Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Thursday night.

FIBA Continental Qualifiers roundup: February 20

## EuroBasket Qualifiers 2025

### Hungary 87-78 Iceland

[Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) had a brilliant performance for Iceland with a joint game-high 25 points, but it wasn’t enough as Iceland fell to defeat. The [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) guard also amassed 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block.

Despite Iceland's defeat, it remains in pole position to reach EuroBasket 2025 as it sits third in Group B with a 2-3 record, but a defeat against Turkiye in the final game could see Hungary steal it at the last after securing the head-to-head advantage with its nine-point victory on Thursday.

### Turkiye 67-80 Italy

This game featured 13 EuroLeague players on the court – five for Turkiye and eight for Italy – and one EuroLeague head coach on the sidelines in Ergin Ataman, yet it was the Italians who came out on top.

All five of Italy’s double-digit scorers ply their trade in the EuroLeague, with [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/)’s [Giordano Bortolani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giordano-bortolani/006701/) netting 16 points, ALBA duo [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/) and [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) adding 14 and 12 points separately and [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) pair [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) and [Nicola Akele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicola-akele/011816/) pouring in 12 and 11 points respectively. The other Italian EuroLeague players in action were Virtus's [Momo Diouf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamet-diouf/013374/) (8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block), Milan's [Guglielmo Caruso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guglielmo-caruso/006721/) (4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block), and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/)’s [Dame Sarr](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dame-sarr/011666/) (2 points).

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) play-caller Ataman saw [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), his forward on the Greens, finished with 16 points, while [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/)’s [Onuralp Bitim](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/onuralp-bitim/007929/) had 13. [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/)'s trio [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (4 points), [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) (3) and [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/erkan-yilmaz/006372/) (2) could only combine for 9 points.

Both teams have already qualified for EuroBasket 2025, with Italy top of Group B with a 4-1 record and Turkiye in second at 3-2.

### Latvia 83-66 Spain

Virtus forward [Andrejs Grazulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andrejs-grazulis/005738/) may have scored just 4 points, but he did have a big impact on Latvia’s win by posting 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. For Spain, [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/)’s [Hugo Gonzalez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hugo-gonzalez/011649/) had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block, and Barcelona's [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-parra/007464/) recorded 5 points and 5 rebounds.

Both Latvia and Spain have already booked their tickets for EuroBasket 2025, with Latvia in first place at 5-0 and Spain in third at 2-3.

### Bulgaria 81-77 Sweden

There was no stopping [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/)’s [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), who put up a monster stat line of 40 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a 49 PER as Bulgaria grabbed a crucial victory in overtime to avoid elimination. He was helped by [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/)’s [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), who dished 9 assists, scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Bulgaria heads into the final round against the 3-2 Germany knowing that only a win will suffice as it sits bottom of Group D with a 2-3 record. It did beat the reigning FIBA World Cup champion by five points in the second round, but Sweden in third, also 2-3, holds the head-to-head advantage after beating Bulgaria by 14 in the first round. The 3-2 Montenegro also beat Bulgaria in both of their matchups.

### Montenegro 76-95 Germany

Eight EuroLeague players took to the floor for Germany, the reigning FIBA World Cup champion, in what was an important triumph for the nation. [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/)’s [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) scored 13 points, Bayern’s [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/), [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and [Justus Hollatz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justus-hollatz/009513/) chipped in with 9, 8 and 4 points apiece, and ALBA quartet [Tim Schneider](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tim-schneider/006251/) (6 points), [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/) (5), [Jonas Mattisseck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jonas-mattisseck/007025/) (2) and [Malte Delow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/malte-delow/008211/) (1) contributed a combined 14 points.

Neither Montenegro nor Germany have yet sealed their place at EuroBasket 2025, but they are tied for the best record in Group D at 3-2. A win for Germany at home to Bulgaria and a victory for Montenegro in Sweden would see them both advance; even a loss to Sweden would be enough to move on, so long as Germany beat Bulgaria.

## AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers

### Venezuela 67-64 Argentina

Real Madrid playmaker [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) posted 7 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists as Argentina were defeated. Despite losing, reigning AmeriCup champion Argentina has secured its ticket for the 2025 tournament.

### Puerto Rico 71-72 USA

Baskonia sharpshooter [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) showed out on his Puerto Rico debut, scoring a game-high 17 points and also contributing 5 rebounds and 1 assist as his nation came close to defeating the USA, which booked its ticket for AmeriCup 2025 with this win.

