Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot discusses his evolution as a player in a feature interview with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo.

A conversation with Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot: When the game finally slows down

[Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) doesn’t look like he’s in a hurry anymore.

That’s the first thing that stands out. Not the scoring jump, not the percentages, not even his place near the top of the EuroLeague scoring charts. It’s the way he moves through possessions now – measured, controlled, unbothered by what comes next. The game unfolds at his pace.

A year ago, Luwawu-Cabarrot reached the 16-point mark just four times in 26 EuroLeague games with [Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/). This season, under first-year head coach Paolo Galbiati, he has done so in 20 of his first 23 appearances. The production has been steady, and the efficiency has come with it.

Luwawu-Cabarrot is fourth in the EuroLeague scoring race at 19.0 points per game, hurt by a poor game last Friday at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Still, just three players are ahead of him: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens's Kendrick Nunn (19.4 PPG), Olympiacos Piraeus's Sasha Vezenkov (19.4 PPG) and Paris Basketball’s Nadir Hifi (19.3 PPG). The leap from last season is dramatic.

The top plays of Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz star Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot through the first 24 rounds of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot's best plays this season

In 2024-25, he averaged 10.0 points per game, shooting 43.4% on two-pointers and 33.7% from three, with a PIR of 7.3. This year, he has nearly doubled his output while lifting his efficiency to 56.6% inside the arc and 42.1% from deep, producing a PIR of 16.0.

Statistics explain part of the jump. The rest, Luwawu-Cabarrot says, comes from understanding when to push – and when to wait.

"First, the system is different. This is a system that fits me better," he told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net). "I think also the consistency is coming from me being in the age of maturity. I think my calmness on the court is showing. I have no rush and let the game come to me, but I'm aggressive at the same time. Before, maybe I was rushing. Maybe I was trying to be too much. Now, with this system, I can just be myself playing the three (position). My teammates trust me, my coach trusts me.

"I think the fact that it's my second year with Baskonia helps a lot, too. I know my teammates and all players a little bit longer. I think it helps me feel more comfortable and have more confidence in myself."

That confidence shows most clearly in his shot profile. Luwawu-Cabarrot is taking more shots – especially from beyond the arc – and the extra volume has sharpened his decision-making rather than blunting it. He’s finding his spots on the wings, mixing in mid-range pull-ups, and using his size to finish through contact.

"The volume this year has been so much higher than last year. Last year, I could spend one full game without taking a three. This year, I don't know if I have one game without taking five. It's been a great year because the system is so much better for me. I can shoot more threes, which I'm good at. I can be aggressive going to the basket. When it's needed, I get to the mid-range area that I like a lot, too. I think it's also the volume that helps."

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHd4pGGINsT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHd4pGGINsT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHd4pGGINsT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Timothé Cabarrot (@7tlc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

So far, he has attempted fewer than five three-pointers in just three games all season.

That trust runs both ways. Galbiati, despite never having played professionally, has earned buy-in through clarity and conviction – even when results didn’t come right away. Baskonia opened the EuroLeague season 0-7, the worst start in club history. Since then, the team has climbed to an 8-16 record and begun to resemble a team with an identity.

"He's a player’s coach. He listens to what we have to say and has his vision. At the beginning, of course, it was an adjustment. We started 0-7, then we started winning. It took the whole team to click at the same time for us to understand what we had to do on the court to win. But he had this vision since day one. He never faded away from this vision. We just all understood what it took to get to this point and to reach his goals and our goals as a team. We still have a lot of work to do, but this coach has been great.

"He's communicative. We watch a lot of videos. He has a lot of passion. He loves the game as much as we all do, even though he never played. And he's passionate. He watches games every day. He's talking about basketball 24 hours, seven days a week. I don't think he is taking any days off and it shows. We all respect that a lot. When you play basketball as a professional and you have a coach that never coached you, it's always like, 'OK, how is it going to be?' But the passion he brings and the way he sees basketball, we have to respect it. That's why it's been successful for us."

Baskonia head coach Paolo Galbiati and forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in discussion during a EuroLeague game this season.

