Nikola Milutinov has been off the radar of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans for more than a year, but he is showcasing with Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup the kind of substantial impact he could have in returning to Olympiacos Piraeus for next season.

On Monday, Serbia registered its second win in as many games in Manila, Philippines, with a 94-77 win over Puerto Rico in their Group B game. Serbia built a 30-point halftime lead, but saw it melt to just 10 points midway through the fourth quarter against three-point happy Puerto Rico.

Milutinov’s dominance for Serbia is good news in Piraeus

[Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) has been off the radar of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans for more than a year, but he is showcasing with Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup the kind of substantial impact he could have in returning to Olympiacos Piraeus for next season.

On Monday, Serbia registered its second win in as many games in Manila, Philippines, with a 94-77 win over Puerto Rico in their Group B game. Serbia built a 30-point halftime lead, but saw it melt to just 10 points midway through the fourth quarter against three-point happy Puerto Rico.

However, when Serbia need its defense to stop the leak, it was Milutinov and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) who stepped up.

### Milutinov's big double-double

Avramovic's trademark energy and perimeter defense and Milutinov's presence in the paint were the main reasons Serbia stopped Puerto Rico's fourth-quarter surge and re-established control. Serbia held Puerto Rico scoreless for more than 3 minutes in the final quarter as baskets by Avramovic started a 10-0 run that turned an 81-71 lead into an unsurmountable 91-71 margin.

While Avramovic, who exited the game later due to an ankle injury, finished with 15 points in 14 minutes on the floor, it was Milutinov who dominated inside the entire game. Playing more than 30 minutes, the veteran big man amassed 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting, 15 rebounds and 3 assists.  The importance of the nine-year EuroLeague veteran Milutinov for this Serbian squad is very clear. Milutinov played the entire third quarter and remained on the floor until Serbia put the difference out of Puerto Rico’s reach at 88-71 with 3:30 left to play.

### Top rebounder since 2017

In Piraeus, they hope for a similar impact from the 28-year old center. This summer, Milutinov returned to Olympiacos, his home for five previous seasons between 2015 and 2020, during which time he emerged as one of the top big men in Europe. He helped the Reds reach the championship game in 2017, but really found his footing in the competition following that season.

So much so that since the 2017-18 season no EuroLeague player has averaged [more than Milutinov's 7.3 rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&fromSeasonCode=E2017&toSeasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Range&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds). He has also posted 9.8 points in 117 games during that time.

Milutinov, who was named the MVP of the Month in December 2020 and has earned weekly MVP honors on six occasions in his career, is heading into the 2023-24 campaign with career totals of 1,497 points, 1,106 rebounds and 177 assists. He is ranked ninth all-time with 509 offensive rebounds, too.

Milutinov will be looking to continue his success in the EuroLeague for Olympiacos, but first has to continue getting the job done for Serbia, whose top scorers against Puerto Rico were Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jovic with 17 points apiece.

This outcome has all but qualified Serbia for the next stage as it sports a 2-0 record in Group B ahead of its clash with South Sudan, while Puerto Rico dropped to 1-1 and will look for a place in the next stage against China on Wednesday.

The arrival of Nikola Mirotic at Olimpia Milano has created a real buzz around the city and the club, which has led to more eyes on the team's training camp than usual. Milano missed out on the playoffs last season, despite a strong finish to the campaign, but the goal heading into the new campaign is to reach the EuroLeague Final Four, something it last did in 2021. Luckily for Milan, Mirotic is an expert at guiding his team to the Final Four.

Excitement builds as Olimpia Milano starts its training camp

The [arrival of Nikola Mirotic at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-inks-former-euroleague-mvp-nikola-mirotic-until-2026/) has created a real buzz around the city and the club, which has led to more eyes on the team's training camp than usual. Milan missed out on the playoffs last season, despite a strong finish to the campaign, but the goal heading into the new campaign is to reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, something it last did in 2021. Luckily for Milan, Mirotic is an expert at guiding his team to the Final Four, having done so in each of the last three years.

### [See Milan's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Re-Start! 🤍❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3kcNz7FqR">pic.twitter.com/B3kcNz7FqR</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1696135555665248613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This summer, Milan has been particularly active with regard to improving its roster, with the likes of [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-moves-from-alba-berlin-to-olimpia-milano/), [Diego Flaccadori](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-wraps-up-move-for-diego-flaccadori/), [Alex Poythress](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alex-poythress-completes-move-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ismael-kamagate-seals-move-to-milan/), among others, signing for last season's Italian League champion. While Lo is away at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Germany, which is also the case for Kevin Pangos (Canada), Johannes Voigtmann (Germany) and Italian trio Giampaolo Ricci, Stefano Tonut and Nicolo Melli, there was still plenty of star talent on show as Milan got its training camp rolling.

