Anadolu Efes S.K. hosts Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. in Round 26, with interim head coach Tomislav Mijatovic hoping to make it two wins from two in the EuroLeague.

Anadolu Efes keen to ride the Tomislav Mijatovic wave when it takes on Maccabi

Tomislav Mijatovic couldn’t have wished for a better start to life as Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach: two games, two wins.

Admittedly, just one of those came in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after [Efes defeated EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 79-73](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-anadolu-efes-sk-vs-olimpia-milano/) in Round 25 last Friday, before downing Bahcesehir Koleji 91-82 in the Turkish League a couple of days later.

The 10-15 Efes is back in EuroLeague action this Thursday night as it takes on the 13-12 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, but the game will take place in Riga, Latvia, some 2,838 kilometers away from home, due to recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

Therefore, after enjoying two home wins from two at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Mijatovic will take charge of what will effectively be his first road game in the hot seat. It is a game that is a must-win for Efes, too.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📩 Our former player Kaspars Kambala invites you to Arena Riga! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereIStand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereIStand</a> <a href="https://t.co/dxZGnRDUdR">pic.twitter.com/dxZGnRDUdR</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1755170673318674584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Staying in play-in contention

Currently sat 16th in the EuroLeague standings and with nine games left in the regular season, Efes needs several things to go its way if it is to cut the three-game gap to Maccabi in 10th, the final play-in spot.

The good news is that, even if it’s a small sample size, Coach Mijatovic seems to have given Efes a boost. In particular, having worked as an assistant coach at the club since 2010, the players that have spent plenty of time by his side are those that are likely to benefit most from his arrival.

Last week against Milan, for example, [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) and [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/), who have trained under Coach Mijatovic’s supervision at Efes since 2018, led the team in scoring with 19 and 17 points, respectively. [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), who has been at Efes since 2021, contributed 9 points as well.

Another big boost for Efes has been [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) working his way back into form post-injury, as he had 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in the triumph over Milan. [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/derek-willis/009664/) had similar numbers, posting 9 points and 8 rebounds, in addition to recording 2 steals.

Since suffering heavy road defeats, Efes and Milan wish to strengthen their fading playoffs ambitiosns by bouncing straight back. Defensive improvement is top priority for the Turks after shipping 96 at Zalgiris, whilst Milan anticipate Nikola Mirotic's return to bolster a stuttering offense (77.6 ppg).

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 25 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Mijatovic will certainly lean on those players, as well as others, to keep the good times rolling in Round 26 against Maccabi. Notably, if Efes is able to defeat Maccabi, it has a tricky road fixture at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 27 before having three games from four in Istanbul – and those three visitors to Sinan Erdem Sports Hall currently occupy three of the bottom four spots in the standings.

There is therefore the opportunity for Efes to continue its momentum and make a late surge towards the play-in spot, but Mijatovic will surely be stressing a game-by-game mentality to his players.

### Maccabi eager to get back on track

The double-round week went badly for Maccabi last week, [losing at Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-real-madrid-baloncesto-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) and [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-saski-baskonia-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/), and it means that Oded Kattash’s men remain winless once on their travels since the turn of the year. In fact, the team’s last victory away from Belgrade, its temporary home since Round 1, came on December 28 when [it beat Zalgiris Kaunas 70-78](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/).

Following high-scoring losses, Baskonia and Maccabi wish to restore their prospects for the postseason in a key matchup between direct rivals. The duel between Chima Moneke and Bonzie Colson is one to saviour; a pair of power forwards who can score from anywhere and play excellent defense.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 25 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Despite going 0-for-2 on its trip to Spain, Maccabi’s [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) did at least keep shining on the offensive end. The 27-year-old has now scored 22 or more points in three straight games, having netted 28 in Round 24 and 25 in Round 25 last week. Efes will certainly have its hands full when it comes to trying to contain Baldwin.

One player who will be looking to get back on track is [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). After averaging a 13.8 PIR through his first 19 games of the season, the last five contests have seen Brown average a 6.0 PIR, according to Darius Garuolis. Maccabi is a better team when Brown is playing at his best, so he will be hoping to get back on track and lead his team to an important road win in Round 26.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇺🇸🇪🇸 Lorenzo Brown of 🇮🇱 Maccabi in the 2023-24 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a>:<br><br>🔹First 19 games: 13.8 PIR<br>🔹Last 5 games: 6.0 PIR</p>&mdash; Darius Garuolis (@DariusGaruolis) <a href="https://twitter.com/DariusGaruolis/status/1754127681896296824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If Maccabi is able to end its poor run on its travels, it is just two games back of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in sixth – the final spot that guarantees direct qualification to the playoffs – and still has a realistic shot at a top-six finish.

