New FC Barcelona center Willy Hernangomez is one of many players to have crossed the Barca-Real Madrid Baloncesto divide, and he will face his former side in this latest EuroLeague edition of the El Clásico.

Willy Hernangomez joins long list of El Clásico crossovers

As [FC Barcelona travels to take on Real Madrid at WiZink Center in Round 5](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fc-barcelona/E2023/40/) in a battle for first place, two of the visitors -- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) and summer recruit [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) -- will find the setting more than familiar.

As many as 24 players have worn both teams' jerseys over the years. The latest player to join that list is Hernangomez, who came through Real’s academy and spent seven years in the NBA, only to sign with Barca when returning to his native Spain over the summer.

### Crossing the divide

When he joins the action on Thursday, Hernangomez will also become eighth player to play on both sides of the EuroLeague edition of *El Clásico* this century. He Hernangomez is the fourth player on that list to have played first for Real before joining Barca, following in the footsteps of Laprovittola, Nikola Mirotic and Ante Tomic. Mirotic managed to reach the EuroLeague Championship Game with both teams, losing in 2013 and 2014 with Real and in 2021 with Barca. Tomic made it to the Final Four with both teams, too, but lost in the semis.

Four more players moved in the opposite direction, from Barca to Real, while taking part in EuroLeague derbies for each team against the other. [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), a former Barca youngster, won a EuroLeague title with Real last season; Adam Hanga managed to reach the Final Four with both teams; while Thomas Heurtel and Pepe Sanchez ran the point in EuroLeague games against both their once and future teams. Other players who wore both jerseys since 2000 but did not play *El Clásico* in the EuroLeague for both are Alain Digbeu, Ioannis Bourousis, Michael Hawkins and Maciej Lampe.

### Stepping up against former teams

Some of these crossover players have had monster performances against their old teams in previous EuroLeague editions of El Clásico. 

After joining Barca, Tomic had 18 points, 12 rebounds and a PIR of 34 against Real in the 2013 EuroLeague Semifinals, however his hold team won 67-74. Tomic also had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds against Los Blancos in a 77-70 victory for Barca in March 2019.

Nicolas Laprovittola played for Real Madrid before joining FC Barcelona.

Nicolas Laprovittola: from Real to Barca

Mirotic established career highs of 31 points and 39 PIR for Barca in a 93-80 win over Real in December 2021, then matched that PIR with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in that season's semifinals despite a  83-86 loss to his former team.

Hezonja was a main pillar for Real against his old team in a 2023 semifinals victory over Barca, getting 14 points, 9 rebounds and a PIR of 18. 

Laprovittola had 20 points, 7 rebounds and a PIR of 27 in less than 20 minutes to lead Barca to a 68-86 triumph in the Spanish capital in February 2022. 

### Can Hernangomez replicate the successes of Bodiroga, Hezonja?  

Looking further back, another 16 players played for both teams in the past. Arguably the most successful of them was Dejan Bodiroga, who won continental trophies with both teams, claiming the 1997 Saporta Cup crown with Real and lifting the 2003 EuroLeague trophy with Barca, the club's first, as the Final Four MVP. Bodiroga, the current Euroleague Basketball president, also played for Real first before joining Barca. In between, he won two EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos Athens, in 2000 and 2002.

Only Bodiroga and Hezonja played for both teams and won a EuroLeague title with one of them. Hernangomez joined Real's main roster the summer after the team's 2015 EuroLeague title and was into his seven-season NBA stint before Real won again in 2018. Now, having taken the "air bridge", as they say in Spain, between the two, Hernangomez is ready to challenge his old team's recent dominance while trying to bring Barcelona its first title since 2010.

Willy Hernangomez Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

2023-24 EuroLeague highlights; Willy Hernangomez, Barca

"I truly appreciate what \[Real\] did for me," Hernangomez said in a recent interview. "They helped me to be the person that I am right now. But Barcelona is the perfect place. Being in a great city, being in an amazing country, my country, \[I am\] able to play basketball and enjoy the sport that I love."

