The staggering amount of times D. J. Stephens of Prometey Solobozhanske has appeared in the top plays of the week this season already puts him on the shortlist of the most spectacular players of the first 20 years of the 7DAYS EuroCup. Stephens, 32, regularly shocks EuroCup fans with his tremendous dunks and high-flying blocks. On top of that, he has averaged 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals for a PIR of 14.9. He is ninth in the competition in two-point shooting (72.0% 2FG) and has helped Prometey to first place in Group A (10-4) with four regular season games remaining. 

D. J. Stephens, Prometey: 'I have been blessed naturally'

The staggering amount of times [D. J. Stephens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dj-stephens/005982/) of Prometey Solobozhanske has appeared in the top plays of the week this season already puts him on the shortlist of the most spectacular players of the first 20 years of the 7DAYS EuroCup. Stephens, 32, regularly shocks EuroCup fans with his tremendous dunks and high-flying blocks. On top of that, he has averaged 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals for a PIR of 14.9. He is ninth in the competition in two-point shooting (72.0% 2FG) and has helped Prometey to first place in Group A (10-4) with four regular season games remaining.

Stephens said that he and his teammates feel the support from Ukrainian fans wherever they are. "When we go certain places and we play away games in these different countries and you see the Ukrainian flags that fans are waving in the arena, it kind of gives you a sense of support," he told [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com). "Even though sometimes there's not many people, but still just knowing that there's people there that stand with Ukraine and they support Ukraine, it feels special."

**Hello, D.J., congratulations on a great season. Prometey leads Group A over a lot of classic teams. What's been the key?**

"It's actually pretty interesting because we started off kind of rough and everybody was panicking a little bit, like we were a little bit on edge. We didn't really realize how young our team was, how much we had to grow and how much we had to learn because in pre-season, we were playing pretty well. We went to Turkiye, we beat Fenerbahce, Karsiyaka and quite a few other teams. We were playing really well. So when we started in the EuroCup, we won the first game and then we lost to Brescia by 30.

“So it was kind of like an eye-opener a little bit, but we just worked through it, tried to figure out like, what wasn't working, what was working, trying to figure out what our identity was as a team and our strengths. And pretty much our strengths are just trying to be really good and aggressive defensively and then trying to get out and play fast in transition and get quick, easy baskets and offensive rebounds... Playing this fast uptempo pace, it's tough for a lot of teams to keep up with this style of play because they are not used to playing it every night or practicing like this every day. So usually, if we are able to force our style of basketball on other teams, is tough for other teams to compete and get the wins."

"If we are able to force our style of basketball on other teams, it's tough for other teams to compete." 

**You are playing in the EuroCup for the first time since 2015. How do you find the competition and how much fun is it for you?** 

"It feels good to be back. It's actually kind of funny because two summers ago I was talking to my agent, Gerard Raventos, and I was saying, 'man, like, I haven't played in high-level European competition since I was with Zenit', and this was like my second year as a pro or whatever, and it would be nice to get back and be able to play in European competitions and play at a high level. So to be back here and last year being able to compete in Champions League and this year us being able to make that jump to EuroCup and being able to play and succeed at a high level, it feels pretty good." 

**Of course, we need to talk about dunks. What you are doing this season is unprecedented, being in the Top 10 pretty much every week. How much has to do with you going for it every time and the team for its fun playing style?** 

"They both kind of go hand in hand and feed off one another. Of course, with this fast-paced offense, there will be a lot of lob opportunities or fastbreak dunks, and it leads to opportunities for me to be able to showcase one of my main attributes and that's my athleticism. That's been a key thing that's helped me continue to be able to play at a high level all throughout my career, being this freakish athlete. And basically they match perfectly together."

