Welcome to the preseason edition of the EuroLeague Power Rankings. The following list is the brainchild of EuroLeague.net's team of experts, which is made up of Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic. 

Power rankings on the eve of Round 1: Champs drop, Greek delight

Welcome to the preseason edition of the EuroLeague Power Rankings. The following list is the brainchild of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net)'s team of experts, which is made up of Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic. The rankings are not a prediction of what the final standings will look like, but rather where all 20 teams stand – in their humble opinions – today, on the eve of the start of the season.

### 1. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Key additions: [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), [Richaun Holmes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/richaun-holmes/014011/)

Major losses: [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/)

Obstacles to start the season: On paper stronger than last season, the Greens must find the right frontcourt mix with [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) sidelined and Holmes new to the league.

### 2. Olympiacos Piraeus

Key additions: [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/), [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/)

Major losses: [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) (injury), [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/)

Obstacles to start the season: After [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), the point guard position is a little light with [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/) still out and Ntilikina joining camp late. On a team with such great shooters, having strong playmakers is critical.

Sasha Vezenkov and Evan Fournier will be key in how far Olympiacos can go this season.

### 3. AS Monaco

Key additions: [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/), [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevarrius-hayes/010390/)

Major losses: [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/), [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/)

Obstacles to start the season: Fresh off a first-ever trip to the championship game, there is pressure on Monaco to go one step better. But with just one ball to share, Coach Spanoulis will need to keep everybody on board.

### 4. Real Madrid

Key additions: [Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/), [Chuma Okeke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chuma-okeke/014006/), [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/)

Major losses: [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), [Eli Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/eli-ndiaye/009213/)

Obstacles to start the season: Real has a much deeper roster to get ready for the marathon of games ahead. Adjusting to Coach Scariolo's philosophy should be its biggest goal at the start of the season, and the fact that some of them played for him in the past helps.

### 5. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Key additions: [Talen Horton-Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/talen-horton-tucker/014124/), [Brandon Boston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-elliott-boston-jr-/014016/), [Armando Bacot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/armando-linwood-bacot-jr-/014015/)

Major losses: [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/)

Obstacles to start the season: Three of Fenerbahce's key signings are not just new to the EuroLeague, but to international basketball altogether. How they adjust to the style of play – and Coach Jasikevicius's brand of coaching – will be pivotal for the defending champs.

Fenerbahce club captain Melih Mahmutoglu holds up the 2024-25 EuroLeague trophy alongside Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga

### 6. Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Key additions: [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/)

Major losses: [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/), [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/)

Obstacles to start the season: While a core of stars remain, the roster has been overhauled and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/)'s injury means that the frontline is quite different. Finding a way to get the team in sync – and the bigs in particular – will be an early-season challenge.

### 7. FC Barcelona

Key additions: [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/), [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), [Miles Norris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/miles-norris/014134/)

Major losses: [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/), [Justin Anderson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justin-anderson/012795/), [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/)

Obstacles to start the season: Last season, Barca was heavily damaged by injuries and lack of reinforcements. Staying healthy should be the team's biggest challenge, even though the team is deeper and more athletic than last season, and therefore should be ready for a long season.

### 8. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Key additions: [Shake Milton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/malik-milton/014007/), [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), [Dylan Osetkowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dylan-osetkowski/010581/)

Major losses: [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/), [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/), [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/)

Obstacles to start the season: Partizan brings back it top three scorers – and seven of its top 10. Starting the season with only one true center ([Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/)) and without a clear second-string point guard appear to be Coach Obradovic's main obstacles.

A lot of responsibility will be on the wide shoulders of Partizan's Tyrique Jones this season.

### 9. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Key additions: [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/)

Major losses: [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/)

Obstacles to start the season: Everything is set up for Milan to have a strong start to the campaign, but after injuries ravaged its last couple of seasons, the key will be to make sure everyone remains healthy.

### 10. Valencia Basket

Key additions: [Omari Moore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omari-kamau-moore/014115/), [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/), [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)

Major losses: [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/), [Stefan Jovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/stefan-jovic/004863/)

Obstacles to start the season: Valencia has the deepest roster in club history but injuries struck right away, with three perimeter players sidelined. Being able to impose its trademark fast-paced rhythm should be a key to feeling comfortable in such a strong competition right away.

