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.”

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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.

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<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)

As the EuroLeague enters its 26th season, it does so with sharpened ambition and a deeper sense of identity: authentic, bold and emotionally driven. This spirit is at the heart of the new campaign: Born Not Built.

'Born Not Built', the EuroLeague 2025-26 Season Campaign pays tribute to the fans

As the EuroLeague enters its 26th season, it does so with sharpened ambition and a deeper sense of identity: authentic, bold and emotionally driven. This spirit is at the heart of the new campaign: Born Not Built. 

The EuroLeague has never been manufactured; it has always been lived. Forged in arenas, rooted in cities, and carried in the hearts of generations, it represents more than basketball. It represents people, places, and the pride that unites them - a pride that can’t be fabricated, that can’t be copied.

From records broken and rivalries born to legends created, the EuroLeague reflects the talent of its players, the determination of its coaches, and — above all — the devotion of its fans. Their chants, their colors, their stories are what bring the game to life. They are the heartbeat of every moment, the pulse of every club, and the culture that transcends the court. It is this passion, and the competitive spirit derived from it, that drives more and more fans to join this movement.

That’s why this season’s campaign features no actors, no scripts... only real fans, real memories, and real emotions. Honest portraits of people whose lives are inseparable from the fabric of EuroLeague clubs, told in their own words and emotions, through their own images and sounds.

Born Not Built

Born Not Built is more than just a tagline — it’s a statement of who we are. The EuroLeague is grounded in authenticity, powered by fierce competitiveness, and defined by the passion of its communities. Every Game Matters because every fan, every story, and every moment matter.

This season’s campaign is not just about sport, but about a cultural movement — one that is deeply intergenerational and lives under the skin of those who truly breathe basketball. It is a movement that can’t be fabricated, that can’t be copied.

The EuroLeague’s 26th season tips off on September 30, bringing together 20 iconic clubs and millions of fans across the continent and beyond.

FC Barcelona point guard Juan Nunez will miss the start of the EuroLeague season due to a knee injury

Barcelona's Juan Nunez again sidelined by knee injury

FC Barcelona point guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) will miss the start of the EuroLeague season due to a knee injury. 

Nunez previously underwent surgery on March 11 to repair a ruptured meniscus in his right knee. After returning to practice, he experienced an inflammatory reaction in the same knee, which did not improve with conservative treatment.

As a result, the club's medical team has scheduled an exploratory arthroscopic procedure next week to assess the situation further. Following the procedure, FC Barcelona will release an updated medical report detailing Nunez’s recovery timeline. Last season, Nunez appeared in 25 EuroLeague games for Barca and averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 assists per game.

More on Barcelona

The playmaker will undergo an arthroscopic procedure next week

Baskonia beat Bilbao to get the Euskal Kopa trophy 

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz wrapped up its preseason on a high note, edging out Surne Bilbao Basket 91–95 in the Euskal Kopa tournament held Thursday in Barakaldo. Hami Diallo led the charge with 24 points, seven rebounds, and a PIR of 34 before exiting the game due to a sprained ankle. 

Diallo, Samanic lead Baskonia to last preseason win 

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz wrapped up its preseason on a high note, edging out Surne Bilbao Basket 91–95 in the Euskal Kopa tournament held Thursday in Barakaldo. Hami Diallo led the charge with 24 points, seven rebounds, and a PIR of 34 before exiting the game due to a sprained ankle. Luka Samanic contributed 22 points on an impressive 9-of-11 shooting from inside the arc, along with 7 rebounds for a PIR of 27. Markquis Nowell added 14 points, while Trent Forrest and Iñigo Royo chipped in 11 apiece.