**We have never seen anybody dunking at this level at age 32. What's the secret? How do you take care of your body and physical skills?** 

"I would say part of it is I have just been blessed naturally because I have never done anything special to be this athletic. It just was a part of my genetic makeup and over the years, I have, of course, like every other athlete has done, strength training and stuff like that just to keep my body strong and healthy. And of course, with the strength coaches like the guy that we have this year from Lithuania, Mantas \[Valciukatis\], he doesn't focus so much on me trying to do everything like heavy power, heavy loads and stuff like that. I am doing certain exercises that help add to my strengths, which are my quickness, my athleticism. So doing certain things with not necessarily always so much weight, but just with these explosive movements to emulate the certain things that I do in the game. And I feel like that helps me continue to play at a high level. It also helps me stay in tip-top shape as a basketball player. And of course, I do the normal things like stretching and trying to drink my water and do all my pre-game and pre-practice things that help keep my body mobile and limber." 

D. J. Stephens of Prometey Slobozhanske has been a human highlight reel. Sit back, relax and enjoy all of his dunks in the 7DAYS EuroCup this season.

D. J.  Stephens, Prometey: all of his dunks this season!

**Prometey plays most of its "home games" in Riga, Latvia, and we have seen groups of fans from Ukraine making their way to the games there and sometimes on the road. What has that meant to the players?**

"It definitely means a lot, especially when fans are able to travel and come and support and be a part of everything. And also, when we go certain places and we play away games in these different countries and you see the Ukrainian flags that fans are waving in the arena, it kind of gives you a sense of support, even though sometimes there's not many people, but still just knowing that there's people there that stand with Ukraine and they support Ukraine, it feels special." 

**You played in Ukraine for two seasons before the war. How did that impact your decision to sign with Prometey this season?**

"At first, it was a question of if the team was going to continue this year. Once I found out that information, then it was just a matter of were there certain things in place, to where the team would be able to be sustainable throughout the year regardless of the war going on back in Ukraine. If anything was to happen, would the team continue to function or would it do force majeure or cancel the season like it did last year. So once I got those cues to where everything will be fine and we would be able to continue to play the entire season regardless of what's going on, it gave me a lot of confidence. Plus, with me being here two years already, I feel comfortable with the club, I feel comfortable with the staff, I feel comfortable with my teammates. We had a huge season last year that got cut short because of the war, but we brought a lot of the pieces that we had last year back for this season, so I was curious what we could do this year. So I wanted to come back." 

"We are also playing for all the people back in Ukraine who are supporting and watching."

**You played in Greece, Turkey, the United States, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, France, the Dominican Republic and Bahrain, but never in the EuroLeague. What would it mean for you to win the EuroCup with Prometey and get to the EuroLeague?** 

"It would definitely mean a lot, considering the logistics of what we just talked about, being a team from Ukraine, but playing in a different country... For me, playing in Europe and being able to make it to the EuroLeague level, it would be special for me just because in the last few years I have made the climb and I have touched every level of European competition, and the last one that I haven't played in is EuroLeague. I played with Efes for a short stint, but I didn't have a chance to play in the EuroLeague games, I got there right after their EuroLeague season ended.

"I remember my first year when I was playing in Greece, after practices, we would go, me and a couple of my teammates, and they'd have the EuroLeague games playing on the TV at the restaurants and all the Greek fans being there excited if there was an Olympiacos or Panathinaikos game. Just the fan support behind that and how entire countries rally behind their EuroLeague teams, and how much fan support and how big and how high the level is in EuroLeague... It would be special to be a part of that. Also, it would definitely be a crazy finish to a season. With a club that is this young, to be able to have that amount of success that fast, it would be really, really special."

If they didn't know it already, Germani Brescia fans saw in the Italian Cup that C.J. Massinburg can thrive in big games. And that’s something the 7DAYS EuroCup rookie has shown throughout his career. 

Brescia’s Massinburg is built for clutch moments

If they didn't know it already, Germani Brescia fans saw in the Italian Cup that [C.J. Massinburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/cj-massinburg/011821/) can thrive in big games. And that’s something the 7DAYS EuroCup rookie has shown throughout his career. 

Massinburg played a major role in Brescia knocking off two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams en route to winning the 2023 Italian Cup crown - the first such title in club history. 