### 11. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Key additions: [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/), [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/)

Major losses: [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marcus-foster/010386/), [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/)

Obstacles to start the season: The deepest team in the league with 19 first-team players, Hapoel's players do not lack EuroLeague experience, but collectively getting a feeling for each other on the fly with the added travel will be a challenge.

### 12. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Key additions: [Devonte' Graham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devonte-graham/014028/), [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/)

Major losses: [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/), [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/)

Obstacles to start the season: Zvezda may be younger, longer and more athletic than last season, but Coach Sfairopoulos also has nine new players. Getting them all on the same page is the first matter at hand.

Crvena Zvezda's Codi Miller-McIntyre will be looking to build on an impressive first season at the club last year.

### 13. Dubai Basketball

Key additions: [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/), [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/)

Major losses: Jerry Boutsiele, JaCorey Williams

Obstacles to start the season: Dubai is new to the EuroLeague, Coach Golemac is new to the EuroLeague and a third of the roster is new to the EuroLeague. It could be a bumpy start.

### 14. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

Key additions: [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/), [Oshae Brissett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/o-shae-j-brissett/014127/), [Jeff Dowtin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jeffrey-dowtin-jr/014123/)

Major losses: [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/), [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/)

Obstacles to start the season: Most of Maccabi's rotation is new to the EuroLeague and they will be learning a new brand of basketball while learning each other.

### 15. Zalgiris Kaunas

Key additions: [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/), [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/), [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/)

Major losses: [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/), [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/), [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/)

Obstacles to start the season: Tomas Masiulis knows everyone in the club but this is his first year as head coach. Imposing his coaching philosophy in a team full of newcomers is his first challenge. Williams-Goss and Wright arrive from Olympiacos to go from role players to leaders.

### 16. Virtus Bologna

Key additions: [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/), [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/)

Major losses: [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/)

Obstacles to start the season: It was clear during the Italian Super Cup that Edwards is already in mid-season form, but several questions remain about the team’s defense. How Coach Ivanovic addresses that will say a lot about Virtus’s season.

Alessandro Pajola will be key once again this season as a pest in Virtus's backcourt.

### 17. FC Bayern Munich

Key additions: [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/), [Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/), [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/)

Major losses: [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/)

Obstacles to start the season: Bayern rebuilt over the summer and then had to pivot when [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) was hurt at EuroBasket. With 10 new players and a playmaker ([Stefan Jovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/stefan-jovic/004863/)) who arrived during training camp, Bayern opens the season as a work in progress.

### 18. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Key additions: [Markquis Nowell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markquis-nowell/014119/), [Hami Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hamidou-diallo/014086/), [Clement Frisch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/clement-frisch/014026/)

Major losses: [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), [Nikos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/), [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/)

Obstacles to start the season: Baskonia has many newcomers who have to adjust to a new coach, Paolo Galbiati, in his first EuroLeague season. Most of its newcomers are EuroLeague rookies, so experienced players like [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), [Tadas Sedekerkis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) and [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) need to deliver right away.

### 19. Paris Basketball

Key additions: [Justin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justin-robinson/014008/), [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lamar-stevens/014009/), [Momo Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamed-faye/012403/)

Major losses: [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/)

Obstacles to start the season: Six of Paris’s top seven scorers from last season have all departed the club, as well as head coach Tiago Splitter. New play-caller Francesco Tabellini will need to get his recruits to gel quickly.

### 20. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

Key additions: [Glynn Watson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/glynn-watson/014013/), [Zac Seljaas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zachary-seljaas/014088/), [Thomas Heurtel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-heurtel/klt/)

Major losses: [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/), [Andre Roberson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andre-roberson/013405/), [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)

Obstacles to start the season: After reaching 13 wins last season for the first time since 2020-21, the departure of Maledon is going to hurt. Much of ASVEL’s early success will depend on Watson’s adaptation to the EuroLeague.

The Reds and Greens are sitting pretty in the top spots

Javier Gancedo is here to inform EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers about who they should pick this week.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 1-2: Back with a major plot twist! 

The 2025-26 EuroLeague is about to start and over 200,000 teams are ready to go against each other in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. As always, we will be here each Monday to give you some fantasy tips and recommendations to make your team go from good to great, or from average to good. 

We have decided to spice things up a little bit and will review last week's fantasy tips in each and every article, to see if your favorite [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) tipster did well. Expect some criticism, too. 