Despite trailing 40–35 at halftime, Baskonia turned the tide in the second half, with Diallo and Forrest spearheading a comeback that gave them a 48–51 lead. The game remained tight until the final minute, when Bilbao closed the gap to 88–90. Nowell then nailed a clutch corner three-pointer to seal the win.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">🏆 Euskal Kopa Gasteizera dator!! <a href="https://t.co/yW9zi4JGr7">pic.twitter.com/yW9zi4JGr7</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1971301817402392682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Baskonia beat Bilbao in its final preseason game


Behind Diallo and Samanic, Baskonia wins Euskal Kopa

Olympiacos Piraeus added depth to its backcourt, signing French point guard Frank Ntilikina, the club announced. Ntilikina, who has been under contract with Partizan, arrives to Piraeus after Keenan Evans was sidelined by an injury.

Olympiacos nabs Frank Ntilikina from Partizan

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/) added depth to its backcourt by signing French point guard [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/) on a two-year deal, the club announced on Friday. 

Ntilikina (1.94 meters, 27 years old), who was under contract with Partizan, arrives to Piraeus after the news that [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/) was sidelined by an injury.

Ntilikina returned to Europe last season after a seven-year NBA run and he brought defensive poise and veteran calm to Partizan’s backcourt. He averaged 7.0 points and 2.0 assists in nearly 20 minutes over 21 EuroLeague games, his first in the competition since the 2015-16 season with SIG Strasbourg in his native France.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">✍️🏽Η ΚΑΕ Ολυμπιακός ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του Frank Ntilikina.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------<br><br>✍️🏽Olympiacos BC announces the signing of Frank Ntilikina.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a><a href="https://t.co/XvURaZgfpA">https://t.co/XvURaZgfpA</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1971474329264423097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Born in Belgium and raised in France, Ntilikina first appeared on EuroLeague radars with Strasbourg before being selected eighth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2017 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons in New York, followed by stints with the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.

Though his NBA role diminished over time, his early seasons showcased his two-way potential — particularly in 2019–20, when he averaged 6.4 points and 3.1 assists. Internationally, Ntilikina has helped France win silver medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games and bronze at the 2019 Basketball World Cup.

More Olympiacos News

The Reds add backcourt depth with the Frenchman

Seven new faces have joined EA7 Emporio Armani Milan over the summer and they are all optimistic about what awaits this season, both domestically and in the EuroLeague.

New Olimpia Milano signings presented: ‘I think we are all leaders’

Seven new faces have joined [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) over the summer and they are all optimistic about what awaits this season, both domestically and in the EuroLeague.

During an event at Scalo Milano, which featured questions from journalists and fans, the anticipation was taken up a notch.

One of the players who received the most questions was [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), who joined Milan after winning his first EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul last season.

“I spoke at length with Coach \[Ettore\] Messina and \[general manager\] Christos Stavropoulos to get a general idea of how the club worked, and I decided to come,” he said. “I think we are all leaders. In my opinion, it's about always putting the team before individual interests, being on the same wavelength, trusting each other, the coaches, and being patient.

“The key to everything is always health. If you're healthy and improving every day, gradually, then you can go far. For me, it's a big change after so many years at Fenerbahce, but it's a challenge I've taken on with enthusiasm."

Presentation of Milan's new players for 2025-26

Another notable addition is two-time All-EuroLeague guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). At 35 he is expected to lead by example, while he is excited about the possibility of reuniting with his former Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv teammate [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/).

“There are many veterans and a lot of experience in this team,” he said. “Coach Messina told me to be myself and help the younger players, to focus on leadership. On the court, he may be similar to my previous coaches, but off the court you can talk to him, have conversations, and that helps you on the court too.

“I think Josh Nebo is a lot more hungry and, if possible, even more athletic than when I left him at Maccabi. This team has more talent and experience than that Maccabi team.”

Following a breakout campaign with FC Bayern Munich, [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) made the switch to Milan – and he believes it was time to try something new.

“After a few years at Bayern, it was time for a change and this seemed like a good challenge for me,” he said. “I'm surrounded by talented and experienced players. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get back to winning and hopefully we can do that.”

