Name: Top 10 Blocks | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague was full of vicious stops so far this season! Check out the best blocks of December!

Top 10 Blocks | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Polish League champion Trefl Sopot continued its midseason roster makeover by signing combo-guard Terrell Harris for the remainder of the season

Trefl Sopot signs combo-guard Terrell Harris

Polish League champion Trefl Sopot continued its midseason roster makeover by signing combo-guard Terrell Harris for the remainder of the season. The move comes the day after the club announced a deal with [Darious Moten](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trefl-sopot-reunites-with-darious-moten/) and parted ways with Andy Van Vliet. Harris (1.91 meters, 31 years old) played for Gruppo Mascio Treviglio last season in the Italian second division, where he averaged 14.1 points, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

After playing college basketball at Georgia College & State University, Harris has spent most of his professional career in Germany, beginning with Iserlohn Kangaroos and followed by spells with Rostock Seawolves, Niners Chemnitz, and Crailsheim Merlins. He has also played in Denmark Svendborg and in Turkiye for Buyukcekmece. Harris, who will play with uniform no. 2, is expected to land in Poland on Wednesday.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Terrell Harris nowym zawodnikiem Trefla Sopot! ✅✍ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a><br><br>Mierzący 191 centymetrów combo w przeszłości występował w Niemczech, Turcji i Włoszech 🔙 W każdym z klubów sezon kończył z dwucyfrową średnią punktową, a ostatnio dla Gruppo Mascio Treviglio przeciętnie zapisywał 14.1… <a href="https://t.co/P2l7IXjH11">pic.twitter.com/P2l7IXjH11</a></p>&mdash; MISTRZ POLSKI 2024 🏆 (@treflsopot) <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot/status/1874076764835647935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Terrell will help our perimeter players, strengthen the competition and give them the opportunity to play with greater intensity," club president Marek Wierzbicki said of the signing. "We are counting primarily on his ability to score points and play well on defense, but he is also a player who makes good decisions on the court and is able to create situations for others. He is an experienced player who finds his place on the court in decisive moments of the game."

Latest Trefl Sopot news

Harris has spent most of his professional career in Germany

Real Madrid forward Gabriel Deck will be sidelined after he was diagnosed with a rupture of the hamstring tendon on his left leg

Real Madrid loses Gabriel Deck to torn hamstring

Real Madrid forward [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) will be sidelined after he was diagnosed with a rupture of the hamstring tendon on his left leg. The veteran forward suffered the injury during his team's narrow victory over FC Barcelona in the Spanish League on Monday. No timetable has been set for his recovery.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Parte médico de Deck.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMBaloncesto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMBaloncesto</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1874073463931224305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Deck, 29, is in his seventh season with Real Madrid, which he helped to the EuroLeague crown in 2023. This season he has averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds on 18 games. Deck has won four Spanish championships, four Spanish SuperCups and two Spanish King’s Cups with *Los Blancos*. He has also played for Asociacion Quimsa Santiago del Estero and San Lorenzo de Almagro in his native Argentina and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

Latest Real Madrid news

The former champion was injured in a Spanish League game on Monday

Real Madrid v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-03T20:00:00.000Z)

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup was full of vicious stops! Check out the best blocks of December!

Top 10 Blocks | December  | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

 The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup was full of vicious stops! Check out the best blocks of December!

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens announced on Tuesday that it has agreed to a contract extension with All-EuroLeague center Mathias Lessort that will keep them together through the 2027-28 season

