Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 36th winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Ioannis Kontopoulos beat everyone else in the second round of the Play-In Showdown with his team, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 174.50.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Play-In Showdown second round winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 36th winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Ioannis Kontopoulos beat everyone else in the second round of the Play-In Showdown with his team 'ΘΡΥΛΟΣΟΥΠΕΡ', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 174.50.

Ioannis had the following starting lineup: Mario Hezonja of Real Madrid as team captain, then Facundo Campazzo, Alberto Abalde, Dzanan Musa and Walter Tavares, all of Real Madrid. His sixth man was FC Bayern Munich's Shabazz Napier. The rest of the bench consisted of Bayern quartet Andreas Obst, Nick Weiler-Babb, Vladimir Lucic and Johannes Voigtmann. His team's head coach was Real Madrid play-caller Chus Mateo.

The prize for finishing first in Round 36 is a free VIP Euroleague TV subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Ioannis!

Marko Djukic and his team 'Kughat' remains the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings with 6,174.79 points.

Trades are now open for the first round of the EuroLeague Playoffs, and there are an unlimited number of trades.

The first playoff game tips off on Tuesday, April 22 at 19:45 CEST as Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul hosts Paris Basketball, marking the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

The dust had barely settled on Real Madrid’s resounding 93-71 victory over FC Bayern Munich on Friday night, and already the Spanish team was starting to look ahead to its next challenge.

Real Madrid already looking forward while Bayern rue missed chances

The dust had barely settled on [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/)’s resounding [93-71 victory over FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-crushes-bayern-93-71-to-complete-playoff-picture/) on Friday night, and already the Spanish team was starting to look ahead to its next challenge.

The outcome sees Bayern’s season end while Real advances from the play-in – [despite losing to Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-stuns-real-madrid-in-play-in-73-81-to-set-up-playoff-date-with-fenerbahce/) on Tuesday night – to set up a potentially thrilling playoff series matchup with [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) starting next week.

And although Real coach Chus Mateo allowed himself some satisfaction at the achievement of reaching the final eight, he made it clear that he wants much more as he told EuroLeague TV: “I’m very happy because that was the goal at the beginning of the regular season.

“It’s very tough to reach this goal of the playoffs and now we are among the best eight. That is something we were looking for from the beginning of the season. I know that Olympiacos is a great opponent, but now we are going to play knowing we’ve got five more victories to be champions again.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">🏁 FP: <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> 93 - 71 <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBBasketball</a><a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> <a href="https://t.co/pUpNVo9B6I">pic.twitter.com/pUpNVo9B6I</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1913329100149629054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bayern, meanwhile, suffered a big blow in the buildup to the game when key offensive weapon [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was [ruled out of action with a back injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carsen-edwards-ruled-out-for-bayern-play-in-game-at-real-madrid/), depriving the visiting team of an All-EuroLeague First Team selection who finished second in the regular season’s scoring charts with 20.5 points per game.

Edwards had played in all 35 Bayern games prior to Friday’s encounter, and it was quickly evident how much his teammates missed the guard’s dynamic drives to the basket as the German team netted just one two-point basket in the first eight minutes.

But visiting coach Gordon Herbert did not use that as an excuse, instead reflecting on his team’s poor finish to the regular season which cost the team automatic entry to the playoffs. “It’s tough because we had 32 pretty good games and then the last two of the regular season, but it is what it is,” Herbert said. “We had a chance to finish fifth or sixth but let it slip.

“Give Madrid credit today. They came out very focused in the first seven minutes of the game, got a big lead and they never gave it up. That put us in a big hole and we never got out of it.”

Game News

There were mixed emotions after Friday’s Play-In Showdown in the Spanish capital

Real Madrid v FC Bayern Munich (2025-04-18T18:45:00.000Z)

Real Madrid had no trouble in disposing of FC Bayern Munich, 93-71, in Friday’s Play-In Showdown to set up a mouthwatering playoff duel with Olympiacos BC, starting in Greece on Tuesday.

