Valencia Basket bounced back from a potentially demoralizing loss to defeat Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, 91-81, in Round 18 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague

Valencia bounces back with statement win over Baskonia 

“To get a win in EuroLeague means so much,” stated [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/), moments after his [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) team overcame [Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/), 91-81. “ We’re fighting for something here and it takes every single game. We dropped a couple that I think we could’ve got, so we needed this one.”

The win saw Valencia bounce back from a potentially demoralizing loss. Last week, [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv ended Valencia’s five-game winning streak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-gets-lucky-against-valencia-now-wants-to-stay-humble-after-fourth-straight-win/), so *Las Taronjas* returned to the Roig Arena with a point to prove in this rivalry match-up. Valencia did exactly that, earning the win to improve its record to 12-6 and climb into a tie for second place in the standings.

Valencia Basket-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

After a slow start for both teams offensively, Pedro Martinez’s men let it fly from beyond the arc to open up an early double-digit advantage. Swarming the visitors and capitalizing on their errors, the hosts calmly tightened their grip over the contest as it continued to develop.

Late in the third, Baskonia came back swinging, staying within touching distance and eventually putting together a run in the final frame to reduce the deficit to single figures. It was too little, too late, however, and Valencia steadied the ship in the final minutes to secure the 10-point win.

Costello played the starring role, adding 6 boards to his 18-point scoring display and making 3 of his 4 shots from beyond the arc. His presence was felt throughout the clash, making multiple hustle plays and showing clear signs of leadership.

Of course, Costello couldn’t do it alone. [Kameron Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kameron-taylor/011217/) and [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/) both chipped in with 16 points, while [Brancou Badio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brancou-badio/007527/) and [Omari Moore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omari-moore/014115/) also finished the game in double figures. Despite the loss, [Eugene Omoruyi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eugene-omoruyi/014207/) impressed for Baskonia, leading his team with 17 points.

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Baskonia paid its first-ever visit to Roig Arena on the back of eight consecutive road defeats, so optimism was hard to come by. His team managed to bring the game to within 4 points in the final quarter, but coach Paolo Galbiati bemoaned their lack of composure down the stretch.

“It was not enough,” Galbiati said. “Our focus was not enough. It was our first game in 8 days, but we cannot play without focus. Valencia play with very good pace, with energy, with effort, we cannot play like this.”

As one of the in-form EuroLeague teams, Valencia is flying so far this season and will be buoyed by this bounce-back win. It will have a chance to build on the momentum against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade next Tuesday. Baskonia, which fell to 6-12 with the loss, will welcome a break before returning to action against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on January 2.

Game News

Matt Costello shines with 18 points as Valencia regains momentum and moves into a tie for second place

Valencia bounces back with statement win over Baskonia

Valencia Basket v Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-12-23T19:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv spoiled two homecomings at once by defeating FC Bayern Munich 72-82, as the German side played its first EuroLeague home game since November 12 and its first game with head coach Svetislav Pesic back in the hot seat.

Hapoel pleased about stacking another good day in win over motivated Bayern

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/hta/) spoiled two homecomings at once by defeating [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) 72-82, as the German side played its first EuroLeague home game since November 12 and its [first game with head coach Svetislav Pesic back in the hot seat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/svetislav-pesic-replaces-gordie-herbert-as-bayern-head-coach/).

Hapoel, however, showed why it tops the EuroLeague standings as it dominated for the entire game, allowing it to improve to 13-5 and rebound from its loss at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens last week.

“We knew that we were going to be facing a team that was on fire after some 40 days being back home and playing a EuroLeague game. Changes in the coaching staff always works as extra motivation, too. But we wanted to bounce back as well and try to defend, and I think we accomplished that,” Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis said.

FC Bayern Munich-Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Hapoel already led by double figures for parts of the first half but put the game out of reach with a 0-16 run over nearly 6 minutes in the third quarter. The advantage grew to 25 points early in the fourth quarter when Hapoel started taking its foot off the gas. Bayern used that and did some cosmetics to the final result, getting to within 10 points at the final buzzer. 

“At the end of the day, we got the win and that’s all that matters as a team. There are a lot of things to correct and get better from. But we’ll enjoy this one and move on,” said [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), who set the tone with 16 of his team-high 18 points in the first half. “They don’t stop until the final buzzer, so you have to play hard the whole time.”

[Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) added 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners, who also got 12 points each from [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/) and [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/). 

“We’re just trying to stack good days,” said Oturu. “Today we were able to come out with the win. I think we played pretty well throughout the whole game and disrupt some of the things that they do well. I’m grateful that we were able to leave here on a happy note.

