EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge returns for its 20th season with significant changes in the game and around it. One of the biggest additions to the Fantasy Challenge universe will be the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast presented by Ardu Prime, whose first episode is out already. EuroLeague.net fantasy experts Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo, who co-created the game in 2004, are set to host the weekly podcast, which will be available on all major podcast platforms. 

Introducing the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast

[EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) returns for its 20th season with significant changes in the game and around it. One of the biggest additions to the Fantasy Challenge universe will be the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast presented by Ardu Prime, whose first episode is out already. [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) fantasy experts Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo, who co-created the game in 2004, are set to host the weekly podcast, which will soon be available on all major podcast platforms.

Gancedo and Sachs will be occasionally joined by other [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) experts and enthusiasts, plus surprise guests. In the weekly podcast, both will discuss their teams, compare previous performances, preview the best options for the next round and share the moves they are making on their own squads. It will be a laid-back conversation in which the banter between Gancedo and Sachs promises to be a lot of fun and insights.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Episode 1

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is the third podcast to be produced by Euroleague Basketball. The award-winning [The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/podcasts/), which is entering its sixth season, is a one-on-one interview format in which the biggest names in the EuroLeague share experiences from their careers both on and off the court. EuroLeague fans can also enjoy, in both video and audio formats, [A Quarter with Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/podcasts/), in which the EA7 Emporio Armani Milan center talks to current players about the game and their lives off the court. 

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is around the corner and so is the start of [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). Tune in to the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, presented by Ardu Prime, for more information on ways to make sure your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) team is the best it can be. 

A new era is underway at FC Bayern Munich, with two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Pablo Laso arriving as head coach. The appointment of Coach Laso comes on the back of Bayern's development of a new arena, SAP Garden, which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. In addition to the blockbuster signing of Serge Ibaka, a handful of youthful additions have been made to add some extra excitement to the roster ahead of what should be a fascinating season for Bayern.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: FC Bayern Munich

A new era is underway at FC Bayern Munich, with two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion [Pablo Laso arriving as head coach](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/pablo-laso-a-two-time-euroleague-champ-becomes-bayern-head-coach/). The appointment of Coach Laso comes on the back of Bayern's development of a new arena, SAP Garden, which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. In addition to the [blockbuster signing of Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-munich-signs-serge-ibaka/), a handful of youthful additions have been made to add some extra excitement to the roster ahead of what should be a fascinating season for Bayern.

### BACKCOURT

Bayern has a couple of new faces in its backcourt, with [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-lands-point-guard-carsen-edwards/) arriving from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-adds-france-international-sylvain-francisco/) joining from Peristeri. Edwards showed glimpses of his talent in his rookie EuroLeague season last year, but the goal will now be to show that on a consistent basis under Coach Laso. Francisco, meanwhile, previously played in the BKT EuroCup with Metropolitans 92 in the 2017-18 campaign, but he has become a France international since then and will be keen to show what he can do in Europe's premier club basketball competition. Bayern also brought [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nelson-weidemann/profile/006245/) back to the club from Chemnitz this summer, following four seasons away on loan.

Carsen Edwards made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2022-23 season.

Carsen Edwards: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

Elsewhere, [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) heads into the coming EuroLeague season after experiencing the best summer of his life, having become a world champion with Germany. Obst earned himself a place in the hearts of the German public for his displays with the national team, and he could be set for an important role under Coach Laso. The Spanish coach can also call upon [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), with the 26-year-old having added more offense to his game after having previously established himself as one of the EuroLeague's top defenders at the guard positions.

### FRONTCOURT

Someone who could become a fans' favorite among Bayern supporters is [new signing Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/leandro-bolmaro-completes-move-to-bayern/), who has plenty of upside and could make a splash upon his return to the EuroLeague. He gives Coach Laso plenty of options on the court, which is a similar story for [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/), another winner of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Germany. Bonga, one of the better young players in the EuroLeague last season, is another who seems set to take a step forward in the 2023-24 season.

Isaac Bonga made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with FC Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season.

