The trade involving 2017-18 EuroLeague MVP Luka Doncic between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers has been spoken about all around the world, so this week's EuroLeague & Friends episode – featuring Deniz Aksoy from Turkiye, Milena Martin from Spain, Vasiliki Karamouza from Greece, and Shani Blatt from Israel – looked at some hypothetical trade scenarios involving EuroLeague players. 

The EuroLeague & Friends gang discuss hypothetical trade scenarios in episode No. 15 

The trade involving 2017-18 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers has been spoken about all around the world, so this week's EuroLeague & Friends episode – featuring [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/) from Turkiye, [Milena Martin](https://www.instagram.com/milenagramm/) from Spain, [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://www.instagram.com/vasiliki_karamouza/) from Greece, and [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/) from Israel – looked at some hypothetical trade scenarios involving EuroLeague players. Check it out!

The EuroLeague & Friends discuss hypothetical trade scenarios in episode No. 15 

The EuroLeague & Friends gang discuss hypothetical trade scenarios

After last year’s great success, the Hoop District strikes back with more content creators, more involved cities and more fun for those who love basketball, the urban culture and disruption! 

The Hoop District is back!

[After last year’s great success](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLC0QCPhlxc&ab_channel=EUROLEAGUEBASKETBALL), the Hoop District strikes back with more content creators, more involved cities and more fun for those who love basketball, the urban culture and disruption!

In the previous edition, six teams (each represented a content creator) competed in a qualifying round to get two spots for the Final in Berlin and a 10.000€ prize. This season, the tournament is even bigger with Turkish Airlines entering as the presenting partner and with nine teams led by their respective content creators in three different cities that will host two qualifiers and The Finals.

Bologna (February 22nd) and Athens (March 15th) will be hosting the preliminary rounds while Barcelona (April 12th) will be the city to witness the Finals. And some of the names that already have confirmed their participation are [Tresco](https://www.instagram.com/tresco_ball/) (as the defending champion), [aledellagiusta](https://www.instagram.com/aledellagiusta/), [margauxnonato,](https://www.instagram.com/margauxnonato/) [zacxcviii](https://www.instagram.com/zacxcviii/) or [totochegang](https://www.instagram.com/totochegang/) among others (full list below). They will all fight again for the championship but also for the bonus 5,000€ prize for the creator that generates more engagement.

[The competition format this year](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/hoop-district/) will see four teams participating in each qualifier with two tickets to be taken to the Finals in Barcelona, where they will have to beat the reigning champ in a series of battles between the squads that anticipates a lot of fun and drama for those watching it online and on-site!

This is also an important new feature to be aware of: this year, everyone will be welcome to attend for free any of the tournaments so remember not to miss it ([register here for Bologna](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045)) because, besides thrilling basketball games between some of the top digital content creators, the Hoop District will also offer parallel activities in each tournament for all those attendants to enjoy.

Each venue will be transformed in a neo-retro city, divided into dynamic districts, each representing a distinct lifestyle theme where brands, fans and influencers will be able to interact more closely than ever. The games will be played at the already known octagonal cage with its Turkish Airlines VIP courtside seats ready to be enjoyed but, around it, there will be live DJs, breakdance shows, dunk contests, a basketball challenge sponsored by Motorola, a visit to the past with the BKT retro-trophy tour on a wink to the EuroLeague’s 25th anniversary and many, many more making this an unforgettable season for basketball fans and culture enthusiasts alike.

The Hoops District is back to give those trend-conscious what they ask for. From live highlights of the thrilling matches to behind-the-scenes glimpses of player interactions. Basketball games with disruptive rules, pop culture, music, street style and the opportunity to see your favorite creators in action.

Don’t want to miss it? [Find out more here](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/hoop-district/) and stay tuned for the latest news about this second edition of the Hoop District!!

