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."

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<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.

The latest EuroLeague team to get their training camp underway is Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, which had its first training session of preseason on Friday, August 25. Unlike many of the other squads in the EuroLeague, Maccabi does not have any players competing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, meaning that head coach Oded Kattash has all of his players available, injuries permitting.

Maccabi Tel Aviv begins training camp at full strength

The latest Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team to get their training camp underway is Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, which had its first training session of preseason on Thursday, August 24. Unlike many of the other squads in the EuroLeague, Maccabi does not have any players competing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, meaning that head coach Oded Kattash has all of his players available, injuries permitting.

### [See Maccabi's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Basketball IQ in this pic🤯 <a href="https://t.co/yKz2XlaHjG">pic.twitter.com/yKz2XlaHjG</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1695015533194711091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One Maccabi player who was expected to be at the World Cup was Spain's [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), but he took the decision not to compete in the tournament in order to let an injury heal that he picked up during last summer's EuroBasket. He was, however, one of those who took part in Friday's training session. Maccabi fans will also be glad to hear that new signings [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-tamir-blatt-to-two-year-deal/), [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jasiel-rivero-heads-to-maccabi-tel-aviv/), [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-spins-james-webb-into-frontcourt/) and [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-tel-aviv-brings-in-defensive-star-antonius-cleveland/) all took part in the session with their new team.

Last season saw Maccabi secure the fifth seed entering the postseason following a 20-14 regular-season record, which included going 15-2 at home, but it lost in the playoffs to AS Monaco after a thrilling five-game series. Maccabi made several signings during the last offseason, including Brown, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/), and they have the chance to build on their impressive performances as they enter their second year in Tel Aviv.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stronger together! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/j2Z44vQoaW">pic.twitter.com/j2Z44vQoaW</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1695014334412304393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

The hope for everyone involved at Maccabi is that the team can take another step forward and reach the EuroLeague Final Four, having last got there in the 2013-14 season, 10 years ago. That year, curiously, is when Maccabi last became the EuroLeague champion.

### Maccabi's preseason schedule

The first preseason game that Maccabi has scheduled is against fellow Israeli side Hapoel Holon on September 7. From there, Coach Kattash's squad will take part in a preseason tournament, with games scheduled against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on September 15 and Panathinaikos Athens on September 17. Maccabi gets its EuroLeague campaign underway on October 5 when [it faces Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/4/) at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv news

Maccabi begins training camp at full strength

Four years ago, Stefano Tonut and Giampaolo Ricci had to watch on from home as the Italian national team fell in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Fast-forward to Friday, August 25, and the two Olimpia Milano players came up big for Italy as it opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 67-81 win over Angola in Bulacan, Philippines.

Olimpia Milano duo Stefano Tonut, Giampaolo Ricci stepped out of the shadows to guide Italy past Angola

Four years ago, [Stefano Tonut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/stefano-tonut/006509/) and [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) had to watch on from home as the Italian national team fell in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Fast-forward to Friday, August 25, and the two EA7 Emporio Armani Milan players came up big for Italy as it opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 67-81 win over Angola in Bulacan, Philippines.

The game between Italy and Angola was a tight affair throughout almost the entire contest, with the African team largely doing enough to prevent Gianmarco Pozzecco's side from pulling away. Yet, in the final quarter, Italy outscored Angola 10-20 to secure its first victory of the tournament.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Una vittoria sudata. <br>Una vittoria costruita un passo alla volta. <br>Una vittoria 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲 ✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italbasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italbasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForItalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5V7Esck4S0">pic.twitter.com/5V7Esck4S0</a></p>&mdash; Italbasket (@Italbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/Italbasket/status/1695015690367877260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tonut's rise to stardom

One of the players that helped to ensure Italy had a slender 57-61 lead entering the fourth quarter was Milan guard Tonut, as he had scored 14 points through the first three quarters. The Angola defense struggled mightily to contain Tonut, who went on to finish with 18 points and 2 assists. Over the last few years he has seen his stock rise and rise, and now he is flourishing in a leading role for the *Azzurri*.

Last summer, the 29-year-old earned a spot on Italy's EuroBasket 2022 roster after shining with Umana Reyer Venice in the 2021-22 BKT EuroCup season, averaging 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Those performances also resulted in him moving to Milan, which gave Tonut the chance to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time.