"It feels good to have our names written down in history. This is the first cup that Brescia has won. I’m honored to be a part of it. We worked really hard and it was a tough route, beating two EuroLeague teams, and I think we really deserved it," the guard said. 

Brescia started the Italian Cup with a major upset as the eighth-seeded team knocked off top-seeded EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 75-72. Massinburg led Brescia in scoring with 16 points, and he said his team felt overlooked, especially after Brescia lost 78-77 to Milan in the first game of the season in the Italian League. 

"Nobody picked us to win the \[cup\] game. We had that as fuel and the confidence from the first close game and then we were able to get it done. It felt good," the 25-year-old said. 

The best plays from C.J. Massinburg in the EuroCup

The best of C.J. Massinburg in the EuroCup

Brescia followed that with a 74-57 victory over Pesaro - with Massinburg collecting 13 points and 8 rebounds - and then the underdogs finished the job with an 84-76 triumph over Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the title game. 

All the more impressive is that Brescia managed the run despite having lost its last six games in the Italian League going into the Italian Cup. But the title was the result of the team looking each other in the face during the losing streak and asking themselves what they wanted to accomplish. 

"Hard times are either going to make you or break you. We went through adversity and stayed together and we were able to get something good,” said Massinburg, who chipped in 9 points and 2 rebounds in the win over Virtus. 

Winning big games is nothing new for Massinburg though. Back in college at the State University of New York at Buffalo, he helped the 13th-seeded Bulls upset No. 4 seed University of Arizona in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament - the school’s first win in NCAA history. Massinburg scored 19 points that night. 

The 2018-19 season included regular-season victories over bigger-name colleges including West Virginia and Syracuse and culminated with another first-round NCAA victory. Massinburg poured in 18 points in a 91-74 win over Arizona State. Buffalo would lose in the second round to Texas Tech but those two victories remain the only two in Buffalo’s NCAA history. 

"It brings out the best in players when the stakes are high: do-or-die, win or go home. You gotta bring your best."

"I am kind of used to big wins. I really like those games. It brings out the best in players when the stakes are high: do-or-die, win or go home. You gotta bring your best game. You gotta be fearless in those games. Some people get a little tight in those games and are scared of the moment. But I am a very religious person and I just try to have faith and go out there fearless and it usually works out for me," said Massinburg.

The Dallas, Texas, native also shined at The Basketball Tournament (TBT), an annual single-elimination tournament in the United States in the summer with features a winner-take-all prize of 1 million dollars for the team. Massinburg and a team comprised of predominantly Buffalo alumni reached the TBT semifinals in 2021 and then ran the table to the TBT title in 2022 with Massinburg also taking home the MVP trophy. 

Knowing his own history of rising to big games and the fact that Brescia took down two EuroLeague teams to win the Italian Cup, Massinburg said the team has ultimate confidence as it nears the EuroCup Playoffs and its similar single-elimination style. 

"I like our chances in a single elimination game. I think it brings the best out of this team, specifically. We had the Italian Cup and the way that our team was able to focus and really dig deep that gave us a lot of confidence and I really like our chances," Massinburg said.

With five open playoff berths in Group A with just four games left in the regular season, Round 15 looms as a potential turning point in the race as most teams return to the 7DAYS EuroCup action for the first time in weeks. Here's what to watch for on Tuesday and Wednesday.

### [Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Promitheas Patras](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/turk-telekom-ankara-promitheas-patras/U2022/146/)

In a Group B clash with great impact on a battle for home-court playoff advantage, Turk Telekom (10-4) hosts Promitheas (9-5) in the Round 15 opener on Tuesday. A win would give second-place Turk Telekom a sweep of Promitheas. Both teams were in good rhythm before the break. Promitheas has won its last three games, and Turk Telekom its last two.