This week, Javi Gancedo is aboard with these recommendations: 

### Sergio De Larrea, Valencia Basket (6.5 credits) 

[Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) has been nothing but extraordinary this summer. Just last weekend, he became the youngest player ever to earn tournament MVP honors at the Spanish Super Cup. De Larrea also did really well with the Spanish national team. The fact that Brancou Badio, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui and Jean Montero are sidelined makes him an even better choice. 

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPKF-KWDBH9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valencia Basket (@valenciabasket)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus (16.0 credits) 

Hey, everybody needs a superstar in their teams and right now, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) is in over 100,000 teams at the start of the game. Like Frankie Sachs said in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast, it is not because he likes our game or wears #14, but because he is damn good at what he does. Expect Vezenkov to be a solid choice all season long! 

### Kamar Baldwin, FC Bayern Munich (7.1 credits) 

[Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/) should see extended playing time right away as Rokas Jokubaitis got severely injured and his replacement, Stefan Jovic, is not a great scorer (although he does a lot of great things on the court). Baldwin will have more responsibilities on offense, and that usually means a higher PIR average. He should be able to deliver right away. 

### Moses Wright, Zalgiris Kaunas (10.5 credits) 

[Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/) showed hints of the fantasy value he has with Olympiacos, but injuries and limited playing time prevented him from fulfilling his potential. He will play a bigger role with Zalgiris this season and those extra minutes should mean more high-percentage shots and rebounds. He had a really solid preseason, so what's not to like about Moses? 

### Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (8.2 credits) 

[Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) showcased his best basketball late last season, particularly in the playoffs against Paris Basketball. A couple of key departures in the team and a long-term contract extension have given Biberovic the confidence and bigger role required to be one of the champions' scoring references this season. An elite shooter who is ready to deliver. 

Check this column next week to see Javi did. Until then, we leave you with a Vezenkov highlights video. Vez for Prez! 

Sasha Vezenkov | Best Plays | EuroLeague First Team

Javier Gancedo is here to inform Fantasy Challenge managers about who they should pick this week

Valencia Basket v Virtus Bologna (2025-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Valencia Basket (2025-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-09-30T18:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-10-02T18:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v FC Bayern Munich (2025-09-30T18:15:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-10-02T18:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-10-01T17:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Paris Basketball (2025-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

The EuroLeague returns bigger and better than ever, with the competition expanding to 20 teams including the addition of two debutants. After a summer of superstar signings, this is what we can look forward to in Round 1 of the 2025-26 regular season.

At a glance: The EuroLeague is back!

The EuroLeague returns bigger and better than ever, with the competition expanding to 20 teams including the addition of two debutants. After a summer of superstar signings, this is what we can look forward to in Round 1 of [the 2025-26 regular season](https://euroleaguebasketball.ecal.com/).

## Tuesday, September 30

### Dubai Basketball vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (18:00 CEST)

The new season begins with a piece of history as Dubai hosts its first regular-season meeting with a visit from Partizan. Home team coach Jurica Golemac has prepared for the challenge by recruiting a batch of EuroLeague-proven talent including scoring threats Dzanan Musa and Dwayne Bacon, and Dubai also boasts plenty of power in the paint with fresh faces Sertac Sanli and Mfiondu Kabengele, the reigning EuroCup rebounding king. After finishing last season’s competition just outside the playoffs with a 16-18 record, Partizan boss Zeljko Obradovic has retained the majority of his roster. The Serbian team’s star addition is free-scoring forward Jabari Parker, while NBA veteran Shake Milton will aim to make a strong debut after being signed to deepen Obradovic’s backcourt options.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPHCM6RiDBL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPHCM6RiDBL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. FC Barcelona (18:00 CEST)

After roaring to title glory in last season’s EuroCup, Hapoel will step up for its EuroLeague debut with a tough task against traditional powerhouse Barcelona. The game – to be staged in Sofia, Bulgaria – will see Barca give debuts to experienced forwards Will Clyburn and Toko Shengelia, who both joined from Virtus during the summer. Joan Penarroya’s men, who reached the playoffs last season, can also call upon promising EuroLeague rookies Myles Cale and Miles Norris. Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis – a two-time EuroLeague champion – possesses plenty of backcourt talent following the summer recruitment of Chris Jones, Elijah Bryant and especially Vasilije Micic, a former EuroLeague champion and MVP. Centers Dan Oturu and Tai Odiase have also arrived, showing that Hapoel mean serious business over the coming months.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (19:45 CEST)