Isaac Bonga: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

It is important not to forget Bayern's team captain, [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/), who may alternate between the "three" position and the "four" in the coming season. Now 34, Lucic will offer veteran leadership in a rather young locker room, in addition to trying to get back to the All-EuroLeague level he showed in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Then, in one of the surprise moves of the summer, Bayern secured the signing of 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka, who will once again play in the EuroLeague after last competing in the competition for Real Madrid during the lockout in the first half of the 2011-12 season. Ibaka, who can play at power forward or center, adds experience, high-level play and a winning mentality to a Bayern side that has big goals.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BMWPark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BMWPark</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sergeibaka</a> 👋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ibaka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ibaka</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dWovOwc9g">pic.twitter.com/1dWovOwc9g</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1703128568232829334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Niels Giffey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niels-giffey/001557/), Bayern's third World Cup winner with Germany this summer, should provide a high level of quality off the bench, too. [Niklas Wimberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niklas-wimberg/005478/) completes Bayern's options at the forward positions.

Then, at center, Bayern is spoiled for choice. [Devin Booker returned to the club](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devin-booker-returns-to-bayern-munich/) this summer, having previously played at Audi Dome between 2016 and 2019, and he will be tasked with protecting the paint on a round-by-round basis. That duty last season fell to [Freddie Gillespie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/freddie-gillespie/011941/), who displayed his blocking ability during his rookie EuroLeague campaign and will now get the chance to dovetail with Booker. Young center [Danko Brankovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/danko-brankovic/007639/) has come back to Bayern after a successful loan spell with Mega Basket, where he averaged 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in Serbia last season. [Elias Harris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elias-harris/005460/) offers further depth at the center position for Bayern.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

The first signing of the Laso era at Bayern was Leandro Bolmaro, which was perhaps a sign of the club's intent. Bolmaro, 23, was one of the most promising players in the EuroLeague after breaking into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona, but he now comes back to Europe's premier club basketball competition with a point to prove.

The Argentine spent a couple of years in the NBA following his breakout season at Barca in 2020-21, before returning to the old continent in March 2023 to see out last season with Tenerife. Bolmaro has plenty of upside and, should all go to plan, he could be the poster boy when Bayern heads to SAP Garden, its new arena. It will be fascinating to see how he develops under Coach Laso, so Bolmaro will certainly be a player to keep a close eye on next season.

Leandro Bolmaro helped FC Barcelona reach the 2021 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. His role in the team improved during the season.

Leandro Bolmaro: 2020-21 EuroLeague highlights

### OUTLOOK

For Bayern and many other teams, the biggest problem it has is that the level of the EuroLeague is getting better and better every year. Last season saw the German club finish 15th in the standings with an 11-23 record, so improvement is needed if Bayern is to reach the postseason.

Coach Laso will be fully aware of the task at hand, and how difficult it will be, but his promising group has the chance to be one of the most fun teams to watch in the entire EuroLeague. Reaching the playoffs has to be the main objective for Bayern, which will fancy its chances of winning on any given night. This is year one for Laso at Bayern and, as the winner that he is, he will be determined to take the club to the next level, starting next season.

More FC Bayern News

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has signed Latvian playmaker Arturs Zagars to a three-year contract, the club announced on Monday. Zagars (1.90 meters, 23 years old) will play the first season of that contract on loan at BC Wolves. He comes off an outstanding summer on the Latvian national team, which Zagars helped to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul signs Arturs Zagars, will join BC Wolves on loan

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has signed Latvian playmaker [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/arturs-zagars/008104/) to a three-year contract, the club announced on Monday. Zagars (1.90 meters, 23 years old) will play the first season of that contract on loan at Wolves Vilnius.

### Making a name at the FIBA World Cup

He comes off an outstanding summer on the Latvian national team, which Zagars helped to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He averaged 12.4 points on 41.7% three-point shooting and 7.4 assists over eight games. Zagars was named to the All-World Cup Second Team after he ranked fifth in assists and set a World Cup record with 17 assists – and 0 turnovers – in his final game against Lithuania.