Full list of content creators:

**Bologna Qualifier:**

**-Team Bologna - [@aledellagiusta](https://www.instagram.com/aledellagiusta/)**

**-Team London - [@lukeytroytrotman](https://www.instagram.com/luketroytrotman/)**

**-Team Manila - [@margauxnonato](https://www.instagram.com/margauxnonato/)**

**-Team Sevilla - [@espe](https://www.instagram.com/espe/)**

**Athens Qualifier:**

**-Team Munich - [@zacxcviii](https://www.instagram.com/zacxcviii/)**

**-Team Athens - [@george_lntz](https://www.instagram.com/george_lntz/)**

**-Team Paris - [@totochegang](https://www.instagram.com/totochegang/)**

\-**Team Istanbul - [@alperbicen24](https://www.instagram.com/alperbicen24/)**

**Barcelona Final:**

**-Team Barcelona - [@tresco_ball](https://www.instagram.com/tresco_ball/)**

The 3x3 content creators tournament strikes back full of new features

It’s rare for a EuroLeague club to proceed through an entire campaign without some roster changes, either due to necessity and to fix offseason mishaps or to further enhance an already strong outfit and take it to the next level. Let’s take a look at a few midseason signings that made a championship difference to their teams.

Highly impactful midseason signings in EuroLeague history

In the span of one week, Real Madrid made two of the most impressive midseason additions of 2024-25 so far by signing former NBAers Dennis Smith Jr. and Bruno Fernando in January.

It was a pair of moves that many considered to be essential for a Real Madrid team that needed an injection of quality and depth. While the Spanish powerhouse has turned its campaign around after a 6-9 start, they still lacked the looks of a true contender – something that Smith Jr. and Fernando were brought in to change.

It’s rare for a EuroLeague club to proceed through an entire campaign without some roster changes, either due to necessity and to fix offseason mishaps or to further enhance an already strong outfit and take it to the next level. Let’s take a look at a few midseason signings that made a championship difference to their teams, starting with the most recent one of them all.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1780508/highly-impactful-midseason-signings-in-euroleague-history/).

These players came in and changed the course of their teams' seasons

There are two rounds of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague action to be played this week before the February break and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 are here to break it down for you on Episode No.19 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast.

Get ready for February’s double week with the Fantasy Challenge Podcast

There are two rounds of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague action to be played this week before the February break and [Frankie Sachs](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FMrEuroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cb2533c9e9ca64c20166108dd444aaf10%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638741809733032903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Hw51x3JtrkCYSdJS3TiQ2X6FgHzD8RBrNXk6f2ROCFA%3D&reserved=0) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cb2533c9e9ca64c20166108dd444aaf10%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638741809733089838%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cJcCYDlr61Yi%2F5O1d8CRo5qq4YFgYtPrG2nUmEphBy8%3D&reserved=0) of Sport 24 are here to break it down for you on Episode No.19 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast. Get ready for the games of Rounds 25 and 26 with two of your favorite fantasy experts.

Amon the topics discussed this week were FC Bayern Munich’s frontline after the reported injury to Devin Booker, which underpriced players they have their eyes on (Roman Sorkin? P.J. Dozier?) and the difficulty in settling on coaches in Round 25 (Frankie went with Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Vasiliki chose Andrea Trinchieri).

Check out the moves Frankie and Vasiliki have made ahead of Round 25, including who they have as captains – and what performance is needed from Turn 1 captains before turning to Sasha Vezenkov in Turn 2! This week’s action tips off on Tuesday at 18:30 CET when Real Madrid meets Anadolu Efes Istanbul, so be sure to finalize your rosters by then. Good luck, fantasy fans!

One of the stories of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season has been the performances of players who are six feet or smaller. First in this new series by Euroleague.net is Anadolu Efes star Shane Larkin.

Six Feet and Under Club episode No. 1: Shane Larkin

One of the stories of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season has been the performances of players who are six feet or smaller. First in this new series by [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) – called the "Six Feet and Under Club" – is [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/).

Larkin, who is 1.80 meters (5-foot-11), is 11th all-time in scoring in the EuroLeague with 3,466 points in 234 games, giving him a career average of 14.8 points per night. But how does he score so easily despite often being one of the smallest players on the court, if not the smallest? He spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo to explain how.

More Shane Larkin News

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations for this week, with Toko Shengelia, Tyson Ward, Andre Roberson and Nick Weiler-Babb all featuring.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 25-26: Bring on more games! 

Here comes another double-round week in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague! It will be the last one for a while, as the competition takes a two-week break right after that. 

Rounds 25 and 26 should bring a lot of excitement and, of course, a lot of opportunities in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). As always, I have some recommendations for you. These are the players I recommend in the upcoming two rounds. 