Milan head coach Ettore Messina could not only call upon Mirotic, Flaccadori and Kamagate, but he also had key players such as Devon Hall, Billy Baron, Shavon Shields and Kyle Hines all working under his orders. There was also a chance for two promising Italian recruits, the 22-year-old [Giordano Bortolani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/giordano-bortolani-heads-back-to-olimpia-milano/) and the 24-year-old [Guglielmo Caruso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-inks-big-man-guglielmo-caruso-long-term/), to show what they can do.

Trying to get everyone on the same page is one of the main tasks for Coach Messina, particularly when expectation levels have gone to another level following the signing of Mirotic. Still, Milan fans will no doubt be happy to see some of the team's stars already back at the club's facilities ahead of what should be an intriguing campaign.

### Milan's preseason schedule

Milan has a few friendly games scheduled in the coming weeks, starting on September 6 and leading up to its first game of the new campaign, the Italian Super Cup against Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Brescia on September 23. Among the team's scheduled preseason games, the highlight will be on September 17 against Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece.

More Milan News

Excitement builds as Milan starts its training camp

Cape Verde and its star player, Real Madrid center Edy Tavares, were the talk of the basketball world after the country booked its place at the 2023 FIBA World Cup for the first-ever time back in late February. Six months later, Cape Verde has recorded a historic triumph at the World Cup, defeating Venezuela 75-81 in Okinawa, Japan.

Edy Tavares, Cape Verde make history at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Cape Verde and its star player, Real Madrid center [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), were the talk of the basketball world after the country booked its place at the [2023 FIBA World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/) for the first-ever time back in late February. Six months later, in late August, Cape Verde's World Cup adventure began. After suffering a defeat to Tornike Shengelia's Georgia in its World Cup group-stage opener, Tavares and co. responded with a historic triumph just a couple of days later, defeating Venezuela 75-81 in Okinawa, Japan.

What's more, the victory over Venezuela showed one of the main characteristics that got Cape Verde to the World Cup in the first place – heart. With Cape Verde trailing 69-63 with 8:31 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Tavares came in to try and turn the tide. As Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans will be well aware of by now, Tavares made his presence felt.

### Tavares gave Cape Verde the momentum

Tavares remained on the court until the final buzzer sounded, in which time his fourth-quarter stats saw him post 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block as Cape Verde secured the win. For the game as a whole, Tavares had 6 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a +30 in the plus-minus column.

Perhaps fittingly, given his standing as Cape Verde's star player, it was poignant that Tavares was the player who gave his nation a late lead, 72-73, following a dunk with 4:06 remaining. From there, Cape Verde never trailed. He then hit a couple of free throws to extend the advantage to 72-75 with 2:35 left, before his teammates stepped up to finish the job.

### Playing against Slovenia… and Doncic

Cape Verde's triumph on Monday has left the door open for the nation to reach the next phase of the World Cup, but its final game in the first round is against the favorite in Group F, Slovenia. As such, Tavares will come up against former Real Madrid teammate Luka Doncic, with the duo having become EuroLeague champions with *Los Blancos* back in the 2017-18 season, their only campaign together.

Doncic had an incredible 37-point, 7-rebound and 6-assist performance for Slovenia in its opener against Venezuela, a 100-85 win, so Tavares and Cape Verde have a tough job on their hands if they are to stop the current Dallas Mavericks star. On Wednesday, Tavares will try to use all of those hours of playing against Doncic in practice to his advantage, which could give Cape Verde some hope.

Last season, Doncic regularly posted images and comments about Real's EuroLeague games on social media, meaning that he is fully aware of just how dominant Tavares has become in Europe's premier club basketball competition. Now, the two titans will go to battle in what should be a must-watch spectacle for any EuroLeague fan, especially those who follow *Los Blancos*.

More Edy Tavares News

Edy Tavares celebrates Cape Verde's 75-81 win against Venezuela at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Edy Tavares, Cape Verde make history at the World Cup

Anadolu Efes Istanbul did not reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs last season after winning consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022. It is a new era for Efes, with an ambitious new coach, a new star guard and a couple of newcomers ready to make a big impact in the competition. The goal remains the same: fighting for the EuroLeague title. 