Real Madrid crushes Bayern, 93-71, to complete playoff picture

Real Madrid had no trouble in disposing of FC Bayern Munich, 93-71, in Friday’s Play-In Showdown to set up a mouthwatering playoff duel with Olympiacos Piraeus, starting in Greece on Tuesday.

Real took quick control for a double-digit first quarter lead, which was stretched to a big halftime advantage, 52-33. Nothing changed after the break, and Real cruised to a resounding victory. Mario Hezonja led the way with 19 points, Dzanan Musa scored 16, Alberto Abalde had 13, Facundo Campazzo scored 12 and Walter Tavares netted 10. Shabazz Napier paced Bayern with 19 points, Andreas Obst scored 12 and Devin Booker added 10.

Game Videos

Three-pointers from Gaby Deck and Booker opened the scoring, before Campazzo scored 4 straight points and Hezonja followed a jumper with a triple for a 12-3 lead. Campazzo knocked down another three-ball before Vladimir Lucic ended the 12-0 run with a corner three. Abalde answered with another deep strike to restore a double-digit lead, which Booker trimmed from mid-range. Tavares and Musa kept pushing Real, before Napier and Serge Ibaka traded triples for a 25-11 margin. Danko Brankovic and Ivan Kharchenkov pulled Bayern closer, but threes from Andres Feliz and Musa kept Real comfortable, 33-17, after 10 minutes.

Usman Garuba continued Real’s three-point party early in the second, with Bayern answering inside through Niels Giffey and Napier. Booker’s three-pointer pulled it back to 36-26, capping a 0-7 run as Real failed to score for more than four minutes. Hezonja reignited Real from the foul line, and close-range finishes for Tavares and Hezonja made it 43-26. Campazzo’s layup was bettered by Obst’s triple, but Hezonja scored the last 5 points of the half for a 52-33 lead.

Booker’s dunk started the second half, but Tavares’s layup and Abalde’s three-ball kept Real comfortable. Johannes Voigtmann scored from long and close-range, but Hezonja’s fadeaway and another Abalde triple made it 64-43. Campazzo and Nick Weiler-Babb traded deep strikes, before Tavares stayed hot with another layup. Hezonja and Abalde maintained a big margin despite 9 points in 3 minutes from Napier, and it was 73-55 after three quarters.

Obst and Musa fired three-pointers early in the final period, and triples from Napier and Obst three weren’t enough to stop the lead from growing to 88-66 as Deck, Musa and Ibaka were all on target. Late three-balls from Obst – his fourth of the night – and Real youngster Hugo Gonzalez completed the scoring, but the outcome had been decided long before.

The Spanish team cruised into the last eight with a comprehensive victory

The final spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs has been taken by Real Madrid following a 93-71 win over FC Bayern Munich at Movistar Arena in the final game of the Play-In Showdown.

*Los Blancos* led by 16 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back, having taken advantage of Bayern being without star guard Carsen Edwards to injury.

Mario Hezonja was Real Madrid's leading scorer with 19 points, followed by Dzanan Musa with 16, Alberto Abalde with 13, Facundo Campazzo with 12, and Walter Tavares with 10. For Bayern, Shabazz Napier poured in 19 points, Andreas Obst added 12, and Devin Booker had 10.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE EUROLEAGUE PLAYOFFS ARE SET✅<br><br>We begin on Tuesday🍿 <a href="https://t.co/Sde5IaDvnR">pic.twitter.com/Sde5IaDvnR</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1913329104365256881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Los Blancos won by 22 points at Movistar Arena

Game Center: Real Madrid books its playoff ticket with dominant win over Bayern!

FC Bayern Munich has confirmed that All-EuroLeague First Team guard Carsen Edwards will miss tonight’s Play-In Showdown clash at Real Madrid due to a back injury.