### Colombia 97-91 Chile

[Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) guard and Chile captain [Sebastian Herrera](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sebastian-herrera/012611/) netted 25 points, in addition to recording 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, but it came in defeat.

### Bahamas 97-74 Cuba

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) big man and Cuba captain [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) amassed 15 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist as his team fell to a heavy defeat against the Bahamas.

## FIBA World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers

### Norway 68-59 Luxembourg

ALBA’s 18-year-old forward [Dorian Grosber](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dorian-grosber/012099/) finished with 8 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal for Luxembourg, but it came in defeat.

### Kosovo 81-79 Azerbaijan

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) big man [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) gave his all for Azerbaijan but ended up doing so in a losing effort, as he posted a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double, in addition to 2 assists and 1 block.

Check out the EuroLeague players who shined in FIBA play on Thursday night (PHOTO: FIBA)

Continental Qualifiers roundup: Vezenkov, Bonga among those who shined

Bulgaria and Olympiacos BC's Sasha Vezenkov had a 40-point, 18-rebound double-double in an 81-77 overtime win to prevent his nation from being eliminated in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

Sasha Vezenkov put Bulgaria on his back to keep EuroBasket 2025 hopes alive

It took overtime for the result to be settled, but [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) – not for the first time this season – went into Superman mode to ensure his team went home happy.

An enthralling back-and-forth contest between Vezenkov’s Bulgaria and a resilient Sweden in the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers on Thursday night will be one to remember for the fans inside Arena Botevgrad, who were treated to a truly dominant performance by the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s MVP of the Month for January.

Vezenkov put up eye-popping numbers by posting a 40-point, 18-rebound double-double in an 81-77 overtime victory, in addition to dishing 4 assists, making 2 steals and recording a 49 efficiency rating – the highest PER of any player in the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. Those 40 points are the third most by a player during these qualifiers, too.

One of the more impressive aspects of his performance was that he didn’t slow down, despite being double-teamed for large parts of the contest – particularly in the closing stages. At halftime he sat on 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, then he added 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and another steal in the second half. Once in overtime, he made sure to tag on 6 points and 2 rebounds.

As EuroLeague fans know, once the [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) star gets going, there’s no cooling him off. It was needed, too, because Bulgaria came into the game knowing that it needed to win, having gone 1-3 through the first four games. However, Bulgaria’s four-point win wasn’t enough to overturn the 14-point loss it suffered against Sweden in the first window, meaning Sweden still has the head-to-head advantage.

"Fourteen points was really tough. But I am proud of these guys,” Vezenkov said after the game. “The third quarter was magnificent and we got close, but we couldn't do it.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">An absolute Sasha Vezenkov masterclass. 👨‍🏫<br><br>📊 40 PTS | 18 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZKZdRTWnyt">pic.twitter.com/ZKZdRTWnyt</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1892658286807126249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thursday night’s triumph improved Bulgaria to a 2-3 mark and saw it move to seven points, yet Germany’s 76-95 win at Montenegro in the late tipoff on Thursday has made things more complicated for Vezenkov and co.

Heading into the final round of games in the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, Bulgaria remains bottom of Group D but still has a chance of progressing given that the standings are so congested; both Bulgaria and third-placed Sweden are on seven points, with first-placed Germany and second-placed Montenegro on eight. And who will Vezenkov’s team be facing next? Germany, the reigning FIBA World Cup champion.

Bulgaria's Sasha Vezenkov in action against Sweden in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. (PHOTO: FIBA)

Bulgaria head into Sunday’s game in Bamberg knowing, once again, that anything other than a win will result in elimination. Perhaps Bulgaria already has the blueprint, though, having defeated Germany 67-62 in the first window – and that was a game without Vezenkov available. Still, the Olympiacos star is aware of the task at hand.

"It's really tough. They have really good players,” Vezenkov said of Germany. “They have seven guys from the World Cup team. Nothing is impossible but it will be really, really tough.”

Germany certainly comes into the game as the favorite, but that could actually play into Bulgaria’s favor. Plus, if anybody is capable of making the impossible possible, it is Sasha Vezenkov.

The Olympiacos forward had an MVP-level performance in a win-or-go-home game (PHOTO: FIBA)

Euroleague Basketball and TikTok are joining forces to bring fans the most immersive experience yet, as Hoop District will be streamed live globally on the EuroLeague official  TikTok for the first time. 