New Efes coach Igor Kokoskov begins his reign with a visit from a Maccabi team led for the fourth consecutive season by Oded Kattash. The Turkish team, which finished sixth last season with a 20-14 record, has retained its key players inside and outside the paint, Shane Larkin and Vincent Poirier, whilst adding plenty of quality including last season’s Best Defender award winner Nick Weiler-Babb, elite scorer Jordan Loyd and towering big man Georgios Papagiannis. Maccabi endured a tough 2024-25 campaign, ending third from bottom at 11-23, and will hope to mount a stronger challenge this season with the assistance of new signings like Lonnie Walker and center Marcio Santos, who shined for Ulm in last season’s EuroCup and will now try to prove himself at the higher level.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:00 CEST)

Experienced head coaches Ioannis Sfairopoulos and Ettore Messina will respectively look to guide their new-look Zvezda and Milan teams to a season-opening win in Belgrade. Zvezda has suffered the loss of key scorer Isaiah Canaan during the preseason preparations, placing more pressure on new signing Devonte’ Graham to make a fast start. Forward Semi Ojeleye plus big men Chima Moneke and Jasiel are also exciting arrivals for Zvezda, and their fast challenge will be outmuscling Milan’s summer signings Bryant Dunston and Devin Booker. Messina has also added vast experience and leadership in the backcourt with reigning champion Marko Guduric and Lorenzo Brown, while Shavon Shields and Zach LeDay will continue to play a vital role for the Italian team.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:15 CEST)

Last season’s beaten semifinalists Panathinaikos will look to kickstart a fresh title challenge with a visit from free-scoring Bayern. Ergin Ataman has retained the core of last season’s Greens roster, including reigning league MVP Kendrick Nunn, whilst adding even more backcourt explosiveness with 2024-25’s assists leader TJ Shorts and three-point scoring ace Vassilis Toliopoulos. NBA veteran Richaun Holmes has also been captured to add further power in the paint, and it’s clear Panathinaikos is again a leading title candidate. But Bayern also has lots of ambition with coach Gordie Herbert welcoming eight new players including dynamic guard Kamar Baldwin and high-flying center Wenyen Gabriel, who makes an immediate return to Athens to debut against his former club.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CEST)

After suffering another near-miss with a semifinals defeat, Olympiacos begins its latest title assault with a trip to new-look Baskonia. The Spanish team has a new head coach, with EuroLeague novice Paolo Galbiati overseeing a roster reloaded with the recruitment of promising talent such as Matteo Spagnolo and Markquis Nowell. Baskonia’s key player continues to be scoring ace Markus Howard, while backcourt facilitator Trent Forrest will hope to continue his outstanding form from the end of last season. Heading into his sixth straight season in charge of Olympiacos, Georgios Bartzokas has not changed much: the likes of Sasha Vezenkov, Evan Fournier and Nikola Milutinov are back to lead the Reds again. But Donta Hall and Tyson Ward are significant signings, adding more quality to an already loaded roster.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPLYLHREQ9s/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Baskonia (@baskonia1959)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Virtus Bologna vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

Sergio Scariolo tips off his second spell in charge of Real Madrid with a trip to his former club, Virtus. The Spanish giant is looking to bounce back from a relatively disappointing season (seventh place, 20-14), and Scariolo has made moves in the market by recruiting EuroLeague rookies Chuma Okeke and Trey Lyles along with rising star Theo Maledon, who will look to repeat the spectacular performances he delivered last season with ASVEL. With the likes of Facu Campazzo, Mario Hezonja and Walter Tavares returning, Real will take plenty of talent to face a Virtus team which looks to be in rebuilding mode: veteran coach Dusko Ivanovic has signed eight new players and will look for instant chemistry in the backcourt from Luca Vildoza and Carsen Edwards.

## Wednesday, October 1

### AS Monaco vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (19:30 CEST)

Last season’s beaten finalist Monaco will look for a strong start at home against Zalgiris. Ahead of his first full season in charge, Roca Team coach Vassilis Spanoulis has made one of the summer’s biggest transfer moves by signing former EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic, who will look to strike an instant connection with all-time scoring leader Mike James – now fully reintegrated after missing the end of last season with an internal suspension. Scoring threat Nemanja Nedovic and big man Kevarrius Hayes are also new additions to face a Zalgiris team led for the first time by Tomas Masiulis. The new coach is integrating some significant signings including experienced backcourt duo Maodo Lo and Nigel Williams-Goss, while talented center Azuolas Tubelis will look to make an instant impact in the paint.

