Olympiacos BC has confirmed the signing of 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, who returns to the club after one year in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings.

Sasha Vezenkov seals return to Olympiacos

Olympiacos Piraeus has completed a deal to bring [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP, back to Peace and Friendship Stadium on a five-year deal.

Vezenkov (2.06 meters, 28 years old) left Olympiacos last summer to join the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, where he averaged 5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 44 games as a bench player.

In his MVP-winning season in the EuroLeague, the Bulgaria international posted 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and a 21.5 PIR as the Reds reached the championship game.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Kalimera! ☀️☕️❤️<br><br>«Για όσα ζήσαμε, μα πιο πολύ για όσα θα ζήσουμε! Γύρισα στην οικογένειά μου» ~ Sasha Vezenkov <br><br>Καλώς όρισες Σάσα! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/dToZv5yvwb">pic.twitter.com/dToZv5yvwb</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1816367577431482570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Vezenkov's last appearance in the EuroLeague saw him score 29 points as Olympiacos fell 78-79 to Real Madrid in the title decider. That points tally is tied with Anadolu Efes Istanbul's [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (2019) for the joint most in the championship game.

A fans' favorite at Peace and Friendship Stadium, Vezenkov was also key in helping the Reds end their five-year wait to return to the Final Four. However, Olympiacos lost in the semifinals on a game-winning buzzer-beater by Efes's [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/). 

Having made his professional debut with 	Aris Thessaloniki in 2011 and remained there until 2015, Vezenkov then joined FC Barcelona, which allowed him to play in the EuroLeague for the first time. 

He had a bit-part role in his first season at Barcelona in 2015-16 but really came to the fore in his second, which coincided with the arrival of head coach Georgios Bartzokas, averaging 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 30 games.

Yet, the departure of Coach Bartzokas the following summer led to a drop in Vezenkov's numbers, while injuries meant he played just 13 times. In 2018, he returned to Greece by joining Olympiacos.

Take a look at the best plays of 2022-23 Turkish AIrlines MVP Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus!

Sasha Vezenkov | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Vezenkov's first campaign at Peace and Friendship Stadium in 2018-19 left more to be desired, but in 2019-20 he started to find his feet once again, posting 7.1 points per game in 26 appearances. The appointment of Coach Bartzokas midway through that campaign certainly helped as Vezenkov finished the season strong.

The next year, 2020-21, Vezenkov had his best numbers to that point, averaging 11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 31 games, then he further built on those numbers in 2021-22, posting 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 38 appearances as Olympiacos reached the Final Four. Then came his MVP season.

Given how well Vezenkov has played under the orders of Coach Bartzokas, at both Barcelona and Olympiacos, Reds fans should be excited to have their MVP back 'home'.

More Olympiacos News

Sasha Vezenkov in action for Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP is back at Peace and Friendship Stadium after one season in the NBA

there is one night in February that could be the most action-packed of the season! Here are the games staff members are most excited about in February. 

Games I am looking forward to in February 

Based on their initial reactions, there is one night in February that could be the most action-packed of the season! Here are the games staff members are most excited about in February. They already selected their must-see games for [Round 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-round-1/), [October](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-october/), [November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-november/), [December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-december/) and [January](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-january/).

 

### Round 25: A Final Four rematch to start the double-round week

*Geoff Gillingham*

The seventh of eight double-round weeks takes place in early February, with [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25)welcoming [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25) to OAKA in the first of two games in three days. By the time this Round 25 contest comes around, the standings will be looking very interesting ahead of the final stretch of the campaign – and both Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce should be in the upper echelons of the table. These two first go head-to-head in Round 5, but with more likely to be on the line in this bout, the significance of a win or a loss could be crucial.

Two teams making their Final Four returns after many years away will face-off. After finishing the regular season in second, Panathinaikos survived a five-game playoff thriller against Maccabi, whilst Fenerbahce were sixth and upset Monaco to prevail. Who can take one step further to glory?

Panathinaikos-Fenerbahce | Semifinals Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Panathinaikos was able to defeat Fenerbahce [73-57 in the semifinals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/331/) at the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four to advance to the championship game, aided by a strong first and fourth quarter, so the Greens already know what it takes to defeat the Turkish side in a must-win game. While Panathinaikos will largely have the same squad, having made just one major addition in [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), Fenerbahce will have a very different look after bringing in [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) to name just three. There will still be nine regular-season games after this contest, but the winning team could have a mental advantage looking ahead to the postseason, where their paths may cross again.