Like Efes, Maccabi has a friendly run of games coming up, with its next five fixtures against teams outside the playoff or play-in zones. As such, it will want to get this monkey off its back regarding its struggles on the road, starting in Round 26 against Efes.

Make sure to tune in from 18:30 CET this Thursday for what should be an intriguing game between two sides hoping to build up some momentum entering the final weeks of the campaign. Will a rejuvenated Efes keep charging under Coach Mijatovic, or will Maccabi use this game as a turning point? We’ll find out later today!

Game News

Tomislav Mijatovic speaks to his players during a timeout in Anadolu Efes Istanbul's win against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 25 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Due to recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments, the game will take place in Riga, Latvia.

Efes keen to ride the Mijatovic wave when it takes on Maccabi

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-02-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Several players joined EuroLeague clubs towards the end of the transfer deadline, including Ricky Rubio, Trey Thompkins and Joe Thomasson.

Ricky Rubio arrival headlined exciting EuroLeague transfer deadline

Ricky Rubio was understandably the talk of world basketball on Tuesday night after [he completed his return to FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ricky-rubio-seals-return-to-the-euroleague-with-barca-basket/), one day before the transfer deadline in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, here are the signings made by EuroLeague clubs in 2024 which came before the close of the deadline at 18:00 CET on Wednesday, February 7. To read more about the signings which came before the turn of the year, Euroleague Basketball Editorial Director [Frank Lawlor did a piece on the rosters' roller coaster here](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rosters-roller-coaster-promises-new-year-novelties/).

### ALBA Berlin

A familiar face returned to Mercedes-Benz Arena in early January when [Martin Hermannsson rejoined ALBA](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/martin-hermannsson-seals-return-to-alba-berlin/) on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season. After spending three and a half years at Valencia Basket, Hermannsson came back to ALBA, where he played between 2018 and 2020, in search of a bigger role.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

An injury to Chris Chiozza caused Baskonia to look for reinforcements, with [Jordan Theodore penning a contract at Buesa Arena in late January](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/saski-baskonia-adds-jordan-theodore-to-its-roster/) until the end of this current campaign. Despite having not featured in the EuroLeague since the 2017-18 season, when he suited up for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, the 34-year-old guard has hit the ground running with Baskonia.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Keen to add more firepower on offense, [Crvena Zvezda brought Jevonte Smart to Europe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-inks-combo-guard-javonte-smart/) for the first time in his career. The 24-year-old shooting guard had spent his professional career between the NBA and the G League, but he joined the Serbian side in mid-January until the end of the season with a club option for a further year. Smart has already averaged 9.8 points in four games for Crvena Zvezda, showing that his arrival is already paying dividends.

Then, on deadline day, the club bolstered its frontcourt options by [inking 2017-18 EuroLeague champion Trey Thompkins on a one-month deal](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-lands-former-euroleague-champ-trey-thompkins/) which could be extended until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who last played in the competition in the 2021-22 campaign and spent last season in the VTB League with Zenit St. Petersburg, adds experience to a Crvena Zvezda side that has dealt with inconsistency all season long.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Američki krilni centar Trej Tompkins novi je član Crvene zvezde Meridianbet.<br> <br>Bivši osvajač <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> potpisao je u sredu kratkoročni ugovor na mesec dana sa opcijom produženja.<br><br>Welcome, Trey! 🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/5wj0asiokI">pic.twitter.com/5wj0asiokI</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1755241902062948513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Likewise, Milan wanted to bolster its backcourt options and decided to [recruit Rodney McGruder on a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-moves-for-rodney-mcgruder/). McGruder had spent the last seven years in the NBA, playing in 326 games, but he agreed to join a Milan team looking to make a late surge towards the EuroLeague Playoffs. Having posted 9.2 points per night across four appearances, he’s certainly given his team a boost on offense.