Andre Roberson, Martin Hermannsson, Toko Shengelia, Tyson Ward and Nick Weiler-Babb are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 25-26

### Toko Shengelia, Virtus Segafredo Bologna (15.3 credits)

[Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) had a stunning performance in a losing effort against Fenerbahce. He finished the game with career highs of 35 points and a 39 PIR, hitting 10-of-14 two-pointers, 2-of-3 three-pointers and 9-of-10 free throws. He also had a PIR of 30 in Round 22 against Bayern. Honestly, what's not to like about Toko?

### Tyson Ward, Paris Basketball (10.9 credits)

[Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/) is in very good form and is showcasing his best basketball right now. In the last three games, Ward averaged 16.0 points on 40.0% three-pointers, 6.3 rebounds and a PIR of 18.7, way over his season averages (11.0 ppg., 30.4% 3FG, 10.9 PIR). At 10.9 credits, Ward is one of the biggest bargains in the game.

<center>
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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDkAQ4iR0oV/?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 Tyson Ward (@the_tyson_ward)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Andre Roberson, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (10.3 credits)

It took him some time but [Andre Roberson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andre-roberson/013405/) is playing great lately and is another mid-price option to consider in the game. In the last two games, Roberson averaged 18.5 points on 8-of-12 three-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and a PIR of 22.5. ASVEL needs him to keep going in the upcoming double-round week.

### Nick Weiler-Babb, FC Bayern Munich (11.6 credits)

A fantasy-favorite player this season who had a great start, hit a wall and is doing great again, Last week, [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) came close to achieving a triple double against Zalgiris: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, zero turnovers and a PIR of 34. Up next: two home games in which Weiler-Babb can keep excelling.

More Fantasy Challenge News

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations for this week

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Paris Basketball (2025-02-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-02-06T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-02-04T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-02-04T19:45:00.000Z)

Olympiacos BC forward Sasha Vezenkov has been selected as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP of the Month for January after a dominant set of performances for the Reds.

Sasha Vezenkov named MVP of the Month for January

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) forward [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) has been selected as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP of the Month for January after a dominant set of performances for the Reds.

This is the fourth MVP of the Month award that the 29-year-old has taken home, having previously done so in February 2022, November 2023 and February 2024. Olympiacos has had one of its players named MVP of the Month 13 times, the joint fourth most all-time, and Vezenkov has been the winner of the last four.

In fact, Vezenkov’s fourth MVP of the Month trophy means that he now has the most of any Olympiacos player all-time, as he was previously level on three with legendary guard [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/) (February 2012, November 2013, October 2014).

Other Olympiacos players to have secured MVP of the Month honors are: [Tyus Edney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyus-edney/arh/) (February 2006), [Arvydas Macijauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arvydas-macijauskas/cbv/) (November 2007), [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) (January 2010), [Rasho Nesterovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rasho-nesterovic/002815/) (February 2011), [Stratos Perperoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/stratos-perperoglou/krh/) (December 2013), and [Georgios Printezis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-printezis/amm/) (April 2015).

In EuroLeague history, only [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) have more than Vezenkov’s four MVP of the Month trophies, as they have won the award on seven and five occasions, respectively.

### A month to remember

In January, Vezenkov was a menace on offense all month long. Not only did he lead the league in scoring with a total of 146 points (24.3 PPG), 33 more than AS Monaco star Mike James in second, but his 66.7% shooting from the field was the best of any non-center who attempted 20 shots or more, having converted 52 of his 78 field-goal attempts.

Notably, the Bulgaria international erupted for [a career-high 45 points in a 112-69 beatdown of FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-took-center-stage-on-historic-night-for-olympiacos/) in his second game in January, which are the third-most points in modern EuroLeague history. That performance came one week after Vezenkov had posted team highs of 24 points and 7 rebounds in [an 85-92 win at Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-rallies-to-down-zalgiris-85-92/) to start the new year.

Speaking of rebounds, Vezenkov was incredibly active on the glass in January by pulling down 39 boards, the third most of any player. He also had the highest plus/minus of any player with +97 in January, +28 better than Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard Sterling Brown in second.

Having opened January with two wins, Olympiacos went to Spain and won back-to-back games in the double-round week. Vezenkov posted 19 points and 5 rebounds in [a 101-102 overtime win at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-wins-overtime-thriller-at-baskonia-101-102/) before the Reds headed to the Spanish capital, where they [downed Real Madrid 86-96](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/) in a game that saw January’s MVP of the Month finish with 13 points and 9 rebounds.