Carsen Edwards ruled out for Bayern’s play-in game at Real Madrid

[FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) has confirmed that All-EuroLeague First Team guard [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) will miss tonight’s Play-In Showdown clash at [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) due to a back injury.

Just one place remains in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, with the winner of the game between Real Madrid and Bayern set to face first-ranked Olympiacos Piraeus in the 1-8 matchup.

Bayern’s task just got a lot harder with the news that Edwards will be unavailable in this do-or-die encounter.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bad news ahead of our game against Real Madrid tonight: Carsen Edwards, who has just been named to the All-<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> first team, is out for the upcoming weeks with a back injury. More info: <a href="https://t.co/q7utFQYAyi">https://t.co/q7utFQYAyi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/YdVtlkEScv">pic.twitter.com/YdVtlkEScv</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1913255748177379784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Bad news ahead of our game against Real Madrid tonight: Carsen Edwards, who has just been named to the All-EuroLeague First Team, is out for the upcoming weeks with a back injury,” the club stated in a tweet.

Edwards averaged 20.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game across 34 regular-season appearances for Bayern this season, before posting 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in [the club’s first-round play-in victory over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-advances-with-97-93-overtime-win-over-crvena-zvezda/) on Tuesday night.

With Edwards sidelined, the likes of [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) and [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) will have to take on even bigger roles in the offense against Real Madrid.

The All-EuroLeague First Team selection is a late scratch

Euroleague Basketball is pleased to unveil the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague Second Team, honoring five exceptional players whose skill, dedication, and impact stood out throughout a remarkable season.

Euroleague Basketball announces the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague Second Team

Euroleague Basketball is pleased to unveil the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague Second Team, honoring five exceptional players whose skill, dedication, and impact stood out throughout a remarkable season. These players showcased consistency, versatility, and high-level play, having enjoyed pivotal roles in their teams' successes and thrilling fans across the continent. Selected through a combination of votes made by head coaches (35%), team captains (35%), media (20%) and fans (10%), the All-EuroLeague Second Team highlights the depth of talent that defined this memorable EuroLeague campaign.

### Evan Fournier, Olympiacos Piraeus

[Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) returned to Europe last summer and took to the EuroLeague like a duck to water in his rookie season. He showed all the polish and poise of a seasoned pro, becoming a key driver of Olympiacos Piraeus's success. The veteran guard averaged 15.8 points per game while showcasing the shot-making ability and scoring creativity that made him a longtime NBA standout. He had nine games with at least 4 three-pointers made and 13 contests with at least 20 points, including a season-high 28 at Real Madrid in Round 22. Whether curling off screens, pulling up from deep, or breaking down defenders one-on-one, Fournier consistently found ways to put the ball in the basket. But his impact wasn’t limited to offense – he brought leadership, spacing, and control to the Reds' guard rotation. Fournier thrived in crunch time, hitting big shots in tight games – notably [on the road at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in Round 8](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/clutch-evan-fournier-decided-the-greek-derby-in-style/) and [at FC Barcelona in Round 26](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/evan-fournier-showed-big-shot-mentality-for-olympiacos/) – and providing a steadying presence on the floor to help Olympiacos finish atop the regular-season standings. For a player returning to Europe for the first time in over a decade, Fournier’s smooth transition was nothing short of remarkable. His first All-EuroLeague Second Team selection honors both his individual excellence and the role he played in Olympiacos's run to the top of the table.

### Juancho Hernangomez, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

In his second EuroLeague campaign, [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) made a major statement for Panathinaikos. The Spanish forward more than doubled his scoring and PIR averages and nearly doubled his rebounding numbers compared to the previous campaign as he became a pillar of the Greens’ frontcourt. Combining finesse with physicality and a high basketball IQ allowed him to excel on both ends. Offensively, he was a versatile weapon, capable of stretching the floor with his shooting, finishing in traffic, or making smart cuts to create opportunities. Defensively, Hernangomez used his length and mobility to defend multiple positions, often switching onto guards and wings with ease. His role grew in the second half of the season with Hernangomez carrying more weight after Mathias Lessort went down with a long-term injury. Hernangomez averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, with the latter ranking third in the league. His ability to impact games in multiple ways – and his poise in high-pressure situations – made him a consistent difference-maker. His first All-EuroLeague Second Team selection is a reflection of both his strong individual play and his importance to one of the league’s premier teams.

