Xavi Pascual didn’t waste any time setting expectations as he stepped back into the spotlight Wednesday, holding his first press conference in his second stint as FC Barcelona’s head coach. Roughly 50 media members crowded into the room – a turnout big enough that veteran center Jan Vesely joked about it after practice – and Pascual delivered a steady message: the past is off-limits, and the focus is entirely on what comes next.

Xavi Pascual: ‘I’ve come to Barça for one reason – to win’

[Xavi Pascual](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-reunites-with-coach-xavi-pascual/) didn’t waste any time setting expectations as he stepped back into the spotlight Wednesday, holding his first press conference in his second stint as [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/)’s head coach. Roughly 50 media members crowded into the room – a turnout big enough that veteran center Jan Vesely joked about it after practice – and Pascual delivered a steady message: the past is off-limits, and the focus is entirely on what comes next.

“I will never make any reference to the past,” Pascual said. “I have a lot of respect for Joan \[Peñarroya\] and everything he did. From now on, we talk about what *we* do – good or bad.”

Peñarroya was dismissed 10 days earlier, and interim coach Oscar Orellana guided Barça to a 3-0 week before Pascual’s arrival. Pascual made sure Orellana received his due. “We have to congratulate Oscar and his staff for those three important victories,” he said. “The players have been extraordinary these last two days. The intensity, the concentration… it creates excitement. We’re ready to play.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Work. Work. Work. <a href="https://t.co/Fgf8kvjWJJ">pic.twitter.com/Fgf8kvjWJJ</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1990852505430077760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pascual, who previously coached Barça from 2008 to 2016, admitted he always believed a return was possible, even if the timing surprised him. “I always imagined that one day I could come back,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been waiting for the call for eight years, but it never arrived. All over Europe, people told me, ‘You’ll end up back at Barça.’ I didn’t know when, but I always felt it might happen.”

The 52-year-old Catalan coach is one of the most accomplished in club history, having delivered the 2010 EuroLeague title along with four Spanish League and three Spanish Cup trophies during his nine-year run. He made clear that expectations remain unchanged. “I have come to Barça for one reason: to win,” Pascual said. “There are no transition seasons here. We’ll say it loudly – our goal is to compete for every title.”

Xavi Pascual during an FC Barcelona training session. (PHOTO: FC Barcelona)

Despite speculation about midseason roster moves, Pascual insisted he’ll take time to evaluate the group before making any decisions. Every coach and every player, he emphasized, starts with a clean slate. “I make decisions based on what I see and feel,” he said. “That’s why I haven’t changed any staff member. Everyone stays, everyone can show their value. The players will work with me, and based on that, we’ll decide if we need to make a move. Right now, we all have to be on the same page.”

Since leaving Barcelona in 2016, Pascual has coached at Zenit St. Petersburg and Panathinaikos, gaining experience managing different roster styles and taking over midseason, something he believes prepared him for this moment. “Experience is the accumulation of mistakes,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about the European basketball reality. I’m still the same person, the same coach, but with more perspective and confidence.”

Willy Hernangomez and Xavi Pascual come together. (PHOTO: FC Barcelona)

Pascual made it clear he didn’t return to build toward next season. The goal is to be competitive immediately. “This is Barcelona,” he said. “We play to win, not just to be there. I told the players directly: I’m not here to build something for next season. I’m here because I believe we can do big things *now*.”

After two years away from the EuroLeague, Pascual also acknowledged how meaningful the opportunity is. “I feel like a EuroLeague coach,” he said. “Not being there was hard for me. So I’m very happy to be back – and to do it with my club.”

More Barcelona News

The new FC Barcelona head coach spoke at an introductory press conference on Wednesday

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has confirmed that Erkan Yilmaz will be out for the next three weeks due to a knee injury.

Erkan Yilmaz sidelined for three weeks with knee injury

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) has confirmed that [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/erkan-yilmaz/006372/) will be out for the next three weeks due to a knee injury.