Panathinaikos, Mathias Lessort pen extension

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens announced on Tuesday that it has agreed to a contract extension with All-EuroLeague center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) that will keep them together through the 2027-28 season. Lessort, 29, dominated for the Greens in the first half of this season before suffering a [broken fibula](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) that will keep him sidelined for several months. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 17 games this season to rank second in the league in rebounds and sixth in average PIR (20.5).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον αθλητή Ματίας Λεσόρ έως το καλοκαίρι του 2028.<br><br>Χρόνια Πολλά σε όλους τους φίλους του Παναθηναϊκού!<br><br>——————————————————<br><br>Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership… <a href="https://t.co/D1YBeltbq5">pic.twitter.com/D1YBeltbq5</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1874063872165867837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This season is his second with Panathinaikos, which he helped win the championship last season. Overall Lessort has six EuroLeague seasons for five clubs: Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, FC Bayern Munich, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Panathinaikos. He also suited up for Unicaja Malaga, AS Monaco and Partizan in the EuroCup. He won the EuroCup with Monaco in 2021. Lessort has won national championships in Serbia, Greece and the Adriatic League and was twice selected to the All-EuroCup team. He has also won silver medals at the Olympic Games and the European Championship and a bronze at the Basketball World Cup as a member of the French national team.

More Panathinaikos news

The two-time All-EuroLeague center will remain with the Greens through 2028

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the week ahead

Fantasy tips, Round 13: Let's take the new year by storm!

A new week, a new year and a new opportunity in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Round 13 is the first one in 2025 and after this, there will be only five more games for all teams in both groups. Winning tie-breakers could be as important as winning games for some teams, so high intensity is guaranteed in the BKT EuroCup. As for the Fantasy Challenge, as always, I have some ideas. Here are my recommendations this week:

[**Trey Woodbury, Aris Midea Thessaloniki (10.4 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-woodbury/013251/)

Woodbury had an impressive return to the competition, leading Aris to a much-needed home victory over Lietkabelis. He scored 25 points on 7-of-10 two-point shooting and 3-of-6 on three-pointers plus 8 rebounds for a PIR of 29. After missing four games due to injury, Woodbury is back and ready for more. 

[**Marcus Weathers, Trefl Sopot (12.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-weathers/013297/)

I recommended him when Tarik Phillip left Trefl and Weather has stepped up. He's done really well over the last couple of games, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for a PIR of 25.0. Trefl is all but mathematically eliminated, but Weathers and his team are ready to keep fighting for that first win.

Marcus Weathers, Jordan Ford, Anthony Cowan, Trey Woodbury and Devon Dotson are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 13

[**Jordan Ford, Dolomiti Energia Trento (13.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/)

It is do-or-die time for Trento, which needs its best players to step up in the remaining six games. Ford has certainly done so, getting a PIR of 21 or better in the last three games. During that time, he has averaged 18.7 points on 10-of-14 three-point shooting and 12-of-13 on free throws plus 4.7 assists for a PIR of 22.7. Fantastic!

[**Devon Dotson, Joventut Badalona (11.6 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/)

Joventut has a 4-8 record in Group A and most likely needs to win five of its last six games to make it the playoffs. Dotson has been one of its best players recently, averaging 15.3 points on 12-of-13 free-throw shooting and 4.7 assists for a PIR of 18.3 over his last three games. Dotson and Joventut are on a mission to get to the next round.

[**Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (14.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/)

Cowan is my fantasy superstar of choice in Round 13. Wolves play against Joventut and all eyes will be on Andrew Andrews, who played for both clubs. That could give Cowan an edge. He has been unstoppable lately, too, averaging 21.0 points and 4.3 assists for a PIR of 25.0 in the last four games. Cowan went for 26 points and a PIR of 33 last time against Joventut.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for Round 19 of the 2024-25 season.

Fantasy tips, Round 19: Bargains galore!

Get ready for the first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague round in 2025 and it should be a good one for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers. All of a sudden, there are plenty of undervalued players in the game and good opportunities to improve your teams and be even more competitive. From players returning from injuries, others getting more playing time or simply doing really well, here are five of my top recommendations ahead of Round 19.

[**Duane Washington, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (10.7 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/)

Washington has stepped up in the last three rounds, averaging 19.7 points and 4.7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 18.0. He comes off his best game in the competition with 27 points and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 27 in a home victory over Fenerbahce. It seems like his adjustment period is over and Washington is ready to showcase his best basketball.