Promitheas Patras - Turk Telekom Ankara | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/buducnost-voli-podgorica-hapoel-vegan-friendly-tel-aviv/U2022/149/)

In a Group B game with high stakes, Buducnost (8-6) plays host to Hapoel (10-4) on Tuesday. It could be the last chance for Buducnost to get back into the race for home-court advantage in the playoffs as it will try to beat Hapoel for the second time this season, having won 64-70 in their clash in Tel Aviv in Round 6. However, Hapoel arrives to Podgorica as the winner of seven straight. The visitors own the competition's best offense, averaging 87.9 points and 21.7 assists, both first-ranked this season.

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv - Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Frutti Extra Bursaspor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/u-bt-cluj-napoca-frutti-extra-bursaspor/U2022/143/)

Last year's finalist Bursaspor (7-7) will try to book its return to the EuroCup Playoffs when it visits Cluj (4-10) in Group A on Wednesday. A victory by Bursaspor would punch its playoff ticket and could end up eliminating Cluj, too. If Cluj wins, though, its slim playoff chances would remain alive. Their Round 6 game finished with Bursaspor winning by 15 points, and if it can turn the tables, Cluj would love to be able to win by more than that.

Frutti Extra Bursaspor - U-BT Cluj-Napoca | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Slask Wroclaw vs. London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/slask-wroclaw-london-lions/U2022/147/)

Slask (1-3) will try to end its five-game losing streak and keep its long-shot playoff hopes alive when it welcomes already-qualified London (6-8) to town. All-but-eliminated Slask has a new head coach, Ertugrul Erdogan, but has no room for error and might see its playoff hopes end even with a victory on Wednesday. The already-qualified seventh-place visitors might not have much riding on this game, but would certainly want to add to their winning tally.

London Lions - Slask Wroclaw | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/veolia-towers-hamburg-paris-basketball/U2022/148/)

Hamburg (4-10) will try to get back to winning ways when they welcome Paris (9-5) on Wednesday. Hamburg has lost six of its last seven games, including its last three at home. While a win would inch Hamburg closer to the final playoff spot in Group B, already-qualified Paris is aiming for one of the top four places in the group. Their Round 6 meeting was a tight one, with Paris holding on for an 87-84 win as Ismael Kamagate pulled down 19 rebounds and earned the MVP of the Round honor with a PIR of 41.

Paris Basketball - Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [ratiopharm Ulm vs. Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/ratiopharm-ulm-prometey-slobozhanske/U2022/145/)

First-place Prometey (10-4) will puts its seven-game winning streak on the line with a visit to Ulm (8-5) on Wednesday night. While Prometey will try to stay atop of the standings, Ulm would qualify for the playoffs with a win. Ulm can also qualify if Cluj loses earlier on Wednesday. These two played a highly entertaining showdown at Zalgirio Arena in Round 6 in which Ulm held on for a 105-106 win. 

Prometey Slobozhanske - ratiopharm Ulm | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-joventut-badalona/U2022/144/)

Bourg (8-6) will try to put an end to its three-game losing streak when it hosts Joventut (9-5) on Wednesday. Bourg pulled out an 80-85 upset win in Badalona earlier this season, and a sweep would give it an edge over Joventut, which enters this game in second place in Group A. Bourg is the EuroCup leader in three-point accuracy (40.7%) and will need it in this one against Joventut's sturdy defense.

Joventut Badalona - Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Umana Reyer Venice vs. Germani Brescia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/umana-reyer-venice-germani-brescia/U2022/142/)

In an all-Italian affair, Reyer (7-7) hosts Brescia (7-7) on Wednesday night. The winner of this game will book a place in the playoffs, while each team also has a chance to qualify if Cluj loses earlier on Wednesday, too. Reyer beat Brescia 60-80 when they met in Round 6 and also won their Italian League clash earlier this season. Reyer is 3-0 all-time against Brescia in EuroCup games. 

Germani Brescia - Umana Reyer Venice | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2022/141/)

Last-place Cedevita (3-11) will try to keep its EuroCup season alive when it hosts Lietkabelis (7-7) on Wednesday in the Slovenian capital. Lietkabelis, the winner of its last three games, would qualify for the playoffs with another victory, while eliminating Cedevita in the process. The hosts, on the other hand, would need to win by at least 6 points, the margin of their loss against Lietkabelis earlier this season, to retain their own mathematical chances of reaching the playoffs.

