After some impressive performances as a EuroLeague debutant with Zalgiris, new Maccabi Tel Aviv BC shooting guard Lonnie Walker is aiming for even bigger things this season.

Lonnie Walker 'a thousand times better' prepared for his second EuroLeague campaign

"Even we don't know what we have in our hands," [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) head coach Oded Kattash said during media day on Thursday.

The coach was referring to the great potential there is on the roster, which features only six returning players. Among their new faces, eight are EuroLeague rookies, half of those are new to European basketball and two arrive directly from the NBA. 

As far as that preparing them for the intensity of the EuroLeague, Kattash said: "The EuroLeague and NBA are almost different sports."

Indeed, history has shown that many American players have struggled in their debut EuroLeague campaigns. And then there is [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/). Walker needed just two games to adjust after joining Zalgiris Kaunas early last season. Then he put together a run of six straight games in which he scored at least 18 points. 

Everybody Loves Lonnie, But Lonnie Loves Basketball

Walker went back to the NBA later in the season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played alongside his new Maccabi teammates [Jeff Dowtin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jeff-dowtin-jr-becomes-the-latest-piece-in-the-maccabi-puzzle/) and [Oshae Brissett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-brings-oshae-brisset-to-the-euroleague/). And Walker seems to be a lot more confident and a lot more dangerous ahead of his second EuroLeague season. 

Asked how much better prepared he is to play in the EuroLeague now with Maccabi than he was when he arrived in Kaunas, Walker responded "a thousand times better" to Euroleague.net's Frankie Sachs. While he also spoke about the defensive adjustments he had to make and the psychological adjustments to having a larger offensive role, the biggest change between Year 1 and Year 2 for Walker is something else entirely. 

"I think the level of intent is a lot different. Everyone knew what my agenda would be going into Europe last year," Walker explained. "Really, I wanted to get back to the NBA, so I think my way of playing was a little bit different. It was more, 'let me showcase my skills' rather than 'let's get some wins as a team'. And I think that's a big difference maker. 

"Going into this season, I'm here. I have a contract. Now, I want to win. I want to make Maccabi back to what they once were, and I take that very seriously. And I think just getting a taste of the EuroLeague last year. Oh, I'm starving. I'm excited."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You have to be as confident in life as Lonnie. 🤞<br><br>PS: He picked someone in the end <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EBF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EBF</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxjZNm4N0k">pic.twitter.com/uxjZNm4N0k</a></p>&mdash; Euroleague Fantasy Challenge (@EBF_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/EBF_Official/status/1968969067164758214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having made that adjustment last season, Walker is doing his best to prepare Dowtin, Brissett and the rest of his teammates for what comes next. He also credited the reigning EuroLeague MVP for Walker's own quick adjustments last season. 

"It all really started because of [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/). He's one of the pioneers of this all as far as Americans feeling or seeing more comfortability coming over here. He's shown that it's possible," Walker said. 

"When you have a player like that. It's kind of just a domino effect. I came next up in line. Now you have more and more players as far as Americans coming in now, so I just try to be my best as far as answering questions the best I can, and making them understand the difference between the NBA and the EuroLeague."

Walker and Nunn have known each other since before they were in the NBA and the two shared a locker room in as teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season. 

"To this day, we still talk about things," Walker said of his relationship with Nunn. "He's a great human being. I'm very grateful to have someone like that in my corner."

Whether or not Walker follows Nunn’s MVP path, his hunger for EuroLeague success — and his leadership within Maccabi — suggest he’s ready to make a serious impact.

More Maccabi Tel Aviv News

After some impressive performances as a EuroLeague debutant with Zalgiris, the shooting guard is aiming for even bigger things this season

As Achille Polonara faces one of the toughest battles of his life, Euroleague Basketball stands strong alongside him. From ex-teammates and coaches to referees, team presidents, and fans around the world, the basketball community is sending an outpouring of love, strength, and solidarity.

Euroleague Basketball unites in support of Achille Polonara

As [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) faces one of the toughest battles of his life, Euroleague Basketball stands strong alongside him. From ex-teammates and coaches to referees, team presidents, and fans around the world, the basketball community is sending an outpouring of love, strength, and solidarity.

Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas, Union of EuroLeague Basketball Officials President Sreten Radovic, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board President Dimitris Itoudis, and many of Achille’s former teammates – including Vasilije Micic, Marco Belinelli, and Toko Shengelia – have all shared heartfelt messages of support.

Diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, Achille is set to undergo a transplant in the coming days. A warrior on the court, Achille now faces a different kind of battle. But with the unwavering support of the entire basketball community, he is not alone.

Stay strong, Achille. We’re with you every step of the way. Together, we send you all our love, strength, and hope.

FC Barcelona swingman Nikola Kusturica has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to wear the team’s jersey in an official game.

Nikola Kusturica makes Barcelona debut, breaks record

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) swingman Nikola Kusturica has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to wear the team’s jersey in an official game.

At just 16 years, four months, and 17 days old, Kusturica took the floor in an 81-90 victory over MoraBanc Andorra in the Catalonian League semifinals. The previous record was held by Eric Vila, who made his Barca debut at 16 years, six months, and 29 days old.

The Serbian prodigy contributed two points in the game. However, his record might soon [be surpassed by Mohamed Dabone, who already played in a preseason game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mohamed-dabone-makes-fc-barcelona-debut/) at the age of 13 earlier this month.

"I feel great and am happy to be with the first team this season. It’s an amazing experience," Kusturica said after the game. "I want to thank coach Joan \[Penarroya\] and the entire coaching staff for trusting me. Now, it's time to keep working."

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<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔵🔴 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐊𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, el més jove en debutar amb el Barça <br> <br>✅ El serbi s’ha convertit en el jugador més jove de la història en debutar oficialment amb el primer equip blaugrana (16 anys, 4 mesos i 17 dies). Ha superat el registre d’Èric Vila (16 anys, 6 mesos i… <a href="https://t.co/9SgUxVgECx">pic.twitter.com/9SgUxVgECx</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1968412902089429136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kusturica is currently in his third season with FC Barcelona and is expected to play in the Spanish U22 League next season. He recently led Serbia to a gold medal at the 2025 U16 EuroBasket, earning MVP honors. Over seven games, Kusturica averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In the Championship Game against Lithuania, he came close to a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals as Serbia triumphed 99-88.

Looking ahead, Kusturica is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming Adidas NextGen EuroLeague tournament.

More FC Barcelona News

He is now the youngest players to play for the Blaugrana in an official game – for now

Paris Basketball has confirmed that it will be without new signing Lamar Stevens and team captain Sebastian Herrera for the French Super Cup and the start of the EuroLeague season due to injury.

Paris duo Lamar Stevens, Sebastian Herrera out for 'weeks'

[Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) has confirmed that it will be without new signing [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lamar-stevens/014009/) and team captain [Sebastian Herrera](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sebastian-herrera/012611/) for the French Super Cup and the start of the EuroLeague season due to injury.

On Saturday, Paris gets its 2025-26 campaign officially underway when it faces Le Mans in the semifinals of the French Super Cup at Roland Garros on Saturday, September 20. A possible final against AS Monaco or Boulazac would take place one day later on Sunday.

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"Lamar Stevens is expected to be out for several weeks due to a foot injury," Paris confirmed in a statement.

"Sebastian Herrera suffered an abdominal contusion during the game against Olympiacos on Sunday, September 14, which will keep him off the court for a few weeks.

"Daulton Hommes is currently in the final stages of recovery after knee surgery."

Although the news about Hommes is positive, he will not suit up at the French Super Cup.

More Paris Basketball News

They will miss the French Super Cup this weekend and also the start of the EuroLeague season

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, a source of year-round excitement, has now become a way for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade fans to support a family in need.

Crvena Zvezda fans helping a family through EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

The [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/), a source of year-round excitement, has now become a way for [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) fans to support a family in need.

The Crvena Zvezda Fans' Foundation has launched a private Fantasy league, with all proceeds from entry fees going towards improving the living conditions of the Stanković family.

To participate, fans are asked to make a €10 donation to the Foundation’s account, with the transaction labeled “Donation: help for Stanković family” (in Serbian: “pomoć porodici Stanković”). Once the donation is made, fans can send proof of payment to one of the Foundation's social media accounts to receive a code granting access to the Fantasy league.

By joining, participants not only get the chance to compete with other fans in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, but also contribute to this meaningful cause.