“Every game imposes different challenges. Bayern posed a certain challenge that we had to accept. And I think we accepted that challenge.” 

For Bayern, the game was a return home after playing seven consecutive road games in the EuroLeague – losing all of them, as well as the one before. The ninth consecutive loss drops the team to 5-13, and it was the first game with returning head coach Pesic, who was brought in to replace Gordie Herbert. 

“We must play much better. I had the feeling tonight that our opponent was playing five against zero. They must feel our physical approach. They must feel that we are here,” said Pesic, who coached at Bayern from 2012 to 2016. “The second half was a little bit better. Our first job in the German League and EuroLeague is to improve our defense. We are too comfortable. We must play more aggressive.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">📸👹 <a href="https://t.co/XNpXfF9WB6">pic.twitter.com/XNpXfF9WB6</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/2003570600439054350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the game, Pesic set the record as the oldest coach in EuroLeague history at 76 years, three months and 26 days old, surpassing Aito Garcia Reneses, who was 74, three and 19 days old when he coached ALBA Berlin on April 8, 2021.

Pesic wants to see what he has to work with and all 12 Bayern players played, with only [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/spencer-dinwiddie/014162/) appearing for fewer than 10 minutes. [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) hit 3 three-pointers to pace the team with 18 points, and [David McCormack](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-mccormack/013386/) added 12 points. 

One aspect of the second half for Bayern that Pesic appreciated was the hosts only allowing three Hapoel offensive rebounds, after the Israeli side crashed the offensive glass for nine boards in the first 20 minutes.

“We will begin from the start and the start is defense,” Pesic said of the new beginning. “We have to improve our attitude. Okay, we lost the game, and we are not happy. But we have to find some positive things and find continuity, especially on defense.”

While Hapoel is far along in its process, Bayern seems like it is only at the start of a new era.

Dimitris Itoudis's men spoiled Bayern's welcome home party

FC Bayern Munich v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-12-23T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens looked on course for a long, rough night during the first half of its game at Zalgiris Kaunas. But it recovered after the break to secure an 85-92 win.

Cedi Osman shines as Panathinaikos catches fire from deep in comeback win at Zalgiris

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) looked on course for a long, rough night during the first half of its game at [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/). Zalgirio Arena was buzzing, as the hosts dominated in the paint to secure a 50-40 lead at halftime.

Everything was clicking for Zalgiris on the offensive end, with the hosts going 17 for 28 from inside the arc. Its bigs were finishing comfortably by throwing down open dunks and its guards were going all the way to the basket, with Panathinaikos’s defense not up to the task before the break.

Everything changed after the interval, however, as the visitors tightened up their defense and held the Lithuanian side to just 14 points in the third quarter. 

Zalgiris Kaunas-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Meanwhile, on the other end, [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) caught fire and didn't look back.

After scoring just 5 points in the first half, the Panathinaikos forward exploded in the second half to end the game on a team-high 22 points. His two triples in the third quarter allowed the visitors to cut the difference to 64-63 heading into the final frame.

Osman opened the fourth with another three that was followed with a mid-range jumper before his fifth three-pointer of the night gave Panathinaikos a 68-71 lead. 

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) took over by netting 7 of his team’s next 10 points, with the guests going on an 0-11 run to practically finish the game off. Panathinaikos eventually came away with an 85-92 win.

An extremely efficient Osman looked unstoppable, going an impressive 8 for 9 from the field in just over 33 minutes on the floor. After the game, he admitted that a wake-up call at halftime helped him flip the switch.

“At halftime, the coach had a few words for me,” Osman told EuroLeague TV. “Nothing bad, but it just kind of woke me up. In the first half I was just a bit passive, I had a couple of mistakes defensively. So, I had to wake up in the third quarter, and obviously the coach did a very good job on that. He totally woke me up and I just did my best for the team tonight, played with energy and we got a great win.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/cediosman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cediosman</a> SIMPLY COULDN’T MISS TONIGHT 🔥🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/BP48K20iuF">pic.twitter.com/BP48K20iuF</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/2003566014802591995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Panathinaikos went 13 for 22 from beyond the arc to score 92 points against EuroLeague's second-stingiest defense (81.5 points conceded per game) heading into Tuesday’s clash. They made 9 of 14 from deep in the second half, outscoring Zalgiris 35-52 in the final 20 minutes. In fact, Panathinaikos is the first team to reach the 90-point mark at Zalgiris this season.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Ataman’s side did a great job of containing an in-form [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who was held to a season-low 4 points. What's more, the Zalgiris guard failed to score in a second half that saw his team’s offense suffocated by the guests.