7-Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### [Gran Canaria vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2022-23/gran-canaria-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2022/150/)

Gran Canaria (11-3) will try to retain the best record in the competition when it hosts Trento (2-12) in their Group B clash to close Round 15 on Wednesday. Gran Canaria is perfect 6-0 at home this season. Another win there would bring them closer to earning home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Trento has lost 21 consecutive road games, a streak that dates back to November 2020.

Dolomiti Energia Trento - Gran Canaria | Round 6 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Round 15: Playoff berths could fill up quickly

Gran Canaria v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-03-08T20:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv (2023-03-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Paris Basketball (2023-03-08T18:30:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v London Lions (2023-03-08T17:45:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Promitheas Patras (2023-03-07T17:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Prometey Slobozhanske (2023-03-08T18:30:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Joventut Badalona (2023-03-08T18:30:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Frutti Extra Bursaspor (2023-03-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Germani Brescia (2023-03-08T19:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-03-08T19:00:00.000Z)

Following the tragic consequences of the earthquakes that have affected southeast Turkiye and neighboring Syria, which tragically took the lives of his grandmother and cousin, Ahmet Duverioglu has parted ways with Frutti Extra Bursaspor and decided to stop playing basketball for now.

 After losing family to earthquakes, Ahmet Duverioglu leaves Bursaspor 

Following the tragic consequences of the earthquakes that have affected southeast Turkiye and neighboring Syria, which tragically took the lives of his grandmother and cousin, [Ahmet Duverioglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ahmet-duverioglu/006399/) has parted ways with Frutti Extra Bursaspor and decided to stop playing basketball for now. 

Duverioglu, a former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion, made the announcement on Friday, the day before his 30th birthday.

"I am happy to get to know you all. Due to the situation I am in, I need to find myself for a while. I had bad days for reasons beyond my control. I wish you success for the rest of the season," Duverioglu said in a video message. "I love you all. I hope we can meet again in the future."

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Teşekkürler 💚 Ahmet Düverioğlu <br><br>Profesyonel sporcumuz Ahmet Düverioğlu ile karşılıklı anlaşarak yollarımızı ayırmış bulunuyoruz. <br>Bugüne kadarki katkılarından dolayı kendisine teşekkür eder, kariyerinde başarılar dileriz. <a href="https://t.co/d7kndTKa2p">pic.twitter.com/d7kndTKa2p</a></p>&mdash; Frutti Extra Bursaspor (@BsBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BsBasketbol/status/1631676000521134080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Duverioglu, who won the EuroLeague title as a key contributor for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in 2017, was in his first 7DAYS EuroCup season with Bursaspor. In 12 EuroCup games this season, he averaged 6.9 points on 68.1% two-point shooting and 5.2 rebounds. In 142 careeer EuroLeague games over seven seasons, the last six with Fenerbahce, he averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 67.9% inside the arc, ranking fourth all-time for career two-point efficiency.

After losing family to earthquakes, Ahmet Duverioglu leaves Bursaspor

Most people do not think about basketball when Cuba is mentioned. Karel Guzman is doing his best to change that with his performances in the 7DAYS EuroCup with U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Cluj’s Guzman helping put Cuban on the basketball map

Most people do not think about basketball when Cuba is mentioned. [Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/) is doing his best to change that with his performances in the 7DAYS EuroCup with U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Guzman has been one of the leading players for Cluj in its debut EuroCup season. The 28-year-old has averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals for an index rating of 12.5. 

"I am very happy since it was one of my goals to play in the EuroCup since we all know that this competition has a very high level,” said Guzman, who hails from the Cuban capital of Havana. 

Guzman is spending his third season in Europe - all of them with the Romanian club. And he helped Cluj win the Romanian League and Super Cup double in 2021 and 2022. 

“I wanted to test myself at this level. Cluj was the only team that gave me the opportunity and I will always be grateful to them,” he added.

