World Cup winners go head-to-head as Bayern's triumphant trio of Niels Giffey, Isaac Bongo and Andreas Obst face ALBA's Johannes Thiemann in this German derby. New Bayern head coach Pablo Laso and his revamped roster – now including Serge Ibaka, Carsen Edwards and Leandro Bolmaro – goes up against an ALBA team which has also seen lots of summer changes following unusual roster stability in previous years. But ALBA tactician Israel Gonzalez will make exciting sure new arrivals such as Matteo Spagnolo, Justin Bean and Matt Thomas continue to follow the same free-flowing principles which always make his team fun to watch.

### Pablo Laso, Bayern head coach:

"The first EuroLeague game is always challenging. In this competition, the best teams play, and the competition will be particularly demanding this year right from the first game. The first game is a derby against a German team that has been known for playing good basketball in recent years. We are excited to start the season with a game against them. This matchup is very important to us, especially in front of our fans."

### Niels Giffey, Bayern player:

"Both teams are still in the process of building at the beginning of the new season. It's cool that there's a derby right at the start of the EuroLeague, as both teams can set an initial benchmark. We have something to make up for from our previous game against Oldenburg, and we want to do that, especially for our fans. This is a great opportunity for us."

### Israel Gonzalez, ALBA head coach

"The derby against Bayern is always something special for us! In the first EuroLeague game of this season, we want to play our best basketball and show a lot of effort. I expect the newly formed Munich team under their new coach, Pablo Laso, to be even stronger this season than in previous years."

### Johannes Thiemann, ALBA center

"We can expect a tough game on Thursday against an opponent who is difficult to predict. Bayern have added some strong players and the coach is also new. They are therefore not completely attuned and, like us, are in the process of defining a team. I'm looking forward to seeing the other World Cup heroes again!"

Game Videos

World Cup winners go head-to-head as Bayern's triumphant trio of Niels Giffey, Isaac Bongo and Andreas Obst face ALBA's Johannes Thiemann in this German derby.


Pre-game quotes: Bayern vs. ALBA

FC Bayern Munich v ALBA Berlin (2023-10-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Two teams likely to be in the race for playoff contention will aim to get straight on the winning path as Virtus welcomes Zalgiris. It has been a summer of change for the Italian team, with head coach Sergio Scariolo replaced by Luca Banchi, who returns to the EuroLeague benches after a six-year absence. Virtus also has half a dozen new signings all over the floor, including shooting ace Jaleen Smith, dynamic forward Achille Polonara and veteran big man Bryant Dunston. Zalgiris coach Kazys Maksvytis has retained the majority of last season’s team, and the Greens will continue to rely on the likes of Keenan Evans and homegrown leader Edgaras Ulanovas.

### Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach:

They know each other well, 9/12 of the confirmed team have a system that has been broken in and refined during the summer with the national team. It is clear that it will be a difficult game looking at the path of this team since the new coach arrived. We hope it will be a good night, the opponent imposes the best basketball possible. We will have to make a physical effort but above all a technical/tactical one, they are a team with many weapons and we have seen them in pre-season.

### Kazys Maksvytis, Zalgiris head coach:

It’s the start of a long EuroLeague season. We’ve had a lot of preparation and we’ve already had some official games. I wouldn’t say that everything was smooth, but compared to last year we are in a much better position, we know what’s ahead of us and we are ready for the first game. We will be facing Virtus, which is very physical team, with a lot of veterans. There is a new coach, and everyone is curious to see how he will build play in Bologna. We have a strong opponent on the road, well supported by the home fans. We are happy that everyone is now healthy and ready to play.

### Marco Belinelli, Virtus player: 

We have to start well tomorrow, in the Euroleague all the games are tough. It's the first home game, we will have a full arena and we want to do our best. We will have to take one game at a time. We know the style that Zalgiris has, a physical and tough style, and I repeat that Euroleague games are all difficult and with all the important possessions.

### Edgaras Ulanovas, Zalgiris player:

Last year, when we got a lot of new players, it looked like it might be difficult, but it was pretty good. Now we have kept the core of the team, but we have examples that it is not necessarily keeping the core that can bring good results. Expecting something easier than last year would be the biggest mistake. Talking about Virtus, at this stage of the season, it’s hard to draw big conclusions. All the teams are starting the season, the preparation is still going on, a lot of the players are new, new people need to get into the team, get used to each other. I think we need to look more at our own things, at the problems that have emerged lately - lack of concentration, too many mistakes. I have no doubt that the opponent also has some problems that they will try to solve. Whoever solves their problems better will be able to think about victory.