Yilmaz, who has appeared in six EuroLeague games for Efes so far this season, picked up the injury during a training session on Wednesday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Bugün yapılan antrenmanda sol diz iç yan bağlarında esneme meydana gelen Erkan Yılmaz, 3 hafta sahalardan uzak kalacak.<br><br>Geçmiş olsun Erkan! <a href="https://t.co/ufUQWGds9p">pic.twitter.com/ufUQWGds9p</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1991150537761247259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"During today’s training session, Erkan Yılmaz experienced a stretching (strain) of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, and as a result, he will be away from the court for about three weeks," Efes said in a statement.

More Efes News

Efes now has six players sidelined due to injury

EuroLeague's basketball podcast discusses the upcoming Belgrade derby between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda. The panel analyzes the current form of both teams and debates which will emerge victorious. They also cover other EuroLeague topics, including Nigerian players and the latest jersey designs.

EuroLeague & Friends episode 2: The Belgrade Derby and the return of the Manimal

EuroLeague & Friends episode 2: The Serbian Derby and the return of the Manimal

FC Barcelona is looking to its past to shape its future. Nine years after his departure, Xavi Pascual is back on the bench, tasked with restoring a basketball program that has endured seasons of inconsistency, a shortage of titles, and financial limitations. His return marks one of the most anticipated comebacks in club history, reigniting excitement among fans who now see their most beloved coach ready to lead the team once again.

Xavi Pascual returns to FC Barcelona: Reliving his greatest triumphs

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) is looking to its past to shape its future. Nine years after his departure, [Xavi Pascual is back on the bench](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-reunites-with-coach-xavi-pascual/), tasked with restoring a basketball program that has endured seasons of inconsistency, a shortage of titles, and financial limitations. His return marks one of the most anticipated comebacks in club history, reigniting excitement among fans who now see their most beloved coach ready to lead the team once again.

Before dedicating himself fully to coaching, Pascual was an industrial engineer — a background that shaped his analytical and methodical approach to the game. He joined Barça in the 2004–05 season, quickly rising through the ranks: first in the youth system, then as Dusko Ivanovic’s assistant, and finally, in February 2008, as head coach of the first team.

What followed was one of the most successful eras in Barça basketball history. Over eight seasons, Pascual captured 19 titles, including the 2010 EuroLeague, multiple Spanish League championships, Copa del Rey trophies, Supercups, and a string of Catalan League crowns.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1895636/xavi-pascual-returns-to-fc-barcelona-reliving-his-greatest-triumphs/).

One of FC Barcelona’s most iconic figures is back. As Xavi Pascual returns to Palau Blaugrana, it’s a perfect time to revisit the defining moments of his legendary first spell

Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for Round 12 in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

Fantasy tips, Round 12: Unlimited trades again! 

This week promises to be a very interesting one in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Round 12 brings unlimited trades, so don't miss the chance to improve your team. We will have three turns in this round, since LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne takes on AS Monaco on Wednesday. I've made a few recommendations at different price ranges, but first, let's see how my picks worked last week.

Nadir Hifi of Paris Basketball recorded 18 and 17.8 fantasy points in the double-round week, so I will call this one in my favour. Wade Baldwin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul had 17.6 points in Round 10, but just 4.4 in Round 11. That's a bad tip. Duane Washington of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade went for 14.3 points against Monaco in Round 10; he scored 22 points, but on 7 of 17 shooting. In Round 11, Washington scored 19 points with a PIR of 12. That's a good one.

Armal Traore of ASVEL had a huge game in Milan: 19 points and 6 rebounds for a PIR of 25. He followed that up with 11 points and 4 steals for a PIR of 14. Another good one. Sailou Niang of Virtus Bologna did not keep his momentum after a career-best performance in Round 9. He had 5.5 fantasy points against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 10 and 10 points against FC Barcelona in Round 11. So that's two good ones, two bad ones and one tie. I hope to do much better in Round 12.

