There have been some big changes at FC Barcelona this summer, but a new-look squad led by first-year head coach Roger Grimau hopes to finally bring an end to the club's long wait to win the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The departures of tactician Saras Jasikevicius and 2022 EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic dominated much of the chat around Barca this summer, but the Blaugrana have made some smart acquisitions during the off-season, which has brought a sense of optimism to Palau Blaugrana. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: FC Barcelona

There have been some big changes at [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2023-24) this summer, but a new-look squad led by first-year head coach [Roger Grimau](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/saras-jasikevicius-leaves-barcelona-roger-grimau-is-new-head-coach/) hopes to finally bring an end to the club's long wait to win the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The departures of tactician Saras Jasikevicius and 2022 EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic dominated much of the chat around Barca this summer, but the team has made some smart acquisitions during the off-season, which has brought a sense of optimism to Palau Blaugrana.

### BACKCOURT

Now in his second year since returning to Barca, following a six-year spell in the NBA, [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barca-brings-back-playmaker-satoransky/) is charged with orchestrating the team's offense. He should have tough competition for the starting role at point guard, though, as [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-tabs-combo-guard-jokubaitis/) continues to improve year on year and has often shown his ability to step up in the big moments.

The best plays of FC Barcelona guard Tomas Satoransky in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Tomas Satoransky's top plays in 2022-23

At the "two" spot, [Nicolas Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barca-extends-guard-laprovittola/) is likely to get the nod as a starter, having played all 39 games in Barca's starting five last season. He now has a player breathing down his neck, however, following the arrival of the man they call Basque Mamba, [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shooting-guard-dario-brizuela-joins-fc-barcelona/), from Unicaja Malaga. He will make his EuroLeague debut this season. [Oriol Pauli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-brings-back-oriol-pauli/) and youngster [Michael Caicedo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/michael-caicedo/profile/009132/) complete Barca's backcourt options.

### FRONTCOURT

There is a Mirotic-shaped hole at Barca entering the new campaign, but another Nikola – [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-former-champ-kalinic/) – could take his spot at the small forward position. He started 26 times out of a possible 38 last season, while [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/abrines-barca-together-five-more-years/), who is another option at the "three", started on 10 occasions. Both offer different qualities for Coach Grimau.

One of the more fascinating signings of the summer anywhere in Europe saw Barca bring in the No. 2 overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft, [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-lures-in-nba-star-forward-jabari-parker/). The American power forward lands in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career, and Barca fans will be hoping that he can make an immediate impact at Palau Blaugrana. Another addition at the "four" saw [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-signs-joel-parra-to-a-long-term-deal/) cross the Joventut Badalona-Barca divide by joining the two-time EuroLeague champion. [Oscar Da Silva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-tabs-dasilva/) will also be competing for game time with Parker and Parra.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Què tal li queda? 😍 <a href="https://t.co/Qq8pVldcrT">pic.twitter.com/Qq8pVldcrT</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1698319938283610245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At center, Barca is pretty stacked. The Blaugrana stole plenty of headlines by bringing in former Real Madrid player [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-signs-eurobasket-mvp-willy-hernangomez/), with the 29-year-old returning to Spain after a seven-year spell in the NBA. It is hard to imagine him not starting at Barca, but 2019 EuroLeague MVP [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-lands-former-mvp-vesely/) will certainly be keen to hold down his role as a starter as he enters his second year in Barcelona. Should Coach Grimau want a more athletic big with plenty of upside, the 19-year-old [James Nnaji](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-locks-up-teenage-center-nnaji/) could be ready for a big leap if he is given a chance to shine.