Some of Luwawu-Cabarrot’s deepest connections, though, go back long before Baskonia. Few matchups mean more to him than facing Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/). The two grew up together in Antibes, were drafted in the same year in 2016, and have remained inseparable ever since – each serving as a witness at the other’s wedding.

"Man, it's been a journey. We got drafted together in 2016. This was one of the best days of my life, and probably his too. Just the fact to see him over there in Brooklyn, and being drafted the same year, knowing where we started, competing in Antibes against each other and playing together in the high competition in France. It's just crazy accomplishments. For him to be at this level right now, with all the problems he had injury-wise, is insane.

"I respect that so much. He's been so resilient throughout his career. When he got drafted, he went back to Antibes. I think he stayed there for three years. He didn't play for two years because he had problems with his knees. No one is coming back from a two-year hiatus of not playing basketball. It's super hard. The fact that he's here right now, playing in the EuroLeague, being one of the best players, and also reaching the silver medal with the national team in 2024 in Paris... all these accomplishments are so great."

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGzu4ZIkGxY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGzu4ZIkGxY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGzu4ZIkGxY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Timothé Cabarrot (@7tlc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

A couple of weeks ago, a favorable schedule allowed Luwawu-Cabarrot to watch Cordinier live – this time from the stands.

"For us to be a part of his journey and our journey together is just amazing. Every time we play against each other, it's a special day. Tomorrow he's playing against Olympiacos at home. I will go to the game and be a fan, just watching him play."

During their Antibes years, Luwawu-Cabarrot also shared the floor with [Willie Solomon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willie-solomon/cos/), one of the first true EuroLeague stars he encountered as a teammate.

"When he came, he was older, but he was a game-changer. A point guard with this length, this wingspan, his ability to get to the basket, his ability to play defense, and also shoot threes, be clutch. He was a beast on the court. In clutch moments, he was the guy we were looking for.

"Me, as a kid, I was very, very impressed that he was doing this at this level at this age. But yeah, for sure, he was a great, great person to be around and a big superstar."

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/sQIggBEGwI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/sQIggBEGwI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/sQIggBEGwI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Timothé Cabarrot (@7tlc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

The advice that resonates most now came later, and from an unexpected source. Not from an NBA star or a EuroLeague legend, but from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne veteran [David Lighty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-lighty/003526/).

"I would say David Lighty two years ago, he was great. Because these veterans, they don't talk too much, but when they give you advice, it's very precise and on the money. And he was telling me that I needed to be patient. And when the time is right, the game would slow down for me and I would be able to do anything I wanted to do on the court. And at that moment, I had no idea what he was talking about. Because I wanted to achieve everything I wanted to achieve at that moment, but I was not ready.

"It hit me this year. I thought back about that conversation we had, and it's right now. Like I said, I arrived at this age of maturity and now I can see what he was talking about when he said the game would slow down. Now I can see the spaces. Now I can see the way my defender is playing defense on me. The way the teams are playing defense on me. And all this, even though they have a full game plan against me, the game has slowed down. He was right when he told me that."

With his name near the top of the scoring charts, individual accolades are inevitable. But they’ve never been the priority.

“It’s definitely not a goal. It wasn’t a goal when I started the season. I just wanted to win games and play to the best of my ability. Now that I’m in the race, of course it’s something you’re aware of – but it’s not something I live and die for. If it happens, it happens, and it would be great. I would be very honored to lead the EuroLeague in scoring because it would mean a lot. But at the end of the day, it’s not the most important thing. I want to win games, especially in the second half of the season. And if that means averaging two or three fewer points, I’ll do it, because that’s what matters most.”

At this stage of his career, that perspective feels earned. The game has slowed down. The reads are clearer. And for Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, everything is finally arriving on time.

More Baskonia News

The Frenchman is enjoying a career year with Baskonia

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade added depth to its depleted backcourt by signing guard Aleksa Radanov, the club announced Wednesday night. 