### T.J. Leaf, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (12.2 credits)

Slowly but steadily, [T.J. Leaf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-leaf/014012/) is becoming one of Maccabi's pillars with good performances. In Round 11 against Baskonia, he needed less than 20 minutes to get 19 points and 7 rebounds for a PIR of 26. Over his last five games, Leaf has had a PIR of 24 or higher three times. Expect him to keep getting better.

### Nick Weiler-Babb, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (11.6 credits)

Unfortunately, this one is injury-related. Shane Larkin is expected to miss some time, which means [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) should have more responsibilities and playing time. He's had double-digit PIRs in each of the last four games, averaging 18.3 in that stretch. He should have a good game against Barça.

Nick Weiler-Babb should have more responsibilities and playing time.

### Kenneth Faried, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10.1 credits)

Well, this is a surprise. We were all aware of [Kenneth Faried](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kenneth-faried/011284/)'s skills, but his previous experience in the EuroLeague with CSKA Moscow was not promising. Faried delivered in the double-round, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds for a PIR of 22.5. All of a sudden, he is a great, cheap pick at center.

### Aleksa Avramovic, Dubai Basketball (8.3 credits)

Here we go again. Just like last time around, [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) is a great budget option going forward due to his energy, shooting accuracy and feel for steals. In Round 11, Avramovic had 16 points, 7 assists and 2 steals for a PIR of 27 in just 23 minutes. He had a PIR of 19 in Round 10. ALEKSAAAAAA!!!!

### Ognjen Dobric, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (6.0 credits)

Suddenly, [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Everything clicked for him in Round 11, when he went for 22 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting and 4 rebounds for a PIR of 26. Over his last three games, Dobric has averaged a PIR of 17.0. Right now, he is the go-to bargain forward in the game.

Suddenly, Ognjen Dobric is playing some of the best basketball of his career. 

More EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge News

Fantasy tips, Round 12: Unlimited trades again

Valencia Basket v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-11-21T20:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Bologna v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-11-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-11-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v FC Bayern Munich (2025-11-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Paris Basketball (2025-11-21T19:15:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-11-20T19:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-11-20T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Dubai Basketball (2025-11-20T19:15:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2025-11-20T17:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v AS Monaco (2025-11-19T19:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv outlasted Maccabi 85-80 in a gripping Israeli League contest on Monday

Hapoel edges Maccabi in thrilling Tel Aviv derby 

On Monday night, two weeks after falling to Maccabi in the EuroLeague, Dimitris Itoudis and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv squad got their revenge. Roared on by a passionate crowd, Hapoel outlasted Maccabi 85-80 in a gripping Israeli League contest, preserving their undefeated domestic record.

Johnathan Motley starred with 20 points, Antonio Blakeney netted 19 on 5-of-10 three-point shooting and Elijah Bryant added 16 points and Tyler Ennis had 15 for the winners. Roman Sorkin paced Maccabi with 26 points, Tamir Blatt contributed 14 points and 7 assists and Marcio Santos tallied 10 points in defeat.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">לא התבלבלנו. <br>תל אביב אדומה 👹 <a href="https://t.co/O3j6ERu4U8">pic.twitter.com/O3j6ERu4U8</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1990521721175355553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The atmosphere was electric from tipoff. Maccabi seemed poised for another win after taking a narrow 2-point lead early and then surging to a promising 41-49 halftime advantage thanks to lockdown defense and sharp shooting from Sorkin and Blatt. But halftime brought a dramatic shift. Hapoel returned re-energized, even as Maccabi pushed its lead into double digits midway through the third. Motley and Bryant sparked a comeback, chipping away at the deficit until only a single point separated the sides entering the final quarter, 61-62.