Time will tell if Hernangomez gets to face his former team in a EuroLeague Championship Game, which would be a first. Real and Barca have never competed in a continental final, whether in football or basketball. Right now, they are the only undefeated teams left in the EuroLeague this season, so Thursday night's game at WiZink Center promises to be a top-class affair.

The new FC Barcelona center will come up against his former team, Real Madrid, for the first time in the EuroLeague since leaving the club.

Willy Hernangomez joins long list of El Clásico crossover players

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2023-10-26T18:45:00.000Z)

### Kazys Maksvytis, Zalgiris head coach

"I think Valencia have strengthened in the off-season. They added some athleticism, and they have a deep roster. Valencia is very interesting team, not easy for our scouts to prepare, so it’s going to be a tough game. The newcomers on the front line, Semi Ojeleye and Brandon Davies, have a big influence on Valencia’s game. Damien Inglis is also playing well. They’ve definitely added size, athleticism, but they have some long-range shooters as well. Chris Jones usually has the ball in his hands. There is also a backup point guard, Stefan Jovic, who we know well from before. They have a lot of weapons, like some special combinations for the shooter Kassius Robertson."

### Alex Mumbru, Valencia head coach

"I expect a tough game against a team that has many automatisms form last season, they play great basketball. The arena is sold out and we will be facing a hot atmosphere. We must keep our cool at a mental level so we can face a tough game against a team that also plays tough. We must be able to play good defense and hold against the offensive bursts thay will be having, for sure."

### Tomas Dimsa, Zalgiris player

"Valencia seems to be in great shape, they have won three out of four games in EuroLeague, and they are also doing well in the domestic championship. They have quality in each position, which makes it tough for the opponents in defense. Our results are also good, but we have made some comeback wins, which isn’t that easy to do. We need to start games better, and not dig ourselves into deep holes. It will be great to be back to Zalgirio Arena after a double-week on the road. It’s another sold-out, so it will be a great atmosphere to play in."

### Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia player

"I feel fine and I am happy to be back with the team after so long. I am here for whatever the team needs me for. The team is fine, competing well on both competitions. I am happy for them, and I want to jump aboard that ship and make it go forward. I am here to help."

Game News

Two of this season's surprise packages go head to head as Zalgiris (3-1) and Valencia (3-1) both look for a win to stay firmly in the playoffs places. A clear key to the game is the host's three-point shooting: Zalgiris leads the league with a 48.3% conversion rate from deep, with guard Dovydas Giedraitis making 5 of his 6 attempts during the double round week. But Valencia boasts the league's second-best perimeter defense, allowing opponents to make only 29.4% of their three-point shots. Valencia will also need its offensive weapons to fire, and will hope that Chris Jones can return to form after only making 6 of his 20 field goal attempts during last week's two games.

Pre-game quotes: Zalgiris vs. Valencia

Zalgiris Kaunas v Valencia Basket (2023-10-27T17:00:00.000Z)

### Pablo Laso, Bayern head coach

"We have to know the competition we are playing in. You face great teams every week, so we have to be ready to play form the beginning. This is how we approach Fenerbahce, a great team with great players at all positions. We knoe we will have to play 100 percent during 40 minutes. If we don't do that, we will have no chance. We are playing great teams, and we have to know form the start that we have to be ready. Fener has great players outside: Calathes, Wilbekin, Guduric... But also a good rotation inside with Papagiannis, Motley... They have a bit of everything run by Calathes and their bigs play solid defense."

### Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce head coach

"We play against a team that is very athletic, experienced and well-coached. We play on the road. The last time we played on the road, we had a very bad start and we had to catch it up. We are working on trying to be in continuity and we try to be more consistent in what we are doing in more minutes."

### Devin Booker, Bayern player

"If you dig yourself a deep hole at the beginning of the game, you will have a hard time gettin out of it. That's what happened to us at Barcelona, there was no way out for us. It was our mistakes. With Panathinaikos we did something similar, but we tried to get out of it. We know this will be a good challenge for us. Fenerbahce is a great team and playing at home gives us some advantage. We have to focus on their personnel and know what to do. It's awlays good to see familiar faces, I am looking forward to it."