Partizan adds backcourt depth with Aleksa Radanov

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) added depth to its depleted backcourt by signing guard [Aleksa Radanov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-radanov/005683/), the club announced Wednesday night. 

Radanov (2.01 meters, 28 years old) arrives from [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/), where he did not appear in any EuroLeague games.

Radanov was deregistered before the January 5 deadline, making him eligible to play for Partizan as soon as he is registered. He appeared in three German League games, all in a limited role.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Aleksa Radanov je novo pojačanje Partizana Mozzart Bet!⚫️⚪️<br><br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/dP5A1wJKz3">https://t.co/dP5A1wJKz3</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/ijcfjahhSE">pic.twitter.com/ijcfjahhSE</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/2016592553659748389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Radanov came through the youth system of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, where he made his professional debut in 2015. The following season he was loaned to FMP Zeleznik, and he switched between FMP and Zvezda for several seasons until the end of 2020-21 campaign, during which he time made 14 EuroLeague appearances.

The following season saw Radanov move to Igokea in Bosnia and Herzegovina before he went on to play for Peristeri in Greece, Runa Moscow in Russia, Mega Belgrade in Serbia and finally last season for Legia Warszaw in Poland. Radanov has also played for the Serbian national team over the years.

Partizan is dealing with multiple injuries in its backcourt. [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) has been out since late October with a broken ankle, [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) ruptured his Achilles last week and is out for the season, as is likely the case with [Shake Milton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shake-milton/014007/) who broke his hand.

More Partizan News

The Serbian swingman spent the first part of this season with Bayern

Frenetic basketball is the norm at Paris Basketball. Defense, at times, has not been. On Tuesday night, in a 98-92 win over Real Madrid, that certainly wasn’t the case.

Reenergized Paris takes a big step forward, snaps Real Madrid’s winning streak

Frenetic basketball is the norm at [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/). Defense, at times, has not been. On Tuesday night, that certainly wasn’t the case.

In a 98-92 win over [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) – which entered this Round 25 matchup riding a six-game winning streak – Paris showed it can operate at a high level on both ends of the floor. The victory marked the team’s first home win of 2026 and snapped a three-game losing streak overall, which included a 14-point loss at Valencia Basket and a 20-point defeat at home against Dubai Basketball during last week’s double-round stretch.

For a team like Paris, offense comes naturally. Any time [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) has the ball, opposing defenses tighten up. When [Justin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/justin-robinson/014008/) is at the controls, a fastbreak is usually close behind, as evidenced by a pair of long, upcourt passes Tuesday night. But it has been on the defensive end where Paris has been exposed too often this season.

Paris Basketball-Real Madrid | Round 25 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Allowing 92 points to Real Madrid doesn’t suggest a lockdown performance, but the aggression and physicality Paris displayed told a different story. Led by Robinson, [Amath M’Baye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/amath-m-baye/007993/), [Momo Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mouhamed-faye/012403/) and [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yakuba-ouattara/004197/), among others, that defensive intensity could be the foundation of a late-season push – particularly when paired with the elite offensive production of Hifi, [Jared Rhoden](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jared-rhoden/014178/) and Robinson.

“We’ve got a lot of energy, a lot of young guys who are willing to do the dirty work and play hard,” M’Baye told EuroLeague TV after scoring 16 points, his second-highest total of the season. “It just had to be channeled the right way, and I think today we did that. We were in a lot of games this year, especially late, but we couldn’t get over that hump. This time we did, and it gives us the blueprint to do it again.”

Just as important: Paris got the win over the line.

The home side led for all but nine seconds of the second half and from the midpoint of the first quarter onward. Still, when Real Madrid briefly grabbed an 89-90 lead with 1:41 remaining, anxiety rippled through the building. Hifi answered immediately with a three-point play to restore the advantage. Moments later, Faye recorded the fourth block of his career-high night by rejecting [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) at the rim, and Rhoden followed by making it a two-possession game at 94-90. If there were any doubts about Paris’s resolve, they were answered in that sequence.