[**Jaylen Hoard, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (15.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/)

Simply put, Hoard is the player to have in the game right now. Sasha Vezenkov is owned by almost 30% of fantasy managers and Theo Maledon is in around 25% of the teams. Hoard is owned by 6.1% of all managers out there while averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds for a PIR of 23.4 in the last five games. It's time to get ahead of the fantasy curve!

Jaylen Hoard, Neal Sako, Dinos Mitoglou, Joel Bolomboy and Duane Washington are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 18

[**Konstantinos Mitoglou, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (8.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/)

As you probably know, Mathias Lessort is injured and will most likely miss the remainder of the regular season. Panathinaikos had to adjust and Mitoglou is starting to see playing time at the '5' position. He delivered right away, getting 15 points and 9 rebounds for a PIR of 20 in almost 30 minutes against Bayern in Round 18. Buy him now!

[**Neil Sako, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (10.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)

Sako is in a similar situation to Mitoglou. Mbaye Ndiaye is set to miss some time and Sako may see extended playing time at the power forward position. Sako is the kind of player who always delivers when he gets the minutes: he had 12 points and 9 rebounds for a PIR of 20 against Virtus last week. There are not many good centers in his price range.

[**Joel Bolomboy, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade (12.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/)

Bolomboy is back and he immediately made Zvezda better. His team won the last two games, including a rare home victory over Barca at Palau Blaugrana. Since he's back, Bolomboy has been nothing but rock-solid, averaging 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds for a PIR of 17.0. In fantasy, you can't go wrong with rebounds, blocks and a high shooting percentage.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for the week ahead

The race for the playoffs in the BKT EuroCup will feature several clashes between direct rivals in Round 13, which started last week with Ulm overcoming Besiktas. Here’s your guide to all this week’s action.

At a glance: Closer to the finish line! 

The race for the playoffs in the BKT EuroCup will feature several clashes between direct rivals in Round 13, which started last week with Ulm overcoming Besiktas 104-97. Here’s your guide to all this week’s action.

### Thursday, January 2

**Trefl Sopot vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (18:00 CET)**

Winless Trefl (0-12) will continue its quest for a victory with a visit from Buducnost (5-7), which is currently placed one win short of the all-important top six. Buducnost’s main offensive strength is an excellent three-point shooting game, making 38.2% of long-range strikes (third best in the competition). One of the keys to that success is [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/), who has made 53.6% of his attempts from deep, including 3-of-5 in October’s 92-83 victory over Trefl. The Polish team has the second-worst offense in the EuroCup, averaging just 76.3 points, despite forward [Jaroslaw Zykowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaroslaw-zyskowski/013295/) showing his shooting power with 25 points in the narrow loss to Joventut just before the break.

**7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CET)**

Boosted by a stunning overtime win at Valencia before the festive break, Lietkabelis (4-8) will look to build more momentum with a visit from playoff-chasing Cedevita (7-5). The host will look for young guard [Oleksandr Kovliar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/oleksandr-kovliar/013247/) to repeat the performance which saw him net 25 points in the dramatic victory in Spain, while Cedevita will counter him through [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/), who had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss against Turk Telekom last time out. Cedevita won 76-72 behind 17 points from [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) when the teams met in Round 4, so a road win in Lithuania could put a decisive distance between the teams.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Maldunas vs. Stipanovic

**Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19.00 CET)**

Jerusalem (7-5) will look to end a three-game losing run and at least maintain its share of second place in Group B against an Aris team (3-9) battling to build on a good win over Lietkabelis last time out. 25 points from fit-again guard [Trey Woodbury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-woodbury/013251/) were vital to that victory, and he will look to punish a Jerusalem defense which has allowed an average of 90.3 points during the three-game losing slide. Jerusalem won 68-78 when the teams met in Greece in Round 4 paced by 18 points from now-injured [Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/), so the host will again rely on league leading scorer [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) to maintain his average of 22.8 points per game.