A top-of-the-standings clash with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul ended in [a 77-87 defeat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-stands-strong-to-down-olympiacos-77-87/) for Olympiacos, ending its seven-game winning streak in the process, but Vezenkov impressed nonetheless with 19 points. He closed out the month by recording team highs of 26 points and 9 rebounds as Olympiacos got back on track with [a 92-89 victory over Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-holds-off-efes-to-grab-92-89-win/).

More Sasha Vezenkov News

He is now alone in third place for most MVP of the Month trophies all-time

Another double-round week roars into action on Tuesday with a thrilling slate of games featuring the reigning champs facing the hottest team in the league. This is what to expect from Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Round 25 at a glance: The playoff race is starting to heat up

Another double-round week roars into action on Tuesday with a thrilling slate of games featuring the reigning champs facing the hottest team in the league. This is what to expect from Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

## Tuesday, February 4

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Real Madrid (18:30 CET)

Two recent champions aiming to bounce back meet in Istanbul as Efes (11-13) welcomes Real (13-11). Both teams suffered tight road losses last week, with the Turkish team going down bravely at Olympiacos, while Real’s offense spluttered during a defeat at Monaco. The visitors lead the league in rebounding (36.5 per game), so will look for the likes of [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (7.6 boards per game) to give physical dominance and open up space on the perimeter for [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), who led his team’s scoring at Monaco with 15 points but was also ejected for two technical fouls. Efes won 64-74 in Madrid in November with the help of 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots from big man [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who will again look to get the better of his former teammate Tavares.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Nwora vs. Hezonja

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. ALBA Berlin (19:00 CET)

Struggling Zalgiris (11-13) will attempt to reignite its fading playoff challenge by overcoming an ALBA team (4-20) aiming for a second straight victory for the first time this season. The host needs to find more scoring solutions than just [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), whose 33 points carried his team in last week’s home loss to Bayern, which took Andrea Trinchieri’s men to seven losses in the last eight games. ALBA’s morale-boosting victory over Maccabi came courtesy of 22 points from the in-form [Yanni Wetzell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/), who has now scored at least 10 points in four straight games. Zalgiris has struggled for production inside the paint all season, and needs [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) (7.8 points per game) or [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/) (4.5) to step up and power the team to a badly-needed victory.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:00 CET)

With morale boosted by last week’s derby victory over Partizan, Zvezda (14-10) will attempt to strengthen its challenge for the top four by overcoming inconsistent ASVEL (11-13). The French team has struggled defensively in recent weeks, allowing an average of 91.8 points over the last four games, and will look for the same kind of toughness that led to a 77-74 home win over Zvezda in Round 10, including a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) for center [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/). But [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) – who leads the league in rebounding with 8.0 boards per night – missed that game through injury so he’ll look to make the difference for the Serbian team after making a strong contribution to last week’s win over Partizan with 14 points and 8 boards.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:15 CET)

A major heavyweight battle will be played in a playoff-style atmosphere in Athens as reigning champ Panathinaikos (14-10) welcomes second-placed Fenerbahce (16-7). The Greens are looking to bounce back from last week’s surprising defeat at Milan and will look to establish dominance of the paint through [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), who averages 9.8 rebounds over the last four games. Fenerbahce enjoyed a perfect January with six wins out of six, partly thanks to a strong start from new signing [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/), who netted 15 points on 7-of-10 field goal shooting in last week’s win over Virtus. The Turkish team is also looking for revenge – and a six-point winning margin for head-to-head advantage – after the Greens won 76-81 in Istanbul in Round 5, led by 12 points and 5 assists from former Fener guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/).

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Nunn vs. Guduric

### FC Bayern Munich vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:45 CET)

A pair of direct rivals who enjoyed morale-boosting victories last week will go head to head, with Bayern (14-10) hosting Milan (13-11). The German team comfortably beat Zalgiris last time out, partly thanks to yet another long-range shooting exhibition from [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) (26 points on 8-of-12 triples), while [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/)’s 33 points on 12-of-17 field-goal shooting inspired Milan to overcome its injury and beat Panathinaikos. The Italian team will try to control the influence of Bayern playmaker [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), who underlined his importance with a double-double of 14 points and a personal best 13 assists in Kaunas. Milan’s own version of Weiler-Babb, do-it-all forward [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), will also have a key role as the Italian team look to become only the third visiting victors in Munich all season.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Obst vs. Shields