After a Round 20 road win at Anadolu Efes Istanbul – Paris’s only victory of the calendar year prior to Tuesday – coach Francesco Tabellini said his team had shown the resilience needed to put its fourth-quarter struggles in the rearview mirror. But Paris failed to build on that performance, dropping three straight. The aim now is to use this win over Real Madrid as a springboard.

“(Being more aggressive on defense) was the plan from the beginning of the season,” Tabellini said afterward. “I think the team lost a little confidence after a couple of very tough losses, and with that we lost some aggressiveness. We’re working hard to get back to that level.

“Tonight we were aggressive, we stayed composed and kept pushing, even when they went on an impressive run at the end. That’s the way. My players deserve a lot of credit – they did a very good job and earned this win and the reaction from the crowd.”

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUB_vd4jDoc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUB_vd4jDoc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUB_vd4jDoc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Paris Basketball 🏀 (@parisbasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

M’Baye, a clear leader for this youthful, energetic roster, also credited the coaching staff for its willingness to adjust.

“It feels good (to win), especially because of how we did it,” he said. “We made the right adjustments and showed that we want to play together, on both ends. I’m really proud of everyone – the players and the staff – for being willing to make those changes and going out there and playing the way we did.”

Much of Paris’s season has been defined by promise without payoff, as it has been a team capable of causing problems but unable to close. Against a Real Madrid side of this stature, this was a timely and convincing response.

“We needed confidence at this moment of the season,” Hifi, who reached 1,000 career points in the EuroLeague Tuesday night, said. “We lost badly in Valencia and against Dubai, honestly. But beating one of the biggest teams in the EuroLeague shows that we’re capable. That’s good for our mental health.”

The challenge doesn’t ease up. After traveling to face FC Bayern Munich in Round 26, Paris will take on three of the top teams in the standings – Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and FC Barcelona – while also facing 2024 champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. Still, with Hifi leading the way, Paris will head into that stretch with renewed belief and a no-fear mindset.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, will look to regroup during the double round with trips to Panathinaikos and Dubai next week. Having dropped the first game of a four-game road swing, any further slip-ups could put *Los Blancos*’ hold on fourth place under serious pressure.

Game News

France’s capital club secured its first home win of 2026

Paris Basketball v Real Madrid (2026-01-27T20:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv forward Will Rayman has signed a three-year contract extension, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Will Rayman pens three-year extension at Maccabi

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) forward [Will Rayman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/william-rayman/013381/) has signed a three-year contract extension, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Rayman has played in 24 EuroLeague games for Maccabi this season, averaging 2.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in a role off the bench. This is his second campaign among Europe's elite, having posted 2.6 points and 3.1 boards in 33 EuroLeague appearances for Maccabi last season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✒️ ➕3⃣ <a href="https://t.co/jLPaxyxgAX">pic.twitter.com/jLPaxyxgAX</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/2016197712400506901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We are very happy that Will is extending his contract with Maccabi," explained coach Oded Katash. "He has proven his great value to the team and his uncompromising commitment. His hard work is paying off and he is on an exceptional upward trajectory."

"Over the past two years, I have had the great privilege of playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and I am very excited to extend my contract with the club for another three years," Rayman said after penning his renewal. "I feel a real connection to the staff and players at Maccabi, and I feel like I have found a second home here. I look forward to continuing to play in front of the best fans in the world and helping us win games and championships this year and in the years to come. Let's go, Maccabi!"

More Maccabi News

The forward has committed his future to the Israeli team

Sasha Vezenkov headlines Episode 16 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, offering strategic tips and player picks as the hosts break down Tuesday roster traps, Round 23–24 takeaways, and a big Greek Final Four debate ahead of Round 25.


Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Tips from Sasha Vezenkov and hard questions heading into Round 25

Episode 16 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast arrives ahead of a challenging Round 25 with one of everyone’s favorite guests. [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), the 2022-23 MVP and current league leader in PIR, joins the show for his monthly “Sasha’s Corner” segment. The Olympiacos Piraeus star brings fantasy managers rare insight, sharing strategic advice and revealing some of his favorite players at every position.