 

### Round 27: Baldwin, Bonzie make their Tel Aviv returns

*Frankie Sachs*

[Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-star-guard-wade-baldwin/) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-bonzie-colson-at-forward/) are coming off their best EuroLeague seasons to date in which they pushed [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) to a fifth-and-deciding playoff game against eventual champion [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25). Then, after leading Maccabi to the Israeli championships, both players announced that they were leaving Maccabi due to family reasons and wound up with [Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25). This Round 27 game in February will mark their first game back in Israel since winning the domestic crown in June.

Focus on: Bonzie Colson, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

They can expect to receive warm welcomes as fans show their appreciation for the two seasons each played for Maccabi. Baldwin and Colson also left on good terms with the handful of their former teammates – as well as Coach Oded Kattash. All of that should go a long way toward creating a fantastic atmosphere before the tip – and an intense battle once the ball goes up.

 

### Round 27: A battle of MVPs at the Forum 

*Javier Gancedo*

Round 27 brings a battle of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague superstars at the Forum, as [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/roster/mil/?season=2024-25) welcomes [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25) on February 27, 2025. There are a several reasons why I am looking forward to this one. First, reigning EuroLeague MVP [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) has had memorable performances against Milan since he parted ways with the team. In his three trips to Milan with Monaco, James has averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and a PIR of 21.0.

This time, he will be sharing the backcourt with the EuroLeague's all-time assists leader, [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/). Milan relies on another former EuroLeague MVP, [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), to make the difference at power forward. Mirotic has not played well against Monaco in recent years, only going once over the 15-point mark in three years, and that should be an extra motivation for him. Honestly, what's not to like? 

 

### Round 27: ‘El Clasico’ is a game not to be missed

*Igor Petrinovic*

I am not hiding it, I love big rivalry derbies… Especially late in the season. So, what could be a better return to EuroLeague action after the traditional February break due to cup and national team qualifiers then [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) visiting [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/roster/mad/?season=2024-25)? It is hard to find a better game to get us right back into the thick of things and set us up for the final stretch of the regular season.

It's a stage where stars are born and legacies are made. Check out some classic EuroLeague showdowns between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid from the last decade!

Lookback: El Clásico showdowns from the last decade!

When it comes to *El Clasicos*, during the EuroLeague regular season, the teams have split home wins in each of the last two campaigns, but all four games were decided by 5 points or fewer. The last time a road team won in their head-to-head clashes was Barcelona in February 2022. So, I'd say the drama in this one is all but guaranteed. Then, add a little spice in the shape of [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/), as of now the lone Barcelona summer re-enforcement, who has had some monster performances at Real's Wizink Center in the past, and this has all the makings of another great one.

Now that the schedule for the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season has been unveiled, EuroLeague.net's staff is eyeing all the mouth-watering action.

Olimpia Milano has added some valuable leadership and experience, not to mention a winning pedigree, by signing small forward Fabien Causeur for the 2024-25 season. 

Olimpia Milano tabs two-time champion Fabien Causeur 

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has added some valuable leadership and experience, not to mention a winning pedigree, by signing small forward [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/).

Causeur (1.96 meters, 37 years old) arrives from Real Madrid, where he spent the last seven seasons, during which he helped the club win EuroLeague championships in 2018 and 2023 and reach five Final Fours.

Last season Causeur averaged 5.1 points on 39.4% three-point shooting, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 15:13 minutes in 32 EuroLeague games.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Causeur: &quot;Orgoglioso di questa opportunità&quot;<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo con Fabien Causeur, guardia di 1.96, nato il 16 giugno 1987 a Brest in Francia, proveniente dal Real Madrid dove ha giocato nelle ultime sette stagioni.<br><br>🇮🇹… <a href="https://t.co/ELBovuiHVv">pic.twitter.com/ELBovuiHVv</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1816051208622088645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Causeur first made his EuroLeague debut with French side Cholet Basket in the 2010-11 season, and he has been a consistent presence in Europe’s premier basketball competition ever since. 

The Frenchman went on to play for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, where he stayed for four years, and Brose Bamberg prior to his arrival at Real Madrid in 2017. 

He is 15th on the all-time list of games played with 335. Causeur enters the season ranked 33rd with 314 three-pointers, 42nd in scoring with 2,400 points, 51st in assists with 536 and 53rd in steals with 187.

Best of Fabien Causeur: 2023-24

In addition to his EuroLeague crowns, Causeur won four Spanish League championships and a pair of Spanish Cups with Real. He also won the French League with Cholet in 2010 and the German League and Cup double with Bamberg in 2017. 