Arturs Zagars's best plays in the EuroCup

### Zagars returns to the EuroCup

Zagars began his professional career with Joventut Badalona in Spain as a 17-year-old and spent parts of five seasons there – or on loan with other clubs. He played in 20 EuroCup games in that time, averaging 2.7 points and 1.8 assists in 10 fixtures in 2019-20, 1.0 point per night across seven games in 2020-21 and 5.7 points and 2.0 assists in three contests in 2021-22. 

Now, he returns to the competition with Wolves after earning more experience in domestic basketball with Braunschweig, where he saw out the 2021-22 campaign and posted 7.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 13 German League. Last season, Zagars joined Nevezis Kedainiai of the Lithuanian League and averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals over 22 games.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Kulübümüz, 2023 FIBA Dünya Kupası’nda harika bir performans göstererek turnuvanın en iyi ikinci beşine seçilen Letonyalı genç oyun kurucu Arturs Zagars ile üç yıllık anlaşmaya vardı. ✍️💛💙<br><br>Oyuncumuz, anlaşma kapsamında ilk sezonunu EuroCup’ta mücadele edecek Litvanya temsilcisi… <a href="https://t.co/FWu0n8jx62">pic.twitter.com/FWu0n8jx62</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1703673467827024344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A star for the future

 

Still just 23, Zagars will continue his development with Wolves, which is making its EuroCup debut in the 2023-24 season. Then, once the campaign is over, the talented point guard will head to Fenerbahce, where the hope is that he will be able to make a big impact on the 2024-25 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

BC Wolves News

Arturs Zagars, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's latest signing, in action for Joventut Badalona in the 2019-20 BKT EuroCup season.

Fenerbahce signs Arturs Zagars, will join Wolves on loan

The preseason run-up to the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is underway across Europe with individual friendly games and prestigious tournaments serving to help all teams take what they are preparing at training camp onto the court for testing.

Find below the preseason calendar and results for all EuroLeague teams so you can monitor their results in the buildup for the start of the regular season.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team-by-team 2023-24 preseason calendar, results

### SEPTEMBER

3 **ALBA Berlin 78-81 Veolia Towers Hamburg**, Friendly game, Oranienburg, Germany

10 **Basketball Lowen 89-90 ALBA Berlin**, Friendly game, Braunschweig, Germany

16 **ALBA Berlin 56-74 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA Berlin 76-90 Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place, Munich, Germany

23 **Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. ALBA Berlin**, Basket for Lugo, Lugo di Romagna, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 79-91 Anadolu Efes Istanbul**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 83-82 Lokomotiv Kuban**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

9 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 79-87 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

12 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 94-87 Tofas Bursa**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

14 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 68-59 Pinar Karsiyaka**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

15 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 60-88 CSKA Moscow**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

17 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 83-77 Besiktas Istanbul**, Friendly game, Beldibi, Turkey

23 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### AUGUST

30 **Bahcesehir Koleji 78-94 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Manisa BB Spor 77-91 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

3 **Yılyak Samsunspor 66-88 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

6 **Tofas Bursa 83-89 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

8 **Besiktas Istanbul 95-70 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 105-73 Zunder Palencia**, Friendly game, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

12 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 93-77 Casademont Zaragoza**, Friendly game, Pamplona, Spain

15 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Surne Bilbao Basket**, Euskalcopa, Galdakano, Spain (suspended)

19 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Derthona Basket**, Trofeo Alava-Araba, Tortona, Spain

24 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Rio Breogan**, Friendly game, Spain

30 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Bilbao Basket**, Opening Game 2023, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

### AUGUST

31 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 94-58 Spartak Subotica**, Friendly game, Stara Pazova, Serbia

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 84-50 KK Dinamik**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

4 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 90-73 Borac Mozzart**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

9 **Dinamo Sassari 76-71 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77-74 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, third-place, Cagliari, Italy

16 **ALBA Berlin 56-74 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **FC Bayern Munich 84-82 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Final, Munich, Germany

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

6 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 96-86 Tortona**, Memorial Bottacin, Vigevano, Italy