The best plays of FC Barcelona center Jan Vesely in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Jan Vesely's top plays in 2022-23

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Coming off a highly impressive World Cup campaign with the Spanish national team, Willy Hernangomez is now ready to show the EuroLeague what he is made of. The big man does have some experience of playing in Europe's premier club basketball competition, having played 17 games for Real Madrid across the 2012-13 and 2015-16 seasons, but he returns to Spain as a more complete player who could take the EuroLeague by storm.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A long time ago... 🔙 <a href="https://t.co/KU570npbI5">pic.twitter.com/KU570npbI5</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1680278555228352512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hernangomez earned MVP honors as Spain won the EuroBasket title in 2022, while he's also won gold with La Roja at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket 2015. That winning mentality should serve him well at Barca, as the Hernangomez-led Blaugrana embark upon a new era under Coach Grimau.

### OUTLOOK

Many people are expecting Barca to take a step back this year, following the exits of Coach Jasikevicius and Mirotic, but the Lithuanian tactician helped to build a winning mentality at Palau Blaugrana. Admittedly, Barca could not win its first EuroLeague title since 2010 under Coach Jasikevicius, but it did reach the Final Four in three successive years (2021, 2022, 2023). Now, Coach Grimau will hope to build on that, with a new Spanish core – Hernangomez, Brizuela, Parra and Abrines – set to lead a group that retains aims of winning the EuroLeague. It should be a fun season if you're a Barca fan, that's for sure.

Panathinaikos Athens is determined to break with his recent past in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and return to its glory days. Panathinaikos won five of its six EuroLeague titles in the 2000s, more than any other club, but its last continental crown came in 2011, plus the Greens have not made it to the Final Four since 2012. The club brought in head coach Ergin Ataman, as well as a good number of elite players to make sure it is competitive again is a first step to fill OAKA Altion with a sea of green, noisy fans. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Panathinaikos Athens

Panathinaikos Athens is determined to break with his recent past in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and return to its glory days. Panathinaikos won five of its six EuroLeague titles in the 2000s, more than any other club, but its last continental crown came in 2011 and the Greens have not made it to the Final Four since 2012. The club brought in head coach [Ergin Ataman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/two-time-euroleague-champ-ergin-ataman-takes-charge-at-panathinaikos/), as well as a good number of elite players to make sure it is competitive again as a first step to fill OAKA Altion with a sea of green, noisy fans.

Luca Vildoza Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroLeague highlights: Luca Vildoza, Zvezda

### BACKCOURT

Coach Ataman likes to play with several point guards and Panathinaikos signed three elite playmakers to give him plenty of options. Three-time EuroLeague champion [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-sloukas-switches-olympiacos-for-archrival-panathinaikos/) arrives right at the prime of his career from archrival Olympiacos Piraeus. A pass-first guard with elite clutch skills, Sloukas is a true floor general, able to make things happen for himself or his teammates. [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-signs-playmaker-luca-vildoza/) is a tall playmaker with unlimited range, a perfect fit for Coach Ataman's up-tempo game due to his high basketball IQ and ballhandling skill. [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-acquires-eurocup-mvp-jerian-grant/), the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup MVP, returns to the EuroLeague ready to showcase his one-on-one skills, poise and athleticism.

With so many generators ready to share the ball, Panathinaikos needs shooting specialists to diversify its offense. [Kyle Guy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-grabs-sharpshooter-kyle-guy/) arrives to pull the trigger from downtown, especially in crunch time. [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) is equally dangerous from beyond the three-point arc and the foul line, but he has developed his game to be much more than a pure shooter. [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/) is a talented player always ready to go in transition, and his energy should help Panathinaikos at both ends. [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/greens-tab-playmaker-dimitris-moraitis-on-3-year-deal/) has a good chance to learn from the Greens's starting playmakers and fight for playing time during the season.