### FC Barcelona

As noted above, Rubio was the name on everyone’s lips in the lead-up to the deadline. The 33-year-old is back in the EuroLeague after 13 years away, and he’s back at a club where he lifted the EuroLeague trophy in the 2009-10 season. Rubio is an elite addition to a *Blaugrana* squad that sits second in the EuroLeague with a 17-8 record. Could Rubio, once he is ready to return to action, be the player to help Barca end its 14-year wait to become the EuroLeague champion once again?

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Ricky Rubio, inscrit a l&#39;ACB i l&#39;Eurolliga ‼<br><br>𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒂, 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚 💙❤</p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1754925190130065690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

[Amine Noua signed for Fenerbahce on a one-month contract](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-bolsters-lineup-by-signing-amine-noua/) on January 22, yet his performances have been impressive enough that it’s hard to imagine the club not signing him until the end of the season. That second part remains to be seen, but the addition of Noua certainly helped head coach Saras Jasikevicius at a time when the likes of Nigel Hayes-Davis, Dyshawn Pierre, Nate Sestina and Tarik Biberovic were all out injured.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

On deadline day, [Maccabi sealed the signing of Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-tabs-combo-guard-joe-thomasson/) for the remainder of the season. Maccabi has one of the best backcourts in the EuroLeague, featuring Lorenzo Brown and Wade Baldwin, but it will hope that Thomasson can provide an added boost off the bench. He impressed after joining Promitheas Patras past the midway point of the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season and could make a similar impact for Oded Kattash’s side as he prepares to embark on his first adventure in the EuroLeague.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🆕 <a href="https://t.co/IaAAjcKSn9">pic.twitter.com/IaAAjcKSn9</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​🇮🇱​🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1755225929310241279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Moses Wright certainly made a good impression on his Olympiacos debut, recording 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks just a couple of days after joining the club on January 26. The 25-year-old center [penned a deal with the Reds until the end of the 2024-25 campaign](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-adds-moses-wright-to-its-frontcourt/) and his arrival came at a point when Olympiacos was without both Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall. He’s just two games into his EuroLeague career, but Wright already looks like a very smart pickup by Olympiacos.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

At this time of year, finding a player who can make an immediate impression is certainly a tough task. But, for Zalgiris, it has brought home a familiar face by [signing Karolis Lukosiunas after a stint in the G League](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-brings-karolis-lukosiunas-home/) with the Salt Lake City Stars. Having played 64 EuroLeague games over the last four seasons for Zalgiris, Lukosiunas knows exactly what is expected of him when he puts on the club’s famous green uniform.

Ricky Rubio poses during his medical after signing for FC Barcelona.

Several clubs were active as they looked to bring in reinforcements.

He last played in the competition in the 2021-22 season.

Crvena Zvezda lands former EuroLeague champ Trey Thompkins

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade bolstered its frontcourt options by inking power forward [Trey Thompkins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/trey-thompkins/005836/) for the remainder of the season, the club announced Wednesday.

### EuroLeague debut in Russia

Thompkins (2.08 meters, 33 years old) arrives from Zenit St Petersburg, where he averaged 9.3 points on 48.8% three-point shooting and 4.1 rebounds in 29 VTB League games in the 2022-23 season. He started his career with the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with Nizhny Novgorod in the 2014-15 campaign. It was a breakout season for Thompkins, who ranked third in rebounds (8.2 ppg.) and also averaged 14.5 points and a PIR of 15.8, helping Nozhny Novogorod reach the Top 16 in its only season in the competition.

In 188 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games, 23 with Nizhny Novgorod and 165 with Real Madrid, Trey Thompkins amassed 1,732 points (9.2 ppg.) and 792 rebounds (4.2 rpg.).

EuroLeague highlights: Trey Thompkins

### Glory days in Madrid

Thompkins went on to play for Real Madrid, where he stayed for seven consecutive seasons. He helped Real win the EuroLeague title in 2018, having sealed the outcome in the championship game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul with an iconic tip-in off a free throw missed by Fabien Causeur. Thompkins helped Real win four Spanish League titles, lift three Spanish Cup trophies and claim the 2015 Intercontinental Cup crown. In 188 EuroLeague games, 23 with Nizhny Novgorod and 165 with Real, Thompkins amassed 1,732 points (9.2 ppg.) and 792 rebounds (4.2 rpg.). Thompkins ranks sixth in three-point shooting (42.1%) among players taking more than 600 attempts, and is 19th overall in free throw shooting (88.1%).