“Our defense stepped up tonight, in the second half in particular,” Nunn told EuroLeague TV. “First half was a bit shaky, they got a lot of lobs and layups at the basket undefended, but went to the locker room, gathered, talked together and we stepped it up.”

Having grabbed its third straight victory, Panathinaikos heads into next week’s Greek derby brimming with confidence. And should the Greens emulate their second-half defensive performance, as well as their execution from beyond the arc, they will be able to close the first half of the season in style.

The Turkish forward fired on all cylinders in the second half to turn the game around

Zalgiris Kaunas v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-12-23T18:00:00.000Z)

For fans of defensive basketball, the Round 18 clash between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and FC Barcelona delivered.

Devon Hall, Wade Baldwin come to the rescue as Fenerbahce topples in-form Barcelona

For fans of defensive basketball, the Round 18 clash between [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) delivered.

Both teams made scoring a grind, and the outcome wasn’t decided until the final seconds. [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) emerged as the difference-makers, with Baldwin sinking three free throws before Hall’s lockdown defense on [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) forced a contested look that Baldwin swatted away, sealing a 72-71 win for Fenerbahce in its final game of 2025 – a year that notably included the club’s second EuroLeague title.

“Amazing. Devon did incredible defense on Punter, who had been amazing all game long,” [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/), who finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds, told EuroLeague TV afterward. “And Wade knocking down all three free throws to take the lead. Amazing job.

“Details at the end matter. We were better than them at the end, and that’s why we got the win. Amazing win, playing defense and playing as a team. This is what matters.”

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-FC Barcelona | Round 18 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Coach Saras Jasikevicius echoed those sentiments in his post-game comments, singling out Hall while framing the victory as further evidence of his team’s championship mentality.

“Everybody knows what kind of defender Devon Hall is,” Jasikevicius said. “We chose to leave him one-on-one on the last possession. Devon did the job, others came to help, and then it was scrambling at the end.

“It’s just another character win for our guys. This is why they are champions.”

Fenerbahce’s 72 points marked its fourth-lowest output of the season, but Barcelona was held to a season-low 71. While Jasikevicius would like to see more offensive consistency, the result mattered most – Fenerbahce’s eighth win in its last nine games.

“As a coach, at some point you want to start playing better basketball,” Jasikevicius said. “But what can I say? It’s the same speech I’ve been giving for three months. We’ll take the win, go home, watch the video tomorrow. Hopefully it starts clicking offensively. For now, we’re doing it with defense and grit.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Ataşehir’de unutulmaz bir akşam daha! 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/N9SgIeGd0d">pic.twitter.com/N9SgIeGd0d</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/2003551918858387512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The outcome could easily have gone the other way. Fenerbahce led for much of the game, from late in the first quarter through the closing minutes of the third, before [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) swung momentum back Barcelona’s way. The guard scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, while Punter – held in check after 16 first-half points – appeared to deliver the dagger with a three-pointer inside the final minute that put Barcelona 67-69 ahead.

Instead, Baldwin responded with five points in the final 43 seconds. Jasikevicius also came away impressed by a Barcelona side revitalized under Xavi Pascual, who has now lost just twice since returning as head coach – both defeats coming in Istanbul, following an earlier loss to Anadolu Efes before a five-game winning streak.

“This was a big game, and in big games you don’t settle – you take the ball to the rim,” Jasikevicius said. “Our decisions could have been better in terms of creating shots off kick-outs, but Barcelona with Xavi is a big-time contender.”

Fenerbahce now sits at 11-6 after an impressive turnaround from a 3-5 start. Barcelona, also trending upward under Pascual, is 12-6 through 18 games. Barcelona hosts AS Monaco on December 30, while Fenerbahce travels to face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on January 2.

Punter had a chance to win it, but Hall’s defense and a Baldwin block carried the defending champions over the line

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2025-12-23T17:45:00.000Z)

Is McKinley Wright the EuroLeague monthly MVP for December in waiting?
Dwayne Bacon certainly thinks so, after watching his Dubai Basketball teammate maintain his outstanding form by spearheading a solid 99-90 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday evening.


Bacon hails Wright as MVP-in-waiting after combining to down Milan

Is McKinley Wright the EuroLeague monthly MVP for December in waiting?

Dwayne Bacon certainly thinks so, after watching his Dubai Basketball teammate maintain his outstanding form by spearheading a solid 99-90 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday evening.

Wright compiled a PIR of 30 after spending more than 32 minutes on the floor, scoring 19 points on 5-of-8 two-point shooting and making 10 of his 11 free throws. He also dished 9 assists, grabbed 4 rebounds and snared 2 steals in an all-action performance.