Hoop District Goes Live on TikTok: A Groundbreaking Global First

Euroleague Basketball and TikTok are joining forces to bring fans the most immersive experience yet, as [Hoop District](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Fes%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fthe-hoop-district-is-back%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676107841%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Cj7yzYn7x%2B1JwbV7lxkfeQhsFp7dp7p%2FJoCMOYuzLC0%3D&reserved=0) will be streamed live globally on the [EuroLeague official ](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676122260%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ee3PA3YR3ous%2F3YheavKMqv39GQkwAjUqAgw%2FxRxm6s%3D&reserved=0) [TikTok](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676136116%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Vui8Ooa5v%2B33SMdDQYaoPHsyJO1Mr%2FSQ8m4bt1lELB4%3D&reserved=0) for the first time. This partnership aligns perfectly with the disruptive and innovative spirit of the tournament, ensuring that fans worldwide can engage with every moment of the action like never before.

Starting February 22nd, Hoop District will launch its [TikTok LIVE](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676149436%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UJCSDfgkd%2FH%2FArt%2BtmNMgHEs%2FLPgvXvyz2yhTLSXqFI%3D&reserved=0) coverage with the Bologna qualifier, marking the first time the leading social media platform will cover a content creators' event on a global scale. To maximize coverage, TikTok will launch a 360-degree content campaign, featuring activations to amplify the event’s impact, a dedicated rewards program to bring content creators on-site, and dynamic content and engagement initiatives surrounding the event.

Launched in 2024, Hoop District is a revolutionary 3x3 basketball tournament featuring top content creators at the forefront. Following the success of its inaugural editions in Paris and Berlin, the event expands in 2025 to three major European cities: Bologna, Athens, and Barcelona. More than just basketball, Hoop District blends disruptive game rules with pop culture, music, and street style, creating an electrifying spectacle for fans around the world.

"We are thrilled to partner with TikTok to bring Hoop District to a global audience," said Alex Ferrer Kristjansson, Marketing and Communication Chief Officer at Euroleague Basketball. "This collaboration represents a major step in redefining how fans engage with basketball content, offering an unparalleled interactive experience that blends sports, entertainment, and digital innovation. TikTok is the perfect platform for Hoop District, as both share a dynamic, youthful audience that thrives on creativity, engagement, and cutting-edge content."

Through this exclusive TikTok collaboration, fans can follow all the action live on the [EuroLeague TikTok account](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676162818%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f%2Buhx7cQS02Z5X4gzqy8HRrxYtfX1FX5mBZXCH%2BPvDw%3D&reserved=0). The coverage will include full game streams, behind-the-scenes content, and unique interactive opportunities, allowing viewers to engage directly with influencers and content creators.

May Huang, Head of LIVE Operations, TikTok EU said: "TikTok LIVE is all about connecting global audiences through authentic, interactive, and immersive content and experiences, and Hoop District perfectly embodies this spirit. We can't wait to see fans across the world come together, celebrate, and engage with the game in exciting new ways."

Adding to the excitement, the renowned [Simply British Ballers (SBB)](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40sbb_uk&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676176832%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sfblZ7skdzX5heCdw4dGsUwRjGUY7qkd6dzK6QGX2H8%3D&reserved=0) will lead the special [TikTok LIVE](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676191741%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JBJUE%2FRdGTof7sbdD6aQb6URWVlwstlqSD%2BFTURYoTM%3D&reserved=0) coverage throughout the Qualifying and Final stages, providing fans with deeper insights and a front-row seat to the experience like never before.

This initiative builds on the successful collaboration between Euroleague Basketball and TikTok during the [2021 Final Four in Cologne](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmediacentre.euroleague.net%2Fmediacentre%2Fen%2Fpress_releases%2Fsingle%2F1724%2Fno%3Fapp%3D2&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676205340%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7aGI%2F5TfW4tw2sTWYxpEi9i%2FmKH%2Bxls1oDi1GT7wZRc%3D&reserved=0), which brought the event to audiences in the U.S. and Canada. Now, this partnership expands on a global scale, ensuring basketball enthusiasts around the world can tune in and be part of the action.

Stay connected, experience the thrill, and be part of history as Hoop District takes over [TikTok LIVE](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40euroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cdiego.fernandez%40euroleague.net%7C8748e5e7715342fe4ae408dd4ac2c934%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638748922676149436%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UJCSDfgkd%2FH%2FArt%2BtmNMgHEs%2FLPgvXvyz2yhTLSXqFI%3D&reserved=0)!

Zalgiris Kaunas has confirmed the departure of Lonnie Walker, who has signed for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA.