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### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Paris Basketball (19:45 CEST)

Reigning champion Fenerbahce begins its title defense with a visit from new-look Paris. The Turkish team has retained the majority of last season’s triumphant squad, with the significant exceptions of Nigel Hayes-Davis and Marko Guduric. Their shoes will be filled by dynamic American guard Talen Horton-Tucker and flying Finn Mikael Jantunen, who is ready to make his debut for Sarunas Jasikevicius by facing his former club. Jantunen was just one of several high-profile summer departures from Paris, which is also led by a new coach in the form of Francesco Tabellini. The French club will hope that Nadir Hifi can continue his development into one of the continent’s most exciting players, while new signings such as EuroLeague rookies Jeremy Morgan and Justin Robinson will need to adapt fast.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Valencia Basket (20:00 CEST)

Valencia returns to the EuroLeague after a one-year absence with a trip to ASVEL. The French club, again coached by Pierric Poupet, will rely on the veteran leadership of Nando De Colo, David Lighty and Edwin Jackson. The significant void left by Theo Maledon’s departure will have to be filled by Glynn Watson Jr, who showed his potential by averaging 16.0 points per game in the French league with Gravelines-Dunkerque. Valencia’s backcourt will be led by one of the competition's hottest prospects, Jean Montero, with plenty of assistance from experienced and versatile new signing Darius Thompson. Another important arrival for Pedro Martinez's team is rebounding star Neal Sako, who makes his debut by trying to dish out a defeat to his former club.

Andy West looks ahead to the first round of the new campaign

The 19-year-old guard became the youngest player to earn tournament MVP honors 

Valencia Basket claimed the 2025 Spanish SuperCup title by defeating Real Madrid 94–98 in a thrilling final held in Málaga on Sunday. This marks Valencia’s second SuperCup triumph. Leading the charge was 19-year-old guard Sergio De Larrea, who scored 21 points and became the youngest player ever to earn tournament MVP honors. 

De Larrea leads Valencia to Spanish SuperCup title 

Valencia Basket claimed the 2025 Spanish Super Cup title by defeating Real Madrid 94–98 in a thrilling final held in Málaga on Sunday. This marks Valencia’s second Super Cup triumph. 

Leading the charge was 19-year-old guard [Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/), who scored 21 points and became the youngest player ever to earn tournament MVP honors. 

[Kam Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/kameron-taylor/011217/) contributed 17 points, [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/nathan-reuvers/012738/) added 12, while [Omar Moore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/omari-kamau-moore/014115/) and [Josep Puerto](https://media-cdn.cortextech.io/748f72b2-0ab2-4703-8592-d8d5566e1721.png?width=95&resizeType=fill&format=webp) chipped in 10 apiece. 

For Real Madrid, [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) led with 19 points, [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) followed with 18, and [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) added 11.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">⭐️ Sergio de Larrea (19 años y 298 días), el MVP MÁS JOVEN de toda la historia de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupercopaEndesa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupercopaEndesa</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Laaarry_14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Laaarry_14</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/WaHUamQ2cJ">pic.twitter.com/WaHUamQ2cJ</a></p>&mdash; Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBCOM/status/1972387294276706805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

De Larrea set the tone early, helping Valencia jump to a 5–10 lead. Real Madrid responded and closed the first quarter ahead 27–24, but De Larrea’s timely baskets kept Valencia in the game. A flurry of three-pointers from four different players gave Valencia a 44–51 advantage at halftime.

After the break, Hezonja and Andrés Feliz sparked a Real Madrid surge, putting them ahead 65–58. Yet Valencia roared back, with De Larrea and Moore driving the team to a 69–69 tie by the end of the third quarter. [Neal Sako’](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)s emphatic alley-oop dunk-and-one completed the comeback, putting Valencia up 74–76. Puerto and De Larrea extended the lead to 82–87 with three minutes remaining. De Larrea sealed the win by calmly sinking all four of his free throws in the final 21 seconds.

In a [recent interview with EuroLeague.net](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/news/valencia-fan-favorite-sergio-de-larrea-faces-unique-opportunity/), De Larrea reflected on the opportunity to shine, especially with [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/), [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/), and [Brancou Badio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/brancou-badio/007527/) sidelined. “It could be an opportunity, but it all comes down to hard work,” he said. “These situations happen, and you have to be ready. There’s always someone next in line, and we all have to keep showing the level we’ve reached in recent years.”