Guzman is not the only Cuban winning hardware in Europe. Fellow Havana native Jasiel Rivero won the Basketball Champions League twice with San Pablo Burgos and is playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Valencia Basket, while Howard Sant-Roos won the EuroCup with Darussfaka Istanbul in 2018, the 2019 Intercontinental Cup with AEK Athens and also played two and a half seasons in the EuroLeague with CSKA Moscow and Panathinaikos Athens. There is also Javier Justiz, who played from 2018-19 to 2020-21 with Spain's Casademont Zaragoza before getting injured. And Yorman Polas Bartolo plays for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany

Highlights of Cluj's Karel Guzman in the EuroCup

"Those titles have been the result of a long and hard sacrifice that we have made to obtain them. It goes without saying that they are also a motivation for me to convince myself that nothing is impossible,” he said.

Guzman admitted he doesn’t really know the 32-year-old Sant Roos or 37-year-old Bartolo. But he talks a lot to Rivero and Justiz, who are 29 and 30, respectively. 

"When we talked, we always talked about doing the impossible to put Cuban basketball on the map and to keep climbing levels in Europe," Guzman said. 

Just like Rivero and Justiz, Guzman left Cuba for South America to start his journey, starting at age 22 in the Argentinian second division for Juninense in the 2017-18 season before moving up to top-flight side Olimpico de La Banda. 

"For me, it was an opportunity, a step forward in my career. Professionally I felt ready for this kind of change and I also knew that economically I would be able to earn more and to help my family," Guzman said. 

He stayed there for two more seasons before leaving for Europe - just like Rivero and Justiz who left Argentina for Burgos in 2019 and Zaragoza in 2018, respectively. 

Guzman is proud that people back home see him as a role model.

"It means a lot to me when young athletes from another generation see me as an example to follow. It means that I am a pure example of sacrifice, willpower and dedication to the work and the sport that we love. If I could do it, why not them?" he said. 

Guzman already sees the level of Cuban basketball rising. He has been playing for the national team since 2014 and even though the team went 0-6 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers, Cuba performed well.

The biggest highlight was leading against the United States by 11 points late in the first quarter on November 28, 2021, and it was tied with 3 minutes left before eventually losing 95-90.

"That game was the best and the one I enjoyed the most with the national team because it's no secret that the United States national team always beats us by more than 50 points in all the previous games we had. Playing in that way and achieving that final result showed us that we are on the right track," said Guzman, who had 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in that game.

Cuba also was tied early in the fourth quarter in the game in Puerto Rico before losing 69-60 and led at home over Puerto Rico with 5 minutes to play in a 65-62 defeat. 

"The results and the change we have achieved say it all. When I started playing for the national team, all those teams used to beat us by a minimum of 40 points, and seeing that now anyone on the court can win against them is a personal pride of how we have been able to improve the level of the Cuban basketball national team in one way or another."

One further highlight for Guzman came in the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League last season when Cluj ousted Ludwigsburg 2-1 to reach the Final Four. It was a chance for Guzman to play against his compatriot Bartolo.

"I don't have many opportunities to play against another Cuban here in Europe as Americans do… That's why I think it was incredible to see how the two of us fought professionally for victory on the court, and I hope to have that opportunity again with him or with other players," he concluded. 

Karel Guzman is definitely helping put Cuba on the world basketball map. 

Cluj’s Guzman helping put Cuba on the basketball map

Frutti Extra Bursaspor made the most of its solid shooting night to grab its first win in four 7DAYS EuroCup games, beating Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, 92-82, at Tofas Spor Salonu on Thursday.

Bursaspor showcased shooting prowess to power past Bourg

Frutti Extra Bursaspor made the most of its solid shooting night to grab its first win in four 7DAYS EuroCup games, beating Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, 92-82, at Tofas Spor Salonu on Thursday.

The host were an impressive 19-for-19 (100.0%) from the free-throw line in what was the best perfect night this season and joint ninth-best in EuroCup history. Germani Brescia and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica had previously shot 14-for-14 (100.0%) against Bourg in Round 13 and Veolia Towers Hamburg in Round 10, respectively.