9 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 95-78 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Sassari 63-83 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**, City of Cagliari 2023, Final, Cagliari, Italy

17 **Olympiacos 50-57 A7 Emporio Armani Milan** (The match ends after three quarters), The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Piraeus, Greece

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Lleida 80-103 FC Barcelona**, Friendly game, Lleida, Spain

11 **FC Barcelona 104-92 Basket Girona**, Lliga Catalana, Lleida, Spain

12 **FC Barcelona 81-79 Baxi Manresa**, Lliga Catalana, Final, Lleida, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona 80-90 Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

2 **FC Bayern Munich 90-75 SIG Strasbourg**, Friendly game, Munich, Germany

6 **Coviran Granada 91-79 FC Bayern Munich**, Friendly game, Granada, Spain

8 **Unicaja Malaga 80-73 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torrox, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

16 **FC Bayern Munich 76-73 Virtus Segafredo Bologna,** MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **FC Bayern Munich 84-82 Crvena Zvezda**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Final, Munich, Germany

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

6 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 100-93 Bahçeşehir Koleji**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

11 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 75-60 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 82-78 Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens 66-79 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

21 **MBA vs. Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

23 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. CSKA Moscow or Lokomotiv Kuban**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

24 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Final or classification, Moscow, Russian Federation

### AUGUST

23 **Lyonso Basket 41-85 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, La Canopee, France

26 **Chorale Basketball vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, France

28 **Dijon 102-83 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, France

### SEPTEMBER

1 **LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 84-69 Friburg Olympic Basket**, Friendly game, Villeurbanne, France

9 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 95-78 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77-74 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, third-place, Cagliari, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 89-68 Hapoel Holon**, Friendly game, Tel Aviv, Israel

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 82-78 Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens 89-77 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Promitheas 61-45 Olympiacos Piraeus**, Friendly game, Greece

17 **Olympiacos 50-57 A7 Emporio Armani Milan** (The match ends after three quarters), The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Piraeus, Greece

22 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

4 **Panathinaikos Athens 91-80 Krka Novo Mesto**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 90-78 Panathinaikos Athens**, Friendly game, Ljubljana, Slovenia

9 **Panathinaikos Athens 98-82 U-BT Cluj-Napoca**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

10 **Peristeri 75-84 Panathinaikos Athens**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens 66-79 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens 89-77 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 86-81 Hapoel Jerusalem**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

9 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 75-71 Turk Telekom Ankara**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

10 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 74-54 CSKA Moscow**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Final, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

13 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 93-63 Fuenlabrada**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

18 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Mega MIS Belgrade**, ABA SuperCup, Podgorica, Montenegro

23 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

2 **Real Madrid 81-85 Surne Bilbao Basket**, Friendly game, Pamplona, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

10 **Unicaja Malaga 83-66 Real Madrid**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Malaga, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona 80-90 Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

17 **Real Madrid 88-81 Unicaja Malaga**, Supercopa Endesa, Final, Murcia, Spain

### AUGUST

27 **Valencia Basket 79-72 Joventut Badalona**, Friendly game, Salou, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Valencia Basket 92-78 ratiopharm Ulm**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Menorca, Spain

2 **Dreamland Gran Canaria 72-77 Valencia Basket**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Final, Menorca, Spain

6 **Valencia Basket 87-61 Casademont Zaragoza**, Memorial Pepe Lanzuela, Teruel, Spain

9 **Monbus Obradoiro 71-76 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Spain

10 **Rio Breogan 75-80 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Pazo dos Deportes, Spain

16 **Valencia Basket 66-75 Coviran Granada**, Torneig Ciutat de Lliria, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 69-73 Pesaro**, Friendly game, Faenza, Italy

10 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 91-86 Cremona**, Friendly game, Parma, Italy

16 **FC Bayern Munich 76-73 Virtus Segafredo Bologna,** MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA Berlin 76-90 Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place, Munich, Germany

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Zalgiris Kaunas 90-57 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys**, Friendly game, Kaunas, Lithuania

13 **Zalgiris Kaunas 80-59 VEF Riga**, Friendly game, Kaunas, Lithuania

22 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

Team-by-team 2023-24 preseason calendar, results

On the eve of Vassilis Spanoulis's jersey-retirement ceremony, aptly called "The Night of the Legend" in which Olympiacos B.C. hosts Olimpia Milano on Sunday, the three-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion and Reds' all-time leading scorer spoke to Javier Gancedo of EuroLeague.net about his legacy, his inspirational career, his future and more.