He has represented the French national team at the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

More Milan News

New EA7 Emporio Armani Milan recruit Fabien Causeur makes a heart shape with his hands after Real Madrid's semifinal victory at the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

The veteran spent the last seven seasons with Real Madrid

Milan tabs two-time champion Fabien Causeur 

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC has confirmed the signing of Rokas Jokubaitis from Barça Basket on a three-year deal.

Rokas Jokubaitis seals move to Maccabi

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has confirmed that [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) has joined the club on a three-year deal.

Jokubaitis (1.93 meters, 23 years old) heads to Israel after spending the last three seasons with FC Barcelona, where he featured 112 times in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

In a backup role, Jokubaitis appeared in 36 EuroLeague games for Barcelona last season, averaging 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per night in 15:31 minutes on the floor.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🤩 <a href="https://t.co/twF35FPwYB">pic.twitter.com/twF35FPwYB</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1816030292936712489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I am really happy and cannot wait to start with the team, to play in front of you guys, one of the best fan bases in Europe", Jokubaitis told Maccabi's official club media. "Thanks to the coach, the directors and the whole club for believing in me. I am really happy and cannot wait to start the season".

Since arriving in Barcelona, the Lithuanian point guard helped the team make back-to-back EuroLeague Final Four appearances in 2022 and 2023. His best scoring season with the *Blaugrana* came in 2021-22, his first year at the club, when he posted 7.1 points per game and was named the EuroLeague Rising Star Award winner for that season.

The best plays of new Zalgiris Kaunas signing Rokas Jokubaitis while playing for FC Barcelona in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Jokubaitis' top plays in 2023-24

Jokubaitis came through Zalgiris Kaunas's youth academy and made 53 EuroLeague appearances for the club between 2018 and 2021. In his final year at Zalgiris, which was when he really burst onto the scene, Jokubaitis averaged 7.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20:55 minutes across 31 appearances.  

More Maccabi News

New Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv signing Rokas Jokubaitis in action for FC Barcelona in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

He spent the last three years at Barcelona

Zalgiris Kaunas has confirmed the signing of Ignas Brazdeikis, who returns to the club after spending last season with Olympiacos BC.

Ignas Brazdeikis heads back to Zalgiris

Zalgiris Kaunas has announced the signing of [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/), who returns to the club after spending the 2023-24 season at Olympiacos Piraeus. He has penned a two-year deal with the Lithuanian side.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back, <a href="https://twitter.com/_iggy_braz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_iggy_braz</a>! 🙌<br><br>Zalgiris has signed a 2-year contract with Lithuanian 🇱🇹 Ignas Brazdeikis! ✍️ <a href="https://t.co/sHsTKknkI0">pic.twitter.com/sHsTKknkI0</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1816005431569105019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brazdeikis (2.01 meters, 25 years old) made a big impression in his debut Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with Zalgiris before heading to Olympiacos, where he averaged 3.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in a backup role for the Reds. 

At Zalgiris, the Lithuania international posted 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a starter in the 2022-23 campaign.

The best plays of new Zalgiris Kaunas signing Ignas Brazdeikis while playing for Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Brazdeikis' top plays in 2023-24

Having started his professional career in the NBA with the New York Knicks (2019-21), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-21) and Orlando Magic (2021-22), Brazdeikis – who grew up in Canada – decided to return to the city of Kaunas, where he was born, by joining Zalgiris in 2021. 

Now, following a year at Olympiacos in which he didn't see as much game time as he would have liked, Brazdeikis is once again heading to Zalgiris, this time to play under the orders of head coach Andrea Trinchieri.

More Zalgiris News

Ignas Brazdeikis in action for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

He returns to the club after one season away

Baskonia has confirmed the signing of AS Monaco center Donta Hall on a two-year deal.

Donta Hall lands at Baskonia

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has confirmed the signing of [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) on a two-year deal, the club announced on Tuesday night. Hall (2.08 meters, 26 years old) made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut in 2021-22 with AS Monaco and has remained with the principality club for the last three seasons.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✍️ 2⃣0⃣2⃣6⃣<br> Donta Hall, físico para la pintura azulgrana 🔥👊<br><br>📋 <a href="https://t.co/KGcEwOL5bE">https://t.co/KGcEwOL5bE</a><br><br>Welcome, Donta!! 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/K5KdktvHPq">pic.twitter.com/K5KdktvHPq</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1815830252284961117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Last year, the high-flying American center averaged 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 38 EuroLeague games as a backup. He helped Monaco achieve a record number of wins in the regular season before it lost in Game 5 to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the EuroLeague Playoffs.