Although he had to make do with a role off the bench under Milan boss Ettore Messina, his ability was clear to see. Notably, Tonut scored 14 points against eventual champion Real Madrid in Round 29, but a strong showing at this World Cup should give him a strong platform to build on as he enters his sophomore EuroLeague season.

### Ricci's energy and passion

The confidence garnered by coming up against elite-level competition in the EuroLeague has obviously paid dividends for Tonut, and the same can also be said for Ricci. After all, the 31-year-old forward has spent the last two years with Milan in the EuroLeague and previously displayed his quality during a two-year stint in the EuroCup with Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

During the 2022-23 EuroLeague campaign, Ricci showed himself to be a valuable glue guy for Coach Messina in what was a difficult season for the team, with his energy and passion on the court being one of the key factors behind the Italian side's late resurgence.

Ricci's numbers were not exactly spectacular entering the fourth and final period of Friday's contest against Angola, but he stepped up with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block in the final 10 minutes of play. As such, his final numbers stood at 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks – a pretty complete display. While Ricci's scoring is not one of the more well-known parts of his game, his hustle was clear to see with the 1 steal and 2 blocks.

Both Tonut and Ricci have had to make do as role players in Milan, but coming against the best of the best in the EuroLeague has clearly helped them to develop as players. Italy showed a lot of grit and determination to defeat Angola, and those two qualities perfectly exemplify what Tonut and Ricci bring not only to the Azzurri but also to Milan.

Stefano Tonut gets to the basket during Italy's 67-81 win against Angola in the opening game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Milan duo Tonut, Ricci stepped out of the shadows to guide Italy past Angola

Bryant Dunston has taken his talents to Italy by joining Virtus Segafredo Bologna on a one-plus-one-year deal, following an eight-year spell with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Dunston (2.03 meters, 37 years old) won back-to-back EuroLeague titles with Efes in 2021 and 2022. He is Virtus's sixth signing so far this summer.

Virtus Bologna lands two-time EuroLeague champ Bryant Dunston

[Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) has taken his talents to Italy by joining Virtus Segafredo Bologna on a one-plus-one-year deal, following an eight-year spell with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Dunston (2.03 meters, 37 years old) won back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles with Efes in 2021 and 2022. The veteran center is coming off a EuroLeague season in which he averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and a 6.8 PIR in 13:35 minutes across 29 games, most of which were off the bench. He is Virtus's sixth signing so far this summer, following the additions of [Bruno Mascolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-reels-in-guard-bruno-mascolo/), [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/achille-polonara-returns-to-italy-with-virtus-bologna/), [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devontae-cacok-heads-to-the-euroleague-with-virtus/), [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-bologna-inks-swingman-ognjen-dobric/) and [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jaleen-smith-signs-for-virtus-bologna/).

The best plays of new Virtus Segafredo Bologna signing Bryant Dunston since the 2020-21 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Bryant Dunston's top plays since 2020-21

### A EuroLeague legend

A 10-year veteran in the EuroLeague, there's no denying that Dunston is a modern-day legend in the competition. In addition to lifting two EuroLeague titles with Efes, the 37-year-old has twice been named the EuroLeague Best Defender (2014, 2015) and has twice been the EuroLeague leader for blocks (2014, 2018). Dunston was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2017, too.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🔏 BRYANT DUNSTON ARRIVA A BOLOGNA, UNO DI NOI!<br><br>Welcome to Bologna ⚪️⚫️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZvyZwYsV10">pic.twitter.com/ZvyZwYsV10</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694999223899418906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dunston made his EuroLeague debut with Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2013-14 season and made an instant impression, as is evidenced by his Best Defender trophy and the fact he led the league in blocks. He remained at Olympiacos for the following season, once again securing the Best Defender accolade, before heading to Efes in the summer of 2015. Dunston played 58 games for Olympiacos across two seasons and then suited up for Efes 236 times over the next eight years.

Overall, Dunston has played 294 games in the EuroLeague, starting 185 times, and his overall totals stand at: 2,457 points, 1,350 rebounds, 300 assists, 231 steals, 322 blocks and a 3,527 PIR. Historically, he ranks 33rd for the most points this century and could break into the top 30 with a similar season to last year, when he netted 125 points. He is fifth all-time for offensive rebounds (558), 23rd for defensive rebounds (792) and 11th overall for total rebounds. Until last season, Dunston was the all-time record holder for blocks, but he is now in second place behind Real Madrid's Walter Tavares, who is now 50 blocks ahead (322 vs. 372).