Two teams likely to be in the race for playoff contention will aim to get straight on the winning path as Virtus welcomes Zalgiris. 


Pre-game quotes: Virtus vs. Zalgiris

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-10-05T18:30:00.000Z)

There is a reason the phrase Every Game Matters is plastered all across EuroLeague platforms. 

Maccabi and Partizan have questions to answer in Round 1

There is a reason the phrase [Every Game Matters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/videos/every-game-matters-is-a-philosophy-euroleague-basketball/) is plastered all across EuroLeague platforms. 

There is no using the first leg of the season to improve. Teams need to hit the ground running because the race to get to the playoffs is always tight and tricky – and maybe even more so this year. 

Mark my words, when Round 34 is upon us, the winner of the opening night game between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade will be thankful for that extra number in the win column and the loser will wish he had one more W.

But both teams come into their [Thursday night showdown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/4/) with as many questions as answers. Let’s examine some of them. 

### Who will step into Wade Baldwin’s shoes?

This was not a question Maccabi had ever considered before this week. After a brilliant regular season, [Maccabi and Baldwin penned a two-year contract extension](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-locks-up-baldwin-for-two-more-seasons/) prior to last season’s playoffs. The goal was to build the backcourt around him and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/lorenzo-brown-commits-future-to-maccabi-until-2025/). And it still is, but [Baldwin will miss the game against Partizan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabis-baldwin-out-for-opening-night/) due to a back injury and someone will need to make up his production. Baldwin averaged 28 minutes per game last season.

Tamir Blatt, Maccabi: 'I'm happy to be back'

The top options are [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) and [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-tel-aviv-brings-in-defensive-star-antonius-cleveland/). Blatt started in his place in the Israeli SuperCup final on Sunday and had 6 assists in 29 minutes. DiBartolomeo played 24 minutes off the bench and scored 13 points. Cleveland was not registered for the game. For Maccabi to beat Partizan, one of these three players will have to deliver.

### Who will run the show for Partizan? 

The two players who handled the ball the most for Partizan last season, Dante Exum and Yam Madar, are gone. And now we will see what Coach Obradovic's plan is for that key role. We know that he is not adverse to scorers running the point. [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) was second on the team with 2.5 assists per game last season and rookie guard [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) has showed good ball-handling abilities so far.

Another candidate to watch is [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/). The 28-year-old opened the eyes of many with a fantastic showing at both ends at the Basketball World Cup. He averaged a team-best 3.4 assists per game in the EuroCup two seasons ago, but played a smaller role for Partizan as a EuroLeague rookie. If he can consistently display the magic he had in the World Cup all season long, Avramovic and Partizan will be a force to be reckoned with. 

Aleksa Avramovic best plays of the 2022-23 season

### Is Antonius Cleveland ready for a big role? 

Maccabi made only four significant signings in the offseason and three of them – Blatt, [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-spins-james-webb-into-frontcourt/) and [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jasiel-rivero-heads-to-maccabi-tel-aviv/) – played in the EuroLeague last season and slide into fairly well-defined roles. Cleveland is the X-factor, perhaps even more so in Round 1 with Baldwin out. 

There is no doubting that his strengths will translate well into EuroLeague action. Cleveland has the physical traits needed to compete at highest level in Europe, is an elite perimeter defender and a deadly finisher on the break. However, his perimeter shooting has been spotty in the past. If he takes a step forward this season and can take advantage of the good looks he gets downtown, Cleveland can be a key factor for Maccabi this season in general and against Partizan in particular. 

### How will it work for Partizan inside?

There is no questioning the talent Partizan has amassed inside, and even after losing Mathias Lessort, an All-EuroLeague selection last season, the team should be strong in the paint. But how and how quickly will it fit together are questions as is the frontline's effectiveness on the offensive glass. 