### Sertac Sanli, Fenerbahce player

"We had a good week as a team. We finished the double-week and the derby with victories. Now we have a difficult task in the EuroLeague. Bayern Munich is a good and effective team. They reflect their physical advantages very well, especially in rebounding, and we will be facing one of the best teams in the EuroLeague in terms of rebounding. We know that our fans in Munich will support us like how and what we have in Istanbul, and we will try to take advantage of this. I believe it will be a tough and good fight. We want to win and get our first away win in the EuroLeague this season."

Bayern (2-2) will attempt to recover from last week's club-worst 39-point loss against Barcelona with a visit from a Fenerbahce side (3-1) that won twice in the double-round week. The German team needs more productivity from its guards after former Fenerbahce man Carsen Edwards, Leandro Bolmaro and Sylvain Francisco combined for just 12 points and 3 assists in Barcelona, and will rely on steady veteran big man Serge Ibaka (9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds per game) inside. Fenerbahce's remarkable second-half comeback against ASVEL last week featured 18 points in 20 minutes from Scottie Wilbekin, who will look to take on scoring opportunities as his team chases a third straight win.

Pre-game quotes: Bayern vs. Fenerbahce

FC Bayern Munich v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-10-27T18:30:00.000Z)

### Sasa Obradovic, Monaco head coach

"The content of our training sessions was good, but we didn't manage to put it into practice on the court against Valencia and Virtus. We need to rediscover the automatisms we had last year. We're starting a new season with the return of Jordan Loyd. It's a good problem to have, because he's a key player who needs to get back into form and get back to his normal routine. I don't know yet whether he'll play against Maccabi, we're thinking about it. The only cure is time. This match has a special flavor because the two teams know each other very well. The players know how to defend. It's all going to depend on how we manage our timeouts, we can't give them any easy shots and we have to muzzle the backs, especially Lorenzo Brown and DiBartolomeo. It's going to be a physical battle. It's important to manage the players' playing time well. It's a long season and it's important to find playing time for everyone."

### Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach

"We remember from last year how difficult this arena is to play in. Monaco are a very talented team this year too, with great continuity, and it will not be an easy task. We will want to make our fans happy, we are thinking about them every day, they are with us along with the citizens and soldiers. It will not be a simple game, but we are prepared as mush as we can and hope to come out with a good result".

### Mike James, Monaco player

"The series against Maccabi last year was good. Now it's time to move on, as we're starting a new season. We're going to try and string together some wins in the EuroLeague. The team started to play harder after the first two defeats. That's what we saw in Belgrade in particular, this positive development. There wasn't enough intensity at the start of the season. I think we arrived in the EuroLeague over-confident. Sometimes it's good to get a slap in the face and get back on track. For my part, I'm trying to play at my best and do what I can, no matter what time of the season it is. I'm going to keep training. I'm feeling good. I work every day, whether it's after good or bad games. I try to stay consistent in what I do and prepare well for the games."

Fast-improving Monaco (2-2) hosts dangerous Maccabi (2-1) in a repeat of last season's playoffs series, won by the Roca Team in the maximum five games. This meeting, Thursday's final tip-off, is highlighted by a stellar backcourt battle between two of the competition's best guards. Mike James has scored at least 14 points in every game this season, while Lorenzo Brown averages 15.7 points per night and leads the league with 10.3 assists per game. James needs just 7 points to become just the fourth EuroLeague player to reach the career milestone of 4,000 points, but he'll have to be constantly on alert against Brown, who also tops the competition with 2.3 steals per night.