In the semifinals, De Larrea scored 15 points to help Valencia defeat host Unicaja Málaga 87–93, with Moore leading the team with 20 points. Real Madrid narrowly edged out La Laguna Tenerife 72–71 in the other semifinal, thanks to 12 points each from [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) and [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/), who hit the decisive free throws in the closing moments.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Cuando ni tú mismo te crees lo que acabas de hacer. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupercopaEndesa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupercopaEndesa</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fi5bBl4CHY">pic.twitter.com/Fi5bBl4CHY</a></p>&mdash; Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBCOM/status/1972397957673852936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Valencia now turns its focus to the EuroLeague season, opening with a road game against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on Wednesday, October 1. Just two days later, the team will play its first-ever game at the spectacular Roig Arena against Virtus Bologna, where De Larrea—nicknamed “Larry”—is already a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Real visits Virtus on Tuesday, September 30 and hosts Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday, October 2. 

More Valencia News

The 19-year-old guard became the youngest player to earn tournament MVP honors 

De Larrea leads Valencia to Spanish Super Cup title 

Geoff Gillingham dives into some of the most noteworthy factors from Olimpia Milano's triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana this weekend.

The main takeaways as Milan wins the Italian Super Cup

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) has kicked off the 2025–26 season in style, successfully defending its Italian Super Cup title for the second consecutive year.

After outlasting Virtus Bologna 93–86 in an overtime thriller in the semifinals, the *Little Red Shoes* led from wire to wire in the final, defeating Germani Brescia 90–76 to lift the Super Cup for the sixth time in club history. Fittingly, the victory came at its home court, Unipol Forum – just as it did in 2016.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Supercampioni! 🏆❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/pMeZAXrk2x">pic.twitter.com/pMeZAXrk2x</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1972373237029064851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But beyond the trophy, what are the key takeaways from Milan’s Super Cup performances this weekend?

### MVP moment: Quinn Ellis arrives

The breakout star of the weekend? None other than 22-year-old guard [Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/quinn-ellis/012593/).

Signed this summer from Dolomiti Energia Trento, Ellis entered the fourth quarter of the semifinal with just 4 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound, and 2 steals. But by the end of the night, he was the name on everyone’s lips. He scored 5 points in the fourth quarter – including a game-tying three with just 2 seconds left – and added 3 assists, 2 defensive rebounds, and a steal down the stretch. In overtime, he added yet another rebound and assist, finishing with a 9-point, 4-rebound, 5-assist, 3-steal stat line.

He followed that performance with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist in the final against Brescia, which saw him seal Super Cup MVP honors. While he’s behind seasoned guards like [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) and [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) in the rotation, Ellis has already shown coach Ettore Messina that he’s ready to contribute – and perhaps even surprise a few people along the way.

Quinn Ellis in action during the Italian Super Cup final. (Photo: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)

### Josh Nebo is back

After a frustrating, injury-plagued 2024–25 season, [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) looked like a man on a mission during Sunday's final.

Though he struggled against Virtus (1 point, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 3 turnovers in 20 minutes), he bounced back in a big way in the title decider: 18 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, a steal, a block – and no turnovers. It was a performance that looked more like the Nebo we saw in the yellow of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

His teammate Lorenzo Brown summed it up just a few days ago: “I think he is a lot more hungry and, if possible, even more athletic than when I left him at Maccabi.” If Nebo stays healthy, his pairing with new signing [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) could be one of the most formidable center duos in the EuroLeague this season.

Josh Nebo goes up to score under pressure in the Italian Super Cup final. (Photo: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)

### Leading by example

No surprises here — [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) stepped up exactly when Milan needed them.

Shields, now entering his sixth year with the club and serving as co-captain alongside [Pippo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/), led all scorers in the semifinal with 23 points and added 10 more in the final. Injury setbacks have slowed him in recent seasons, but if this weekend is any indication, he’s ready to return to the All-EuroLeague form he showed in 2020–21 and 2021–22.

LeDay, in his second straight year with Milan after returning in 2024, contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds in the semifinal, then followed it with 11 points and 5 boards in the final. With [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) now in Monaco, LeDay’s role is only growing – and so far, he looks up to the challenge.