### Mike James, AS Monaco

Another season, another elite campaign from [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who continued to make history while leading Monaco with trademark flair and intensity. His isolation scoring, playmaking wizardry, and clutch shot-making once again placed him among the league’s most feared offensive weapons. The EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer – who in Round 25 [became the first player in EuroLeague history to reach 5,000 career points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mike-james-is-the-first-player-to-reach-5000-points-in-the-euroleague/) – was worth 15.8 points and 5.7 assists while starting every regular-season game for Monaco. Beyond the stats, James served as the emotional and competitive engine for Monaco, pushing his team through adversity and delivering highlights. James remained focused on winning, doing whatever was needed to keep his team in contention, and eventually clinching a home-court berth for the playoffs. His inclusion on the All-EuroLeague Second Team is both a recognition of his individual brilliance and a testament to his continued excellence in leading Monaco at the highest level of European basketball. This is James's fifth All-EuroLeague selection, which ties him for the sixth-most in competition history.

### Theo Maledon, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

[Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) made his mark this season as one of the breakout stars of the EuroLeague following four years in the NBA, having led ASVEL with maturity and skill well beyond his years. The French guard averaged 17.0 points and 4.6 assists per game while showing tremendous growth as a floor general. He ranked sixth in the league in scoring and his average PIR of 20.6 was fourth-best. Along the way, Maledon set the EuroLeague regular-season records with 208 free throws made and 230 free throws attempted, and his 195 fouls drawn are third-most in a regular season. He was twice the MVP of the Round and was also [the EuroLeague MVP of the Month for December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/theo-maledon-makes-history-as-december-mvp/). What set Maledon apart was his poise – rarely rattled, he played with a veteran’s understanding of the game, often making the right decision in crucial moments. His combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and team-first mentality made him one of the most impactful young guards in Europe this season. With his first selection to the All-EuroLeague Second Team, Maledon confirms his status as a rising star on the continental stage.

### Walter Tavares, Real Madrid

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) remained a towering force in the paint during the 2024–25 EuroLeague season, continuing his reign as the most dominant rim protector in Europe. The 2.20-meter center from Cape Verde anchored Real Madrid’s defense with trademark shot-blocking and altered countless more attempts with his mere presence. Tavares averaged 10.6 points on 75.3% shooting, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 34 regular-season games. He ranked second in the league in shooting accuracy, rebounds and rejections. The EuroLeague’s all-time leader in shots blocked, he continued making life difficult for opposing bigs and slashing guards alike. Offensively, he provided high-efficiency scoring around the basket, excelled in pick-and-roll situations, and created second-chance opportunities with offensive rebounds. Tavares roared for 24 points and 18 rebounds in a road win at archrival FC Barcelona in Round 12 and later led *Los Blancos* on a six-game winning streak to close the regular season that led to him being named [the EuroLeague MVP of the Month for March-April](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/walter-tavares-named-turkish-airlines-euroleague-mvp-for-march-april/). A multiple-time EuroLeague Best Defender, this is Tavares's sixth All-EuroLeague selection, which is tied for the third-most in competition history.

2024-25 EuroLeague Award Winners

There are three first-time All-EuroLeague selections on the Second Team

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague First Team, which recognizes five of the most outstanding performers from an unforgettable season.