Podcast co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net), and Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) also dive into the fallout from Rounds 23 and 24, breaking down the biggest winners, surprises, disappointments, and outright mystery cases of the double‑round week. One of Vasiliki’s preseason predictions even makes an unexpected return — and reminds everyone that not all forecasts age well.

The crew also tackles one of the most stressful parts of the upcoming round: setting rosters on Tuesday, *before* the [Paris Basketball vs. Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/paris-basketball-real-madrid/E2025/241/) showdown. With injuries piling up on different rosters, they debate how fantasy managers can avoid being punished by early lock‑ins and lingering injury reports.

The hosts reveal their teams and discuss which coaches to use – with each of the three taking a different coach into Round 25. From safety picks to high‑risk swings, the debate uncovers what fantasy managers should consider when choosing perhaps the most overlooked spot in the lineup.

As always, the episode features the fan‑driven “Get Featured, Get Rewarded” segment, which this week includes a listener question that sparks a debate: Which Greek team is more likely to make the Final Four? And in one of the lighter moments of the show, listeners ask whether Javi bears a resemblance to a certain EuroLeague‑winning coach.

With MVP‑level insight from Vezenkov, lineup traps to avoid, and strong opinions all around, Episode 16 arms fantasy managers with everything they need to navigate a tricky Round 25.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Frankie’s math, Saben Lee’s breakthrough and the rise of inexpensive centers

The former MVP drops fantasy wisdom as the hosts tackle Tuesday lineup stress, Round 23-24 fallout, and a Final Four question

Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Zalgiris Kaunas (2026-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2026-01-30T19:45:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Dubai Basketball (2026-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Virtus Bologna (2026-01-30T18:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2026-01-29T19:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2026-01-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Barcelona (2026-01-29T19:15:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v FC Bayern Munich (2026-01-29T19:05:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2026-01-29T17:45:00.000Z)

Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for the coming week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 23-24: A very difficult week

Here comes another tricky week in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). Real Madrid visits Paris Basketball on Tuesday, which means it is a three-turn round. That means you have three chances of getting a good captain and I recommend you to have at least one star player in each round to minimize problems. 

As always, I have some recommendations that can give you an advantage in private leagues and in the overall standings. But before that, let's review [how my double-round recommendations went last week](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-tips-rounds-23-24-a-very-difficult-week/). Hint: not very well.

Duane Washington of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade missed both games and Wade Baldwin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul missed Round 23, so I won't even take these into consideration. Mbaye Ndiaye of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne lost 0.8 credits and it was a bad, bad pick last week. Saliou Niang of Virtus Bologna gained 0.1 credits so I will call it even. And Justinian Jessup of FC Bayern Munich was a great pick, earning 0.8 credits and playing really well. So there was a little bit of everything there.

This week, I recommend one star player per turn, staying away from obvious choices like Fantasy King Sasha Vezenkov, as well as a couple of budget options.

Tamir Blatt, Mario Hezonja, Filip Petrusev, Braian Angola and Talen Horton-Tucker are featured in this week's article. 

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Round 25

### Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid (11.6 credits)

[Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is not the biggest PIR fan in the world, but turns out he has been getting great numbers lately, especially in the Spanish League. It is only a matter of time before he has a monster game in the EuroLeague, and it could come against a run-and-gun team like Paris. A calculated risk for T1.

### Talen Horton-Tucker, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (13.0 credits)

He is a force of nature. [Talen Horton-Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/talen-horton-tucker/014124/) has a combination of strength, speed and physicality we have rarely seen in a guard this side of the Atlantic. It took him some time to adjust to the EuroLeague, but he has been completely unstoppable of late. He should have another good game against Efes.

### Filip Petrusev, Dubai Basketball (15.0 credits)

Just when [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/)'s run seemed to be over in the game, he bounced back with a huge performance against Paris, getting a 36.3 fantasy score with 21 points on near-perfect shooting and 9 rebounds. Petrusev now faces his two last teams in the competition, Zvezda and Olympiacos. What's not to like about him?