Vassilis Spanoulis exclusive interview: 'Olympiacos B.C. jersey retirement is an honor'

On the eve of his "Night of the Legend" jersey-retirement ceremony, as Olympiacos Piraeus hosts EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Sunday, three-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion and all-time leading scorer [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/) spoke to Javier Gancedo of EuroLeague.net about his legacy, his inspirational career, his future and more. 

"It is an incredible honor for me and I'm proud for this moment. I will try to stay calm and not be sensitive. I will try to enjoy it."

Vassilis Spanoulis exclusive interview with Javier Gancedo

### A legend's EuroLeague numbers

Spanoulis, currently the head coach of Greek club Peristeri B.C., finished his 15-season EuroLeague career with averages of 12.4 points, 4.5 assists and 11.7 PIR. He is the [all-time leading scorer in EuroLeague history with 4,455 points.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&statisticMode=accumulated&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&statistic=score) He also ranks first in free throws made with 1,131; third in assists with 1,607 and in total PIR with 4,183; sixth in three-pointers made with 518 and games played with 358; and 10th in steals with 273.

"Such a connection between me and the presidents, me and the people of Olympiacos, me and the fans of Olympiacos. It's something incredible. It's something that is real. It's real love, it is not fake love. It is coming from the heart, and from them to me and from me to them. And it's something that will stay forever."

### From Green to Red

The Greek guard, nicknamed "Kill Bill", began his EuroLeague with Olympiacos's archrival, Panathinaikos Athens. Spanoulis spent the 2005-06 season with the Greens before heading to the NBA, but in the summer of 2007 he returned to Panathinaikos, where he stayed for a further three campaigns. Across his four seasons as a Panathinaikos player, Spanoulis played 76 games – 23 as a starter – and posted averages of 11.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals, while he also became a EuroLeague champion in the 2008-09 campaign.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🙏🏾&quot; The Night Of The Legend&quot;⁰<br>🗓️ 17/09/23⁰<br>📍 Peace&amp;Friendship Stadium⁰<br>🎫 <a href="https://t.co/yHi1HsKUUH">https://t.co/yHi1HsKUUH</a>⁰<br>Be There!⁰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheNightOfTheLegend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheNightOfTheLegend</a> <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/TAAUjWgpCV">pic.twitter.com/TAAUjWgpCV</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1698700565079880101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Then, in the offseason of 2010, Spanoulis switched between the Greek archrivals, agreeing to join Olympiacos. In Piraeus, he became a legend by leading the team to back-to-back EuroLeague championships in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Through his 11 seasons with the Reds, Spanoulis became the club's all-time top scorer with 3,552 points. His averages for Olympiacos read: 12.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 282 appearances, of which he started 231.

"Especially when we talk about Luka [Doncic], about Giannis [Antetokounmpo]... this inspiration and this that I give to the game of basketball and to the players is more than everything for me. It's more maybe than titles."


### How to watch Spanoulis's jersey retirement ceremony

Fans in Greece will be able to watch Spanoulis's famous No. 7 Olympiacos jersey be lifted to the rafters before the Reds face off against Milan, with the game being aired exclusively on Novasports 4. For those outside of Greece, make sure to stay up to date on Olympiacos's social media platforms in order to see the latest clips from the jersey retirement ceremony.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🍾🥳🎉What a Night!<br><br>There was no better way to… warm up for “The Night Of The Legend”, than a big party!<br><br>More 📸➡️ <a href="https://t.co/QeG4mJ8lG8">https://t.co/QeG4mJ8lG8</a><br><br>Still the biggest party is tonight! Don’t miss it!<br>🎟️ <a href="https://t.co/yxVbs2LU1y">https://t.co/yxVbs2LU1y</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheNightOfTheLegend7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheNightOfTheLegend7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWefight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWefight</a> <a href="https://t.co/RfCI05MJWN">pic.twitter.com/RfCI05MJWN</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1703302513930158147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

More Vassilis Spanoulis News

Vassilis Spanoulis will have his Olympiacos Piraeus jersey retired tonight, September 17.