Mathias Lessort Top Plays of the Playoffs

2022-23 EuroLeague highlights: Mathias Lessort, Partizan

### FRONTCOURT

[Ioannis Papapetrou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-brings-back-favorite-son-ioannis-papapetrou/) and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/juancho-bo-cruz-hernangomez-signs-with-panathinaikos/) are set to see most playing time at both forward positions. Papapetrou is back for a second stint with the Greens. He is an all-around player able to attack the rim, find advantages in the low post, and rebound well. Hernangomez is also very versatile due to his size, speed and ballhandling. He has a really high basketball IQ and knows how to read the defense to find the best way to score, either from three-point range or around the basket. [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/dinos-mitoglou-rejoins-panathinaikos/) is a very valuable addition due to his game knowledge, post skills, rebounding and effective mid-range shots. [Neoklis Avdalas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neoklis-avdalas/010798/) and [Lefteris Mantzoukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eleftherios-mantzoukas/008084/) should make the most out of their playing time to become more and more important in the team's rotation.

[Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-secures-center-mathias-lessort/) is another marquee addition at center, following a breakout season in which he was chosen to the 2022-23 All-EuroLeague First Team. Lessort was a dominant force in the paint, mainly because of his unmatched intensity and power. His connection with Panathinaikos fans should be special. [Olek Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-adds-size-with-balcerowski/) is an interesting addition, a mobile big man who can play above the rim, bury the long-distance shot and run the court like a small forward. [Kostas Antetokoumpo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-antetokounmpo-lands-at-panathinaikos/) remains one of the most athletic players on the continent, and elite prospect [Alexandros Samontourov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alexandros-samontourov/011442/) has been promoted to the team's first roster. He should see quality playing time very soon.

2022-23 EuroLeague highlights: Kostas Sloukas, Olympiacos

### PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes with be on Sloukas since the very beginning of the season, especially considering that Panathinaikos hosts Olympiacos in Round 1. Sloukas had a stellar role for Olympiacos in the last two seasons, coming off the bench in all but one game. He will probably have a similar role for the Greens, coming off the bench to make things happen. No other EuroLeague player has buried more critical shots in recent years, which makes Sloukas one of the most dangerous guards in competition history. His list of accomplishments says it all: nine Final Four appearances, seven EuroLeague Championship Games, three continental titles. Make no mistake: Sloukas is here to lead Panathinaikos to a new golden age.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του αθλητή Κώστα Σλούκα για τα επόμενα τρία χρόνια. <br><br>Καλό καλοκαίρι σε όλους τους Παναθηναϊκούς!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWed3y4Sq7">pic.twitter.com/lWed3y4Sq7</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1677662339733004290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### OUTLOOK

Panathinaikos has all it takes to challenge for the EuroLeague Final Four: excellent point guards, reliable shooters, a lot of versatility, plenty of frontcourt power and a two-time EuroLeague winning coach running the show. Turning OAKA into an impenetrable fortress is its first goal, and Panathinaikos relies on its legion of fans to help in that process. With so many new players, it may take a while to see the Greens at their best but once Panathinaikos gets there, it should be a dangerous opponent able to beat anyone, anywhere.

Panathinaikos Athens is set to start another EuroLeague season

The quarterfinals at the FIBA Basketball World Cup are set after Sunday's games. Italy, Serbia, Latvia and Canada, the latter of whom knocked out resigning champion Spain, all won to advance, while Germany and Lithuania remained undefeated and won their respective groups. 

Lithuania, Germany head into World Cup quarterfinals with perfect records

The quarterfinals at the [FIBA Basketball World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/) are set after Sunday's games. Italy, Serbia, Latvia and Canada, the latter of whom knocked out resigning champion Spain, all won to advance, while Germany and Lithuania remained undefeated and won their respective groups.