**Umana Reyer Venice vs Valencia Basket (20:00 CET)** 

Valencia (11-1) could become the first team to clinch playoff qualification by overcoming Reyer (6-6), which also needs the win to strengthen its top six challenge. After suffering its first loss with an overtime defeat to Lietkabelis in a game rescheduled from Round 6, Valencia will look to recover the kind of dominance that saw it roll to a 105-83 victory over Reyer in October behind 16 points from [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/). But the Italian team is in great form with four wins in the last five, mostly recently winning a thriller at Bourg thanks to [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/)’s seventh double-double of the season, and the center’s dominance will give Reyer a fighting chance of maintaining its hot streak.

**Dreamland Gran Canaria vs Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (21:00 CET)**

A crucial clash in Group A will see second-placed Gran Canaria (9-3) attempt to take a three-game lead over fourth-placed Hapoel (7-5). The Spanish team needs a 14-point swing to claim the head-to-head advantage after being 79-66 on the road by Hapoel earlier in the season, when the versatile talents of veteran [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) made all the difference with 15 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Beverley is one of the reasons that Hapoel boasts the third-best offense in the competition (89 points per game), so Gran Canaria will need every inch of its strong defense (73.1 points conceded, second-best in the EuroCup). The rebounding battle between [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) (6.1 boards per game) and [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (5.5 rpg) could be crucial.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Albicy vs. Ragland

### Friday, January 3

**Turk Telekom Ankara vs Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (17:30 CET)**

The race for the playoffs will be intense as Turk Telekom (7-5) looks to protect its homecourt against direct rival Bourg (6-6) in Friday’s opening tipoff. The teams have been heading in different directions recently, with Turk Telekom winning three in a row while Bourg has lost four of the last five. With head to head advantage very much at stake, Bourg will look to reproduce the strong defense which propelled a 67-63 home victory over the Turkish team in Round 4, and will look for leadership from veteran forward [Maksim Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/maksim-salash/004525/) (9.8 points per game). The host has recently rolled behind big man [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) (11.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game), and will give everything for a vital victory this week.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Alexander vs. Pansa

**U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)**

After keeping its faint playoff hopes alive with a surprise win over Jerusalem just before the festive break, Hamburg (3-9) will look to upset another top six aspirant with a trip to Cluj (6-6). The Romanian team is currently locked in a three-way tie for fifth place, and should have plenty of confidence after winning four straight at home – but needs to improve a defense which has allowed triple figures in two of the last three games. [Jaizec Lottie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaizec-lottie/013309/)’s 18 points were central to Hamburg’s triumph last time out, and the in-form guard faces a good matchup with one of the league’s top performers, [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/), who will be looking to maintain his streak of double-digit scoring in every game so far.

**Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs Joventut Badalona (18:00 CET)**

A significant Group A showdown will be staged in the Lithuanian capital, with Wolves (6-6) aiming to establish a three-game margin over Joventut (4-8). The Spanish team has little hope of claiming head-to-head advantage after suffering a 63-86 thrashing when the teams met in October, with [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) pouring in 26 points for the Wolves. But the Lithuanian team has suffered recently with three losses out of four, while Joventut’s last game saw 20 points from youngster [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) seal a vital home win over Trefl. If the veteran leadership of [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) can help seal a road win on Friday, the Group A playoff picture would be blown wide open.

**Dolomiti Energia Trento vs Bahcesehir College Istanbul (20:00 CET)**

Group A leader Bahcesehir (10-2) will look to take another step towards the playoffs by overcoming a Trento team (4-8) fighting hard to stay in contention. The host has lost four of its last five games, and needs to find more offensive rhythm after only averaging 15.4 assists so far – second-worst in the competition. Bahcesehir, which is looking to extend a perfect home record, enjoyed a 110-70 rout when the teams met in Round 4, with big man [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) powering his way to a season-high 24 points, and Trento needs its center [Jordan Bayehe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-bayehe/006724/) to repeat the same kind of spirit he showed in that contest, also recording a season-high with 13 points.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Ellis vs. Hazer

An exciting top-two clash highlights the action in Round 12 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your overview of this week’s games.