Meanwhile, Bursaspor’s 60.7% on two-point shooting was its second-best tally this season, as the host missed only 9 of their 28 two-pointers. Zach Auguste was particularly impressive in the paint, as he scored 17 points, including 8-for-9 shooting from two-point range.

Game News

Head coach Dusan Alimpijevic’s team was solid behind the arc too, as Bursaspor matched its second-best total of 13 three-pointers made with its fourth-finest percentage in three-pointers (40.6%) on Thursday. The only game Bursaspor managed to make more triples was in its 111-93 win over Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in Round 10, when it went 18-for-35 (51.4 %) from three-point land.

Its shooting prowess on Thursday helped Bursaspor sweep Bourg for an important victory on home soil, taking into account that this was its first official game in a month following the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Its next EuroCup duel is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, when Bursaspor will face ninth-placed U-BT Cluj-Napoca on the road.

Game Videos

Frutti Extra Bursaspor v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2023-03-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Frutti Extra Bursaspor returned to 7DAYS EuroCup action in a rescheduled Round 14 game, recording an 92-82 home win over Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. The hosts improved to 7-7 to get closer to Bourg's 8-6 and got back to winning ways after having registered three defeats in a row. Onuralp Bitim scored 19 points, while Zach Auguste recorded a double-double, pairing his 17 points with 10 rebounds. Derek Needham netted 16 points and Anthony Clemmons finished with 13. As for Bourg, Hugo Benitez scored 14 points and Pierre Pelos added 12.

 Bursaspor downs Bourg to end three-game skid 

Frutti Extra Bursaspor returned to 7DAYS EuroCup action in a rescheduled Round 14 game, recording an 92-82 home win over Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. The hosts improved to 7-7 to get closer to Bourg's 8-6 and got back to winning ways after having registered three defeats in a row. Thursday's duel was previously postponed in the wake of the tragic earthquake in Turkiye and Syria. It is an important victory for Bursaspor, who swept Bourg 2-0 with five games to go after also having grabbed an 80-89 road win back in November.

Bursasport secured the victory by winning three of the four quarters. Onuralp Bitim scored 19 points, while Zach Auguste recorded a double-double, pairing his 17 points with 10 rebounds. Derek Needham netted 16 points and Anthony Clemmons finished with 13. As for Bourg, Hugo Benitez scored 14 points and Pierre Pelos added 12, while Amida Brimah tallied 7 points and 8 rebounds.

The game was tight in the opening stages, with Bitim scoring 10 of his team's first 24 points. Bourg led 18-23 with 50 seconds to go in the first quarter, but Bitim made 3 free throws and and Yigitcan Saybir sank a three-pointer to turn the game around, 24-23, after 10 minutes. Benitez scored 8 of his 14 points in the second quarter, but Bursaspor tallied 27 points to secure a seven-point lead, 51-44 after Needham netted a two-pointer just before the break. After halftime, Axel Julien trimmed the deficit down to 55-53 and Amida Brimah added another basket to forge a 55-55 tie, but Bursspor bounced back to take a double-digit lead for the first time in the game, 72-62, as Aubrey Dawkins scored from behind the arc. Bourg pushed for a comeback in the last quarter, but a clinical Bitim recorded 7 points after going scoreless in the third quarter and Auguste added another 9 to put the game to bed for Bursaspor.

Bursaspor downs Bourg to end three-game skid

 Zach Auguste, Bursaspor: 'The win is a great message' 

### Bursaspor head coach Dusan Alimpijevic

"First of all, we have to say that it is very difficult to talk about sport and basketball right now when the country is in this situation. But unfortunately this is the bad side of life. Whatever happens somehow we have to find a way to continue after this big tragedy for the country. It was really difficult to play this game. It was emotional, it was different and, for sure, no one from our side in the league had a break of one month like us. To be honest I expected a game like this. I expected a game without a clear dynamic or flow in our offense even though we scored 92 points. Also, defensively we are still looking for each other in some situations and this is a normal thing after almost one month without any games. So I have to congratulate my players for this game and for this win, because this is a really precious win for us, our club, our community and surely for the country. I have to say big thanks to our fans who were unbelievable for another time and led us to that win. Last thing, which for me is very important. I know that we lost a little bit of our habits coming into this game after the break and this is normal. But I also know that for these habits to come back we need time."