More Virtus News

Bryant Dunston in action for Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Virtus lands two-time EuroLeague champ Bryant Dunston

Following a summer in which Ergin Ataman and Vasilije Micic left the club, a new-look Anadolu Efes Istanbul side got its preseason training camp underway on Thursday. Efes is now turning the page in the hope of creating a new dynasty, led by new head coach Erdem Can and 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team guard Darius Thompson, who has joined from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. 

Anadolu Efes's journey back to the top starts now

Following a summer in which head coach Ergin Ataman and star guard Vasilije Micic left the club, a new-look Anadolu Efes Istanbul side got its preseason training camp underway on Thursday evening. Efes is now turning the page in the hope of creating a new dynasty, led by new head coach [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-erdem-can-as-its-new-head-coach/) and 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team guard [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/), who has joined from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Both Coach Can and Thompson were two of the prominent figures from Day One of Efes's training camp.

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

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yüzlerin güldüğü keyifli bir gün geçirdik! 😊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/pFpodLXdw1">pic.twitter.com/pFpodLXdw1</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1694772555188453452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They were not the only new faces in training camp, though, as [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-turkish-league-mvp-tyrique-jones/) and [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/erkan-yilmaz-reunites-with-erdem-can-at-efes/), who followed Coach Can from Turk Telekom Ankara to Efes, also had plenty of prominence in the photos posted by the club's social media team. This summer, Efes has also signed [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-brings-in-power-forward-derek-willis/), [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-young-big-man-ercan-osmani/), [Burak Can Yildizli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-power-forward-burak-can-yildizli/), [Justus Hollatz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-grabs-talented-point-guard-justus-hollatz/) and [Dogus Ozdemiroglu, who is out with a long-term injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-loses-guard-ozdemiroglou-to-acl-injury/) after tearing his ACL in early August.

 

Efes may have said goodbye to Micic this summer, but plenty of the squad's best players are returning, including forward Will Clyburn and guard Shane Larkin. Following a season in which Efes's three-peat effort saw the team finish with a 17-17 record and fail to make the playoffs, hopes are high for what the new Big Three of Thompson, Larkin and Clyburn could look like in the upcoming campaign.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New lad in the town! 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/nYFjukvmJM">pic.twitter.com/nYFjukvmJM</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1694700292795715704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Elsewhere, the likes of Elijah Bryant, Rodrigue Beaubois and Tibor Pleiss, all members of the back-to-back champion side with Larkin, bring a level of experience and know-how to the locker room, which will be key as Coach Can enters his first season as a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coach.

### Efes's preseason schedule

Efes's first game of preseason gets underway on next Friday, September 1, as it faces Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in the Slovenian town of Kranjska Gora. After, it goes on to play against Lokomotiv Kuban (September 7), Zenit St. Petersburg (September 8), AS Monaco (September 10), Tofas (September 12), Pinar Karsıyaka (September 14), CSKA Moscow (September 15) and Besiktas (September 17). Efes starts its EuroLeague campaign [on the road at FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/2/) on October 5.

More Efes News

The Anadolu Efes Istanbul players come together as part of a preseason training exercise.

Efes's journey back to the top starts now

ALBA Berlin was another Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club that hit the hardwood to start getting ready for a new season with the start of its training camp on Thursday. ALBA ranked 16th overall last season with an 11-23 record and underwent substantial roster changes in the off-season. ALBA has put together a very young, talented roster that should get its fans excited, led by third-year head coach Israel Gonzalez.

ALBA gets preseason camp going

ALBA Berlin was another Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club that hit the hardwood to start getting ready for a new season with the start of its training camp on Thursday. ALBA ranked 16th overall last season with an 11-23 record and underwent substantial roster changes in the off-season. ALBA has put together a very young, talented roster that should get its fans excited, led by third-year head coach [Israel Gonzalez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/gonzalez-israel/?season=E2023).