Most of the key bigs are back from last season though two of them, [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) and [Balsa Koprivica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/balsa-koprivica/011050/), missed significant time last season due to injury. Both are 23 years old and have bright futures. Are they ready to make a jump? [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-kaminsky/012743/) will make his EuroLeague debut in Tel Aviv after eight seasons in the NBA and has the skills to be a difference maker. [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) can be counted on to hold down most of the minutes at the power forward spot. The rotation that develops at the "five" and the effectiveness of that rotation will be critical for Partizan. 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-10-05T18:05:00.000Z)

The program that changed the way fans consume the best basketball in Europe is back for a second season. The Players' View, starring Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv big man Jake Cohen and Michael Roll – a former EuroLeague player with Maccabi, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Olimpia Milan - will debut this season on EuroLeague TV on Friday and be available for one game every week in October and going forward.

The Players' View returns this week for a second season

Cohen and Roll are back to entertain and educate fans in the exciting live streaming show

The show that changed the way fans consume the best basketball in Europe is back for a second season. The Players' View, starring Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv big man Jake Cohen and Michael Roll – a former EuroLeague player with Maccabi, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Olimpia Milan - [will debut this season on EuroLeague TV on Friday](https://tv.euroleague.net/) and be available for one game every week in October and going forward.

Cohen and his former teammate Roll invite viewers to join them as they watch and comment live on some of the best games on the schedule all season long. During the broadcasts, they will share insights and strategies on the game and tell some stories that fans will surely love.

The first The Players' View game this season will be the Derby of the Eternal Enemies, Panathinaikos Athens versus Olympiacos Piraeus, on Friday, October 6. The Round 2 game will be Olympiacos against FC Barcelona. The following week sees a Round 3 clash between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and FC Barcelona. Cohen and Roll will be on the mic for FC Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the final week of October.

During each The Players' View stream, which will also feature some special guests, the hosts use their insider knowledge to break down the stars of the game and the tendencies of the coaches. Want to know what it's like to try and score against the EuroLeague's best defenders or how to stop the MVP candidates? What it's like to play in front of the most passionate fans? Cohen and Roll take you on a new and informative basketball journey on every stream.

The Players' View is available exclusively to EuroLeague TV subscribers. [Get your season pass now to make sure you don't miss any of the action.](https://tv.euroleague.net/)

Jake Cohen is hyped for Season 2 of The Players View!

The Players' View returns this week for a second season 

Players and coaches from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade have spoken to the media ahead of their Round 1 matchup in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season,

Pre-game quotes: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv boasted the league's best home record last season (15-2) en route to a fifth-place finish and head coach Oded Kattash will hope his team can again ride the wave of noise at Menora Mivtachim Arena. But visiting Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, which claimed an identical 20-14 regular-season finish, will have no fear as Zeljko Obradovic's squad aims to improve upon last season's playoff qualification.

Both teams have important familiar returning faces, such as [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) for Maccabi and [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) and [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/) for the visitors. But there is also an interesting array of newcomers – [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jasiel-rivero-heads-to-maccabi-tel-aviv/) and [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-spins-james-webb-into-frontcourt/) for Maccabi, [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-lands-big-man-kaminsky/) and [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-adds-defensive-ace-pj-dozier-to-the-mix/) for Partizan – who will be eager to make an early mark in a game which will surely have a playoff-style intensity and atmosphere, even on opening night.

### Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach

I am excited to start a new EuroLeague season. The quality increases every year and it will be very challenging. We missed the atmosphere, those nights at Menora.

### Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach

"We are playing against Maccabi. We know what kind of atmosphere awaits us there, with the truly phenomenal support that the Maccabi fans give to their team. The same coach leads the team, they had some changes to their roster, but the way of playing is the same. That means a lot of transition. They want to get out quick when they give up points – their energy on offensive rebounds is there. They play a lot through 1-on-1 plays, and they also have a specific attack. We tried to prepare our best to play to our maximum. Let's try to play a good game and see where we are. There are minor problems, I hope nothing will affect the team from being complete."

Game News

### Bonzie Colson, Maccabi player

Everybody has expectations of Maccabi, and that's winning, no matter the competition. Make the playoffs and win as many games as you can. Being so close to the Final Four last season gives us the hunger and the motivation. The Final Four is our goal, but we have to take it game by game and get better as we have been doing.

### Kevin Punter, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade forward

"The new season is starting for everyone, we'll go game by game. There will certainly be ups and downs, that's how life is in general. We are ready for Maccabi, we know that they are an excellent team on their court and that we will need strong basketball that we will play for 40 minutes. We have to stay positive, work hard, from training to training to improve. I feel that we have improved from last season and that we are now a more mature team."