Then, Blakeney seized the spotlight. Despite earlier shooting struggles, the guard nailed 3 crucial three-pointers in the fourth, scoring 11 of his points when it mattered most. With help from Motley and Bryant, Hapoel erased Maccabi’s last lead in the dying minutes. As Blakeney’s back-to-back threes shifted momentum and Motley’s late dunk sealed the deal, the arena erupted in celebration.

More Hapoel news

Motley leads with 20 points as Hapoel remains perfect in Israeli League after 85-80 comeback win

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast welcomes Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus as a guest this week on his recurring monthly segment to share insights and tips on the fantasy game that fans worldwide love to play. The 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP joins co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of EuroLeague.net and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza for Sasha's Corner. 

Sasha's Corner is back this week on the Fantasy Challenge Podcast

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast welcomes Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus as a guest this week on his recurring monthly segment to share insights and tips on the fantasy game that fans worldwide love to play. The 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP joins co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) and Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) for Sasha's Corner.

Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki discuss the latest EuroLeague news and fantasy strategy. Among this week's key topics are which Anadolu Efes guard – Isaia Cordinier or Nick Weiler-Babb – is the one to own in the wake of Shane Larkin's injury, is it time for Aleksej Pokusevki, and is it crazy to have two superstars from the same team on your roster? See which players they each like from Wednesday's Turn 1 game between ASVEL and Monaco, too.

Like every week, the fantasy podcast trio share their own fantasy teams – and comment on each other's – and react to questions and comments sent in by Fantasy Podcast viewers in the “Get Featured, Get Rewarded” segment. If you need help preparing for Round 12 and want a few laughs while doing so, you have come to the right place.

Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki are joined by Olympiacos superstar Sasha Vezenkov!

Round 12 of the EuroLeague Regular Season delivers another batch of thrilling games, including one coaching legend returning to the bench and another facing his former team. Whet your appetite here.

At a glance: French League foes open Round 12 with Wednesday clash

Round 12 of the EuroLeague Regular Season delivers another batch of thrilling games, including one coaching legend returning to the bench and another facing his former team. Whet your appetite here.

## Wednesday, November 19, 2025

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. AS Monaco (20:00 CET)

The action starts with one Wednesday game as ASVEL (3-8) welcomes Monaco (6-5) for a French league derby. Monaco needs to bounce back after losing twice last week, while ASVEL boosted its confidence with a hard-fought win over Partizan. The varied threat of big man Zac Seljaas was instrumental to that success with 18 points, 4 boards and 3 assists, and he will attempt to disrupt the inside effectiveness of Monaco’s Daniel Theis, who has only reached double digits once in the last five games. The backcourt battle will see one of this season’s breakout stars face the all-time scoring leader, with ASVEL’s red-hot Glynn Watson (18.3 points and 6 assists in the last three games) vying for supremacy with Mike James, who top scored with 18 points in his team’s loss at Zvezda last time out.

## Thursday, November 20, 2025

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona (18:30 CET)

Xavi Pascual returns to Barcelona’s (7-4) bench for the first time in nine years with a testing trip to Efes (4-7). The Spanish team – one of four tied for third place – grabbed a couple of tough wins last week and has former Efes forward Will Clyburn in great form, averaging 15 points in the last five games. He faces a good matchup against ex-Barca man Rolands Smits, who delivered a strong performance with 15 points and 5 rebounds to help overcome Bayern last time out. The home team will also hope that playmaker Shane Larkin can overcome injury, and needs to show the same collective defense that was key against Bayern. Barca big man Jan Vesely has hit good form in recent weeks, and will look to dominate against Efes’s fast-improving Brice Dessert.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Xavi Pascual 2⃣0⃣2⃣8⃣. <a href="https://t.co/GcYfObmXmc">pic.twitter.com/GcYfObmXmc</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1990406733915705648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Dubai Basketball (20:15 CET)

