by Mark ✨🧡<br><br>Mit 23 Punkten, 7 Assists &amp; einem PIR von 27 führt er uns zum Auswärtssieg in Ankara! 🙌<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/MdbxvqBCRi">pic.twitter.com/MdbxvqBCRi</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1973100459318526237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Smith started modestly, with just 3 points and 3 rebounds in the first quarter, but exploded in the second, pouring in 15 points to reach 18 by halftime. Although foul trouble limited his third-quarter impact, he still added another 5 points and 3 assists before eventually fouling out with 31 seconds to play. Fortunately, teammates [Chris Ledlum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/christopher-ledlum/013968/) and [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nelson-weidemann/006245/) held their nerve at the line to seal the win.

“We have a great team,” Smith said postgame. “They help make me better, and I try to make them better – make plays, get us going on offense. That’s all I try to do.”

On a night when Jaleen Smith was expected to shine, it was Mark Smith who delivered an MVP-level performance. If this debut is any indication, Ulm fans have plenty to look forward to with Smith leading the charge this season.

Turk Telekom Ankara v ratiopharm Ulm (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

If Round 1 is anything to go by, Aris Thessaloniki Betsson is going to be a problem in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season. You only have to look at Bryce Jones and Bryn Forbes to know why.

Bryce Jones, Bryn Forbes showed they mean business for Aris

If Round 1 is anything to go by, [Aris Thessaloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) is going to be a problem in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season. You only have to look at [Bryce Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryce-jones/012621/) and [Bryn Forbes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryn-forbes/013957/) to know why.

On the road at Umana Reyer Venice, the backcourt pair completed each other brilliantly as [Aris grabbed an 81-85 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/aris-roars-its-way-to-81-85-win-at-reyer/). Just one year ago, Aris also started its EuroCup campaign on the road at Reyer, but it fell to a 20-point defeat. In fact, new Aris head coach Bogdan Karaicic revealed something special in the postgame press conference.

“This is the first time that Aris won in Italy against an Italian team, so it gives some special meaning for Aris in this new beginning and new situation that we are in,” he said. “I will address the fans: we are building something, so don’t just us on our wins and losses. Judge us on our effort. The effort is going to be there for the whole season.

“This is the main thing that we are trying to build here – new character, new effort, and a new situation. Not wins and losses as a priority this season.”

That may be the case, but with Jones and Forbes combining to score 44 of Aris’s 85 points in Round 1, it is understandable that fans are starting to get excited. Jones, in particular, really showed his leadership on the court with a complete performance, not only scoring the ball with a career-high 26 points but grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing 6 assists, and making 1 steal. Forbes, meanwhile, netted 18 points in addition to recording 1 rebound and 2 steals.

“This was a huge road win. We needed this win,” Jones told EuroLeague TV after the game. “I’m just happy for my guys, that we fought together, came together and got the win.”

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EuroCup fans will remember seeing Jones impress for U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals as the team reached the quarterfinals, but he is coming off a season in which he led the ABA League in scoring Igokea. His confidence is sky-high and he knows that Aris is his team, yet he is determined to make sure his teammates continue to work hard in order to have a successful year.

“\[We need to focus on\] our daily habits, what it takes to get to this position. That’s just hard work and sacrifice. That’s all I know,” he said. “Me being a leader for this team, I’m trying to lead by example and be more vocal to help them understand that this is what it takes to win. It’s tough. It’s going to be hard, but this is more meaningful. Doing it for these fans is amazing.”

The many Aris supporters who made the trip to Venice will remember Tuesday night for a long time – and if Jones and Forbes maintain their Round 1 form, there could be plenty more nights like it ahead.

The Greek giant has a backcourt duo that will be the envy of many this season

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

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson recorded a statement win in Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by downing Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 on the road.

Aris roars its way to 81-85 win at Reyer

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson recorded a statement win in Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by downing Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 on the road.

Bryce Jones and Bryn Forbes combined for 44 of Aris’s points on the night, with the former scoring 26 points and the latter pouring in 18. It was an all-around performance by Jones as he also amassed 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. Ronnie Harrell, who returned to Aris this past summer, added 13 points and Stelios Poulianitis chipped in with 10. Reyer’s top scorer was Ky Bowman with 14 points, followed by Chris Horton with 13, and Kyle Wiltjer with 12.