Lonnie Walker departs Zalgiris Kaunas

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) has confirmed the departure of star guard [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/), who returns to the NBA after a three-and-a-half month stint with the Lithuanian club.

Walker made a total of 19 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for Zalgiris, averaging 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/lonniewalker_4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lonniewalker_4</a> is moving back to the NBA, as he agreed with the <a href="https://twitter.com/sixers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sixers</a>. ✍️<br><br>Thank you for your huge dunks, true professionalism, and good luck in your next chapter. 💚 <a href="https://t.co/NGF6mg05AK">pic.twitter.com/NGF6mg05AK</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1892231743941345456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 26-year-old had never played in the EuroLeague prior to his Zalgiris debut in Round 8, having spent his entire career in the United States, playing 341 times in the NBA.

Walker signed for the Philadelphia 76ers, where he will now play alongside 2023 EuroLeague champion [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/).

The top plays of Lonnie Walker, who played for Zalgiris Kaunas in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague between Round 8 and Round 26 of the 2024-25 season.

Lonnie Walker's EuroLeague best plays

Walker had some standout performances during his time in the EuroLeague, scoring 18 points or more in six straight games between Round 10 and Round 15. He set his career high in scoring in Round 13 by netting 26 points against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. He also had 24 points in a Round 11 win over Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and 21 points in a Round 15 victory against Real Madrid.

The guard's final EuroLeague appearance came in Round 26 against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, a game which saw him finish with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 0 turnovers.

More Zalgiris News

He played 19 times for the team after joining ahead of Round 8

Lonnie Walker departs Zalgiris

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced on Wednesday that it has signed combo guard Jimmy Clark to a multi-year contract. Clark played college basketball at Duquesne University, which he led to the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in his senior season, 2023-24

Maccabi inks guard Jimmy Clark to multi-year deal

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv announced on Wednesday that it has signed combo guard Jimmy Clark to a multi-year contract. The deal bonds the two teams through the end of the 2026-27 season. Clark (1.91 meters, 23 years old) arrives from fellow Israeli club Bnei Herzliya, where he has had an outstanding season.

Clark has averaged 14.5 points on 56.7% two-point shooting, 5.8 assists and 2.0 steals over 17 Israeli League games. He ranks fourth in the league in assists and second in steals. Earlier this season against Maccabi, Clark shined with 19 points on 5-of-6 three-point shooting, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">כל הפרטים &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/AL4ad2pIqw">https://t.co/AL4ad2pIqw</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZybuvGrVCw">pic.twitter.com/ZybuvGrVCw</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱 (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1892183409700528512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Jimmy Clark is a young player who has already shown good ability on both sides of the court in his first year in Europe," Coach Oded Katash said of the signing. "He has a good character that suits us, he has a lot of upside, so this is a multi-year signing and it is significant for the club for years to come. He is a player who, in terms of what he brings to the court, can help us meet our goals and will help us in our games."

A native of the state of Georgia in the Unites States, Clark played college basketball at Duquesne University, which he led to the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in his senior season, 2023-24. He was twice named to the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team, too.

More Maccabi news

The contract is through the end of the 2026-27 season

Paris Basketball superstar TJ Shorts not only leads the way in season assists, but he also tops the charts in this category over the last five games.

Who's hot: A three-way race to become the assists king

Three players are leading the race to be the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's assists king this season: [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) star [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) ball handler [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) playmaker [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) are in the race to reach the history books, just like [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), back then with [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/), did last season (7.3 APG).

Shorts reached the February break ahead of everyone else, dishing 176 assists in 24 games for an average of 7.3 per night.

Blatt led this race for the large part of the season and is currently second with 7.2 assists per game. Campazzo is third with 6.9 assists per game, followed by [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/)'s [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (5.8 APG) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/)'s [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (5.6 APG).

Shorts is on the right track to set a new season assists record. The man who currently holds that honor is [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who dished 286 for [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) in the 2018-19 season. Shorts needs 111 assists in nine games to make history – 12.3 assists per contest.

Shorts climbed to first place by dishing more assists than anyone in the last five games, as many as 38 (7.6 APG). He managed to do that while picking up just 7 turnovers for an assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.43. Shorts set this season's single-game assists record in Round 22, [dishing 14 in a 96-83 home win over Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/paris-basketball-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2024/192/#boxscore).