Vassilis Spanoulis jersey-retirement interview: 'An incredible honor'

FC Bayern Munich has confirmed the blockbuster signing of Serge Ibaka, one of the toughest big men in the game. Ibaka (2.08 meters, 33 years old) returns to the EuroLeague after 14 seasons in the NBA, during which time he won a championship ring (2018-19) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on three occasions (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14).

FC Bayern Munich signs Serge Ibaka

FC Bayern Munich has made its intentions this season crystal clear with the blockbuster signing of Serge Ibaka, one of the toughest big men in the game. Power forward Ibaka (2.08 meters, 33 years old) returns to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after 14 seasons in the NBA, during which time he won a championship ring (2018-19) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on three occasions (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙣, <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sergeibaka</a><br><br>Looking forward doing art together at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BMWPark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BMWPark</a>. 🏀x🎨<br>_____________________<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuzzyMan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuzzyMan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WePowerJoyTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WePowerJoyTogether</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChangeTheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChangeTheGame</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euroleague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euroleague</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champion</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IDoArt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IDoArt</a><a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fcbayern</a> <a href="https://t.co/coWU16eXze">pic.twitter.com/coWU16eXze</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1703035464481992817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### A former NBA champion

Born in the People's Republic of the Congo, Ibaka started his career in his native Brazzaville and played for ES Prisse Macon of France as well as for L'Hospitalet and Manresa of Spain before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA in 2009. After seven seasons with Oklahoma City, Ibaka went on to play for the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022. He helped Toronto win the 2019 NBA title and reached the finals with Oklahoma City in 2012.

Serge Ibaka scores 15 points as Toronto wins the NBA championship

### An accomplished defender

Ibaka was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in three consecutive seasons from 2011-12 to 2013-14. He led the NBA in blocks twice: in the 2011-12 (3.7 bpg.) and 2012-13 campaigns (3.0 bpg.). Ibaka ranks 25th in the NBA's all-time blocked shots standings (1,759). In 919 NBA regular-season career games, Ibaka amassed 11,028 points (12.0 ppg.) and 6,513 rebounds (7.1 rpg.). He averaged 10.6 points, 6.3 playoffs and 1.9 blocks in 152 NBA playoff games, too. Ibaka ranks eighth all-time in NBA playoff blocked shots: 292.

### Making a name away from the court

Anyone familiar with Ibaka will be well aware of his personality away from the court. His interest in fashion is something that has always caught plenty of attention, while he also hosted a popular cooking show called 'How Hungry Are You?' on the YouTube channel of Bleacher Report before setting up his own channel and doing it there. 

Kevin Durant Eats Snake with Serge Ibaka | How Hungry Are You?

Music is something that is also a key part of Ibaka's life, having made a song with popular French rapper Ninho, "Champion", which is on an album released by Ibaka called "Art" in August 2022. What's more, a documentary called "Anything Is Possible" was released in 2019 that followed him on his journey back to the Republic of Congo, where he showed them the NBA championship trophy.

Serge Ibaka x Ninho - Champion (Official Music Video)

### Reunited with Coach Laso

Ibaka briefly played in the EuroLeague in the 2010-11 season during the NBA lockout. He averaged 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in six EuroLeague games with Real Madrid, then-coached by Pablo Laso, with whom he will be reunited in Munich. Ibaka's best EuroLeague game came against Belgacom Spirou Charleroi when he had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks to lead Real to a 93-89 victory. 

Best Moments: Real Madrid vs. Belgacom Spirou

Ibaka has also been a member of the Spanish national team, which he helped to a gold medal at EuroBasket 2011 and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Before that, Ibaka represented the Republic of the Congo at youth level.