Pre-game quotes: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

The two teams face off at Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday night.

Saski Baskonia guard Markus Howard has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Markus Howard signs two-year extension at Saski Baskonia

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has locked up the services of star guard [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) for a further two years. This contract extension, which should keep the American guard at Buesa Arena until the end of the 2025-26 season, is a reward for the elite-level play that he has shown in both the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the Spanish League.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡RENOVADO! ✍️ <a href="https://twitter.com/markushoward11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@markushoward11</a> seguirá poniendo en pie a todo Baskonia hasta 2⃣0⃣2⃣6⃣<br><br>📎 <a href="https://t.co/S4pwpOaqN6">https://t.co/S4pwpOaqN6</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Howard2026?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Howard2026</a> 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/zrvJ37hsJI">pic.twitter.com/zrvJ37hsJI</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1709514471939481749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Making an immediate impact in the EuroLeague

Howard took the EuroLeague by storm in the first few weeks of last season, scoring 33 points in Round 2 against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade before dropping 30 points against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 3. It was quite the way for the 24-year-old to announce himself in his rookie EuroLeague campaign.

By the end of the season, Howard played 33 out of a possible 34 games and averaged 14.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a PIR of 8.4. Together with fellow guard Darius Thompson, they made Baskonia one of the must-watch teams during the 2022-23 campaign.

Markus Howard | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Building around Markus Howard

Now that [Thompson has left Baskonia to join Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/), however, this is well and truly Howard's team. The sharpshooter has started the Spanish League season in fine form, posting 22.7 points per night through the team's first three fixtures.

Scoring 20 points or more is a tough ask in the EuroLeague, but Howard managed to do just that on 10 occasions last season. Baskonia fans will be hoping that he can shine even brighter on offense in the coming season, starting with the team's EuroLeague season opener against Real Madrid on Friday night.

Most importantly, though, the news of Howard's contract renewal should lead to a big sigh of relief for those supporters who often frequent Buesa Arena. The former Denver Nuggets guard, who was named to the All-Spanish League First Team in 2022-23, is here to stay, which should mean that Baskonia continues to be a joy to watch on the offensive end of the floor.

More Baskonia News

Markus Howard celebrates a made basket during a Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season.

The sharpshooting guard's new deal will see him remain at Buesa Arena until 2026.

Markus Howard signs two-year extension at Baskonia

 EuroLeague season preview: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 

After taking it to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in 2021 and reaching the playoffs in 2022, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan had an underwhelming 2022-23 season, in which a rollercoaster of injuries never allowed the team to find its rhythm, ranking 12th overall with a 15-19 record. Coach Ettore Messina made sure his team landed the right players to bounce back, including a former EuroLeague MVP.

 

### Mirotic arrives to lead

 

Power forward Nikola Mirotic was chosen as the 2021-22 EuroLeague MVP and is set to lead a deep, versatile Milan frontcourt. Mirotic and Coach Messina work together in Real Madrid over a decade ago. Milan has plenty of physicality and versatility under the baskets with three-time EuroLeague champion Kyle Hines, Nicolo Melli, Johannes Voigtmann and two more newcomers, athletic big man Alex Poythress and up-and-coming center Ismael Kamagate.

 

Given Milan's frontcourt depth, Mirotic may see some playing time at small forward. He shoots the ball with great percentages from all angles, is one of the best defensive rebounders in the competition and has the experience and talent to step up in crunch time. With so many different options, Coach Messina can choose different lineups depending on the opponent, making Milan a hard matchup in general.

 

### Pangos, Shields are healthy

 

The biggest different-maker is that two former All-EuroLeague players like playmaker Kevin Pangos and small forward Shavon Shields are injury-free and ready to show their best version. Pangos is Milan's undisputed floor general, with recently signed Maodo Lo as his backup. Devon Hall and Billy Baron are set to provide the fireworks from beyond the arc, with Stefano Tonut and Diego Flaccadori helping them off the bench.

 

Shields is a terrific one-on-one players able to create his own shot or attack the rim against weaker opponents. His ability to play alongside Melli and Mirotic should be a big key this season. In other words, Milan has a very interesting team in the hands of a dean of the coaching profession like Messina. Fans should be looking forward to a great season.