Euroleague Basketball names the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague First Team

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce the 2024–25 All-EuroLeague First Team, which recognizes five of the most outstanding performers from an unforgettable season. These elite players combined high-level production with leadership, consistency, and highlight-reel performances that shaped the storylines of the campaign. Selected through a combination of votes made by head coaches (35%), team captains (35%), media (20%) and fans (10%), the All-EuroLeague First Team celebrates those who defined the excellence of European basketball this season.

### Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

A pillar of versatility and consistency, [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) delivered the best season of his EuroLeague career in 2024–25. As a two-way force for Fenerbahce, Hayes-Davis combined elite defensive effort with an expanded offensive role, becoming one of the most reliable forwards in the league. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc. Whether spacing the floor, slashing to the basket, or locking down the opponent’s best wing player, Hayes-Davis contributed in every facet of the game. His physicality and high basketball IQ allowed Fenerbahce to switch defensively with confidence, and his quiet leadership set the tone for a cohesive, disciplined squad. Time and again, he delivered in clutch moments, hitting big shots and making crucial defensive stops to help Fenerbahce finish the regular season in second place. This All-EuroLeague First Team selection – the second of Hayes-Davis's career - is a testament to the invaluable impact he had on one of the league’s top teams.

### Carsen Edwards, FC Bayern Munich

[Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) lit up the EuroLeague this season with his scoring prowess and fearless mentality, becoming a go-to weapon for Bayern in his second campaign with the club and third in the league. The explosive American guard was second in the league in scoring and three-pointers made with 20.4 points and 2.9 triples per game. Edwards also established career highs with 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals. He scored at least 30 points on five occasions, including a career-high 34 against ALBA Berlin in Round 23, when he earned one of his two MVP of the Round honors. Edwards knocked down at least 5 three-pointers seven times. His lightning quick release regularly shifted the momentum of games as he proved himself to be a high-level competitor who embraced big moments. In a league filled with elite guards, Edwards stood out with his intensity, confidence, and ability to take over games. His first All-EuroLeague First Team honor is a fitting recognition for one of the season’s most electrifying performers.

### Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) brought scoring flair and unshakable confidence to Panathinaikos in his second season with the club. [The winner of the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunn-is-the-2024-25-alphonso-ford-top-scorer-trophy-winner/) delivered clutch performances on the biggest stages to help the Greens claim home-court advantage for the playoffs. Nunn’s explosive first step and smooth shooting from beyond the arc made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league. He also showcased an underrated ability to facilitate, providing leadership and timely assists that helped Panathinaikos to a 22-12 record. Nunn led the league in scoring with 21.1 points per game and in three-pointers made with 3.1, in addition to averaging 4.1 assists and 1.0 steal over 33 regular-season appearances. He scored at least 30 points four times, including a career-high 39 points in Round 16 against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, and had a dozen games with at least 4 three-pointers made. [Nunn was the EuroLeague MVP of the Month for February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunn-shines-as-euroleagues-mvp-for-february/) and the MVP of the Round three times en route to earning All-EuroLeague First Team honors for the second time.

### TJ Shorts, Paris Basketball

In his first full EuroLeague season, [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) proved that size is no barrier to superstardom. The dynamic point guard used his electric pace, sharp decision-making, and fearless playmaking to lead Paris to the postseason. As the heart and soul of the team, Shorts led the league in assists with 7.5 per game and was fourth in scoring with 18.8 points per night. Those numbers, combined with his league-best 6.6 steals per game, helped him rank second in average PIR with 23.3. Shorts amassed six games with a PIR of at least 30, including a 41 PIR against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Round 15. He also led the league with seven double-doubles, including four in a row in a late-season stretch. [Shorts was the MVP of the Month for November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-star-tj-shorts-selected-as-mvp-for-november/) and the MVP of the Round four times. He dazzled fans with his quickness off the dribble, relentless drives to the basket, and uncanny ability to finish over taller defenders. More than just a scorer, Shorts elevated Paris's tempo and rhythm with his constant energy and court vision, often making the difference in close games with late-game heroics, which led to his inclusion on the All-EuroLeague First Team for the first time.

### Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus

The 2022–23 EuroLeague MVP authored another historic campaign for Olympiacos that further cements his status as one of the defining players of this EuroLeague era. For [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), it was another season full of scoring brilliance and high-efficiency shooting, combining deadly three-point accuracy with aggressive rebounding and off-ball movement that shredded defenses. A model of consistency, he scored and posted a PIR in double figures every time he took the court. Vezenkov scored at least 20 points in 15 of his 32 regular-season appearances and posted four double-doubles. He was named [the EuroLeague MVP of the Month for January](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-named-mvp-of-the-month-for-january/) and was the MVP of the Round a league-best five times, including in Round 20, when he [scored 45 points – the third-most in EuroLeague history – against FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-took-center-stage-on-historic-night-for-olympiacos/). He led the league in PIR with 24.5, ranked third in scoring with 20.2 points and fourth in rebounding with 6.6 boards per game. Vezenkov converted on 65.7% of his two-point shots and 38.7% of his threes. His leadership and calm presence under pressure were key ingredients in his team’s success and his selection as an All-EuroLeague First Team member for the third time.

Two of the five players have achieved this honor for the first time in their careers

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of the second round of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-In Showdown.

Pregame quotes hub: Play-In Showdown

## Friday, April 18

### Real Madrid vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:45 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"Tomorrow we have a final in front of us, a game that can give us the chance to play in the playoffs. We didn't take advantage of the first opportunity we had against Paris and now we have to take advantage of this second and final opportunity against Bayern, a team that has shown throughout the year that it is difficult to beat. Bayern has a lot of talent: they shoot three-pointers very well, they are very good one-on-one, they have very mobile centers, a great ability to punish the opposition after a turnover. They are a team that has shown throughout the year a certain consistency and I think we will have to play a very good game, a complete game, to beat an opponent that plays really good basketball."

**Gaby Deck, Real Madrid forward**

"We head into Friday's match with all the concentration it deserves because it's a final. We had an opportunity on Tuesday that we couldn't take advantage of, but on Friday we have another one. We have a tough game ahead of us because Bayern also wants to qualify for the playoffs. Bayern played very well at home and beat Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday and, if we don't do things right, we can lose, although I think we can also beat anyone if we manage to play our basketball. We have to be connected as a team from minute one to minute 40. There will be good moments and there will be bad moments, but if we don't play mentally together and connected as a group, things will get tough for us. We have to be together."

**Gordon Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"We are the underdog in Madrid, but we will try everything to stay in the game until the end. We want to have an open game in the final quarter. To do that, we need to take away their second-chance opportunities, force them into half-court play, and then rebound the ball. They are very big and physical, and we have to stand our ground. Of course, the guys are tired after five games in 10 days, but since Tuesday we've been able to approach things a little more freely. After the Fenerbahce game, there was a lot of pressure on us to prove something. We overcame that and won \[against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade\], and I’m glad we could give our fantastic fans that victory. That was very important, but at the same time, I had the feeling in the locker room after the game that we’re not satisfied yet: The players know we still have half the journey ahead of us. We have more in mind."

**Vladimir Lucic, FC Bayern Munich guard**

"We're expecting a tough game, it’s all on the line. Real Madrid is still a great championship team, with very experienced players who have already won every title. After the loss to Paris, we will definitely see a reaction from them. They have the best duo in Facundo Campazzo and Edy Tavares, but the entire team undoubtedly has outstanding quality. We have to take the game possession by possession and simply try everything to beat them."

Pregame quotes hub, play-in: 'We can beat anyone if we play our basketball'

Sarunas Jasikevicius of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has been voted the 2024-25 Aleksander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year. Jasikevicius was chosen by his peers—fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coaches.