New FC Bayern Munich recruit Serge Ibaka in action for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022-23 NBA season.

Bayern Munich signs iconic big man Serge Ibaka

### SEPTEMBER

3 **ALBA Berlin 78-81 Veolia Towers Hamburg**, Friendly game, Oranienburg, Germany

10 **Basketball Lowen 89-90 ALBA Berlin**, Friendly game, Braunschweig, Germany

16 **ALBA Berlin vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA Berlin vs. Bayern or Zvezda**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. ALBA Berlin**, Basket for Lugo, Lugo di Romagna, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 79-91 Anadolu Efes Istanbul**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 83-82 Lokomotiv Kuban**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

9 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 79-87 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

12 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 94-87 Tofas Bursa**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

14 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 68-59 Pinar Karsiyaka**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

15 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 60-88 CSKA Moscow**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

17 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Besiktas Istanbul**, Friendly game, Beldibi, Turkey

23 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### AUGUST

31 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 94-58 Spartak Subotica**, Friendly game, Stara Pazova, Serbia

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 84-50 KK Dinamik**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

4 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 90-73 Borac Mozzart**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

9 **Dinamo Sassari 76-71 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77-74 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, third-place, Cagliari, Italy

16 **FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **Crvena Zvezda vs. ALBA or Virtus**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

6 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 96-86 Tortona**, Memorial Bottacin, Vigevano, Italy

9 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 95-78 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Sassari 63-83 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**, City of Cagliari 2023, Final, Cagliari, Italy

17 **Olympiacos vs. A7 Emporio Armani Milan**, The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Athens, Greece

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Lleida 80-103 FC Barcelona**, Friendly game, Lleida, Spain

11 **FC Barcelona 104-92 Basket Girona**, Lliga Catalana, Lleida, Spain

12 **FC Barcelona 81-79 Baxi Manresa**, Lliga Catalana, Final, Lleida, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

17 **Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia and Malaga**, Supercopa Endesa, Final, Murcia, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

2 **FC Bayern Munich 90-75 SIG Strasbourg**, Friendly game, Munich, Germany

6 **Coviran Granada 91-79 FC Bayern Munich**, Friendly game, Granada, Spain

8 **Unicaja Malaga 80-73 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torrox, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

16 **FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda** , MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **FC Bayern Munich vs. ALBA or Virtus**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC  Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

6 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 100-93 Bahçeşehir Koleji**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

11 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 75-60 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 82-78 Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

21 **MBA vs. Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

23 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. CSKA Moscow or Lokomotiv Kuban**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

24 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Final or classification, Moscow, Russian Federation

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 89-68 Hapoel Holon**, Friendly game, Tel Aviv, Israel

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 82-78 Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Promitheas 61-45 Olympiacos Piraeus**, Friendly game, Greece

17 **Olympiacos vs. A7 Emporio Armani Milan**, The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Piraeus, Greece

22 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

4 **Panathinaikos Athens 91-80 Krka Novo Mesto**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 90-78 Panathinaikos Athens**, Friendly game, Ljubljana, Slovenia

9 **Panathinaikos Athens 98-82 U-BT Cluj-Napoca**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

10 **Peristeri 75-84 Panathinaikos Athens**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC  Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

2 **Real Madrid 81-85 Surne Bilbao Basket**, Friendly game, Pamplona, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

10 **Unicaja Malaga 83-66 Real Madrid**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Malaga, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

17 **Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia and Malaga**, Supercopa Endesa, Final, Murcia, Spain

### AUGUST

27 **Valencia Basket 79-72 Joventut Badalona**, Friendly game, Salou, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Valencia Basket 92-78 ratiopharm Ulm**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Menorca, Spain

2 **Dreamland Gran Canaria 72-77 Valencia Basket**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Final, Menorca, Spain

6 **Valencia Basket 87-61 Casademont Zaragoza**, Memorial Pepe Lanzuela, Teruel, Spain

9 **Monbus Obradoiro 71-76 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Spain

10 **Rio Breogan 75-80 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Pazo dos Deportes, Spain

16 **Valencia Basket vs. Coviran Granada**, Torneig Ciutat de Lliria, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 69-73 Pesaro**, Friendly game, Faenza, Italy

10 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 91-86 Cremona**, Friendly game, Parma, Italy

16 **ALBA Berlin vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA, Bayern, Virtus and Zvezda**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

Virtus Segafredo Bologna has followed up the sudden departure of Sergio Scariolo by hiring Luca Bianchi as its new head coach for the upcoming 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, the club announced on Friday evening.