### A very special game

Thompkins will have the chance to face Real for the first time since leaving the club on March 29, when Zvezda visits Los Blancos in Round 32. He already played against Real earlier in his career, in the 2014-15 regular season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds with Nizhny Novgorod. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Američki krilni centar Trej Tompkins novi je član Crvene zvezde Meridianbet.<br> <br>Bivši osvajač <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> potpisao je u sredu kratkoročni ugovor na mesec dana sa opcijom produženja.<br><br>Welcome, Trey! 🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/5wj0asiokI">pic.twitter.com/5wj0asiokI</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1755241902062948513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv beefed up its backcourt by signing combo-guard Joe Thomasson for the remainder of the season

Maccabi tabs combo-guard Joe Thomasson

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv beefed up its backcourt by signing combo-guard [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) for the remainder of the season. Thomasson (1.93 meters, 30 years old) arrives from Granada, where he averaged 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists for a PIR of 13.6 in 20 Spanish League games this season. He returns to Israel after a successful stint with Hapoel Gilboa Galil during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🆕 <a href="https://t.co/IaAAjcKSn9">pic.twitter.com/IaAAjcKSn9</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​🇮🇱​🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1755225929310241279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thomasson played in the EuroCup last season for Promitheas Patras of Greece and posted 14.1 points, 2.7 assists and 2.6 assists in 10 games to help the club reach the quarterfinals. He has also played for Dynamo Bucharest in Romania, Polpharma Starogard Gdansk, Start Lublin and Stelmet Zielona Gora in Poland; BAXI Manresa in Spain, and Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia.

Joe Thomasson's EuroCup highlights

Thomasson will make his EuroLeague debut with the Israeli champs.

The Italian tactician is loving his time at Zalgirio Arena.

Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris: 'These unbelievable fans can push you'

When Andrea Trinchieri landed in Lithuania to become the new head coach for Zalgiris Kaunas at the tail end of 2023, he knew he was in for a wild ride.

Zalgiris is a basketball institution, both at a national and continental level, and that in itself brings with it a certain amount of pressure. As if that was not enough, the gruesome schedule the team had ahead was another hurdle he would have to overcome early in his tenure.

"Five road games in 12 days," Trinchieri remembers. "It's like putting your head in a washing machine and have the cotton program."

Since Trinchieri's arrival, Zalgiris has played eight games in the EuroLeague and has managed to win five of them, including the last two against powerhouse clubs like Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Trinchieri's reputation of being able to turn teams around quickly proved, again, to be true and it's also no coincidence that these last two victories were at Zalgirio Arena.

"You cannot imagine what kind of responsibility it is to have this kind of fan base," Trinchieri admits. "These unbelievable fans can push you. It's insane. Instead of having one block, you are going to have three blocks. Instead of having three offensive rebounds, you will get nine... and change the game."

Trinchieri's career in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has brought him to coach teams like FC Bayern Munich, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Brose Bamberg. His style, methods and demeanor are one-of-a-kind, but there's no doubt that he functions based on his passion for the game, and his main objective is always to make his team perform at its maximum possible level.

"It's a process. You try, you succeed, then you fail, then you try again," Trinchieri explains. "You just need to know what you are doing and to not lose confidence if something is not working the first time."

Zalgiris is currently 14th in the standings, but if the Trinchieri effect does not stop here, expect the Lithuanian champs to be in the fight for, at least, the play-in positions.

When Andrea Trinchieri landed in Lithuania to become the new head coach for Zalgiris Kaunas at the tail end of 2023, he knew he was in for a wild ride.
 
Zalgiris is a basketball institution, both at a national and continental level, and that in itself brings with it a certain amount of pressure. As if that was not enough, the gruesome schedule the team had ahead was another hurdle he would have to overcome early in his tenure.

The Baskonia big man joins forces with Joe Arlauckas to discuss Moneke’s career and learn about the self-confidence that led him to where he is today.

Chima Moneke joins The Crossover

[Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/)’s career has been anything but linear. Several times he has been knocked back just as he thought he was about to break through. And this season he has finally reached new heights as one of the top performers in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

With all the attention surrounding Baskonia and Moneke, one might have thought he would be a tough guest for Joe Arlauckas to book, but the truth is that Moneke is a long-time fan of The Crossover! 

\[1:00\] “It means a lot because I’ve been watching and listening to your show for years and it feels… It makes me feel like I’ve been doing something right that I’m here. So I appreciate that,” Moneke tells Arlauckas in the opening segment.