At a glance: A step closer to the finish line

Valencia Basket v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-12-18T19:30:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-01-02T17:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Valencia Basket (2025-01-02T19:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-01-02T20:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-01-03T16:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Joventut Badalona (2025-01-03T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-01-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-03T19:00:00.000Z)

The first action of 2025 will see the race for the playoffs intensifying with Round 19 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Here’s your guide to the action, including a high-octane Istanbul derby.

At a glance: Round 19 opens 2025 in style! 

The first action of 2025 will see the race for the playoffs intensifying with Round 19 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Here’s your guide to the action, including a high-octane Istanbul derby.

## Thursday, January 2

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:00 CET)

The New Year tips off in style as faltering Zalgiris (10-8) looks to snap a two-game losing slide against in-form Olympiacos (12-6) searching for a fourth straight win. Olympiacos, which has won the last seven games between the teams, could bolster its frontcourt by giving a debut to recent signing [Nathan Mensah](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nathan-mensah/013514/). One key will be whether the home team can slow down the Reds' ball movement: Olympiacos leads the league in assists with 20.6 per game, while Zalgiris has held opponents to a league low 16 helpers per night. The Greens’ offense has faltered in recent weeks despite strong performances from [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who has averaged 3.3 triples over the last four games, and needs more inside presence after attempting only 22 two-pointers in last week’s loss at Maccabi.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (19:00 CET)

A big battle between direct rivals on the fringes of the playoff places will see ASVEL (8-10) and Milan (9-9) desperate to get back into winning ways. Milan, which has lost three in a row, is attempting to complete a season sweep over the French team after winning 92-84 at home less than a month ago, when experienced guard [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) set the tone by snaring 6 steals. That game did not feature another veteran, [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), who will look to make the difference and maintain his strong form by guiding ASVEL to the 9-point win it needs for head-to-head advantage. The game features the league’s top two players in PIR, as [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) (23.5) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) (23.2) attempt to dominate their respective areas of the court.

Round 19 Head-to-Head: Sirvydis vs. Fournier

### ALBA Berlin vs. AS Monaco (20:00 CET)

Confident co-leader Monaco (12-6) will look to strengthen its position in the all-important top four by downing rock bottom ALBA (3-15). Monaco has won the last six meetings between the teams, most recently handing out a 100-80 thrashing a month ago behind 17 points from [Vitto Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vitto-brown/013365/). ALBA’s porous defense – which has allowed a league-high 90.8 points per game – must somehow slow down a multi-faceted Monaco offense led by backcourt stars [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (14.1 points and 5.6 assists per game) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), who is looking for a fifth straight game of double-digit scoring. To limit their effectiveness, the German team will need Icelandic point guard [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) to continue his strong season (11.5 points, 5.2 assists) and control the tempo in the quest for an upset win.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Baskonia (8-10) will look to take the confidence of last week's remarkable comeback against Paris to stop the run of a Zvezda (10-8) team which has won four of its last five games. The Serbian team, which has claimed five road wins already, will be led in the frontcourt by [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/), who has recorded double digit PIRs in six consecutive games and could receive energetic support from newcomer [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-brown-iii/010588/) if the former Monaco forward makes his debut. Baskonia will counter that through the tireless [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), who combined with backcourt star [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) for 57 points in the confidence-building Round 18 triumph. Baskonia needs an 8-point winning margin to claim the head-to-head advantage, after losing 78-71 in Belgrade in October. 

Round 19 Head-to-Head: Moneke vs. Davidovac

## Friday, December 27

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (18:45 CET)

In Friday’s opening tip-off, a crucial Istanbul derby will see Fenerbahce (10-7) attempt to emerge from a worrying slump by overcoming Efes (10-8). [Saras Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/jasikevicius-saras/?season=E2024)'s team has lost three in a row and needs to fix a defense which has allowed an average of 93.3 points in that run. Efes also needs to bounce back after losing by 19 at Monaco last week despite another strong performance from big man [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) (10 points, 4.6 boards per game). The visitor has added motivation after being beaten by Fenerbahce, 78-83, at home in Round 2 behind 16 points from [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/). Strangely, eight of the last ten meetings between these local rivals have been won by the away team, so Efes will aim to maintain that sequence by making Fenerbahce’s homecourt advantage count for nothing again.