Bianchi, 58, returns to the EuroLeague after a five-year absence. He had finished the 2017-18 season with a 2-4 record for Brose Bamberg after replacing Andrea Trinchieri. Most recently, he was named Best Coach of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after leading Latvia to an unexpected fifth-place finish.

 Virtus names Luca Banchi new head coach 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna has followed up [the sudden departure of Sergio Scariolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-bologna-parts-ways-with-sergio-scariolo/) by hiring Luca Banchi as its new head coach for the upcoming Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, the club announced on Friday evening. Their contract is for two seasons.

Banchi, 58, returns to the EuroLeague after a five-year absence. He had finished the 2017-18 season with a 2-4 record for Brose Bamberg after replacing Andrea Trinchieri. Most recently, he was named Best Coach of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after leading Latvia to an unexpected fifth-place finish.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🔏 LUCA BANCHI È IL NOSTRO NUOVO ALLENATORE<br><br>Best Coach of <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIBAWC</a> 🎖<br>Welcome on board coach!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/q4o8MQ2wgv">pic.twitter.com/q4o8MQ2wgv</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1702730707166961721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Banchi had started his EuroLeague career as an assistant coach with Montepaschi Siena between 2006 and 2012, when that club reached the Final Four twice, in 2008 in Madrid and 2011 in Barcelona, finishing in third place both times.

His high-water mark as a EuroLeague head coach came when he took EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, another team from his native Italy, to the team's first playoffs appearance this century in 2014. Milan lost that series to eventual champion Maccabi Tel Aviv. Banchi's overall record in four EuroLeague seasons with those three clubs was 39-43.

He also coached two seasons in the EuroCup, first with Turin of Italy in 2017-18 and then with Lokomotiv Kuban of Russia in 2019-20, with an 8-11 overall record between those two seasons.

Virtus names Luca Banchi new head coach

Valencia Basket gets down for media day

The media day tour ahead of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season continued on Friday when Valencia Basket hosted its annual session at the L'Alqueria del Basket facilities where the team has been holding its training camp for the last weeks. The  players and coaches engaged in a busy day full of taking part in photo shoots, interviews and social media activities, among other things.

Valencia roster features half-dozen newcomers: guard [Kassius Robertson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-brings-in-scorer-kassius-robertson/), forwards [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-adds-stretch-big-man-nate-reuvers/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-signs-forward-semi-ojeleye/), as well as centers [Damien Inglis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-adds-two-time-eurocup-champ-damien-inglis/), [Boubacar Toure](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-inks-center-boubacar-toure-to-multi-year-deal/) and veteran [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-signs-brandon-davies-to-multi-year-deal/), who has engaged in his seventh media day with a fourth different team.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A message to all the 🍊 fans from Chris Jones🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/8d4x7AJQcs">pic.twitter.com/8d4x7AJQcs</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1702636094511063218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

The only Valencia player who has competed in the EuroLeague longer than Davies is a fellow big man [Victor Claver](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-brings-back-forward-claver/), who is entering his ninth campaign in the competition. The two have re-united at Valencia after previously spending two years together at FC Barcelona.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who better than <a href="https://twitter.com/Xabi6lopez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Xabi6lopez</a> to show us how Damien Inglis is doing on his first EuroLeague Media Day?👇<a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyDEQYFoy4">pic.twitter.com/pyDEQYFoy4</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1702662745575891067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

A revamped Valencia roster, guided by head coach Alex Mumbru, will aim for a strong regular season and place in the playoffs, a feat that has eluded Valencia since its only playoff appearance to date in 2011.