Best of Donta Hall: 2023-24

Hall has helped Monaco qualify for the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. He was very impressive in 2022-23, when he posted 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 41 EuroLeague games as Monaco reached the Final Four for the first time.

Yet, his best scoring season was his debut campaign in the competition as Hall averaged 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 35 games, with Monaco falling in Game 5 to Olympiacos Piraeus on its first-ever trip to the playoffs.

Before arriving in Europe, Hall hopped between the NBA and the G League, representing the Detroit Pistons (2019-20), Brooklyn Nets (2019-20) and Orlando Magic (2020-21) in the former and the Grand Rapids Gold (2019-20), G League Ignite (2020-21) and Raptors 905 (2020-21) in the latter.

More Baskonia News

New Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz signing Donta Hall dunks the basketball during an AS Monaco game in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

He arrives from Dolomiti Energia Trento 


Paris brings in forward Daulton Hommes

Paris Basketball has announced the signing of forward [Daulton Hommes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daulton-hommes/011949/) for the 2024-25 season. Hommes (2.03 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Dolomiti Energia Trento, where he averaged 5.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in four Italian League games last season. He underwent knee surgery a year ago and missed the better part of the 2023-24 campaign.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">WELCOME TO THE PARIS BASKETBALL FAMILY DAULTON HOMMES <a href="https://twitter.com/dchommes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dchommes</a> ! 👋<br>Ancien notamment de <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a>, il intègre le roster avec sa capacité à scorer de partout et sa polyvalence sur le terrain. Son expérience EuroLeague sera importante pour le Paris Basketball ! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/6MYU0YQqjE">pic.twitter.com/6MYU0YQqjE</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1815816991032136086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </center>

The NCAA Division II national player of the year as a senior in 2019 for Point Loma Nazarena, Hommes started his professional career with the Austin Spurs in the G League. He has also played for Vanoli Basket Cremona in Italy, the Birmingham Squadron in the G League and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz of Spain. He made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with Baskonia in the 2022-23 season, during which he averaged 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 31 games.

Hommes's best plays in 2002-23

More Paris Basketball news

EuroLeague debutant Paris Basketball has signed center Kevarrius Hayes for the 2024-25 season. 

Paris fortifies frontline with Kevarrius Hayes

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debutant Paris Basketball has added an experienced force to its frontline by signing center [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevarrius-hayes/010390/) for the 2024-25 season. 

Hayes (2.06 meters, 27 years old) arrives from Zalgiris Kaunas, where he spent the last two seasons. He averaged 5.6 points on 56.6% shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks over 34 EuroLeague games last season. Hayes won the Lithuanian League and Cup double in his first season there and helped the club successfully defend the King Mindaugas Cup last season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">La première recrue de l&#39;ère Tiago Splitter est ici : <br>WELCOME TO THE PARIS BASKETBALL FAMILY KEVARRIUS HAYES !👋<br>Ancien pensionnaire du <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bczalgiris</a>, il vient apporter son expérience EuroLeague dans la raquette et dans le roster 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/7aB5JieRu9">pic.twitter.com/7aB5JieRu9</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1815801587610038408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

This will be Hayes’s second stint in France after he made his EuroLeague debut with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne during the 2020-21 season. He helped ASVEL to the French League and Cup double that season. Hayes has played a total of 91 EuroLeague games over three seasons with ASVEL and Zalgiris.

Kevarrius Hayes's best plays with Zalgiris

Hayes made his professional basketball debut in 2019 with Cantu in Italy after playing college basketball at the University of Florida. He has also played for Frutti Extra Bursaspor, which he helped on its Cinderella run to the EuroCup Championship Game in 2022. He was among the EuroCup’s top 10 in rebounds (seventh), steals (fifth) and blocks (third) that season.

New Paris Basketball recruit Kevarrius Hayes in action for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The center returns to France, where he made his EuroLeague debut

Here are the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games staff members are most excited about in January. 

Games I am looking forward to in January

Here are the games staff members are most excited about in January. They already selected their must-see games for [Round 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-round-1/), [October](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-october/), [November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-november/) and [December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/games-i-am-looking-forward-to-in-december/).