Round 19 Head-to-Head: Guduric vs. Thompson

### Paris Basketball vs. FC Barcelona (20:15 CET)

Two former league leaders struggling for form will look to start 2025 in the right way as Paris (11-6) hosts Barcelona (9-9) in a must-win game for both teams. Barca big man [Chimizie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) made a strong return from injury in last week's loss to Zvezda, netting 16 points on 6-of-7 field goal shooting, and he will enjoy a good matchup with [Collin Malcom](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/collin-malcolm/012609/), who averages 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds over the last two games. Paris, which is on a three-game losing streak, needs to show mental strength to recover from last week’s collapse at Baskonia, while Barca have a major score to settle with the host after [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) (24 points, 9 assists) inspired a stunning 87-103 victory at Palau Blaugrana earlier in the season.

Round 19 Head-to-Head: Lo vs. Punter

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (20:15 CET)

Much-improved Virtus (5-15) will look for a third straight win with the tough mission of triumphing at reigning champ Panathinaikos (11-7). Veteran visiting coach [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/?season=E2024) will look to damage one of his former clubs through the power of rejuvenated forward [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/), whose 17 points and 9 rebounds played a major role in last week’s convincing win over ASVEL. But the reigning champ is on a three-game winning roll after closing out 2024 with a strong road win at Bayern, featuring a solid debut from new big man [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/). The Greens will also again lean on league-leading scorer [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), who netted 27 points in Munich and will resist the Italian visitor’s attempts to claim a shock road victory.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Two of last week's winners will look to build momentum as Partizan (8-10) hosts Maccabi (5-13). Round 18 MVP [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) will look to maintain the form which has seen him score at least 12 points in ten consecutive games, but the Maccabi forward faces stuff competition from [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isiaha-mike/011836/), who produced his best performance of the season with 9 points and 7 rebounds to power last week’s win over Fenerbahce. That game also saw another strong performance from guard [Duane Washington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/), who is now looking truly comfortable in the EuroLeague after averaging 18 points in the last four games. Elsewhere in the backcourt, league-leading assister [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) (8.4 per game) faces an intriguing matchup with Partizan leader [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/), who bounced back to form with 14 points and 5 assists last week.

### Real Madrid vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:30 CET)

Fast-rising Real (9-9) aims for a fourth straight win with a visit from high-flying Bayern (11-7). The Spanish side will be looking for revenge – and a 9-point victory for head-to-head advantage – after losing a thriller, 97-89, in Round 1 in Munich. That game saw Bayern show its finishing power by netting 33 points in the final quarter, powered by [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) grabbing a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. The German big man’s ability to take [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) out of his comfort zone in the paint could again be crucial. [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) will take center stage as he breaks the all-time EuroLeague appearance record, and he will look to continue the long-range shooting form which saw him score a season-high 20 points in last week's win at ALBA.

Round 19 Head-to-Head: Llull vs. Edwards

Four games take place on January 2 and five on January 3

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2025-01-03T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v FC Barcelona (2025-01-03T19:15:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-03T19:15:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-03T17:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-01-02T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-01-02T19:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v AS Monaco (2025-01-02T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-01-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv will travel to take on Dreamland Gran Canaria this week without the services of Marcus Bingham. The big man has been diagnosed with pericarditis

Hapoel's Marcus Bingham to miss time

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv will travel to take on Dreamland Gran Canaria this week without the services of Marcus Bingham. The big man has been diagnosed with pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the tissue around the heart, often caused by a viral illness. Hapoel's medical staff will reevaluate the player in 10 days.

Bingham joined the club in late November and has averaged 8.7 points on 61.1% two-point shooting, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks over 16:15 minutes in three games.  