Quickly they dive into Moneke’s backstory. Born in Nigeria and raised in Australia as the child of diplomats, Moneke at one point did not see either of his parents for nearly a decade as he chased his basketball dream.

He faced rejection at the youth level in Australia, had trouble finding a college in America and was cut from his first professional team in the second league in France. But none of those blows were enough to cause Moneke to doubt himself.

\[15:20\] “There were times where I questioned myself. It just didn’t seem realistic to other people. I think a lot of my life has been unrealistic to a lot of other people but for some reason, I kept believing… I kept persevering and eventually I got to where I always knew I would get to,” he explains.

Moneke credits his Nigerian roots for some of that confidence, explaining that those from his country are known for their stubbornness, smarts and passion for what they believe in.

\[17:25\] “When I set my mind to something, I don’t really care how it happens. I just know that that’s what I ultimately want to do. And all the times where I questioned myself as a player, it didn’t change the fact that I didn’t have a Plan B. I had a Plan A the whole time, Moneke adds “I think if I had a Plan B, whenever it got hard, like the times when schools weren’t responding to my emails, I would’ve been like, ‘okay, maybe they are right. Let me go to Plan B.’ Nah. I never had that.”

And so Moneke persevered. Two strong seasons in France led to an opportunity in Spain with Manresa, where Moneke really made a name for himself and earned all-league honors in both the ACB and the Basketball Champions League. Then, Mike Brown, who had coached Moneke on the Nigerian national team, brought the big man with him when he was hired to coach the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.

After a spell there, Moneke was released and joined AS Monaco in the middle of last season and reached the EuroLeague Final Four. Over the summer, he came back to Spain with Baskonia and has emerged as one of the top performers in the EuroLeague this season.

\[52:00\] “I have visualized this for so long. I have told myself and other people that I am one of the best players in Europe. I will stand on that. But you just get tired of telling everyone else that. I like being told by other people now that ‘you’re one of the best players in Europe.’ It just confirms to me again that everything that I am, everything that I worked for pays off.”

All along, Moneke continues to love the game and play with a smile, whether other people like it or not. In fact, he told Arlauckas about the one time he tried to play with a scowl and how it went:

\[1:03:45\] “It happened this season. There was a lot of talk about ‘this guy, he smiles too much and he’s interacting with the fans too much and he’s never serious.’ And they said, ‘if he was blah, blah, blah. He would be better.’ And then the game against Fenerbahce at home, I was like, I’m not gonna smile at all. And I was terrible. We ended up winning, but I was horrible. I didn’t have fun. I wasn’t a good teammate because I was focused on not smiling and making sure that I didn’t have fun.

“But then my brothers called me and said you better not ever do that again. They’re in Australia waking up at 4 a.m., 6 a.m. to watch me be me. And watch me be an extension of themselves. And they know me and they could tell something was wrong. And as soon as I said, ‘yeah, man. I’ve been hearing this chatter.’ They said ‘Eff that. You better never let them get to you ever again.”

With a one-hour format of exclusive one-on-one interviews, The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas goes well beyond the playing court with each podcast to delve into the life experiences that have made his guests protagonists and legends of the EuroLeague. The Crossover debuted in 2018 and has featured such current stars as [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mike-james-opens-up-at-the-crossover/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/lorenzo-brown-hops-aboard-the-crossover/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mario-hezonja-stops-by-the-crossover/); coaching greats such as [Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/hear-from-coach-bartzokas-on-the-crossover/), [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/the-crossover-opens-its-season-with-dimitris-itoudis/), and Zeljko Obradovic, and legends like Theo Papaloukas, Nikola Vujcic and [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-legend-mike-batiste-visits-the-crossover/), among others. Moneke is the fourth guest this season after [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/season-6-of-the-crossover-opens-with-nigel-hayes-davis/), [Kemba Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kemba-walker-visits-the-crossover/) and [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/james-nunnally-opens-up-at-the-crossover/).