The quarterfinal pairing will feature Italy vs. the United States of America, and Germany vs. Latvia in the top half of the bracket and it will be Lithuania vs. Serbia, and Canada vs. Slovenia in the lower half. Five of the teams that reached the quarterfinals have multiple active Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players and a sixth, Latvia, has five former EuroLeague players in addition to Zalgiris Kaunas's [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Everybody in Lithuania, about to turn on the replay of the 🇺🇸-🇱🇹 game:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForAll</a> <a href="https://t.co/VcfaTDuyU8">pic.twitter.com/VcfaTDuyU8</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1698350648532820469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Undefeated Lithuania hands USA its first loss

Lithuania started on fire and held off a second-half American rally for a 104-110 victory at the Manila Mall of Asia Arena to finish atop Group J with a 5-0 record. Seven players scored in double figures as part of a balanced Lithuanian attack. Among them were Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz's [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) (11 points, 11 rebounds) who had the game's only double-double, and the Zalgiris duo of [Tomas Dimsa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-dimsa/003211/) and [Ignas Brazdeikas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) (11 points each), while FC Barcelona's [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) (9 points) dished a team-best 6 assists.

The Lithuanians dominated early to lead 12-31 after 10 minutes and that margin was in the 20s when Eimantas Bendzius dunked to start the second quarter. It was 37-54 at halftime. The Americans scored the first 9 points of the third quarter to get back in the game and got within 4 on multiple occasions, however never got closer. The game was contested until the very end, but Lithuania was up to the challenge.

Anthony Edwards was the game’s top scorer with 35 points for USA and Jalen Brunson added 14 points and 7 assists in defeat.

### Germany rallies past Slovenia to remain unbeaten

Germany trailed by 14 after one quarter, but took over after that to beat Slovenia 100-71 in Okinawa, Japan. The Germans improved to 5-0 and handed Slovenia its first loss.

Dennis Schroder produced 24 points and 10 assists for Germany and FC Bayern Munich's [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds. Former EuroLeague MVP [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) amassed 23 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in defeat.  

Facing a must-win situation, Italy was able to rely on a trio of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan veterans to overpower Puerto Rico 73-57 and advance to the FIBA Basketball World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. 

Milan men lift Italy into World Cup quarterfinals

Facing a must-win situation, Italy was able to rely on a trio of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan veterans to overpower Puerto Rico 73-57 and advance to the [FIBA Basketball World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/) quarterfinals on Sunday. With the win Italy improved to 4-1 in Group I and secured a spot in one of Tuesday's final eight games against a yet-to-determined opponent.

[Stefano Tonut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/stefano-tonut/006509/) and [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) scored 15 points apiece to pace the winners. [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) added 7 points and collected 8 of his 12 rebounds on the offensive end, which led to a 22-3 advantage in second-chance points. Overall the Azzuri outrebounded Puerto Rico 48-29.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicolo Melli&#39;s hustle and game IQ 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForItalia</a> 🇮🇹 <a href="https://t.co/eWZXc2QP3P">pic.twitter.com/eWZXc2QP3P</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1698264278808121444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tonut scored 13 first-half points to help Italy to a 39-36 lead at the break. Puerto Rico rallied to take a slim lead midway through the third quarter and went into the fourth down 4. [Luigi Datome](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luigi-datome/ccd/), who also played for Milan last season and has announced that he will retire from basketball after this tournament, opened the final stanza with a triple. Then Ricci then went off for 10 fourth-quarter points to help put the game away.

The result is good news for Milan, which has already started training for the 2023-24 campaign. Six players from Coach Ettore Messina's side are active at the World Cup and playing key roles for their respective countries. The strong efforts by Melli, whose performance index rating of 15 was the most of any player in the game, Tonut and Ricci ensure that they will hit the ground running when they rejoin their club mates. What's more, Germany’s [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/) and [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) are potential opponents for Italy in the quarterfinals.

When Greece went into the halftime break up 39-43 in its first second-round game against Lithuania at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Dimitris Itoudis's team seemed to in the ascendancy. However, a highly impressive second-half turnaround – led by FC Barcelona's Rokas Jokubaitis and Zalgiris Kaunas's Ignas Brazdeikis – saw Lithuania turn things around and run out comfortable winners, 92-67.