Roster Rundown: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

Anadolu Efes Istanbul missed out on the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs last season after winning back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. A new era now begins for Efes with an ambitious new coach in [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-erdem-can-as-its-new-head-coach/), a new star guard and several more newcomers eager to make a big impact in the competition. The goal remains the same: to fight for the EuroLeague title.

Darius Thompson Top Assists of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Darius Thompson; 2022-23 EuroLeague assists leader

### BACKCOURT

[Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/) was Efes's marquee signing this summer. He arrives to fill some big shoes but Thompson has already proven to be a EuroLeague star after a fantastic 2022-23 season with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in which he led the competition in assists (6.7 apg.). Moreover, he did it with a flair, flow and poise rarely seen at this level. With more talent around him, Thompson could take another big step forwards and challenge for an All-EuroLeague spot.

[Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) is back as a fully established superstar. A scoring talent like few others with unlimited range, Larkin also uses his skills to get to the basket from where he can exploit defensive holes and pass the ball to open players. [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-rodrigue-beaubois-come-to-terms-on-new-deal/) is back to offer instant offense: when he gets going, Beaubois is an unstoppable scorer. Beaubois is also a surprising defender with good shot blocking skills. [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/elijah-bryant-renews-at-efes-until-2025/) is a key player on Efes's perimeter due to his size, experience, driving skills and deep shooting range. [Erten Gazi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-re-signs-guard-erten-gazi/) is a great on-the-ball defender, as is playmaker [Dogus Ozdemiroglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-speedy-dogus-ozdemiroglu-to-backcourt/), though the latter may miss most of the season due to injury.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Başarılı pivot Tyrique Jones ile 2 yıllık sözleşme imzaladık! ✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> T-Jones <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouseOfBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouseOfBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/xcTh6qGXqj">pic.twitter.com/xcTh6qGXqj</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1672545099723440128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### FRONTCOURT

Efes's new lineup should allow [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) to play at this natural position, small forward, more often. Right at the prime of his career, Clyburn can score against any defender due to his outstanding ballhandling, basketball IQ and all-around skills. If a game is on the line, Clyburn may be the team's first option. Newcomers [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/erkan-yilmaz-reunites-with-erdem-can-at-efes/) and [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-brings-in-power-forward-derek-willis/) should see playing time right away. Yilmaz is a versatile forward who can run the floor and attack the rim with great aggressiveness. Willis is a force of nature who can rebound well at both ends and pull the trigger from any angle. [Burak Can Yildizli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-power-forward-burak-can-yildizli/) and [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-young-big-man-ercan-osmani/) are well-rounded forwards give Coach Can even more depth and versatility. 

Few teams will be deeper at center, as Efes has three very different looks. [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-turkish-league-mvp-tyrique-jones/) can play above the rim and use his outstanding physicality to power the boards. [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/) is an unconventional yet very effective center who can score in many ways: jump hooks, catch-and-shoot three-pointers, dunks, you name it. [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) is a great rebounder who is always willing to attack the rim to either score or draw fouls. Young center [Efe Demirel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/efe-demirel/010876/) can learn a lot from all three Efes centers.

Derek Willis ranks fifth all-time in three-point shooting in the 7DAYS EuroCup, burying 60 of 125 attempts (48.0%). Here are some of his best three-pointers with Umana Reyer Venice in the 2022-23 season.

Derek Willis: elite three-point shooter

### PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes will be on Thompson, but Willis is a key addition, too. Willis is the kind of player who can contribute in many ways due to his high intensity and physicality. He is also a very accurate shooter: Willis ranked sixth in three-point shooting (47.5%) and fourth in free-throw accuracy (90.7%) in the 2022-23 EuroCup. He is fifth all-time in that competition in three-point shooting, having made 60 of 125 attempts (48.0%). The only thing missing is EuroLeague experience and how he will respond at this level. Willis, however, has played against EuroLeague teams in domestic competitions in Germany, Spain and Italy. Given his explosiveness, speed and shooting accuracy, Willis may surprise a lot of EuroLeague fans this season.

### OUTLOOK

After spending most of his career as an assistant coach, Can was chosen as the 2022-23 EuroCup Coach of the Year and is now making his debut as a head coach on this stage. Efes changed some key players but kept a core that has been together for a long time. Larkin, Beaubois and Pleiss are now the new locker room veterans. Thompson can put the ball anywhere on the court, and by adding Jones and Willis, Efes could be one of the most fun-to-watch teams in the competition, with a lot of players able to run the floor and finish strong. Consistency should be key for Efes, as it has everything it takes to challenge for a Final Four spot.