Shorts is also the only player to rank Top 5 in points and assists this season. He ranks fifth in scoring with 18.0 points per game. Shorts is also fifth in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.74), way ahead of his main contenders in the assists king race, Blatt (2.27) and Campazzo (2.97).

Interestingly, Shorts is the only player featured in both lists: most assists in the last five games and in the entire season, leading both. [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/)'s [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) ranks second in the last five games (7.2 APG), followed by Panathinaikos's [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) (6.6 APG), Calathes (6.5 APG), Baskonia's [Trent Forrest](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trent-forrest/013367/) (5.8 APG) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/)'s [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) (5.8 APG).

It should be no surprise that veteran players like Sloukas, Calathes and Satoransky improve their assists numbers as the season go on. Sloukas, the 2024 Final Four MVP and a four-time champion, had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.22 in his opening 20 games. Since then, Sloukas had 33 assists and just 5 turnovers for a 6.60 ratio.

When it comes to assists, Shorts has been rock-solid all season, getting 4 or more in all games bar one. He had three double-doubles of points and assists this season, just as Blatt and Weiler-Babb. The other two other players to get multiple double-doubles involving points and assists are Campazzo and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/)'s [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), with twice apiece.

TJ Shorts leads the EuroLeague in assists and is also first in the last five games

These players are the lucky few that have managed to reach the pinnacle in both the EuroLeague and FIBA continental competitions.

Celebrating those who have worn EuroLeague and FIBA continental crowns

Even though it is never easy to find success on both a club and national team level, some have managed to do just that. In fact, every EuroBasket-winning team in the 21st century has had at least one Turkish Airlines EuroLeague or BKT EuroCup winner on its roster.

### No one has won more than King Rudy

In recent years, Spain's dominance at the EuroBasket has allowed some players to put together a legendary roll of honors. No one more than [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rudy-fernandez/bmt/), who first won the EuroCup with Joventut Badalona in 2008 and then added EuroBasket crowns in 2009 and 2011. In 2015, he won the EuroLeague with Real Madrid and a EuroBasket gold medal in the space of a few months! He added more EuroLeague championships in 2018 and 2023 and another EuroBasket gold in 2022.

Fernandez's achievements also include two FIBA World Cup titles, three Olympic medals, seven Spanish Leagues championships, seven Spanish Cups and the only Intercontinental Cup he took part in, which came with Real in 2015.

Fernandez leads a short list of players who won the EuroLeague, EuroCup and EuroBasket titles. [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rubio-ricky/lfw/) won the EuroLeague with FC Barcelona (2010), the EuroCup with Joventut (2008) and two EuroBaskets with Spain (2009, 2011) before age 21. That list also includes [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) (CSKA Moscow 2015, 2019; Valencia Basket 2010; France 2013), [Aleksey Savrasenko](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksey-savrasenko/alr/) (Olympiacos Piraeus 1997; CSKA 2006, 2008; Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar 2013; Russia 2007), [Antonis Fotsis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/antonis-fotsis/bez/) (Panathinaikos Athens 2000, 2009, 2011; Dynamo Moscow 2006; Greece 2005), [Felipe Reyes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/felipe-reyes/aax/) (Real 2015, 2018; Real 2007; Spain 2009, 2011, 2015), [Lazaros Papadopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lazaros-papadopoulos/app/) (Panathinaikos 2002; Olympiacos 2012; Dynamo 2006; Greece 2005) and [Dejan Tomasevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dejan-tomasevic/afc/) (Panathinaikos 2007; Valencia 2003; Yugoslavia 1995, 1997 and 2001).

### More multiple-time winners

There is also an elite group of players who have won the EuroBasket and the EuroLeague three times. Only two of them won all six trophies in the 21st century: Fernandez and longtime teammate [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) (Real 2015, 2018, 2023; Spain 2009, 2011, 2015). Recent three-time EuroLeague and EuroBasket winners also include [Dejan Bodiroga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bodiroga-dejan/apn/) (Panathinaikos 2000, 2002, Barca 2003; Yugoslavia 1995, 1997, 2001) and [Zoran Savic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zoran-savic/aoe/) (Split 1990, 1991, Virtus Segafredo Bologna 1998; Yugoslavia 1991, 1995, 1997).

You have to go way back to complete the list with Gennady Volnov (CSKA 1961, 1963, 1969; Soviet Union 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969), Janis Krumins (ASK Riga 1958, 1959, 1960, Soviet Union 1959, 1961, 1963), Valdis Muiznieks (ASK Riga 1958, 1959, 1960; Soviet Union 1957, 1959, 1961) and Maigonis Valdmanis (ASK Riga 1958, 1959, 1960; Soviet Union 1957, 1959, 1961).