Those numbers ensured that Wright played a big part in allowing Dubai to lead from start to the finish, especially in the fourth quarter as he netted 11 points to hold off Milan’s numerous attempts to take the lead for the first time.

That marked a continuation of a superb run of form by the EuroLeague rookie, who has now averaged 19 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals for a stellar PIR of 29.8 over the course of December’s five games, which have seen Dubai solidify its position in the middle of the standings by compiling a 3-2 record with wins over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, FC Bayern Munich and now Milan.

And Bacon believes that those numbers are deserving of individual glory for the 27-year-old Wright, who has stepped up seamlessly to the EuroLeague after catching the eye during two impressive seasons in the EuroCup with Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

 “We played together, and we got an MVP point guard of the month in McKinley Wright,” Bacon told EuroLeague TV. “He should win MVP point guard of the month. He’s been playing great this whole month. It took him a minute \[at the start of the season\] to find his way, but once he got in he’s been playing great this entire month, phenomenal.”

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Monthly MVP selections tend to come from teams that have won the most games, so Dubai’s dropped games against Virtus Bologna and Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv might mean that Wright is left unrewarded for his heroics, but more importantly, he has certainly set them on a good path to challenge for a playoff position in the second half of the regular season.

The victory was Dubai’s seventh on its home court so far this season, with its 7-2 record better than every team in the league other than Spanish pair Real Madrid and Valencia (both 7-1 at home). And Wright revealed that staying strong in the Coca-Cola Arena was a specific motivation for Jurica Golemac’s men as they headed into the game.

“We knew we needed it, we lost the last one at home, so we needed to protect the home court,” he said. “Coach told us we couldn’t lose any more at home and we were all on the same page. As long as we execute the game plan and play defense, we can win a lot of games.”

Wright’s main accomplice in the victory was Bacon, who marked his second appearance since returning from injury by pouring in 25 points – with 20 of those coming during a first half that saw Dubai set the tone for the rest of the game by grabbing a series of double-digit leads.

Bacon also grabbed 8 rebounds to help underline Dubai’s physical commitment and solid organisation, and the former Monaco and Panathinaikos star praised the collective ethic, which he believes could take the team a long way this season.

“Everybody just trusted each other and played together. Hopefully, we can stay on this winning streak. It’s a very tough league, so we want to take it one game at a time, one practice at a time, trust in each other, have each other’s back and the sky’s the limit.”

With Wright and Bacon side by side, Dubai certainly will not be an easy team to beat.

Dubai’s dynamic duo totalled 44 points to inspire a solid home victory

Dubai Basketball v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-12-23T16:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv will be without center Zach Hankins for the next two to three weeks following an MRI scan that revealed a bone bruise above his ankle.

Maccabi's Zach Hankins to miss 2–3 weeks with bone bruise

[Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) will be without center [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zachary-hankins/013304/) for the next two to three weeks following an MRI scan that revealed a bone bruise above his ankle.

Hankins experienced persistent discomfort above his ankle after Sunday’s Israeli League game against Ness Ziona and was immediately removed from the court for further evaluation. Subsequent MRI results confirmed a bone contusion in the lower leg, with no fracture detected – a relatively mild but still limiting injury for the big man.

The big man joined Maccabi two weeks ago to add size and a back-to-the-basket presence to the frontcourt. He played 5 minutes in his EuroLeague debut last week - a victory over Valencia Basket - and has made two appearances in domestic action.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">עדכון: זאק הנקינס חש כאבים מעל הקרסול אחרי המשחק מול נס ציונה. הסנטר עבר בדיקת MRI, בה התגלתה חבלה בעצם. השחקן צפוי להיעדר שבועיים-שלושה מהמגרשים</p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/2003485387352891599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Maccabi news

The recent signing was diagnosed with the injury following a game in the Israeli League

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-12-26T17:00:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade gave its backcourt a significant boost by signing guard Cameron Payne, the club announced on Tuesday. 

Cameron Payne brings NBA pedigree to Partizan

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/roster/par/) gave its backcourt a significant boost by signing guard [Cameron Payne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cameron-payne/014213/), the club announced on Tuesday. Payne (1.91 meters, 31 years old) arrives in Belgrade with a wealth of experience from the NBA, where he played for several teams over nine seasons, most notably helping the Phoenix Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals.