EuroLeague season preview: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

 EuroLeague season preview: AS Monaco 

After a historic Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign in which it reached its first-ever Final Four and finished in third place, AS Monaco is back and it is not hiding it aims to take things it even further in the upcoming season. In order to do so, Monaco kept all of its most important pieces from last season, and to such intact core, the club made summer splashes, adding a quarter of newcomers who are poised to make both an immediate and sustained impact.

 

### New faces

Monaco held nothing back and made its aspiration clear with the addition of guard Kemba Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star who averaged 19.3 points during his 12-year NBA career. All eyes will certainly be on Walker, watching to see how will a 33-year old veteran adjust to the game on this side on the Pond.

In addition, Monaco boosted its frontcourt with a former EuroCup MVP Mam Jaiteh, and big man Petr Cornelie who is coming off winning EuroLeague title with Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Terry Tarpey is 29-year old EuroLeague rookie who has been a glue guy throughout his career, and might be just what the doctor prescribed for Coach Sasa Obradovic squad.

 

 

### Strength on strength

Monaco's backcourt was team's major strength last season, and has become even more so with the arrival of Walker, and the trio of Mike James, Jordan Loyd and Elie Okobo all remaining in Monaco uniform. Team's success might heavily depend on this group once again, but Monaco's front line is impressive and deep in its own, with Jaiteh and Cornelie joining John Brown, Donta Hall and Donatas Motiejunas. In a tough regular season, such depth could be the key.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine this is your guard rotation 🥵<br><br>𝗞𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗔 𝘅 𝗝𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗡 𝘅 𝗠𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝘅 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘 <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMBasket_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMBasket_EN</a> <a href="https://t.co/L2L3jtMOzB">pic.twitter.com/L2L3jtMOzB</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1704805265768366188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What Monaco would certainly like to repeat from a season ago is a good start to its campaign, as Monaco won nine of the first 12 games in 2022-23. And while there have been many changes within EuroLeague teams during the summer, it's a fact that Monaco faces only one playoff team from a year ago in the first eight rounds, and five of those game are on home floor.

EuroLeague season preview: AS Monaco

In an exclusive interview, Panathinaikos Athens superstar guard Kostas Sloukas talks about his summer move from archrival Olympiacos BC Piraeus and his quest to add to his three Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles.

Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos: 'People say I look good in green'

During a super-exciting summer of player transfers in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, no move made a bigger splash than Panathinaikos Athens acquiring three-time champion [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) from its archrival and last season's runner-up, Olympiacos Piraeus.

As the two Greek powerhouses get ready to clash in their EuroLeague season-opener at a packed OAKA Altion on Friday, all eyes are on Sloukas as he goes against his former team.

"I respect the years I was \[at Olympiacos\]", Sloukas says in the interview. "Seven years I was there and we achieved many things. But life is like this. I keep these seven years in my heart."

Sloukas debuted in the EuroLeague with the Reds as a teenager in 2009 and helped them win back-to-back continental titles in 2012 and 2013. He re-joined Olympiacos in 2020 as a veteran leader as the team reached the last two Final Fours. His shot at the buzzer of last season's championship game would have won another title for Olympiacos, but it missed.

Of course, such [a superstar leaving one archrival for another resonated widely and generated plenty of opinions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-sloukas-switches-olympiacos-for-archrival-panathinaikos/). While Sloukas was celebrated for his decision among the Green family of fans, he was heavily criticized, to say the least, by Olympiacos' fan base.

In an exclusive interview, Panathinaikos guard Kostas Sloukas talks about his summer move from archrival Olympiacos and his quest to add to his three EuroLeague titles.

In the interview, Sloukas had an answer for all the critics.

"I want to speak with my baskets and with my acts on the court, I don't want to speak \[outside\] of the gym," he says.

"Sorry if I sound arrogant, but I don't care about people attacking me, or saying mean things. I care about the opinions of my wife, my family, my good friends and my team and teammates."

The veteran guard's focus might have shifted from [red to green](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-sloukas-jump-between-greek-archrivals-is-not-so-unusual/), but his approach will remain the same as he is trying to get Panathinaikos, the six-time EuroLeague champion, back to its former glory.

"My priority in every team is to work hard and to improve my game," he says. "Even now, at 33, I want to improve my game, I want to be better. I want to be always as good as possible to help my team."

Panathinaikos Athens v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-10-06T18:15:00.000Z)