### Coaches Obradovic and Gomelskiy set the standard

When it comes to head coaches, two names stand out. Zeljko Obradovic captured nine EuroLeague titles with five different teams: Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in 1992, Joventut in 1994, Real in 1995, Panathinaikos in 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011, and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in 2017, while he also lifted the EuroBasket trophy with Yugoslavia in 1997. If you think 10 combined titles are unbeatable, think again.

Alexander Gomelskiy led ASK Riga to the first-ever EuroLeague three-peat from 1958 to 1960, won a fourth title with CSKA in 1971 and added seven EuroBasket crowns with the Soviet Union (1961, 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1979 and 1981).

### More and more champions!

Some 42 players have won either the EuroLeague, the EuroCup, or both, as well as a EuroBasket gold medal in the 21st century.

[Marko Jaric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-jaric/anm/) was the first player to win the EuroLeague and the EuroBasket in the 21st century, getting both titles in 2001. Bodiroga and Tomasevic were his 2001 EuroBasket teammates and went on to win the EuroLeague.

The only Lithuanian to claim EuroLeague and EuroBasket titles was [Sarunas Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/saras-jasikevicius/adg/) (Barca 2003; Maccabi Tel Aviv 2004, 2005; Panathinaikos 2009; Lithuania 2003). [Eurelijus Zukauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eurelijus-zukauskas/adx/), [Mindaugas Zukauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mindaugas-zukauskas/ags/) and [Saulius Stombergas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/saulius-stombergas/ajh/) narrowly missed the cut, winning EuroBasket 2003 with Lithuania and the EuroLeague with Zalgiris Kaunas... in 1999.

There were 11 EuroLeague winners — or future winners — on the 12-man Greek squad that won EuroBasket 2005: [Ioannis Bourousis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ioannis-bourousis/aqu/), [Dimitris Diamantidis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimitris-diamantidis/jko/), [Dimos Dikoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimos-dikoudis/abb/), [Antonis Fotsis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/antonis-fotsis/bez/), [Nikos Chatzivrettas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikos-hatzivrettas/bcs/), [Lazaros Papadopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lazaros-papadopoulos/app/), [Theo Papaloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theodoros-papaloukas/atw/), [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/), [Kostas Tsartsaris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-tsartsaris/acn/), [Panos Vasilopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/panagiotis-vasilopoulos/jrf/) and [Nikos Zisis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikos-zisis/abn/). Only [Michalis Kakiouzis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/michailis-kakiouzis/abg/), who reached three EuroLeague Final Fours, didn't lift the trophy.

[J.R. Holden](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jr-holden/aqo/) and [Victor Khryapa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/victor-khryapa/bcq/) join Savrasenko as Russian winners. [Anthony Randolph](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/anthony-randolph/005757/) and [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) won EuroBasket 2017 with Slovenia and the EuroLeague with Real in 2018, and the rest of the names are Spanish: Fernandez, Llull, Rubio, Reyes, [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), [Juan Carlos Navarro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-carlos-navarro/adi/), [Victor Sada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/victor-sada/bgo/) and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), who raised the EuroBasket 2022 trophy before helping Panathinaikos win the EuroLeague last season.

Plenty of Spanish players join Rubio, Reyes and Fernandez as EuroCup and EuroBasket winners: [Alberto Diaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/alberto-diaz/004213/), [Pablo Aguilar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pablo-aguilar/ksf/), [Victor Claver](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/victor-claver/000556/), [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/), [Fernando San Emeterio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/fernando-san-emeterio/000518/), [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) and [Alex Mumbru](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/alex-mumbru/bfj/).

The list is completed by [Antoine Diot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/antoine-diot/tfk/), [Mickael Gelabale](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mickael-gelabale/bhn/) and [Florent Pietrus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/florent-pietrus/azk/) of France, Savrasenko, [Sergey Bykov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sergey-bykov/kos/), [Sergey Monya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sergey-monia/bfx/), [Zakhar Pashutin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zakhar-pashutin/ayu/) and [Petr Samoylenko](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/petr-samoylenko/kvk/) of Russia, Papadopoulos and Fotsis of Greece, and Tomasevic of Serbia.