Their experience, leadership, and consistency will be vital as Milan opens its EuroLeague campaign with two tough road games in Belgrade against Crvena Zvezda and Partizan this coming week.

Zach LeDay and Shavon Shields come together during the Italian Super Cup final. (Photo: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)

### Final thoughts

After three straight years missing the EuroLeague Playoffs, Milan’s Super Cup victory should inject belief into a roster that is hungry to return to Europe’s elite.

It’s only September and nobody’s handing out EuroLeague wins just yet, but Milan looks ready to be a force this season.

More Milan News

Geoff Gillingham dives into some of the most noteworthy factors from the Little Red Shoes' triumph this weekend

Dubai Basketball has signed Turkish center Sertac Sanli to reinforce its frontcourt ahead of its debut EuroLeague campaign

Dubai signs two-time champion Sertac Sanli

Dubai Basketball has signed Turkish center [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) to reinforce its frontcourt ahead of its debut EuroLeague campaign.

Sanli (2.11 meters, 34 years old) is a reigning EuroLeague champion and boasts a decorated resume that includes a silver medal earlier this month at EuroBasket 2025 with the Turkish national team. The veteran signed a one-year-deal to help fill the void left when Mam Jaiteh was lost to injury.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Welcome to your new home, Sertaç🤎🤍🖤 <a href="https://t.co/TiHOS5vsNN">pic.twitter.com/TiHOS5vsNN</a></p>&mdash; Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket/status/1972228723408822742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sanli arrives from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, where he appeared in 33 EuroLeague games last season, averaging 5.5 points on 61.8% two-point shooting and 2.4 rebounds as a part-time starter last season to win his second EuroLeague crown. He has appeared in more than 200 EuroLeague games for Galatasaray Istanbul, Anadolu Efes Istanbul, FC Barcelona, and Fenerbahce. He played a key role in Efes’s 2021 title, this becoming the first player to lift the trophy with both of Turkiye’s biggest clubs, Efes and Fenerbahce.

His roll of honors included the two EuroLeague championships, four Turkish League titles, two Turkish Cup, one Spanish League crown and one Spanish Cup. At Dubai, Sanli will reunite with his former Efes teammate Dzanan Musa. With eight seasons of EuroLeague experience, Sanli should help strengthen Dubai on the floor and in the locker room as it takes the EuroLeague stage for the first time.

More on Sertac Sanli

Turkish center joins Dubai ahead of its EuroLeague debut, bringing championship pedigree from Efes, Barcelona, and Fenerbahce

After 10 years in the NBA, Richaun Holmes will get his first taste of the EuroLeague with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens this season.

Richaun Holmes: ‘I’m looking forward to playing under Coach Ataman’

After 10 years in the NBA, [Richaun Holmes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/richaun-holmes/014011/) will get his first taste of the EuroLeague with [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) this season.

The 31-year-old has displayed his talent in the NBA, posting career averages of 8.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 489 regular-season games, and now he’ll get to further hone his trade under three-time EuroLeague champion head coach [Ergin Ataman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/ataman-ergin/).

“He’s smart, man. He’s smart,” Holmes told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham during Panathinaikos’s EuroLeague media day. “He’s passionate about the game, passionate about his players. You can see it – it radiates off of him. I’m looking forward to playing for a coach like that.”

Richaun Holmes upon his arrival in Athens. (Photo: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)

It was clear throughout the day that Holmes has really immersed himself into this new experience, bringing joy to all his teammates and already looking like a key member of the team off the court.

“I was pretty familiar with the roster once I got here,” he said. “I just think everybody’s been great bringing me in, just helping me out, so that was the biggest surprise. Everybody’s been helping me understand the terminology and things like that. Everybody’s just been great.”

One player who he is eager to go up against in training is All-EuroLeague center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), but for now that will have to wait.

“Not yet, not yet,” he said. “We haven’t played against each other yet, but I know what he brings to the court and I’m very familiar with him, so I’m looking forward to having him back when he gets back.”

<center>
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There are some notable differences between the NBA style and that of the EuroLeague, not only in the length of the game but also with the way in which defenses leave less space in the paint, yet Holmes is confident that he will comfortably adapt.

“I think it’s more just mental,” he said. “In the EuroLeague, just understanding the tactics and where you need to be and things like that, how to set screens. Everything is a lot more tactical-based and I prefer to play basketball that way, so I like that.