Erdem Coach is Anadolu Efes Istanbul's new coach

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

Rokas Jokubaitis starred early to set the stage for Lithuania in a 96-66 victory over Mexico on Sunday that secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The FC Barcelona guard erupted for 12 points and 4 assists in the first quarter as Lithuania surged to a 32-17 lead that it protected the rest of the way. 

Rokas Jokubaitis fueled Lithuania's fast start to KO Mexico

FC Barcelona guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) starred early to set the stage for Lithuania in a 96-66 victory over Mexico on Sunday that secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 22-year-old erupted for 12 points and 4 assists in the first quarter as Lithuania surged to a 32-17 lead that it protected the rest of the way.

He finished as the game's joint-leader in scoring with 15 points plus a game-high 7 assists. Jokubaitis, who knocked down 3 of his 4 three-point attempts, also had 3 rebounds and 1 steal in amassing a performance index rating of 18, which was third best on the team. He led all players in +/- with a +20 in 19:56 on the floor.

Jonas Valanciunas also scored 15 for the winners and contributed 12 rebounds, too. AS Monaco center [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) and Zalgiris Kaunas guard [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) contributed 10 points apiece. Gabriel Giron scored 13 points to pace Mexico.

The victory ushered Lithuania, which is coached by Zalgiris bench boss Kazys Maksvytis into the second round. They will face Montenegro on Tuesday for first place in Group D.

It's been an exciting start to the tournament for fans of FC Barcelona after Willy Hernangomez, one of four Barça players on the Spanish national team, [dominated in Saturday's victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/willy-hernangomez-spain-fiba-world-cup-barca-barcelona/) over the Ivory Coast.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Run up the floor, receive the pass, jump and 𝙏𝙖-𝙙𝙖𝙨! 🪄 It&#39;s a dunk! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForLithuania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForLithuania</a> 🇱🇹 <a href="https://t.co/ooMAZZuyjc">pic.twitter.com/ooMAZZuyjc</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1695777947532099765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Several players over the years have turned into a different beast when playing for the Spanish national team, and new Barça Basket signing Willy Hernangomez is no different. Last summer he was named the EuroBasket 2022 MVP, and on Saturday he started the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a dominant performance in Spain's 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast.

Willy Hernangomez shines for Spain, gives Barça Basket fans reason to dream

Several players over the years have turned into a different beast when playing for the Spanish national team, and [new FC Barcelona signing Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-signs-eurobasket-mvp-willy-hernangomez/) is no different. Last summer he was named the EuroBasket 2022 MVP after helping Spain become European champion, and on Saturday he started the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a dominant performance in *La Roja*'s 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The older Hernangomez brother got his work done in a hurry against the Ivory Coast, finishing with a game-high 22 points – in addition to 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal – in just over two-and-a-half quarters of play. In fact, Willy came out of the game with 2:24 minutes remaining in the third quarter, at which point Spain was ahead 71-44, and he was able to see out the rest of the game from the bench.

### Willy Hernangomez put Spain on his back

One of the main reasons why Hernangomez could afford to get some rest was because he had helped put Spain in a more comfortable position. When the 29-year-old came in for Usman Garuba with 6:59 minutes left in the second quarter, Spain's lead had been trimmed to 30-26. What happened next was a sign of the dominance we could witness in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague next season.

Hernangomez went on to score all 14 of Spain's points in a 14-2 run to make it a 44-28 contest, before *La Roja* went into halftime 53-34 ahead. After 20 minutes of play, the new Barcelona center's stat line read: 20 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

After the interval, Hernangomez and Spain did a good job of managing the lead before the big man withdrew from proceedings for good. Another day's work in the office was complete, meaning that Hernangomez could already start to think about Monday's test against Brazil.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Willy Hernangomez was too much to handle dropping 22 PTS on 75%FG, as the reigning World Cup Champs start off their campaign with a comfortable win! 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InspireGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InspireGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/F8j7mVWxrB">pic.twitter.com/F8j7mVWxrB</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1695462933105611086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Reasons for Barcelona fans to dream

Looking ahead to the new EuroLeague season, a new-look Barcelona team featuring Roger Grimau as head coach and new additions Hernangomez, Dario Brizuela and Joel Parra, all of whom are with Spain at the World Cup, should provide plenty of reason for optimism.