### Braian Angola, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (9.6 credits)

Nobody saw it coming. [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/braian-angola/010465/) joined ASVEL after averaging 8.8 points and 1.8 assists in 15 Spanish League games with Gran Canaria this season. In his first EuroLeague game against Barca, Angola had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 9 fouls drawn and a PIR of 27. At 9.6 credits, he is worth the risk.  

### Tamir Blatt, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (7.9 credits)

There are two good reasons to recommend [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) this week. First, Maccabi plays against Valencia, an opponent that perfectly fits his playing style. Also, Blatt is coming off a really good game against Panathinaikos, getting 15 points on 5-of-6 three-pointers, 3 assists and a PIR of 15. 

More EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge News

Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for the coming week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

Fantasy tips, Round 25: Three-turn extravaganza

Round 25 is headlined by a crosstown derby as a high-flier hosts a struggler, plus lots more games with major implications for the playoff battle. Here’s your guide to all 10 games.

At a glance: The Turkish derby highlights a three-day round

Round 25 is headlined by a crosstown derby as a high-flier hosts a struggler, plus lots more games with major implications for the playoff battle. Here’s your guide to all 10 games.

## Tuesday, January 27

### Paris Basketball vs. Real Madrid (21:00 CET)

The action starts early with one Tuesday game, as Paris (7-16) welcomes Real (16-8). The host desperately needs to turn around its form after two comprehensive losses last week, whereas Real is flying high after winning six straight – although five of those were at home, and this is the start of a four-game stretch on the road. Theo Maledon is missing but Paris will need to control the playmaking abilities of Facu Campazzo, who combined 17 points with 10 assists in Thursday’s impressive win over Monaco, and the ball-hawking skills of Jared Rhoden will be vital after he snared six steals in the Round 24 loss to Dubai. December’s meeting in Madrid was tight, eventually taken 95-90 by the hosts, and Paris will just hope to keep this one as close.

## Thursday, January 29

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (18:45 CET)

The Istanbul derby will give co-leader Fenerbahce (16-7) the chance to pile more misery on struggling near neighbor Efes (6-18). The visitors have lost eight games in a row and needs to find an offensive spark after averaging just 70.8 points in the last four. Finding the necessary improvement against the league’s top-ranked defense will not be easy, and requires others to step up and support marathon man Nick Weiler-Babb, who has played more minutes than anyone else in the competition (30:55 per game). Fenerbahce has won four straight at home, with Talen Horton-Tucker emerging as a strong candidate for January's MVP of the Month award after averaging 17.2 points over the month's six games so far.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 6 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:05 CET)

Hapoel (16-7) will defend its suddenly fragile position at the top of the standings as it receives a visit from dangerous Bayern (9-15). The German team boosted its confidence with an impressive victory over high-flying Valencia last time out, and will base its hopes of a road upset on the energy and leadership of Vladimir Lucic, who netted 19 points in that triumph. Hapoel needs to quickly erase memories of last week's shocking collapse against Partizan and will particularly look to take better care of the basketball after committing 17 turnovers in that collapse. In particular, Vasilije Micic will look to take charge of playmaking duties after a mixed performance – 19 points and 9 assists but 6 turnovers – last time out.

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. FC Barcelona (20:15 CET)

Red-hot Olympiacos (15-8) will look to keep on rolling in a battle of big guns against visiting Barcelona (16-8). The Greek giant has won seven of its last eight games, partly thanks to Sasha Vezenkov (19.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game) delivering MVP-level performances week after week. Barca won with a degree of comfort when the teams met in Round 15, but its top performer in that game was Will Clyburn, currently absent through injury. Olympiacos, which could give a debut to Cory Joseph, looks in much better shape now and will be eager to avenge that loss, but Barca is also flying high after surviving a tough road test at ASVEL last week where former Olympiacos shooter Kevin Punter demonstrated his usual scoring power by draining 31 points. 