Rokas Jokubaitis, Ignas Brazdeikis helped Lithuania flip the script against Greece at 2023 FIBA World Cup

When Greece went into the halftime break leading 39-43 in its first second-round game against Lithuania at the [2023 FIBA World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/), Dimitris Itoudis's team seemed to in the ascendancy. However, a highly impressive second-half comeback – led by FC Barcelona's [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) and Zalgiris Kaunas's [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) – saw Lithuania turn things around and run out comfortable winners, 92-67.

As a result of this victory, Lithuania has improved to a 4-0 record and secured its qualification to the final phase of the World Cup. While Thomas Walkup of Greece and Olympiacos Piraeus looked set to earn all the plaudits following a dominant first half, in which he posted 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, it was two other Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players in Jokubaitis and Brazdeikis who stole the show.

After 20 minutes of play, Jokubaitis had 11 points and 3 assists to his name, as well as 2 steals. Brazdeikis, meanwhile, had 9 points on perfect shooting, having gone 3-for-3 on two-pointers and 1-for-1 from three-point land. By the end of the contest, Jokubaitis had a team-high 17 points, in addition to 4 assists and 2 steals, while Brazdeikis recorded 15 points – still on perfect shooting – and also brought down 3 rebounds.

### Jokubaitis got Lithuania rolling after halftime

Perhaps Greece was resting on its laurels a little, but Lithuania came out for the second half chomping at the bit, with Jokubaitis leading the way. The Barcelona guard first provided an assist for a Brazdeikis three-pointer to cut the gap to 1 point, 42-43, before hitting a triple of his own to give Lithuania the lead, 45-43.

Walkup responded in kind for Greece, making it a 45-46 ballgame, but Brazdeikis scored on a driving layup and Jokubaitis made another three to swing the momentum back in Lithuania's favor, 50-46. From that point on, Greece never led again.

Jokubaitis showed in last season's EuroLeague Playoffs that he is always ready to step up in the big moments, and he has done that time and time again so far at the World Cup. Now 22 years of age, the point guard is coming into his own and seems set for an impressive EuroLeague campaign once his World Cup duties come to an end.

### Brazdeikis's shooting and a stellar third quarter

Coming off his rookie EuroLeague season with Zalgiris, Brazdeikis is fully accustomed to the demands of Coach Maksvytis. The 24-year-old became a very important player for Zalgiris down the final stretch of last season, and he has kept that going in a Lithuania jersey.

Brazdeikis put on a clinic in terms of his shooting, going 7-for-7 from the field after making 4 two-pointers and 3 triples. The only blot on his shooting numbers was that he went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. Otherwise, it would have been a completely perfect shooting performance.

Lithuania managed to use the third quarter to its advantage against Greece, as it completely swung the tide and entered the final period with a 6-point lead, 64-58. Brazdeikis started the second half and stayed in the game until there were 2:34 minutes remaining before the fourth.

In that time, he scored 6 points, including a triple to get the second-half scoring underway, while he also grabbed 3 defensive rebounds and blocked 2 shots – a two-point attempt by Ioannis Papapetrou and a three-point shot by Walkup. That level of play on both ends of the floor will have made Coach Maksvytis very happy, and it played a key part in Lithuania taking control of the game.

With Jokubaitis and Brazdeikis both playing at this level, it should spell good news for Lithuania, which seems to be getting better as the tournament goes on.

Rokas Jokubaitis (left) and Ignas Brazedeikis (right) in action for Lithuania during its second-round fixture against Greece at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Jokubaitis, Brazdeikis help Lithuania flip the script against Greece

After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered with award nominations within the sports business world.

Euroleague, partners share seven Sports Business Award nominations

After the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season proved to be one of the most competitive in the history of elite basketball, the initiatives that were generated around it by Euroleague Basketball and its partners are now being showered [with award nominations](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/) within the sports business world.