As Crvena Zvezda fans prepare for a new season with an exciting, revamped roster and hopes of returning to the postseason, they’re making an impact off the court as well, using their love for the game to help those in need.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOohRNhiOnr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Фондација Делије Црна Гора (@fondacijadelijecg)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**Payments from Serbia**

*Fondacija Delije 160-6000001037224-40 Banka Intesa*<br>
*Fondacija Delije 105-3206-14 AIK Banka*

**Payments from Montenegro**

*Bank account 530-000000794929-68*

**International payments**

*BANCA INTESA:*

*Correspondent bank: BCITITMM , INTESA SANPAOLO SPA, MILANO, ITALY*

*IBAN: RS35160600000104166603*

*SWIFT/BIC: DBDBRSBG*

*CUSTOMER:** Fondacija Delije*

More Crvena Zvezda News

All the money from the buy-ins will go to a family in need

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv announced on Thursday that Bulgarian forward Borislav Mladenov was going on loan to BC Vienna for the coming season

 Hapoel sends Borislav Mladenov on loan to Vienna

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/hta/) announced on Thursday that Bulgarian forward Borislav Mladenov was going on loan to BC Vienna for the coming season. The 25-year-old will gain some experience in the ABA League with the Austrian powerhouse.

The son of Bulgarian basketball legend Georgi Mladenov, Borislav was the top scorer in the Bulgarian League last season, which he split between Minyor Pernikin and Levski Sofia. When his loan spell expires at the end of the 2025-26 season,  Mladen will have tow more years remaining on his deal with Hapoel.

The latest from Hapoel Tel Aviv

The Bulgarian star penned a long-term deal with Hapoel last month

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens opened the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament with a 91–82 victory over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Australia. This marked the first-ever EuroLeague matchup held on Australian soil – and the first time two EuroLeague teams faced off in the Southern Hemisphere.

Panathinaikos and Partizan make history in Australia

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens opened the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament with a 91–82 victory over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade at John Cain Arena in Melbourne, Australia. This marked the first-ever EuroLeague matchup held on Australian soil – and the first time two EuroLeague teams faced off in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The sold-out crowd was treated to a thrilling contest, with passionate fans from both clubs filling the stands and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Despite dealing with injuries and jet lag, both teams delivered an exciting performance to kick off their Australian tour, which concludes in Sydney on Sunday.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Before tip-off, Mr. Larry Kestelman, Owner of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL</a>, addressed the crowd, highlighting the significance of this year’s tournament in Australia. 🇦🇺 <br><br>In a memorable moment, he presented an artwork by First Nations, showing two cultures coming together. A special gift to Mrs.… <a href="https://t.co/sedUDa9JfX">pic.twitter.com/sedUDa9JfX</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1968630841426268481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kendrick Nunn led the winners with 21 points. Omer Yurtseven added 20 and 13 rebounds while Nikos Rogkavopoulos had 10 points for Panathinaikos. Duane Washington led Partizan with 19 points. Jabari Parker added 18, Dylan Osetkowski 16 and Sterling Brown 13. 

Washington knocked down four three-pointers in the first quarter, helping Partizan build a 27–20 lead. Osetkowski’s strong play kept Partizan ahead 44–37 at halftime. But Panathinaikos responded with a 10–0 run led by Jerian Grant, Yurtseven, and Nunn to take a 52–46 lead. Rogkavopoulos capped the third quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to make it 62–58. In the final quarter, Juancho Hernangomez energized the crowd with an alley-oop slam followed by a fast-break dunk. Nunn extended the lead to 80–69 with just over four minutes remaining and sealed the win with a powerful dunk in the closing moments.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have arrived!✊🏽⚫️⚪️ | 📍Australia<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/ftEBGFY6eu">pic.twitter.com/ftEBGFY6eu</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1968243654566523351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


### Fan support and atmosphere

Partizan fans made their presence felt from the moment the team arrived, greeting players at the airport and showing strong support in the arena. 

"To have close to 11,000 people in the arena and a true split between Panathinaikos and Partizan supporters is something we have never seen before on Australian soil in basketball," NBL director Nikola Milivojevic said. 