There is a lot of intrigue surrounding [Vlatko Cancar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vlatko-cancar/005379/) after six years in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets. Injuries have blighted the Slovenian forward in the last few years, but he can’t wait to get started in the EuroLeague.

“I’m coming off a stint in the NBA and the biggest adjustment I have to make is the importance of each individual game. There are no off nights in the EuroLeague,” he said.

“I’ll try to be the glue that holds everything together, be in the right place at the right time, and always put the team ahead of my own interests. Right now, I’m following the plan we’ve laid out so that I can be at my best as soon as possible.”

The seven new signings sit down to answer questions, with GM Christos Stavropoulos to the far left. (Photo: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan)

Speaking in fluent Italian, [Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) – the youngest new signing at 22 – expressed his desire to continue growing as a player having made the move from Dolomiti Energia Trento to Milan.

“Getting to the EuroLeague was a dream. Now I’m here and I can’t wait to compete at the highest level possible in Europe,” he said. “The difference is that you play a lot more in the middle of the court, so I need to improve especially in this type of situation, in reading the game, seeking support from my more experienced teammates, not only Lorenzo Brown but also \[Diego\] Flaccadori and \[Nico\] Mannion.”

On the other end of the scale, the 39-year-old [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) made it clear that having such a deep squad of players will play into Milan’s favor this season.

“The EuroLeague with 20 teams means more games, but that's why we have so many guys on our roster,” he said. “Then it will be up to the coach to decide how to use the players, how to distribute the effort and energy. I see talent and experience. The key for us will be to improve every day.”

The most recent addition to the roster, [Leonardo Tote’](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/leonardo-tote/006277/), admitted that he didn’t have to think twice when the possibility of Milan arose.

“I am delighted to be part of such a prestigious team. When a coach like Messina called me, I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “I had a difficult summer because I carried an injury over from the end of the season and only recently resolved it, but sooner than I feared, together with Olimpia. Soon, I will be able to lend a hand.”

Milan’s season officially gets underway when it takes on Virtus Bologna in the semifinals of the Italian Super Cup on Saturday night (20:45 CEST).

More Milan News

The Little Red Shoes begin their season in the Italian Super Cup this weekend

New Milan signings presented to the fans: ‘I think we are all leaders’

For Marco Belinelli, he has not been out of the basketball universe for long. Having called time on his 23-year professional career in mid-August, the legendary Italian player has accepted a role to return to Virtus Bologna as Brand Ambassador and Basketball Advisor.

Marco Belinelli returns to Virtus as Brand Ambassador and Basketball Advisor

For [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), he has not been out of the basketball universe for long.

Having [called time on his 23-year professional career](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/marco-belinelli-announces-his-retirement-basketball-gave-me-everything/) in mid-August, the legendary Italian player has accepted a role to return to [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) as Brand Ambassador and Basketball Advisor.

His responsibilities will see him serve as an advisor for the institutional, commercial, and sporting areas of the club.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗮 🤍🖤<br><br>Leggi il comunicato ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/fp5LHeAjlP">https://t.co/fp5LHeAjlP</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnNme1qvFc">pic.twitter.com/MnNme1qvFc</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1970134541588431261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It feels strange, but it was time. In this new role I will try to be important,” Belinelli said at the presentation of Virtus’s new jersey on Tuesday. “I'm just starting out; it's a new world to discover. I'll try to bring my experience. With Virtus, it's an ambitious project.”

Belinelli began his playing career with Virtus in the 2002-03 season, spending just one campaign with the team, and returned to the club in 2020 following a 13-year career in the NBA. The 2014 NBA champion captained Virtus as it returned to the EuroLeague by winning the BKT EuroCup in 2021-22, and his final act was to lift the club’s 17th Italian League title in June. 

Now, Belinelli will continue to represent Virtus on the global stage – but this time away from the court.

More Virtus Bologna News

After hanging up his sneakers this past summer, the former captain will continue his association with the Italian club