Pre-game quotes: Monaco vs. Maccabi

AS Monaco v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)

### Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach

"It is very important for us to come out with an absolutely different motivation than it was against Mega and with more energy. We will play in the Arena in front of our fans, who have always done everything they can for the team, I hope my boys will understand that and that they will come out with a different motivation and energy. And that is the most important thing. Alen Smailagić did not train tonight, he has pain in the leg area. Also, Ponitka did not train. For Alen, tomorrow morning we will see if he will be able to play. I hope so. "Smiley" is someone who was always ready to help the team. I hope it will be the same this time as well. We deal with ourselves, to understand what we need to do and how to behave. Desire, motivation, a full Arena of people cheering you on , does anyone need anything more?"

### Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda head coach

"First I want to say that this is a very important match for us and for them. Everyone knows the importance of the derby. I think the players know how important it is for the entire Crvena Zvezda institution to win, and that's why I want us to fight, to respect Partizan, but to do our best. We are Zvezda and we will fight. I have some ideas that I am slowly incorporating into the team. We work on priorities first, and then on other things."

### Ognjen Jaramaz, Partizan player

"We have to start very aggressively. To show our fans that we are a better team and to do our best. I think it will be very challenging, after all, we are playing two derbies in five days. It is a specific situation, but I hope that we will win."

### Adam Hanga, Zvezda player

"It's the derby. We are all excited, since the schedule was announced this summer we have all been waiting for this match. We have two derbies in a row. Our situation, I will not say that it is complicated, but we have gone through changes in the last few days. We are trying to adapt to a new coach, a new system, to change small things. We didn't have time for big changes. The coach has a new influence, it's a process, we are excited for the match."

Local pride and much more is at stake as Partizan (1-3) hosts Zvezda (1-3) for the always-passionate Belgrade derby in Thursday's opening tip-off. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing twice in the double round week, and history suggests we should expect a tight game after both meetings last season were decided by a single possession in favor of the visitor. Zvezda's new head coach, Ioannis Sfairopoulos, will look for his team to improve on inside efficiency after only making 48.3% of its two-point shots so far. Partizan, conversely, leads the league in two-point efficiency (61.4%) and will look for Zach LeDay (12.0 points per game) to win his personal battle against Rokas Giedraitis (11.8).

Pre-game quotes: Partizan vs. Zvezda

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-10-26T16:30:00.000Z)

### Ettore Messina, Milan head coach

"ALBA Berlin, under Coach Gonzalez, has always been able to play with an aggressive and athetic roster, they like to play uptempo and force a lot of turnovers. This is an area where we need to improve, so it will be important for us to move the ball efficiently and, defensively, contain their one-on-one plays. It is an interesting game because Maodo Lo is coming home and will be finally available for us, and also because it is intriguing for us to face two young Italian prospets like Gabriele Procida and Matteo Spagnolo."

### Johannes Voigtmann, Milan player

"It doesn't matter who is playing for ALBA. They don't depend on individual players, they have had the same system for years, they play hard, they play aggressively, they play fast and make sure it is always difficult for everybody to take the win from them, especially in Berlin. So, we have to stay focused, play hard for 40 minutes, and be ready for a tough night."

ALBA (0-4) is still looking for its first win of the season as it welcomes Milan (1-2). Ettore Messina's team did not find the energy to compete with Real Madrid in the second half of Round 4's heavy loss, so ALBA's traditional fast-paced style could test the visitors again. Matt Thomas bounced back from a slow start to the season by netting 5 three-pointers in last week's loss at Monaco, and his perimeter play will be vital for an ALBA team which always likes to shoot a high volume of three-pointers. Milan possesses a similar long-range scoring threat through Kevin Pangos, but he only made 1 of 5 three-point attempts in the loss at Madrid and is looking for rhythm after failing to dish any assists in that game.

Pre-game quotes: ALBA vs. Milan

ALBA Berlin v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-10-26T18:00:00.000Z)

After a thrilling five-game battle in last season’s EuroLeague Playoffs, AS Monaco Basket and Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. will come head-to-head once again at Salle Gaston Medecin.

Monaco Basket, Maccabi Tel Aviv meet again, six months after famous playoff clash

Last season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoff series [between AS Monaco and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/41/) was filled with twists and turns. 