The recently announced shortlists for the [Sports Business Awards 2023](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/2023-finalists/), whose winners will be revealed in November, features no fewer than seven categories featuring Euroleague Basketball and its partners.

From the season's promotional video to the Final Four broadcasts, the One Team corporate social responsibility program, technological advances in virtual reality and bodycams on referees, and the new Euroleague Basketball websites, the nominations recognize the content and community initiatives that filled last season with much more than basketball for fans.

The [Sports Business Awards](https://sportsbusinessawards.co.uk/), launched in 2017, highlight and reward achievement by those behind the scenes in the sporting industry and celebrate the vital influence of business within sport by recognizing the organizations, teams and individuals who excel in their roles.

**Best Sports-Related Commercial or Promotional Video**

[The EuroLeague Maze](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7rPpLmZqU&t=2s) - Euroleague Basketball

**Most Successful Sports Event Broadcast**

[2023 EuroLeague Final Four](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxK1F8T-onE&t=45s) - IMG Productions

**Best Sports Community or CSR Scheme (non-football)**

[One Team project](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/one-team/) - EuroLeague Basketball

**Best Sports Marketing Initiative**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sponsorship/Partnership of the Year**

[Taking Basketball to a Global Fanbase](https://www.unrvld.com/work/euroleague-basketball) - UNRVLD and EuroLeague Basketball

**Sports Innovation Award**

[2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four referees bodycam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynrS9fivSVA) – MindFly

**Sports Technology of the Year**

[EuroLeague TV VR](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-and-ybvr-to-stream-euroleague-games-in-vr/) - Yerba Buena VR

He may have already announced his retirement from the sport when the World Cup ends, but Luigi Datome has not finished making his mark on basketball. The 35-year-old former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion took a game-saving turn on Friday to lead Italy on a surprise comeback to a memorable victory over Serbia.

Datome makes sure Italy lives to fight another day

He may have already announced his retirement from the sport when the World Cup ends, but Luigi Datome has not finished making his mark on basketball. The 35-year-old former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion took a game-saving turn on Friday to lead Italy on a surprise comeback to a memorable victory over Serbia.

Serbia was in charge, 62-51, with 59 seconds left in the third quarter. Datome proceeded to detonate a dunk, his first points of the game, and singlehandedly was responsible for the game's next 10 points in a span of 90 seconds to make it 62-61. Italy went on to win 76-78 behind 30 points from Simone Fontecchio and 14 more from Marco Spissu of Umana Reyer Venice, but without Datome's spark, things had looked bleak.

### Datome to the rescue

Datome had not scored during his four-minute introduction to the action bridging the first and second quarters. When he returned midway through the third quarter, Serbia held a 55-42 advantage on the way to a high lead of 60-44. But while Serbia went cold from downtown, Datome got hot. He followed his dunk with a pair of triples before the third quarter could end, making it 62-59, then came out and scored the first basket of the final quarter. Just before he sat down, his job complete, his former EA7 Emporio Armani Milan teammate Nicolo Melli fed Alessandro Pajola of Virtus Segafredo Bologna for a go-ahead basket at 64-63, completing the comeback

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">10 punti consecutivi. Partita riaperta. <a href=https://t.co/aT2bpCt5Fo>pic.twitter.com/aT2bpCt5Fo</a></p>&mdash; Italbasket (@Italbasket) <a href=https://twitter.com/Italbasket/status/1697544055981547820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>September 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script> 

### A EuroLeague and Azzurri icon

The victory let Italy tie Serbia at the top of their new Group I and basically avoid being put in a position of being eliminated from contention for the quarterfinals. For Datome, the World Cup is the last step in a career that started in his native Sardinia and took him all the way around the world, culminating in him lifting the EuroLeague trophy – and getting his ponytail cut to pay off a friendly bet – in 2017 with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

[In announcing his retirement after the season, Datome said he had one last basketball goal](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/gigi-datome-charismatic-2017-euroleague-champ-ends-his-club-career/) pending: to try to win his first senior-level medal with the Italian national team, with whom he won two bronzes in younger categories. Now, he is closer to that final goal.