### Celebrating the seven EuroLeague and AmeriCup champions

The list of players who have trophies as champions of both the EuroLeague and the FIBA AmeriCup is short. It features seven names: [Manu Ginobili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/emanuel-ginobili/akx/), [Pepe Sanchez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/pepe-sanchez/azu/), [Andres Nocioni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andres-nocioni/apr/), [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) and [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) of Argentina, [Anderson Varejao](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/anderson-varejao/bbw/) of Brazil, and [Gustavo Ayon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gustavo-ayon/005927/) of Mexico.

The first to lay claim to this honor was Ginobili, who in 2001 won the EuroLeague with Virtus Bologna and later that summer won the AmeriCup. His Argentina teammate that summer, Sanchez, was next when he claimed a EuroLeague championship the next year with Panathinaikos. Andres Nocioni, who — like Ginobili and Sanchez — won the AmeriCup for the second time in 2011, tasted EuroLeague glory for the first time in 2015.

Nocioni is one of the three Argentinians to win the AmeriCup as well as the EuroLeague with Real. Campazzo was already a two-time EuroLeague champion (2015, 2018) when he won the AmeriCup alongside Deck in 2022. Deck then joined the club by winning the EuroLeague with Real last season.

Ayon joins Campazzo as the only player to win the EuroLeague twice as well as the AmeriCup. Ayon, who won the 2013 AmeriCup with Mexico, was a teammate of Campazzo on both the 2015 and 2018 Real squads. Brazil's Varejao completes the list; he was a EuroLeague champion with Barcelona in 2003 and an AmeriCup champion in both 2005 and 2009.

### A single EuroLeague and AfroBasket

[Salah Mejri](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/salah-mejri/005196/) from Tunisia is a two-time AfroBasket winner (2011, 2021), the 2011 AfroBasket MVP and, with Real Madrid, won the 2015 EuroLeague. He is the only player with both titles, though Senegal's [Boniface Ndong](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/boniface-ndong/tge/) came pretty close. Ndong won the EuroLeague in 2010 with Barcelona and earlier was named the 2005 AfroBasket MVP even though Senegal finished second after a narrow loss to Angola.

More players will surely add their names to these lists in 2025 when a new crop of EuroBasket, AmeriCup and AfroBasket winners celebrate atop the podium.

Not many players have won the EuroLeague and been crowned continental champions with their national teams. Let's see who has.

Is this season’s rebounding crown up for grabs? Joel Bolomboy is doing his best to shut the door on that conversation. The KK Crvena zvezda big man leads the EuroLeague in rebounding this season with 8.1 rebounds per game.

Who's hot: Can anyone catch Joel Bolomboy for rebounding crown?

Is this season’s rebounding crown up for grabs? [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) is doing his best to shut the door on that conversation. The [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) big man leads the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in rebounding this season with 8.1 rebounds per game, which would be the most in the last three seasons.

[Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) was the 2023-24 rebounding leader with 7.1 per game for [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) and the year before it was [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), then of [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/), with the same average. [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) averaged 8.2 as the top man for [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) in 2021-22.

Bolomboy makes a strong case, especially since he has remained hot. Over the last five rounds, Bolomboy is fifth in the league with 7.2 rebounds per game. However, it is noteworthy that Bolomboy has only appeared in 15 games this season, so any off night can significantly dent his average.

However, if Bolomboy maintains that 7.2 per game average for Zvezda's remaining eight games, he will finish the regular season with an average of 7.8, which as mentioned before would be the best in the league the past two seasons.

### Who could catch Bolomboy?

The best rebounder over the past five rounds has been Panathinaikos's [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) and it's not by accident. Lessort is third in the league with 7.1 rebounds per game, but he is not expected to play again in the regular season after suffering [a broken leg in December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/). Since the rule applied to qualify for the leaders’ board is having played in more than half of one's team's games, Lessort will fall off the charts after Round 34. 

In Lessort's absence, Hernangomez has taken on a bigger role on the glass. Not only does he lead the league with 9.0 rebounds per game over the past five rounds, he has been worth 8.8 over the last eight games. However, that has only been enough to raise his rebounding average to 6.3 per game, which is sixth in the league. If Hernangomez were to average 9 rebounds per game for the remainder of the regular season, that would only be enough to push his average up to 6.9 per game. 

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) of [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/), who led the league with 8.0 rebounds per game in 2020-21, is second to date this season with 7.4 per game. He would need to average 9.1 rebounds per game over the last eight rounds to overtake Bolomboy's projected 7.8 number.