"We will all get to witness and experience the passion and energy these clubs bring, and it sets the perfect stage for the Sydney games on Sunday where fans can expect the same intensity and spectacle."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Basketball history will be made tonight in Melbourne, with a capacity crowd headed to John Cain Arena for the opening game of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament 🙌<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/mIG1cItSrW">https://t.co/mIG1cItSrW</a> <a href="https://t.co/bfUnITjdK7">pic.twitter.com/bfUnITjdK7</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1968460712419737877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### What's next?

Both teams now head to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena for Sunday’s doubleheader. Partizan faces the Sydney Kings and Panathinaikos goes against the Adelaide 36ers. 

"The success of this tournament is a testament of the legacy that Pavlos Giannakopoulos left behind," Panathinaikos president Vassilis Parthenopoulos said. 

"He was a visionary leader and the heart of Panathinaikos for decades. We are so proud to showcase our club in front of our passionate supporters in Melbourne tonight, and to do the same in Sydney on Sunday."

It was the first-ever game between two EuroLeague teams held on Australian soil

There are not many EuroLeague teams that can boast one MVP on their roster, but AS Monaco will be able to count on two – Mike James and new addition Nikola Mirotic – in the 2025-26 season.

Nikola Mirotic: ‘I hope to be the missing piece Monaco needs’

There are not many EuroLeague teams that can boast one MVP on their roster, but [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) will be able to count on two – Mike James and new addition [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) – in the 2025-26 season.

Together with club president Alekszej Fedoricsev, general manager Oleksiy Yefimov, guard Matthew Strazel and forward Alpha Diallo, Mirotic was present for Monaco’s season-opening press conference at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and made it clear that he has joined the Monégasque team with one goal in mind.

“It's a pleasure to be here wearing this jersey,” Mirotic said. “First of all, because this team has ambition and big goals. When you see an organization building something special, you want to be part of it. At 34, I want to win. I hope to be the missing piece the team needs to win the title.

“We have two Euroleague MVPs on the team, but we're missing the most important thing: the EuroLeague trophy. That's why I'm here. I've worked for this, and sometimes it takes time to keep believing. You have to be in the right place at the right time, and Monaco could be that place. Just making it to the Final Four is a huge accomplishment that's difficult to achieve every year.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">♦️🔛 All In 2025 / 2026 !<br><br>Voici les interventions qui ont eu lieu ce matin lors de la présentation de la nouvelle saison au Casino de Monte-Carlo 🇲🇨🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Dbr8pdqAa">pic.twitter.com/2Dbr8pdqAa</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1967974272430960906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mirotic has reached the Final Four on six occasions (2011, 2013, 2014 with Real Madrid; 2022, 2023 and 2024 with FC Barcelona) but he is yet to lift the biggest prize of them all. Together with Mike James and co., he’ll be hoping that he can make history by bringing a first-ever EuroLeague championship to Monaco.

More Monaco News

The new signing took part in an introductory press conference 

Zalgiris Kaunas wrapped up its pre-season campaign in style, edging out the London Lions 68–63 in front of many Lithuanians at Copper Box Arena. The matchup held special significance for London’s head coach, Tautvydas Sabonis, who previously served as an assistant coach with Zalgiris for five seasons. 

Zalgiris met a familiar face in London

Zalgiris Kaunas wrapped up its pre-season campaign in style, edging out the London Lions 68–63 in front of many Lithuanians at Copper Box Arena. The matchup held special significance for London’s head coach, Tautvydas Sabonis, who previously served as an assistant coach with Zalgiris for five seasons. 

Sylvain Francisco led Zalgiris with 15 points, while Moses Wright contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. On the Lions' side, Jonathan Williams topped the scoring with 17 points, and Kameron McGusty added 15. The Lions are set to return to the BKT EuroCup in the upcoming 2025–26 season. Zalgiris maintained control for most of the game, though the Lions narrowed the gap to 64–63 late in the fourth quarter. Deividas Sirvydis and Edgaras Ulanovas secured the win from the free-throw line.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOt8ywiDQNZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOt8ywiDQNZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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Following the game, Zalgiris head coach Tomas Masiulis expressed gratitude to the Lithuanian fans who filled the stands, especially given it was an away game. “The atmosphere was amazing – we felt like we were at home. It was a real pleasure to play in front of such a large crowd,” said Masiulis. “There’s still a lot of work to be done before we reach our ideal form, but the most important thing is to keep progressing every day.”

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It beat the London Lions, coached by former assistant Tautvydas Sabonis 