Home-court advantage came and went for both teams. Even within some of the games, there were drastic shifts in momentum. Monaco had the last say with a strong finish to an otherwise closely contested Game 5 that sent it onward to the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Maccabi aim to seal a first Final Four appearance since 2014 with a decisive visit to Monaco, who are striving to reach European basketball's biggest event for the very first time. Who will be celebrating come the final buzzer and have their hopes of glory still intact?

AS Monaco vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

### A new chapter in a budding rivalry

Now more than six months later, they meet again with the possibility of a budding rivalry growing in intensity. To be certain, there is one missing ingredient for a truly heated rivalry. There is very little animosity between the players.

I personally spent time with both teams during the preseason and I can say that there is great mutual respect among the players who battled each other last spring. And in both cases, that is most of the roster.

Of course, last season's playoff series is ancient history. Monaco is busy trying to properly incorporate the four main players it signed over the summer. And Maccabi is trying to remain competitive despite being displaced to play games abroad due to the ongoing armed conflict in Israel.

### New faces for Monaco

There was much excitement in the principality when four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker signed over the summer, though an injury delayed his debut. He played a minor role in Monaco's last two games – its first two wins this season – and is still getting the rust off.

EuroLeague champion Petr Cornelie is the only newcomer to appear in all four Monaco EuroLeague games thus far, and he has averaged 5.2 points in 12:29 minutes off the bench. Former EuroCup MVP Mam Jaiteh and French national team player Terry Tarpey have seen limited minutes in two games each.

For a team with big goals, the matchup with Maccabi is just one step in Monaco's long fight for a playoff berth and Final Four return.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✅ 𝖤𝗎𝗋𝗈𝖫𝖾𝖺𝗀𝗎𝖾 𝖽𝗈𝗎𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻 🆚 𝖡𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗂𝗇 🔒 <a href="https://t.co/GzrWtbkzjr">pic.twitter.com/GzrWtbkzjr</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1715680955640287402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Maccabi's quest for chemistry

Maccabi, looking to end its longest Final Four drought ever, also has four new players who need to find the right chemistry with the core returnees, a process that has been interrupted by the ongoing conflict.

On of those newcomers, point guard Tamir Blatt, has stepped into the breach left by Wade Baldwin's injury to play 21 minutes a game, averaging 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Two others, swingman Antonius Cleveland and center Jasiel Rivero, are playing over 16 minutes a night, while forward James Webb is playing almost 12.

It stands to reason that by the time Baldwin returns, the Maccabi newcomers will have settled in and be contributing more. Their adjustment period will necessarily be prolonged by the unexpected changes due to the war, which will see the team play [upcoming home games in Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/news/maccabi-playtikatel-aviv-to-play-its-euroleague-home-games-in-belgrade-serbia/).

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Together we can <a href="https://t.co/l5TkMevJti">pic.twitter.com/l5TkMevJti</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​🇮🇱​🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1715477446684750057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Predicting the winner

All of the above makes this game a hard one to predict. Both teams surely feel pressure to win. Specific matchups are huge question marks. 

The absences due to injury of the top scorers from Game 5 of last season's playoffs, Monaco's Jordan Loyd and Maccabi's Baldwin, ensure that All-EuroLeague guards Mike James of Monaco and Lorenzo Brown of Maccabi will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. 

Who else will rise to the fore? Bonzie Colson (17.7 ppg., 6.3 rpg.) has shined thus far for Maccabi, but he could be facing EuroLeague Best Defender candidate John Brown. Monaco's No. 2 scorer, Elie Okobo, has averaged just 8.8 points per game. 

And thus, we enter a Round 5 game with two hungry teams still figuring things out. But that should not take away from the excitement that this game offers. And who knows? Maybe this is the game that tips this rivalry in a new direction.

In the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, Monaco came out on top in an unpredictable five-game series to reach the Final Four for the first time in club history.