A dynamic floor general known for his scoring bursts and playmaking ability, Payne averaged 7.8 points and 3.2 assists over 477 NBA games. He also appeared in 72 playoff contests. Payne began his professional career after being selected 14th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before that, he played two seasons of college basketball at Murray State, where he was the 2015 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and the 2015 Lute Olson Award winner as the most outstanding men's college basketball player.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Kameron Pejn je novo pojačanje Partizana Mozzart Bet!⚫️⚪️<br><br>Kameron Pejn je novo pojačanje Partizana Mozzart Bet. Tridesetjednogodišnji američki plejmejker je sinoć doputovao u Beograd i već danas će se priključiti treninzima crno-belih. <br><br>Četrnaesti pik sa NBA drafta 2015. godine… <a href="https://t.co/453S1mVA1w">pic.twitter.com/453S1mVA1w</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/2003390530097455598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Payne brings speed, creativity, and a fearless approach to the backcourt. His ability to push the pace in transition and create off the dribble should complement Partizan’s athletic wings and bigs, while his experience running pick-and-rolls adds another weapon to the team’s offense. Known for his energy and leadership, Payne can provide instant scoring and facilitate ball movement, which could help stabilize Partizan’s attack in late-game situations and improve efficiency against the EuroLeague’s elite defenses.

This marks Payne’s first stint in European basketball, where he will join forces with [newly appointed head coach Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-taps-joan-penarroya-eyeing-euroleague-revival/) to boost Partizan’s backcourt depth and offensive creativity. His arrival comes as Partizan looks to climb the EuroLeague standings.

More Partizan news

Payne’s arrival adds depth and creativity to Belgrade’s backcourt rotation

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has named Joan Penarroya as its new head coach, the club announced on Tuesday. Penarroya, 56, takes over the reins of the Serbian giant after a recent stint with FC Barcelona

Partizan taps Joan Penarroya, eyeing EuroLeague revival

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has named Joan Penarroya as its new head coach, the club announced on Tuesday. Penarroya, 56, takes over the reins of the Serbian giant after a recent stint with FC Barcelona, where he posted a 27-21 EuroLeague record across a season and a half, before parting ways last month.

Penarroya arrives with a wealth of experience in European basketball. A former player turned coach, he began his coaching career with CB Olesa and later guided MoraBanc Andorra from Spain’s lower divisions to the elite, winning the third division in 2012 and the second division in 2014. He spent eight seasons with Andorra, including a EuroCup campaign in 2017-18.

His breakthrough came with San Pablo Burgos, where Penarroya led the club to back-to-back Basketball Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in 2021. After two seasons in Burgos, he joined Valencia Basket and steered the team to the EuroCup Semifinals in 2022.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Đoan Penjaroja je novi trener KK Partizan Mozzart Bet!⚫️⚪️<br><br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/KMAnqKkErQ">https://t.co/KMAnqKkErQ</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/irSHY6yP3G">pic.twitter.com/irSHY6yP3G</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/2003383685018693687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Penarroya made his EuroLeague debut with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2022, guiding the team to the brink of the playoffs in his first season. He later coached Barcelona, inheriting a squad that reached the EuroLeague Playoffs in 2024 and competing at the highest level until November 2025.

Known for his tactical adaptability and emphasis on team chemistry, Penarroya now faces the challenge of leading Partizan in one of the most competitive environments in European basketball. His appointment signals the club’s ambition to turn things around after the winningest coach in EuroLeague history, Zeljko Obradovic, stepped down last month.

The Spanish tactician brings EuroLeague experience and a history of success in European competitions to the Serbian powerhouse

With Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs unavailable this week, Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza goes through the options with unlimited trades this week, but also looks back at Round 17, which brought total chaos to EuroLeague Fantasy Basketball. Kevin Punter was the one who stole the spotlight with a historic performance, exploding for massive fantasy points output in a triple-overtime thriller.

Vasiliki covers the biggest fantasy traps, injury updates, and late-game risks that managers must consider heading into Round 18 to help you make smarter, and safer, fantasy decisions.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Unlimited trades are here again!

With Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs unavailable this week, Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C8f23c17ba6e24a938a4c08ddff3a0ce8%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638947346960937569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RuVg%2FRj%2BbH%2FiJbU%2BYkpXVo6vX%2B39lXvvomI9gNtMJLs%3D&reserved=0) goes through the options with unlimited trades this week, but also looks back at Round 17, which brought total chaos to EuroLeague Fantasy Basketball. Kevin Punter was the one who stole the spotlight with a historic performance, exploding for massive fantasy points output in a triple-overtime thriller.

Vasiliki covers the biggest fantasy traps, injury updates, and late-game risks that managers must consider heading into Round 18 to help you make smarter, and safer, fantasy decisions.

Virtus Bologna v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-12-26T19:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2025-12-26T18:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-12-23T19:45:00.000Z)