FC Barcelona-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 15 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Milan (11-13) will attempt to emerge from a slump with a visit from a resurgent Partizan (8-16) determined to keep climbing the standings. The Serbian team, which is missing the leadership of injured Vanja Marinkovic, will be full of confidence of the back of last week's outrageous comeback against Hapoel, and Arijan Lakic will hope for more opportunities to shine after enjoying breakout performance with 15 points and 8 rebounds, both career highs. Milan has lost three straight and must find more efficient offensive execution after committing 17 turnovers in its last game, a costly home defeat to Zalgiris. A key figure for the hosts will be power forward Zach LeDay as he matches up against his former team with the task of matching up against another player who combines power at the rim and three-point shooting, Isaac Bonga.

### Valencia Basket vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (20:45 CET)

Maccabi (10-14) will attempt to continue pushing towards the top 10 with the tough task of a trip to Valencia (15-9). The hosts are coming off their worst run of the season after losing three of the last four, and will expect better accuracy from deep after making just 11 of its 41 three-pointers at Bayern last week. Maccabi ground out a vital victory over Panathinaikos in Round 24, and will look to maintain the defensive intensity which limited the Greens to just 71 points. That begins with stifling Valencia playmaker Jean Montero, who has averaged 7.0 assists in the last three games. The youthful potential of Montero against the proven experience of Iffe Lundberg (10.2 points and 3.8 assists per game) will be one of the keys to a game that both teams will regard as a must-win.

## Friday, January 30

### AS Monaco vs. Virtus Bologna (19:30 CET)

Monaco (15-9) needs to reignite its top-four challenge by bouncing back from a bad double-round week as it welcomes Virtus (11-13). Quickly recovering its defensive identity will be a focus for the hosts after they allowed Real to score 54 first-half points in Thursday’s loss in Madrid, while key scorer Elie Okobo will try to find his range after shooting 3-of-12 from the field in that loss. Virtus has fallen away from the playoff places with three losses out of four, and also needs a defensive improvement after shipping 102 points at home to Zvezda in Round 24. The visitors would like to make it the same kind of physical game which led to a 77-73 home win over Monaco in October, when Carsen Edwards led the way with 24 points and Mike James was restricted to 1-of-11 shooting from the field.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Dubai Basketball (20:00 CET)

One team just inside the playoff zone will attempt to hold off another looking to climb there as Zvezda (14-10) welcomes Dubai (11-13). The visitors showed their potential last time out by rolling to a 20-point road win in Paris, largely thanks to big man Filip Petrusev producing a season-best display with 21 points and 9 assists – now he will look to repeat that level of performance against his former team. Dubai won comfortably when the teams met in November, and Zvezda will focus on slowing down an offense that delivered 24 assists on that occasion. The Serbian team lifted its spirits with two road victories last week, helped by Codi Miller-McIntyre dishing 12 assists with no turnovers to inspire Friday's win at Virtus, while Ebuka Izundu is coming off consecutive double-doubles with 15 offensive rebounds snared. 

Dubai Basketball-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 10 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

### Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CET)

Zalgiris (14-10) will look to strengthen its top 10 position as it visits a Baskonia (8-16) team which is starting to run out of time. Buesa Arena will hold no fear for a Zalgiris team which won twice on the road last week, inspired by the usual heroics from Sylvain Francisco with 20 and 25 points. Zalgiris comfortably beat Baskonia in Kaunas in November, 82-67, and the Spanish team needs to keep an eye on Azuolas Tubelis after allowing him to grab 6 offensive rebounds. Baskonia is the league’s third most accurate two-point shooting team (58.7%), with big man Khalifa Diop among those offering great efficiency close to the rim. He has also taken 11 offensive rebounds in the last two games, so boxing out will be a key focus for both teams.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:45 CET)

Narrowing the gap on the top four is the task for Panathinaikos (14-10) as it travels to face ASVEL (6-18). The Greens are looking to bounce back from last week’s loss at Maccabi, and playmaker Kostas Sloukas will be determined to recover his usual standards after recording 0 points and just 1 assist in that game. ASVEL fought hard before ultimately falling short against Barcelona last week and that has been the story of the season for Pierric Poupet's team, which must try to summon the energy and consistency to compete for the full 40 minutes if it wants to claim a major scalp. Braian Angola had an excellent debut with 16 points and 5 assists in that game, and Panathinaikos will also need to handle the threat of Glynn Watson, who has a streak of six straight double-digit scoring nights.