Resurgent Dubai (5-6) takes a two-game winning streak to face a Panathinaikos team (7-4) that also won twice last week. Kenneth Faried will make his home debut for the Greens after excelling with averages of 16.5 points and 9 rebounds in his opening pair of appearances, and Panathinaikos also has TJ Shorts in top form after he provided 19 points and 6 assists in the Round 11 victory over Real. But Faried faces a tough adversary in Mfiondu Kabengele, who returned from injury with 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Dubai to victory over Zalgiris last time out. Both teams excel in taking care of the basketball, with Panathinaikos ranked second in the league in turnovers (10.5 per game) and Dubai close behind (10.8), so maintaining that efficiency will be a major focus.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Red-hot Milan (6-5) will look for a fifth straight win as it hosts high-flying Hapoel (8-3). The visiting team is aiming to bounce back from last week's loss to Fenerbahce, where 19 points from the always dangerous Elijah Bryant weren't enough to lift an unusually stagnant offense. Milan, in contrast, showed great spirit to overcome several injury absences to win twice last week, with Quinn Ellis and Armoni Brooks continuing to shine as offensive leaders. Both teams are great shooting from long range, with Milan ranked third in the league in three-point accuracy (39.2%) and Hapoel slightly better (40.4%), so the ability to convert from beyond the arc could significantly help to decide the outcome.

### Real Madrid vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:45 CET)

Two teams seeking a return to form meet in Madrid as Real (5-6) hosts Zalgiris (7-4). After losing twice last week, Real will try to bounce back behind the inside force of Walter Tavares, who provided his first double-double of the season against Panathinaikos last time out. His battle for dominance inside the paint with visiting center Moses Wright (12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game) will be a key matchup. Real would welcome a return to form by forward Mario Hezonja, who has fallen below his usual standards in recent weeks, while Zalgiris hopes to counter him with another strong game from Azuolas Tubelis, who has averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds in the last three games.

## Friday, November 21, 2025

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Paris Basketball (20:15 CET)

After ending a four-game losing streak, Paris (5-6) will look to build more momentum with a tough trip to Olympiacos (7-4). Paris's badly needed victory over Valencia last time out owed a lot to the all-around abilities of forward Derek Willis, whose ability to stretch the floor with long-range shooting could be crucial. The Reds' up-and-down season continued with a defeat at Milan in Round 11 despite the often underrated Alec Peters pouring in 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting.The host will look to get back to winning ways with the help of the versatile talents of former Paris star Tyson Ward, who is looking to recover his three-point accuracy after going 0-of-13 from beyond the arc in the last five games.

### Virtus Bologna vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Two teams seeking the consistency required to climb the standings meet in Bologna as Virtus (5-6) welcomes Maccabi (3-8). The Italian team will look to extend its 100% home record behind the scoring skills of Matt Morgan, who has recorded double-digits in five of the last six games. Maccabi earned a good win over Baskonia last time out and is hoping that forward TJ Leaf can continue to fire after he netted 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting in that win. The visiting team has the league’s worst defense, allowing 93.7 points per game, and also ranks last in allowing opponents to grab offensive rebounds, so will need to improve its intensity to inflict a first home loss on Virtus.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:30 CET)

Partizan (4-7) is seeking a return to form with the tough task of overcoming reigning champ Fenerbahce (6-5). Coach Zeljko Obradovic's latest reunion with his former team comes after a disappointing road loss at ASVEL despite another strong scoring night from Sterling Brown (20 points), so the home team is under pressure to respond. Fener, in contrast, enjoyed its temporary residence in Munich by grabbing two victories, and the emergence of Talen Horton-Tucker into a consistent scorer adds an important offensive weapon. Both teams have struggled for offensive fluidity, with Partizan ranked next-to-last in assists (16.2 per game) and Fenerbahce only slightly better (16.5), so efficient ball movement could be crucial.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:30 CET)

Baskonia (3-8) is seeking a fourth straight home win as it welcomes inconsistent Bayern (5-6). The Spanish team's defensive frailty was again evident in last week's road loss at Maccabi, so Bayern's sharpshooting Andreas Obst and Isiaha Mike will hope to take advantage. On that note, Baskonia needs shooting ace Markus Howard to start firing after making just 5 of his 18 field goal attempts since returning from injury, and will have to fight hard for offensive rebounds against a Bayern team that ranks second in the league in denying second-chance opportunities, giving up just 9.5 offensive boards per night. The German team has struggled on the road this season (1-3), and that needs to change fast as it continues a run of seven consecutive away games.