"I have to thank my teammates," Datome said after Friday's win. "It was a very good game, a national team game! All our fans went probably crazy. We’re still alive, today we enjoy the moment, it has been a great game against great team. They improved their physical intensity in the third quarter, we suffered, but remained balanced in the game, continuing to believe in it, then everybody put their brick to build the victory."

Zalgiris Kaunas was the underdog darling that charmed Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans last season with its fantastic home atmosphere and resilient attitude. Coach Kazys Maksvytis's squad could never been written off and kept improving week by week to make its way to the EuroLeague Playoffs despite major injuries that hit the team along the way. This summer, Zalgiris brought most of the key pieces back and will also be getting back one key returnee from injury to set its aspirations even higher.

Roster Rundown: Zalgiris Kaunas

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/?season=2023-24) was the underdog darling that charmed Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans last season with its fantastic home atmosphere and resilient attitude. Coach Kazys Maksvytis's squad could never been written off and kept improving week by week to make its way to the EuroLeague Playoffs despite major injuries that hit the team along the way. This summer, Zalgiris brought most of the key pieces back and will also be getting back one key returnee from injury to set its aspirations even higher.

### BACKCOURT

The list of Zalgiris newcomers is not long and the only new face in the team's backcourt will be [Naz Mitrou-Long](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-signs-naz-mitrou-long/), a scorer who can put up 20+ points on any given night, but did not find his footing with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in his premier season in the competition. The team's greatest strength, however, will be the return of point guard [Keenan Evans,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-lands-playmaker-evans/) who was a mid-season MVP candidate in 2022-23 before suffering an Achilles injury. Zalgiris has the luxury of veteran change-of-pace point guard [Lukas Lekavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-re-signs-ulanovas-for-two-more-years/) coming off the bench. Since Mitrou-Long is also a capable playmaker, Zalgiris looks very deep at the point and can play two of these three players together at any time during the game.

Alongside the playmaking trio, Zalgiris has veteran sharpshooter [Tomas Dimsa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-signs-dimsa-for-3-more-seasons/) and up-and-coming guard [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-point-man-giedraitis/) on the perimeter, plus great strength with [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-adds-forward-brazdeikis/) and [Arnas Butkevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-inks-butkevicius/) on the wings. Big guard Brazdeikis had an up-and-down EuroLeague rookie season, but still finished as the team's top scorer (11.6 ppg.). Butkevicius has been a big all-round weapon off the bench, a player who has an impact that goes far beyond the traditional stats he posts.

The best plays of Zalgiris Kaunas guard Ignas Brazdeikis in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season and Playoffs.

Ignas Brazdeikis's best plays, 2022-23

### FRONTCOURT

Zalgiris has enough size and muscle in the paint to battle with any team in the EuroLeague. The frontline is headlined by [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rolands-smits-signs-contract-extension-at-zalgiris-until-2026/) and [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kevarrius-hayes-agree-to-extension/), a pair of athletic big men who started together in all but nine of the team's 37 games in a Zalgiris uniform last season. Smits's and Hayes's games complement each other, with Smits's ability to pop out and sink long-range shots, and Hayes operating under the rims as one of the competition's best offensive rebounders. Behind them, center [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/birutis-returns-home-to-zalgiris-on-two-year-deal/) will be looking to continue his rise and build on his 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game from a season ago.

This summer, Zalgiris added more size to its front line with the additions of [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-adds-brady-manek-to-frontline/) and [Danielius Lavrinovicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-forward-lavrinovicius/), who are strong rebounders both set to make their respective EuroLeague debuts. However, the key player not only for this group, but arguably for the entire club is team captain [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-re-signs-ulanovas-for-two-more-years/). A small forward by position and a glue guy by his presence and style of play. Ulanovas led the team playing north of 28 minutes per game last season, posting 10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists, and will be instrumental for any further Zalgiris success going forward. 