Andy West looks ahead to Round 25 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan confirmed the departure of Leonardo Tote on Monday.

Leonardo Tote departs Milan

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) confirmed the departure of [Leonardo Tote](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leonardo-tote/006277/) on Monday.

The 28-year-old made his EuroLeague debut for the club in Round 12, but that proved to be his only appearance for Milan in the competition. That night, he posted 8 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in a defeat to Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">L’Olimpia augura il meglio a Leonardo Totè<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano ringrazia Leonardo Totè per il periodo trascorso insieme e gli augura il meglio possibile per il suo futuro. <a href="https://t.co/u3B6Pzvalp">pic.twitter.com/u3B6Pzvalp</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/2015738641759232139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano thanks Leonardo Totè for his time with the club and wishes him all the best for his future," Milan said in a statement.

Tote's limited game time was down to the fact he was Milan's fourth-choice center in the rotation, behind Josh Nebo, Devin Booker and Bryant Dunston. 

More Milan News

He appeared in just one EuroLeague game for the club this season

A look at how the EuroLeague’s top 10 have separated from the field while remaining tightly packed in efficiency margins, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, Monaco, and Fenerbahce setting the pace and Virtus Bologna emerging as the league’s unluckiest outlier.

EuroLeague analytics, offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, standings analysis, close games, Monaco, Hapoel, Fenerbahce, Virtus

Stats review: Efficiency metrics expose a razor thin top 10

Last week's games ushered in some notable changes to the EuroLeague standings as several teams rose and fell multiple spots. Despite all the movement up top, the teams in the top 10 now sit three games clear of the teams currently outside of the postseason picture.

Despite the rare separation the group above has achieved from the pack, the top of the standings remains extremely crowded with only two wins separating first and 10th place. Looking at that crop of teams by their efficiency margins — the number of points per possession they score less the number they allow — provides some insight into the quirks making this landscape so congested at the moment.

As the table suggests, [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/hta/), coming off an [overtime loss to Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/valiant-partizan-storms-back-to-overturn-27-point-deficit-beat-hapoel-in-ot/), has the league’s highest efficiency differential, but its offensive and defensive performance is matched exactly by sixth-place [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/). After getting off to one of the best offensive starts in league history, Hapoel has fallen a fraction of a point behind Monaco on the offensive efficiency leaderboards heading into Round 25 despite the latter’s two losses last week.

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/), in contrast, has built its resume primarily on the defensive end, leading the league in defensive efficiency by a comfortable margin. Sarunas Jasikevicius’s team is on pace for the best defensive season since the 2021-22 campaign, excelling in several areas thanks to its attention to detail in the pursuit of back-to-back championships. Even so, Fenerbahce has the same efficiency differential as ninth-place [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/), as the margins between these teams remain razor-thin. Due to the high caliber of play across this season’s playoff contenders, getting some good bounces this season simply is not enough to ensure success; when a team gets them matters as well.

No team has learned that lesson as well as [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) to this point.  The lone team with a positive efficiency differential missing from the playoff picture at the moment, timing has hurt the storied Italian club as its 1-3 record in single-possession games has it further from this list than its quality of play warrants.  Virtus will be hoping for a regression to the mean to rise back into the playoff race.

With so many teams producing at a similar level offensively and only one gaining much separation on the other end, it will be fascinating to see which teams rise from this group down the stretch and how they do it.   What makes the clustered nature of these teams' efficiency differentials so notable is that all of them are within striking distance of many of the EuroLeague's recent champions.

Last season’s Fenerbahce team, for example, posted an efficiency differential of only +0.01 - in line with [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) and just ahead of 10th place [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) in this season’s terms.  With that in mind, seeding, matchups, and momentum are clearly critical, and there’s no shortage of teams with the upside to find that synergy in the coming months.

A rare three game buffer hides fractional gaps between contenders, with offenses and defenses converging as Round 25 approaches