### Bourg head coach Frederic Fauthoux

"Of course, we are disappointed because we lost, but we wouldn't deserve this victory, as Bursaspor played better than us. In the first half, they scored 51 points; this is too much for this level. After that, we had a good reaction in the second half, but we missed little details, like freethrows for example. We missed 8 free throws. At this level the little detail is very important, but Bursaspor deserved the victory."

### Bursaspor player Zach Auguste

"This is really important for us not just as a team but for the country of Turkey. We suffered a lot. It \[the earthquake\] was a very tragic moment for everybody, so we want to dedicate this win to our fans, supporters and everybody. The win is a great message. We are trying to make a big run in the second half \[of the season\], so we want to stay focused and continue winning."

Zach Auguste, Bursaspor: 'The win is a great message'

Impact moves in Group B

All teams open the season with a roster they hope can go all the way. At some point, the time comes to reevaluate. It may be because there are injuries. Perhaps something isn't working and there is a need to make changes. Or, perhaps, teams begin to smell an opportunity to make history and go all in.

With the deadline for making roster changes this season now in the past, here's a look back at the midseason moves that have had the most impact on teams in Group B and may continue to pay dividends into the playoffs.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica took a step forward by signing experienced scorer [Erick Green](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/erick-green/005159/), who has truly delivered since his arrival, averaging 17.4 points on 47.8% three-point shooting and a PIR of 14.8. Not only does Green give Buducnost the backcourt threat it needed, but the club also signed former EuroCup champion [Jaleel O'Brien](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaleel-o-brien/009558/) (9.6 ppg.) at forward and [Manu Lecomte](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/emmanuel-lecomte/003875/) at point guard. Lecomte is set to make his EuroCup debut in Round 15 and has added even more depth to the Buducnost backcourt.

Joe Thomasson has quickly become one of Promitheas Patras's main pillars, averaging 13.4 points in 5 games.

Thomasson arrives to lead Promitheas

Promitheas Patras needed a scorer after Joe Young's departure and found one in [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/), who has quickly adjusted to the role. Thomasson has averaged 13.4 points in five games and his numbers have improved to 19.5 points in the last couple of games. He has led Promitheas on a three-game winning streak that helped the team clinch a playoff spot.

Veolia Towers Hamburg signed [Anthony Polite](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-polite/011937/) from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Polite has made an instant impact by averaging 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and a PIR of 15.8 in four games.

Erick Green of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica is averaging 17.4 points on 47.8% three-point shooting and a PIR of 14.8 since he joined the team in early January.

Green joins Buducnost, fills the nets

[Michael Eric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/michael-eric/007360/) arrived to bolster Turk Telekom Ankara's frontcourt. A EuroCup champion with Darussafaka Istanbul in 2018, Eric is a strong defensive player with polished post moves. EuroCup newcomers Paris Basketball and London Lions, which have also reached the playoffs from Group B, added [Mael Hamon-Crespin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mael-hamon-crespin/010802/) and [Jonathan Komagum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonathan-komagum/012303/), respectively.

Slask Wroclaw has made the most moves in the entire EuroCup in 2023 by bringing in three new players as well as registering the injured Jakub Karolak and up-and-coming talent Kuba Pisla before the deadline. Slask signed three-point threat Vasa Pusica, forward D.J. Mitchell and big man [Serhii Pavlov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/serhii-pavlov/012200/). Mitchell and Pusica are set to make their respective EuroCups debut in Round 15 when they will try to stop their team's five-game losing streak. Pavlov has played nearly 27 minutes in three games.