Another potential candidate to catch Bolomboy could be [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/). The [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) big man, who leads the league with four double-doubles this season, is fourth for the season with 6.6 rebounds per game and second over the last five rounds with 8.0 per game.  He would need to average 11.6 boards over his last eight regular season games to catch Bolomboy’s projected finish.

[David McCormack](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/david-mccormack/013386/) of [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) is third in the league over the last five rounds with 7.6 rebounds per game. He has averaged 6.5 rebounds per game since joining ALBA. Unfortunately for him, McCormack played limited minutes in six appearances for [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) to start the season and those drop his full-season average to 4.9 per game.

The Crvena Zvezda big leads the league with 8.1 per game

PIR is one of the most discussed – and controversial – statistical categories, but some players have really stood out over the last five games with their numbers.

Who’s hot: Stepping up towards the business end of the season

PIR is one of the most discussed – and controversial – statistical categories, but it is often a good indication of which players are doing the right things, such as not turning the ball over, being efficient from the floor, and making a difference for their teams.

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) star [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) was synonymous with big PIR numbers before leaving for the NBA in 2023, particularly in his MVP-winning season in 2022-23, and he’s picked up where he left off since returning to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this past summer by posting a league-best 25.0 PIR per night. Joining the January MVP of the Month on the podium are [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/)’s [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) with a 22.8 PIR season average and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/)’s [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) – November’s MVP – with a 22.6 PIR.

Curiously, Vezenkov has bettered his season average in PIR over the last five games by recording a 27.8 PIR as Olympiacos has gone 4-1, with the team’s 10-1 run over the last 11 games helping it secure a firm grasp on first spot in the EuroLeague standings. The two-time All-EuroLeague First Team forward has netted 21.0 points on 70.6% on two-pointers, 57.9% from deep and 88.9% on free throws, as well as 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 turnovers, since Round 22. Yet, that is not the highest PIR average posted by a player over this five-game stretch.

That honor belongs to Mr. Ahah himself, [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/)’s [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/). The 29-year-old has been a dream for managers in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) by recording a 28.0 PIR over his last five contests, with Baskonia going 3-2 in that time and notably beating reigning champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Spanish rival FC Barcelona.

In that stretch, Moneke has amassed 16.8 points by shooting 79.2% inside the arc, 32.0% from outside and 81.5% from the charity stripe, in addition to 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 boards on the offensive end, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals. Those three wins have given Moneke and co. hope that they can make the Play-In Showdown, while its two losses – a 90-89 decision at Real Madrid and a 92-85 defeat at AS Monaco – were both closely contested right to the end.

The standings are not too kind to [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/), which sits 16th with a 7-19 record, but star forward [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) has been lights out of late, matching Vezenkov’s season average of 25.0 PIR per game.

Virtus went just 1-4 over those five contests, yet Shengelia’s career-best night of 35 points and a 39 PIR in a loss at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul was further proof that the 2010 All-EuroLeague First Team selection still has plenty left in the tank. The Georgian only returned to action in Round 21 after injury, but he’s averaged 20.6 points on 64.7% two-pointers, 50.0% on threes and 80.6% on free throws, 3.0 of his 5.2 rebounds on the offensive glass, 4.4 assists and 0.6 steals over Virtus’s last five contests.

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Like Vezenkov, Shorts in the top three in season PIR and has improved on his average since Round 22. Paris has gone 3-2 since Round 22 and Shorts has posted a 24.6 PIR, 2.0 index rating points more than his season average.

Shorts has shot 69.0% on two-pointers, 40.0% on threes and 71.4% from the line since Round 22 while also averaging 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.4 turnovers as the motor that drives Paris’s offense. Many expected Paris to drop further down the standings, but Shorts’s squad is sitting in seventh with a 15-10 record and is only one game back of direct qualification for the playoffs.

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Rounding out the top five in PIR over the last five games is Milan’s [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/). Given that Mirotic has been sidelined since Round 22, it has been LeDay who has taken on more responsibility by averaging a 22.2 PIR over this five-game stretch. The 30-year-old has averaged 19.2 points by shooting 62.5% on two-pointers, 40.0% on triples and a perfect 100.0% (25 for 25) on free throws, as well as 4.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.4 steals since Round 22.

Milan has snuck into the play-in zone with a 14-12 record after picking up a couple of wins in its last five, with LeDay particularly shining in those two victories, finishing with 33 points and 8 rebounds against Panathinaikos and 26 points at Zalgiris Kaunas. With LeDay playing at this level, Milan has remained alive as it hopes to return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

These individuals have had huge roles for their teams recently and been key in victories