### Valencia Basket vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (21:00 CET)

Potent offense faces dominating defense as Valencia (6-5) defends its homecourt against co-leader Zvezda (8-3). The Spanish team ranks second in scoring with 90.1 points per night, and has won four out of five at the new Roig Arena. But Zvezda ranks second in defensive PIR, holding its opponents to 32.5% on three-point attempts – a key aspect against a Valencia team that has attempted the league’s second-highest number of long-range strikes (32.6 per game). One of the visitor’s main scoring threats is former Valencia forward Semi Ojeleye, who netted 15 and 14 points in last week’s two games and will relish his matchup with former teammate Nate Reuvers (8.9 points and 3.7 boards per game). Another key matchup takes place between two do-it-all guards, Darius Thompson and Codi Miller-McIntyre.

After a single contest on Wednesday, Round 12 continues with four Thursday games and five more on Friday

Sportradar dives into the most-productive players on offense in the EuroLeague so far this season.

Stats review: Who are this season's top offensive engines? 

There is still very little relief for teams across the EuroLeague landscape as two wins separate the top and bottom spots in the playoff picture after five teams weathered the two-round week without a loss. The league’s parity is especially unforgiving for the players carrying the heaviest offensive burdens for their respective teams. 

The table above lists the top players in points created, which combines point scored, points assisted, and points generated by passes out of on-ball actions that are not direct assists. At age 35, Mike James is not only playing the largest offensive role in the EuroLeague early on, but he’s having a standout year even by his lofty standards, looking more assertive using the threat of his jumper to attack the rim, where he’s been rock solid with his decision-making. His efficiency has been in line with his 2023-24 MVP campaign despite how much more frequently he’s looked to play downhill.

Nadir Hifi has carried a similar burden for Paris while doing far more scoring than passing. His 11.7 points per game looking for his own offense in pick-and-rolls is not only more than double the 5.1 per game he averaged a year ago, but sits ahead of TJ Shorts’s EuroLeague record from last season. Stepping into an extreme role even for a player at the apex of usage after creating only 19.4 points per game last season, the way Hifi has handled his transition on the ball has been key to Paris’s early wins.

Sylvain Francisco and Codi Miller-McIntyre are both interesting entries on this list as they may not do an overwhelming amount of scoring relative to the other players included, but that duo ranks among the top three players in points created with passes out of pick-and-rolls.  Even when they do not generate direct assists with those passes, the pressure they put on opposing defenses often leads to points for teammates, even if weakside defenders manage to extend back out to contest the first pass in time. Francisco’s ability to get downhill one-on-one and Miller-McIntyre’s knack for orchestrating fast breaks are notable as well.

Wade Baldwin and reigning MVP Kendrick Nunn round out the players doing the most for their teams offensively, thus far.  Baldwin is the lone non-starter on this list and while his athleticism makes him very productive off the bench, he can still change the complexion of a game entirely when he finds his range.  Nunn, on the other hand, has been selective, looking to let his teammates shine when Panathinaikos has a big lead, but also taking over on several occasions as well.

Shane Larkin and Jordan Nwora have been dynamic for Efes and Zvezda, respectively, and their return to action figure to be key storylines for their respective clubs. 

It is one thing to play a big role at a high level, but the burden the players above are carrying should not be understated. Serving as the focal point of what a team is doing offensively in this version of the EuroLeague comes with massive expectations as the parity demands both efficiency and a unique level of consistency.