Monaco, Maccabi meet for first time since playoff clash

### Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach

"A Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona is always a different game. A *Clásico* is attractive because of the rivalry between both clubs and it is a special game in a season with many games. It's the third time we face them already this year and there will be more. I always expect the best possible opponent. Barcelona is showing a great level, they took a giant step forward and I cannot think about anything else than a great Barca playing against us. The only think I want is that, at the end, Real Madrid is better than Barcelona, even if they play great. We will need a good mentality, to stay focused and be patient. Another key will be securing the defensive boards and avoid turnovers."

### Roger Grimau, FC Barcelona head coach

"It's always special to face Real Madrid. We give great importance to this game, but we must also remember it's just Round 5 of the EuroLeague. I think we are a better team than the last time we played there. I am happy with the evolution of my team, both on offense and defense. We want to win all games thios season and, of course, also this one against Real, and I am sure they are also eager to beat us. It's no mystery: winning this game gives you joy and losing it ruins your day."

### Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid player

"We will play a very important game, another *Clásico*. Barcelona is playing really well but we must focus on ourselves. We must prepare well and pay attention to details in order to win. Teams change and improve throughout the season, so whatever has happened before does not count. We will need maximum concentration during 40 minutes, control the glass and try to play our best ball. Our fans help a lot, and I hope they support us as they always do."

### Dario Brizuela, FC Barcelona player

"Real Madrid is not just Facu Campazzo. We have not prepared anything special for him. We have focused more on ourselves, in the things we have to improve. The games against Real Madrid have to be prepared like you are facing a whole, because they have many talented players. We go to Madrid with a good feeling, we come from a string of wins. You are always motivated against Real, whether you play in Barcelona or in Estudiantes \[like I used to\]. We needed a bit of time to gel as a team, and now I think this new game against Real gets us in a better moment."

The stakes could not be higher for this early-season clásico as the league's only remaining unbeaten records are on the line. Barca coach Roger Grimau will be approaching his first meeting with Real in confident mood after his team's 39-point thrashing of Bayern last week with an exceptional all-round performance. Jabari Parker is another clásico debutant and could be an x-factor after improving for his new team game by game, pairing 15 points with 6 rebounds in Round 4. It's a special night for Willy Hernangomez as he returns to face his former team. His battle alongside in-form Jan Vesely against Madrid giants Walter Tavares and Vincent Poirier could be crucial – not to mention spectacular.

Pre-game quotes: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

### Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach

"Efes is a very talented team, especially on offense. They are in a transitional period. They have a new coach, but they maintain main and important players in their roster. Also, they added some new players. I feel that they are still trying to find their identity and be stabilized on the level that their coach wants. However, they have good players and personality. The way we will defend will be one of the keys. We must play solid defense. It is a game of high requirements and we are happy that we had three days to prepare for this game. It is the first time we had that luxury."

### Erdem Can, efes head coach

"Olympiacos has a very experienced coach and roster. They are a team that has been playing together for many years. They play very tough and aggressive, especially at home. We need to have the mental structure to respond to this toughness and aggressivity."

### Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos player

"It is going to be a tough game against Efes. After all there are no easy games in EuroLeague. We must work hard and maintain the dynamic of our home court. Now it is the time to build a momentum. We will have by our side our funs and we will put all of our effort to get one more win and move forward."

### Elijah Bryant, Efes player

"It will be a tough game with a great atmosphere. But we will bring our best."

Fresh from morale-boosting victories, Olympiacos (2-2) and Efes (2-2) will look to keep moving up the standings with another massive Thursday showdown. Non-stop Thomas Walkup, averaging 35 minutes on court for Olympiacos, has the task of using his excellent defensive skills to slow down in-form Shane Larkin, whose performance index ratings of 23 and 26 for Efes inspired last week's wins against ASVEL and Valencia. In the paint, Round 4 MVP Nikola Milutinov will look to maintain his great form, while the ability of Efes's Derek Willis to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (38.7%) could be a vital aspect of this encounter.

Pre-game quotes: Olympiacos vs. Efes

Olympiacos Piraeus v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)