On Saturday against the Ivory Coast, Brizuela finished the game with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, whereas Parra had 3 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Both players will play important minutes for Spain at various points during this World Cup, which should provide them with good learning experiences ahead of their debut campaigns in the EuroLeague.

Hernangomez will have to compete with 2019 EuroLeague MVP Jan Vesely for the starting spot at center, with the Czech big man having posted 9.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in his first year at Palau Blaugrana, but a strong showing at the World Cup would help his case no end.

What's more, if Barca get the Spain version of Willy Hernangomez, another trip to the EuroLeague Final Four should not be out of the question.

More Barcelona News

New FC Barcelona signing Willy Hernangomez celebrates a made basket during Spain's 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Willy Hernangomez shines for Spain, gives Barcelona fans reason to dream

The Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) has confirmed that Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul guard Raul Neto will play no further part in the 2023 FIBA World Cup after suffering a knee injury.

Fenerbahce's Raul Neto ruled out for remainder of 2023 FIBA World Cup

The Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) has confirmed that Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul guard [Raul Neto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-inks-ex-nba-guard-raul-neto/) will play no further part in the 2023 FIBA World Cup after suffering a knee injury.

Just over two minutes into the third quarter of Brazil's 59-100 win against Iran in the group-stage opener, Neto drove to the basket but had a nasty fall, which tests later confirmed to be a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.

### Brazil's statement on Raul Neto's injury

"Raul Neto suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during the third quarter of the game between Brazil and Iran in the opening fixture of Group G at the World Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia," read the CBB's statement.

"Raul suffered a fall at the start of the third quarter, at which point he was treated immediately – still on the court – for a suspected ruptured patellar tendon. The injury was confirmed immediately by an MRI scan carried out minutes later at the event's official hospital, under the guidance and supervision of the Brazilian national team's medical director and doctor, Carlos Vicente Andreoli.

"Raul suffered the rupture while jumping. The athlete was immobilized and is now at the hotel with the delegation and under the care of the medical department. With the diagnosis, he is out of the rest of the World Cup and the CBB is currently dealing with logistical issues."

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Boletim Médico - Raul Neto - Copa do Mundo de Basquete 2023<br><br>O atleta Raul Neto sofreu ruptura do tendão patelar do joelho direito durante o terceiro quarto da partida entre Brasil e Irã, pela abertura do Grupo G da Copa do Mundo, em Jacarta, na Indonésia. <br><br>Raul sofreu uma queda… <a href="https://t.co/e6nHFcqokV">pic.twitter.com/e6nHFcqokV</a></p>&mdash; Basquete Brasil - CBB (@basquetebrasil) <a href="https://twitter.com/basquetebrasil/status/1695436121118056850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Neto signed for Fenerbahce this summer after spending the last eight years in the NBA.

More Fenerbahce News

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul guard Raul Neto in action for Brazil against Iran at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Fenerbahce's Raul Neto ruled out for remainder of World Cup

Everything was set up for this to be the day of Walter Tavares and Cape Verde, as the Real Madrid center's nation made its highly anticipated first-ever appearance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, it was another World Cup debutant that ended up stealing the show, with Virtus Bologna star Tornike Shengelia's Georgia defeating Cape Verde 60-85 in Okinawa, Japan.

Tornike Shengelia and Georgia get off to dream 2023 FIBA World Cup start

Everything was set up for this to be the day of [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and Cape Verde, as the Real Madrid center's nation made its highly anticipated first-ever appearance at the [2023 FIBA World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/). However, it was another World Cup debutant that ended up stealing the show, with [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/)'s Georgia defeating Cape Verde 60-85 in Okinawa, Japan.

In the first game of Saturday's World Cup action, Shengelia and his Georgia teammates recovered from a slow start to come away with a dominant win, sending a message to the rest of Group F – which includes Cape Verde, Slovenia and Venezuela – in the process.

### Shengelia remains Georgia's star

Shengelia, who averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists for Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season, led the way in scoring for Georgia after posting a game-high 16 points. He grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 1 assist, too.

For years, Shengelia has been the poster boy of Georgian basketball, picking up the baton from Zaza Pachulia, and he didn't disappoint in front of a decent-sized crowd inside Okinawa Arena. Although the 31-year-old had just 2 points in the first quarter, with Georgia overcoming an early 8-2 deficit to lead 11-20 after 10 minutes, he scored 7 second-quarter points – taking his tally to 9 in total – as the European nation swelled its advantage to 22-48 at the halftime interval.