In his first season as team captain, Edgaras Ulanovas led Zalgiris to the Lithuanian double and the Turkish AIrlines EuroLeague playoffs.

Edgaras Ulanovas's top plays in 2022-23

### PLAYER TO WATCH

It was a heartbreaking torn Achilles injury in the opening minute of a Round 17 game last season that stopped Keenan Evans during his breakout campaign, his second in the competition. In the first 16 appearances, Evans posted 16.8 points, making 2.8 triples on 45.8% shooting, along with 3.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He carried Zalgiris and helped it jump-start its season that saw the team eventually make the playoffs. Evans is now eager to continue where he left off. Apart from all eyes monitoring his attempt to return from the injury, Evans has all the tools and every bit of potential to turn from a star-in-the-making into a true EuroLeague superstar.

In his first season at Zalgiris Kaunas, point guard Keenan Evans uses his free time to engage in his favorite hobby, photography, an avocation that came to him through his mother.

Focus on: Keenan Evans, Zalgiris Kaunas

### OUTLOOK

Zalgiris looks ready to roll and turn more heads around in the coming season. With minimal changes to the roster, and carefully picked additions, last season's playoff team looks even deeper and more solidified. A team that mashed and improved as the season progressed a year ago now gets its best player back with Evans returning from injury to lead the offense. So, there are many reasons for optimism for Zalgiris fans, who regularly sell out Zalgirio Arena and give their favorite team a significant push. The key for Coach Maksvytis and this team, however, is to keep the same never-say-die mentality from a year ago, a never-give-up mindset where no absence or no margin is too big to overcome.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Zalgiris Kaunas

With one eye on its opening game in little more than a month, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv held the first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague media day of the new season at its home in Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday. Under the orders of head coach Oded Kattash for a second year in a row, Maccabi will look to go at least one step further than last season, when its quest for a return to the Final Four ended with a Game 5 loss in the playoffs to AS Monaco. 

 Maccabi hosts season's first media day! 

With one eye on its opening game in little more than a month, [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/games/tel/?season=2023-24) held the first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague media day of the new season at its home in Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday. Under the orders of head coach [Oded Kattash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/kattash-oded/?season=E2023) for a second year in a row, Maccabi will look to go at least one step further than last season, when its quest for a return to the Final Four ended with a Game 5 loss in the playoffs to AS Monaco.

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

To improve upon that outcome, Maccabi tweaked its roster with four new arrivals, among them up-and-coming point guard [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), who traded the yellow of ALBA Berlin for that of his home country's most famous club over the summer. Blatt, whose father David coached Maccabi to its last EuroLeague title in 2014, proved happy to be back in Israel and wearing Maccabi's shade of yellow for the first time on Thursday.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The new signing is happy to be here 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/tkXKNwNAXC">pic.twitter.com/tkXKNwNAXC</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1697213682961334502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 



### Dynamic duo in demand

One of the best backcourt duos on the Old Continent last season, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), were naturally in demand on media day to answer questions about their ambitions in a second season together with Maccabi. Baldwin, when asked, had no doubt what game he has marked on his EuroLeague calendar: the [season opener at home against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/4/#roster). "As a competitor," Baldwin said, "I can't wait to get out there and play."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What are these two looking at? 👀 <a href="https://t.co/52qFLgsfKn">pic.twitter.com/52qFLgsfKn</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1697258277556629769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Cohen's special ties to EuroLeagueTV

Like all the other players, Baldwin and Brown went through their paces in photo shoots and posing for the cameras to prepare some of the best broadcasts in basketball for EuroLeague fans in the upcoming season. That includes the unique second career of center Jake Cohen, who debuted The Players View on EuroLeagueTV last season by commentating on games of other EuroLeague teams all the way to the Final Four!