The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is available on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYpAbSLlCc), [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas/id1440034922), [Audioboom](https://audioboom.com/channel/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6T1SYvGSpzyrYZpG9z2wjR), [Deezer](https://www.deezer.com/fr/show/65962), [RadioPublic](https://radiopublic.com/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas-6NkdjJ), [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdWRpb2Jvb20uY29tL2NoYW5uZWxzLzQ4ODM3OTkucnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiYzr_b78XtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-p1174586/), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [CastBox](https://castbox.fm/channel/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-id1467328?country=gb), [iVoox](https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas_sq_f1629856_1.html) and other platforms.

New Efes (10-15) coach Tomislav Mijatovic will look to start his reign with another win against 10th-placed Maccabi (13-12). 

Preview: Anadolu Efes S.K. vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C.

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/227/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-ist-tel/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-ist-tel/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-ist-tel/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

The Turkish team will hope to build on last week's success against Milan, once again led by [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) with 19 points. Maccabi has struggled on the road, especially defensively, with five straight losses allowing at least 88 points. Efes will target a win of 10 points or more after suffering a 95-86 loss at Maccabi in December, with [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) producing one of his many excellent performances by pairing 19 points with 7 rebounds. That game also featured 21 points from [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), whose backcourt battle alongside [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) with Larkin and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) will be worth the admission price alone.

[Efes Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/statistics/ist/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Maccabi Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/statistics/tel/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Shane Larkin vs. Wade Baldwin: Two star guards come head-to-head in Riga, Latvia.

In a meeting of direct rivals on the edge of the playoffs places, Maccabi faces Efes in a bid to break their respective part of a five-way tie for sixth place. Both teams have performed better offensively than defensively, with the Turks ranked 15th for allowing 86.4 ppg and the hosts 17th at 87.6 ppg.

Last game: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Reinvigorated Efes hosts faltering Maccabi in Latvia

Ninth-placed Saski Baskonia (13-12) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from lowly LDLC ASVEL (5-20).

Preview: Saski Baskonia vs. LDLC ASVEL

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/230/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-bas-asv/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-bas-asv/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-bas-asv/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

Baskonia took an 81-88 win in France earlier this season thanks to its usual leaders: a personal best 35 points from [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and 19 points plus 13 rebounds from [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), which was enough to overcome 22 points from ASVEL sharpshooter [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/). Baskonia has been inconsistent in recent weeks and will view this as a must-win game against a visiting team that suffers from the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league (33.0%).

[Baskonia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/statistics/bas/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [ASVEL Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/statistics/asv/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Codi Miller-McIntyre vs. Paris Lee: Two of the most impressive point guards in the EuroLeague this season meet at Buesa Arena.

Two teams with confidence restored under the guidance of new coaches meet in France as ASVEL welcome red-hot Baskonia. The hosts have won two out of three under Gianmarco Pozzecco and similarly, Dusko Ivanovic's Baskonia made it three gains in a row via a majestic 94-71 victory over Barcelona.

Last game: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Ninth-placed Baskonia (13-12) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from lowly ASVEL (5-20).

Baskonia needs to be wary against tricky ASVEL

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

After a pair of road defeats last week, KK Partizan (13-12) will hope for home comforts with a visit from FC Bayern Basketball (10-15). 

Preview: KK Partizan vs. FC Bayern Basketball

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/229/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-par-mun/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-par-mun/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-par-mun/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

[Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) will look to maintain his magnificent form after scoring 28 and 22 points in last week's losses in Monaco and Bologna, while Bayern has [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) in great shape with double-digit scoring in six consecutive games. He also netted 17 points when Bayern beat Partizan 94-85 in November, supplemented by 21 points from backcourt teammate [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/). Bayern won its last road game, 65-82 at ALBA, and needs a similarly strong defensive performance to take a vital victory on Thursday.

[Partizan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/statistics/par/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Bayern Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/statistics/mun/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Aleksa Avramovic vs. Carsen Edwards: Two key guards for their teams face off in Round 26.

It's a meeting of coaching masters as Pablo Laso welcomes Zeljko Obradovic with Bayern, eager to end a four-game losing slide, takes on a Partizan team boosted by a thrilling win over Fenerbahce. Is this to be determined by the tacticians or will the skills on show prove to be the ultimate difference?

Last game: FC Bayern Munich-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | Round 8 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

After a pair of road defeats last week, Partizan (13-12) will hope for home comforts with a visit from Bayern (10-15). 

Partizan eager to respond as Bayern comes to Stark Arena

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)