With Georgia ahead by 26 points heading into the second half, Shengelia and his teammates did a good job of managing the scoreboard, with the Virtus star adding another 5 points in the third quarter and 2 in the fourth to finish with 16 points overall. What's more, Georgia was able to rest Shengelia for the final 5:39 minutes of the game after the team had made it a 47-76 ballgame.

### Learning from EuroBasket 2022

Georgia competed at EuroBasket 2022 for the fifth time in its history last summer, but Shengelia missed out after picking up a shoulder injury that also saw him miss the first five rounds of the 2022-23 EuroLeague season. Nevertheless, the Virtus forward was around the team for the tournament and attempted to offer his advice wherever possible.

"\[I'm trying\] to be the voice and encourage the players," Shengelia told BasketNews. "For many of them it's their first EuroBasket, especially at home. For many of them it could add pressure, and I try to turn this pressure into motivation for them. I try to help in the mental aspect of the game."

"He's a leader and a captain of the team," added Georgia head coach Ilias Zouros. "He knows how to talk with the players, we need him, and it's very important that he's here supporting the team."

Shengelia's teammates ended up failing to get out of the group phase at EuroBasket 2022, so with that in mind, Saturday's performance against Cape Verde was particularly special. The 10-season EuroLeague stalwart not only got a chance to play in a memorable game in Georgia's history, but he also got to display his leadership qualities on the court, having had to watch on from the sidelines one summer ago.

With Shengelia playing like this and complemented by the likes of 2018-19 EuroLeague Rising Star winner Goga Bitadze, Sandro Mamukelashvili and veteran captain Giorgi Shermadini, Georgia will hope that this is the start of a magical World Cup run. Next up for Shengelia and his teammates is a game against Slovenia – the favorites in Group F – on Monday, but if Saturday's game against Cape Verde is anything to go by, Luka Doncic and co. should be in for a tricky ride.

Georgia and Virtus Segafredo Bologna's Tornike Shengelia gets to the basket under pressure from Cape Verde and Real Madrid's Walter Tavares at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Shengelia and Georgia get off to dream World Cup start

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has made six new signings ahead of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, and four of those new additions were on show for the start of the club's training camp on Friday evening. While head coach Dimitris Itoudis and new arrivals Georgios Papagiannis and Raul Neto are away at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Yam Madar, Sertac Sanli, Nate Sestina and Yigit Hamza Mestoglu were all present for a training session at Ulker Sports and Event Hall.

Some new faces highlight the start of Fenerbahce's training camp

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has made six new signings ahead of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, and four of those new additions were on show for the start of the club's training camp on Friday evening. While head coach Dimitris Itoudis and new arrivals [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-anchors-paint-with-georgios-papagiannis/) and [Raul Neto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-inks-ex-nba-guard-raul-neto/) are [away at the 2023 FIBA World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/), [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-seals-move-for-yam-madar-the-2022-23-euroleague-rising-star/), [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/sertac-sanli-returns-to-turkiye-joins-fenerbahce/), [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-lands-forward-nate-sestina/) and [Yigit Hamza Mestoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-invests-in-future-with-forward-mestoglu/) were all present for a training session at Ulker Sports and Event Hall.

### [See Fenerbahce's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

Given that Coach Itoudis could not be there, assistant coach Stefanos Dedas put the players through their paces. The only other player competing at the World Cup – and therefore not present for Friday's session – was Marko Guduric. Yet, a number of last year's returning players – Johnathan Motley, Tyler Dorsey, Melih Mahmutoglu, Scottie Wilbekin, Nick Calathes and Dyshawn Pierre – were all snapped by the team's photographers during practice.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Fenerbahçe Beko, sezonun ilk idmanını gerçekleştirdi.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/IAoIUG0ovB">https://t.co/IAoIUG0ovB</a> <a href="https://t.co/mW4IkQ3OnD">pic.twitter.com/mW4IkQ3OnD</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1695126660960448738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fenerbahce reached the EuroLeague Playoffs in Coach Itoudis's first year in Istanbul last year, with the team going 19-15 to sneak into the playoffs as the eighth seed. In the postseason, Fenerbahce lost 3-2 in a tight playoff series against Olympiacos Piraeus. Heading into the new campaign, the goal for Coach Itoudis and his players will be to get back to the Final Four for the first time since the 2018-19 season.