## Wednesday, February 5

### AS Monaco vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (19:00 CET)

Boosted by a last-gasp victory over Barcelona last week, Baskonia (10-14) will attempt to keep moving towards the playoff places with a tough trip to third-placed Monaco (15-9). [Trent Forrest](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trent-forrest/013367/) was the author of Baskonia's game-winning basket last time out, and the guard has become a key figure for Pablo Laso’s men after scoring in double digits in the last six games. Monaco regained its defensive identity to down Real last week, with [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) helping cover the absence of injured guards [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) by recording a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists. Another Monaco backcourt star could take center stage on this occasion: [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) needs 11 points to become the first player in EuroLeague history to reach a career total of 5,000.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Two teams desperate for victory go head to head as lowly Virtus (7-17) welcomes a Partizan (12-13) team eager to bounce back from last week’s Belgrade derby defeat and climb back into the top ten. The home team will hope that veteran leader [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) can stay hot after netting a personal-best 35 points in last week’s loss at Fenerbahce, meaning he has now scored at least 12 points in six straight games. He will be confronted by [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/), who showed his defensive prowess by snaring 8 rebounds and 6 steals in the loss to Zvezda. Partizan’s hot hand is guard [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), who has averaged 20.3 points in the last three games, and Virtus will try to contain him through the veteran smarts of [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/).

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Brown

### Paris Basketball vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

Paris (14-9) will attempt to stay in the all-important top four by overcoming league leader Olympiacos (17-7). The French team, which has won three of the last four, will hold no fear after already beating Olympiacos this season in Piraeus, triumphing 90-96 in December behind 21 points and 8 assists from playmaker [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/). One of Shorts’s main competitors for this season’s MVP award, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), will have revenge on his mind after only making 4 of his 13 field-goal attempts in that game. The Reds will also be aware of the threat of [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), who combined 14 points with 5 rebounds and 3 steals in Paris’s win in Piraeus, and will hope for another strong game from big man [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) after his 11 points and 7 rebounds in last week’s win over Efes.

Round 25 Head-to-Head: Ward vs. Fournier

### FC Barcelona vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

After the frustration of last week’s last-second loss at Baskonia, Barcelona (13-11) will attempt to bounce back by overcoming struggling Maccabi (6-18). The absence of injured forward [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) is a blow for Maccabi, which will look for former Barca guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) to maintain his strong season (12 points, 5.1 assists per game) on his return to Palau Blaugrana. He was effectively replaced by rising star [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/), who will look to continue his progression after averaging 10.5 points and 4.5 assists in the last two games. The Spanish side took a thriller, 86-88, when the teams met in Round 9, powered by 18 points and 9 rebounds from [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), and will be confident of completing a sweep against a Maccabi side that has won just once on the road all season.

The final double-round week of the season is here, starting with games on Tuesday and Wednesday

FC Barcelona v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-02-05T18:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-02-04T19:15:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v ALBA Berlin (2025-02-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid (2025-02-04T17:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko has signed Jilson Bango on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season, the club announced on Monday.

Fenerbahce signs center Jilson Bango

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) has signed Jilson Bango on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season, the club announced on Monday.

Bango (2.08 meters, 26 years old) arrives from the Spanish League where the Angolan center made waves this season with Casademont Zaragoza, being named the ACB's MVP of the Month in December. Across 18 Spanish League appearances, Bango averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds. He also posted 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in nine FIBA Europe Cup fixtures.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Jilson Bango Fenerbahçe Beko’da! ✍️💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/L8FvFxOU3i">https://t.co/L8FvFxOU3i</a> <a href="https://t.co/If0wxVNM1Q">pic.twitter.com/If0wxVNM1Q</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1886339387274801302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is Bango's third campaign in Europe, having played for Braunschweig in Germany between 2022 and 2024 prior to signing for Zaragoza, where he spent the first half of this season. Now, he will get the chance to feature in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time with Fenerbahce.

An international teammate of [new Real Madrid signing Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bruno-fernando-signs-for-real-madrid-baloncesto/), Bango's first years as a professional came in Angola as he suited up for Marinha de Guerra (2018-19) and Primeiro de Agosto (2019-22).

More Fenerbahce News

The Angolan big man will make his EuroLeague debut with the court