 

### Round 19: The Wolf howls again at Buesa Arena 

*Javier Gancedo*

Arguably no other Turkish Airlines EuroLeague newcomer had a bigger impact on his team and in competition history last season. After many years in the BKT EuroCup, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) stormed into the EuroLeague and took [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/) to the playoffs with impressive numbers: 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 14.9 PIR and a competition-best 7.9 assists, playing all 39 games.

Miller-McIntyre made EuroLeague history in golden letters, breaking the competition's assists record by dishing 20 in a [94-80 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/230/#boxscore) over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on February 8, 2024. Miller-McIntyre added 11 points and 11 rebounds to record just the fourth [triple-double](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/miller-mcintyre-makes-history-with-assist-record-triple-double/) in EuroLeague history. "The Wolf" took his game to another level, like many other players have in the past while playing for Baskonia. He will be warmly received when [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2024-25) visits Fernando Buesa Arena on January 2, 2025. A perfect way for The Wolf, Baskonia and Zvezda to start a new year! 

 

### Round 19: Barcelona goes down memory lane to start 2025

*Geoff Gillingham*

In both teams’ first game of 2025, Round 19 sees [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2024-25) host [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) at Accor Arena, which has a capacity of 15,609 – almost double the 8,000 capacity of the French side’s usual home, Adidas Arena. For Barcelona, it will be the opportunity to relive one of the greatest moments in its history. Back in 2010, Barcelona won its second Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown at Accor Arena (it was called Palais Omnisports De Paris-Bercy back then) after beating CSKA Moscow in the semifinals and Olympiacos Piraeus in the [championship game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2009-10/regal-fc-barcelona-olympiacos-piraeus/E2009/188/).

On This Day, May 9, 2010: Barcelona reaches EuroLeague glory

Roger Grimau, last season’s head coach, and Ricky Rubio were part of that title-winning team, but they have both departed the club. It should be a special trip for Barcelona sporting director Juan Carlos Navarro, who had 21 points in the title decider. This game at Accor Arena will be just the second time Paris has used the city’s bigger arena in the EuroLeague this coming season, as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens will be the first visiting team to play there in Round 3. There should be a fantastic atmosphere for this game, and Paris will be eager to put on a show against a Barcelona side that has aspirations of making it to next year’s Final Four.

### Round 23: Coach Laso leads Baskonia into Madrid

*Frankie Sachs*

Pablo Laso coached [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/roster/mad/?season=2024-25) to a pair of championships during his 12 seasons there, during which he coached more than half of *Los Blancos*’s current roster. That alone makes every visit to WiZink Arena a special one. The fact that he is now leading his hometown club, [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/?season=2024-25), which faced Real in last season’s playoffs, adds more intrigue to this showdown.

Los Blancos has already set a record for the most regular season victories and they aim for a fifth after Dzanan Musa inspired a triumph versus Zvezda, whereas Baskonia have stumbled via three straight losses and bid to avenge an opening night loss to Real after Markus Howard missed on the buzzer.

Real Madrid-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 33 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Baskonia triumphed in its last two regular-season visits to Madrid, including a [91-95 contest last season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/297/#boxscore) in which [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) poured in 35 points. However, after that, Real won Game 1 of their playoff series by 16 and the second game by 11. Real then took the series via a sweep in a high-scoring Game 3 in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Even though this will not be their first clash of the season – they will have already met at Buesa Arena in Round 3 of the EuroLeague and could have also played before this in the Spanish League, it will be another interesting chapter in the rivalry of these Spanish foes.

 

### Round 24: What's not to like about Belgrade Derby in late January?

*Igor Petrinovic*

This was pretty much a no-brainer for me, just like it was the case for their first clash in November. The reason for it is not that hard to figure out. There were no Belgrade Derbies in the EuroLeague before the 2022-23 season and each of the last two seasons the build-up for each game has been tremendous and expectation super-high. And then, the games and everything we would see both on the floor and in the stands during those two-plus hours of action, would not only meet the expectations, but surpass them.

This Belgrade Derby will mark [Partizan Mozzart Bet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2024-25)'s first home game against [Crvena Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2024-25) this season and it comes at the very end of a long, grueling January. As a matter of fact, this game scheduled for January 31 at 20:30 CET will be the very final tip-off in the first month of 2025. A Round 24 game also means that the entire competition will be knee-deep in races for playoff and play-in spots. Both of these archrivals had a disappointing 2023-24 EuroLeague campaign, but I believe both Partizan and Zvezda will be chasing playoff spots in 2025, which would make the stakes in this one even bigger. It will be a tremendous Friday night treat.