Sarunas Jasikevicius named 2024-25 Aleksander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year

Sarunas Jasikevicius of [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/?season=2024-25) has been voted the 2024–25 Aleksander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year, becoming the first Lithuanian head coach to receive the prestigious honor. In one of the closest races in recent memory, Jasikevicius was chosen by his peers—fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coaches—as the recipient of the season’s top coaching award. Despite dealing with a string of injuries throughout the campaign, Jasikevicius guided Fenerbahce to a [second-place finish](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/standings/) in the regular season with a 23–11 record.

By receiving the Gomelskiy Trophy, Jasikevicius has once again made history. He becomes the first person to win the EuroLeague as a player and later be named the competition’s best coach. Jasikevicius captured four EuroLeague championships as a player—with FC Barcelona in 2003, Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2004 and 2005, and Panathinaikos in 2009—and was named Final Four MVP in 2005. Now 49, “Saras” has also won domestic championships in Lithuania, Spain, and Turkiye as a head coach.

The Aleksander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year Trophy is named after the legendary coach who led ASK Riga to the first EuroLeague title in 1958 and added three more continental crowns between Riga and CSKA Moscow. Gomelskiy also guided the Soviet Union to gold at the 1988 Olympics and remains one of the most decorated figures in basketball history. Euroleague Basketball chose him as one of the 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors in 2008. He is also a member of both the Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. Gomelskiy passed away in 2005.

Jasikevicius edged Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiacos Piraeus in the voting. Gordon Herbert of FC Bayern Munich and Tiago Splitter of Paris Basketball tied for third. Other coaches receiving votes included Luca Banchi (Anadolu Efes Istanbul), Joan Penarroya (FC Barcelona), Oded Kattash (Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv), Ioannis Sfairopoulos (Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade), Zeljko Obradovic (Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade), Pierric Poupet (LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne), Ergin Ataman (Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens), and Vassilis Spanoulis (AS Monaco).

Despite high expectations, Jasikevicius faced immediate adversity. Fenerbahce’s season opener saw star guard [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) suffer a season-ending ACL injury just 125 seconds into the game. Additional key players—[Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wade-baldwin-out-with-hamstring-injury/), [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/devon-hall-to-undergo-surgery-on-hand-injury/), and [Dyshawn Pierre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahces-dyshawn-pierre-sidelined-by-calf-injury/)—missed significant time due to injuries. Only [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), [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/) played in all 34 regular season games, and just eight players appeared in more than 22.

Through a series of roster changes—including the mid-season additions of [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/) and [Jilson Bango](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jilson-bango/013696/)—Jasikevicius maintained his team’s competitive edge. Fenerbahce posted multiple six-game winning streaks, highlighted by key road victories at Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Olympiacos. The team tied for the most road wins in the league (11) and remained resilient despite ranking in the bottom half of several statistical categories.

Jasikevicius is now the 13th different recipient of the Coach of the Year award. Only [Zeljko Obradovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zeljko-obradovic-is-alexander-gomelskiy-coach-of-the-year/) (three times), [Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2223-coach-of-the-year-georgios-bartzokas-olympiacos-piraeus/) (three), Ettore Messina (two), [Pablo Laso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/laso-named-gomelskiy-euroleague-coach-of-the-year-for-second-time/) (two), and [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/cskas-dimitris-itoudis-is-voted-alexander-gomelskiy-coach-of-the-year) (two) have won it multiple times. Other past winners include Pini Gershon, Dusko Vujosevic, Xavi Pascual, Dusan Ivkovic, [David Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/david-blatt-voted-alexander-gomelskiy-coach-of-the-year/), [Ergin Ataman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/coach-of-the-year-ergin-ataman-anadolu-efes-istanbul/) and, most-recently, [Chus Mateo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/chus-mateo-is-voted-by-his-peers-as-the-euroleague-coach-of-the-year).

Looking ahead, Jasikevicius will aim to join an elite group by winning the EuroLeague both as a player and head coach. Only three individuals have achieved that feat: Lolo Sainz, Armenak Alachachian, and the most recent, Svetislav Pesic, who won as a player in 1979 and as a coach in 2003.