“I think it’s just about playing basketball the same way with the same mindset, having an impact whenever I step onto the floor and trying to do something to help the team win.”

[Holmes joined the Greens on August 9](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-pounces-on-premier-pivotman-richaun-holmes/) and was immediately inundated with messages from Panathinaikos supporters who wanted to show him support, as well as give him a taste of what awaits at Telekom Center Athens.

“I can’t wait, I can’t wait,” he said. “They’ve been sending me fan videos about what to expect ever since I signed, so I’m looking forward to actually getting the chance to experience it in person.”

Richaun Holmes in action for Panathinaikos in the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament. (Photo: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens)

Having lived in the United States for his whole life, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers (2015-18), Phoenix Suns (2018-19), Sacramento Kings (2019-23), Dallas Mavericks (2023-24) and Washington Wizards (2024-25), Holmes is excited about the chance to try something new in Greece.

“It’s been beautiful, I love it,” he said. “Just the view from my house, to see the beach and things like that, it’s unbelievable experience and opportunity to get a chance to play basketball here.”

Holmes and Panathinaikos begin their EuroLeague season with back-to-back home games against FC Bayern Munich (next Tuesday) and FC Barcelona (next Friday).

More Panathinaikos News

The new Panathinaikos recruit caught up with Geoff Gillingham at the Greens’ media day


Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade suffered an injury blow just before the start of the new season with the news that guard Isaiah Canaan has suffered an ACL injury.

Crvena Zvezda loses Isaiah Canaan to ACL injury

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade suffered an injury blow just before the start of the new season with the news that guard Isaiah Canaan has suffered an ACL injury.

"Further diagnostic will be done in the coming period," the club said in a statement. Those medical tests will also determine the length of his absence.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет обавештава јавност да су лекарски прегледи који су обављени у петак, утврдили да је првотимац нашег клуба Ајзеа Кенан повредио предње укрштене лигаменте колена.<br><br>Даља дијагностика ће бити спроведена у наредном периоду.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a><a href="https://t.co/WstFDGxe71">https://t.co/WstFDGxe71</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1971681284511715453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The injury occurred in the second quarter of Zvezda's last preparation game of the preseason, an 82-80 victory in the VTB Super Cup third-place contest against Dubai Basketball.

Canaan is one of the vested veterans on Zvezda roster that has gone through significant changes this summer. Canaan has four EuroLeague seasons under his belt, appearing in 139 games. Last season, his first with Zvezda, he averaged 10.0 points, making a total of 70 three-pointers on 38.3% shooting in 35 games.

Zvezda opens its EuroLeague season on Tuesday with a home game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, then travels to play FC Bayern Munich on Thursday.

More Crvena Zvezda News

The length of his absence is yet to be determined

Just days before the tip off of the new EuroLeague season, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade announced that it signed forward Miika Muurinen to a three-year deal. Muurinen (2.10 meters, 18 years old) has been a revelation at the recent EuroBasket 2025, where he helped Finland reach the semifinals by averaging 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds during his 11 minutes per game.

Partizan inks teenage sensation 'Slim Jesus' Miika Muurinen

Just days before the tip off of the new EuroLeague season, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade announced that it signed forward [Miika Muurinen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/players/miikka-muurinen/012997/) to a three-year deal. Muurinen (2.10 meters, 18 years old) has been a revelation at the recent EuroBasket 2025, where he helped Finland reach the semifinals by averaging 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds during his 11 minutes per game.

Nicknamed 'Slim Jesus', Muurinen grabbed attention at EuroBasket not only because he was the youngest player in the entire tournament, but also because of his athleticism and his rim-rocking dunks, which he now brings to the EuroLeague floors.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SLIM JESUS TAKES OFF ONCE AGAIN ✈<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/amsPJBe2lE">pic.twitter.com/amsPJBe2lE</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1964408525460767089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Muurinen spent the 2022-23 season in Spain playing for Zentro Basket, before moving to the United States where he played at Sunrise Christian High School in Wichita, Kansas, then last season at Arizona Compass Prep School.

In March 2024, just weeks after he turned 17, Muurinen played at the Adidas NextGen Tournament in Dubai, where he averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 block.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to black side of white city!⚫️⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/sX5hwhp8pE">pic.twitter.com/sX5hwhp8pE</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1971607097684226151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Finnish youngster arrives to the Serbian capital on a long-term deal (photo credit: FIBA)