Although Jones and Forbes helped give Aris a 3-7 lead early on, Jordan Parks and Wiltjer joined forces as part of a 9-0 run to give Reyer a 12-7 edge. Wiltjer helped push the lead to 17-9, but Aris responded through Steven Enoch, Harrell and Georgios Gkiouzelis before Forbes’s three cut the gap to two points, 21-19. A triple by Carl Wheatle and a free throw by Amedeo Tessitori gave Reyer a 27-20 advantage after 10 minutes.

Bowman put Reyer nine points ahead early in the second, 29-20, but Forbes, Harrell and Jones refused to go away, combining to make it 33-31. Although RJ Cole and Bowman gave the hosts breathing room at 38-31, Harrell netted 6 straight points to maintain the pressure, 38-37, and Poulianitis gave Aris its first lead since 3-7 at 38-39. At halftime, there was nothing to separate the teams as the score was knotted at 49-49.

The lead kept changing hands for the majority of the third frame, but it was Aris which finally led by more than one possession when Forbes’s triple put the guests 62-66 ahead with 2:21 remaining in the quarter. Jones and Enoch swelled the advantage to 62-70 before Parks’s three-pointer made it 65-70 heading into the fourth quarter.

There was an expected late charge from Reyer, yet Enoch and Poulianitis kept things comfortable at 68-76. Jones kept charging for Aris, too, fighting off the best efforts of Horton and Bowman to flip the script. The Aris guard netted 10 of his 26 points in the final quarter, with the last three putting the win on ice as split free throws before going coast to coast to score the final basket of the game.

Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 Aris Thessaloniki Betsson | Round 1 highlights

The Greek team’s fans really made their presence felt inside Palasport Taliercio

Back in the BKT EuroCup after a one-season break, Slask Wroclaw celebrated its return with a home win, beating Neptunas Klaipeda 95-85 in Round 1. Jakub Niziol and Kadre Gray stood out as two of the game’s impact players.

Kadre Gray, Jakub Niziol led Slask past Neptunas

Back in the BKT EuroCup after a one-season break, [Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/wro/) celebrated its return with a home win, [beating Neptunas Klaipeda 95-85](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/slask-starts-eurocup-season-with-victory-over-neptunas-95-85/) in Round 1. [Jakub Niziol](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jakub-niziol/005531/) and [Kadre Gray](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kadre-gray/013921/) stood out as two of the game’s impact players.

Polish guard Niziol played with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and a PIR of 26, while Gray added 21 points and 3 assists.

Niziol made his mark on the defensive glass, putting in significant effort on defense and helping Slask gain momentum. One of the key moments when the margin reached double digits for the first time came when Niziol grabbed his own rebound and converted it with a layup. 

Gray carried the offensive load, scoring 21 points and stepping up with crucial three-pointers in key moments. Both guards created opportunities for teammates, with Noah Kirkwood benefiting from their contributions. 

Despite committing 16 turnovers, Slask’s backcourt dominated offensively, compensating for the mistakes and securing the win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Tak możemy inaugurować każdy sezon 🤩<br><br>Pierwsze zwycięstwo w tegorocznym <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> wpada na nasze konto 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hej%C5%9Al%C4%85sk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HejŚląsk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoweOtwarcie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoweOtwarcie</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZvO2XZNpXz">pic.twitter.com/ZvO2XZNpXz</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1973100819168829531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the postgame interview, Niziol highlighted the team’s effort, saying: ‘‘I couldn’t imagine a better start. We got the win, that’s most important for us. The fans came out first game. The first half wasn’t perfect for us but we competed the whole 40 minutes. We made mistakes but we made it up with great effort and I’m glad we got the win.’’

In the press conference, Gray noted how the team’s chemistry contributed to the win: ‘‘Just from day one, all the guys coming in here, it just seems like our personalities all match each other. We are a young group, I have never been on a team where I am one of the oldest guys now. I’m just kinda embracing that leadership role. I’m hungry, I want to make the most of this opportunity, so I'm just using it to motivate the guys and put us in position to win.’’

The duo stood out for the Polish side in the opening round of the season

Slask Wroclaw v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-09-30T17:00:00.000Z)