[See ALBA's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

### World Cup absentees

ALBA has started its preseason camp without five players who are competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup: forward [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) and combo guard [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-signs-promising-guard-matteo-spagnolo/) with Italy, center [Yanni Wetzell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/) with New Zealand, center [Johannes Theimann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) with Germany and point guard [Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ziga-samar/007550/) with Slovenia. Spagnolo is one of the team's four true newcomers. [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-picks-up-sharpshooter-matt-thomas/), [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-wraps-up-justin-bean-signing/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-brings-on-nba-veteran-sterling-brown/), who are already practicing with the team, are the other three. Samar returns to ALBA from having been loaned last season to EuroCup side Veolia Towers Hamburg.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🗣️ „I‘m here, let‘s have some fun!“<br><br>Sterling Brown ist gut in Berlin angekommen und hat beim Start des Teamtrainings gleich mal so richtig losgelegt. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/7cmj8WcuyC">pic.twitter.com/7cmj8WcuyC</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1694726997627593036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

As such, some of ALBA's youngest players have a golden chance to impress Coach Gonzalez in these opening days. [Malte Delow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/malte-delow/008211/) is fully established in ALBA's rotation, [Kresimir Nikic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/) is also back after a season on loan, and [Elias Rapieque](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elias-rapieque/011631/) has been promoted to the first squad. ALBA's most experienced players – like [Jonas Mattisseck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jonas-mattisseck/007025/), [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/), [Tim Schneider](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tim-schneider/006251/) and [Christ Koumadje](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/christ-koumadje/010791/) – are set to play an important role early on to establish a good team chemistry.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🚀 Preseason, here we go! 🚀<br><br>Beim heutigen Start des Teamtrainings trafen die neuen und alten Gesichter des Teams zusammen und absolvierten gemeinsam erste Drills. In knapp vier Wochen beginnt die neue Saison. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/eqdem5CP1A">pic.twitter.com/eqdem5CP1A</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1694791565632328188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Preseason schedule

ALBA has scheduled a first preseason game against Hamburg on Sunday, September 3 at MBS Arena in Oranienburg. A week later, ALBA plays on the road against Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Up next, ALBA plays a four-team preseason tournament, the MagentaSport Cup 2023 in Munich, with three other Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams: FC Bayern Munich, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Virtus Segafredo Bologna. [ALBA opens the EuroLeague season playing the German derby on the road against Bayern at BMW Park on October 5](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-alba-berlin/E2023/3/#roster).

ALBA Berlin news

ALBA puts its preseason into motion

Excitement is building ahead of the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign for everyone at Virtus Segafredo Bologna. On Thursday, the club's supporters got a first chance since last spring to see their team's players, new and old, as the Virtus training camp started at Porelli gym. In a commendable decision by the club, Virtus opened its doors to let fans attend the first training session. Their appreciation was more than clear as a robust crowd of 1,000 packed the gym and sang their club songs as the players entered the court to get training camp underway!

 Virtus opens training with 1,000 fans on hand! 

Excitement is building ahead of the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign for everyone at [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/games/vir/?season=2023-24). On Thursday, the club's supporters got a first chance since last spring to see their team's players, new and old, as the Virtus training camp started at Porelli gym. In a commendable decision by the club, Virtus opened its doors to let fans attend the first training session. Their appreciation was more than clear as a robust crowd of 1,000 packed the gym and sang their club songs as the players entered the court to get training camp underway!

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are back 😍 <a href="https://t.co/e0UtUwuOMM">pic.twitter.com/e0UtUwuOMM</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694733618705301910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### World Cup absentees

Virtus head coach [Sergio Scariolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/scariolo-sergio/?season=E2023) is away with the Spanish national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as are new signings [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-bologna-inks-swingman-ognjen-dobric/) (Serbia) and [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/achille-polonara-returns-to-italy-with-virtus-bologna/) (Italy). Elsewhere, [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (France), [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) (Georgia) and [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) (Italy) will also be representing their nations at the tournament, so they were not present for the first day of training camp.

Nevertheless, the Virtus fans in attendance were able to get a glimpse of new signings [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jaleen-smith-signs-for-virtus-bologna/), [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devontae-cacok-heads-to-the-euroleague-with-virtus/) and [Bruno Mascolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-reels-in-guard-bruno-mascolo/), in addition to returning players such as veterans [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/), guard [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) and forwards [Awudu Abass](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/awudu-abass/003527/) and [Jordan Mickey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-mickey/008847/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🙌🏼❤️ <a href="https://t.co/b3uxIQCMrW">pic.twitter.com/b3uxIQCMrW</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694763796819034590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### EuroLeague encore for former champs

Virtus returned to the EuroLeague last season after a 15-year absence and finished with a 14-20 record, but there is plenty of hope in Basket City heading into the new campaign. As a two-time former continental champion, in 1998 and 2001, there are always big goals at Virtus. And with that in mind, Coach Scariolo and his team will be determined to do whatever it takes to make the second year of the club's EuroLeague return a success, ideally with a spot in the playoffs.