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מרקוס בינגהאם סובל מדלקת במעטפת שריר הלב, הנגרמת בדרך כלל כתגובה למחלה ויראלית. בשלב זה הוא מושבת מפעילות. <br>ההערכה נוספת תתבצע בעוד עשרה ימים. <a href="https://t.co/wcFSjcHIXO">pic.twitter.com/wcFSjcHIXO</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1874006059377160313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More news from Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

The big man is suffering from pericarditis and will be reevaluated in 10 days

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced on Monday that it has signed small forward L.J. Figueroa for the remainder of the season

Aris signs small forward L.J. Figueroa

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced on Monday that it has signed small forward [L.J. Figueroa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/lj-figueroa/012603/) for the remainder of the season. Figueroa (1.98 meters, 26 years old) last played for Leyma Coruña for which he averaged 6.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 11 Spanish League games. He made his EuroCup debut with ratiopharm Ulm last season and was worth 12.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in 19 games in the competition.  

Figueroa played college basketball for St. John’s University in New York and for the University of Oregon before beginning his professional career. He has also played for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Santa Cruz Warriors and the South Bay Lakers in the G League and Grises de Humacao in Puerto Rico.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">‼️ O LJ FIGUEROA ΣΤΟΝ ΑΡΗ Midea <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> to<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheEmperor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheEmperor</a><br>@l_comeup <br><br>Read more 👉 <a href="https://t.co/LiuTA00d6p">https://t.co/LiuTA00d6p</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISFAMILY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISFAMILY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBCTRANSFERS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBCTRANSFERS</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC2425?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC2425</a> <a href="https://t.co/FngkMfiWCM">pic.twitter.com/FngkMfiWCM</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1873779782032515586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Aris news

The Dominican Republic national team player helped Ulm reach the EuroCup Eighthfinals last season

Bahcesehir College Istanbul announced on Monday that it has signed veteran shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz for the remained of the season. 

Bahcesehir brings Furkan Korkmaz home to Istanbul 

Group A leader Bahcesehir College Istanbul announced on Monday that it has signed veteran shooting guard [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/furkan-korkmaz/005763/) for the remained of the season. Korkmaz (2.02 meters, 27 years old) joined AS Monaco over the summer after seven seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he played sparingly with the Roca Team. Korkmaz appeared in only three Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games during which he averaged 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12 minutes.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">🚨 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐳, 𝐁𝐚𝐡𝐜̧𝐞𝐬̧𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐫 𝐊𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐢&#39;𝐧𝐝𝐞!<br><br>🤝 Son olarak EuroLeague ekiplerinden Monaco forması giyen, 2017-2024 yılları arasında Philadelphia 76ers formasıyla NBA’de gururla izlediğimiz Milli oyuncumuz Furkan Korkmaz ile 2024-2025 sezonu sonuna… <a href="https://t.co/PX4gtZgisc">pic.twitter.com/PX4gtZgisc</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1873759654016127473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A product of the Anadolu Efes Istanbul youth system and native of Istanbul, Korkmaz played three seasons in the EuroLeague for the club. He appeared in 40 EuroLeague games between 2014 and 2016. Korkmaz won the Turkish Cup twice with Efes. He also spent time on loan at fellow Turkish clubs Pertevniyal and Banvit Bandirma early in his career. Korkmaz will make his EuroCup debut with Bahcesehir.

During the NBA part of his career, Korkmaz appeared in a total of 328 NBA games plus 33 playoff games. His best season was 2019-20, when he averaged 9.8 points on 40.2% three-point shooting and 2.3 rebounds per game. Last season Korkmaz was traded to the Indiana Pacers, but never suited up for that team.

More Bahcesehir news

The shooting guard will see his first EuroCup action with Bahcesehir 

Trefl Sopot announced on Monday that it has signed veteran forward Darious Moten for the remainder of the season

Trefl Sopot reunites with Darious Moten 

Trefl Sopot announced on Monday that it has signed veteran forward Darious Moten for the remainder of the season. The move came several hours after it parted ways with Andy Van Vliet. Moten Moten (2.02 meters, 32 years old) returns to the club he first joined in March 2020 and left in the summer of 2023. He most recently played for Reales De La Vega in the Dominican Republic.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Darious Moten wraca do Trefla Sopot! Amerykański skrzydłowy, który w żółto-czarnych barwach rozegrał już 79 meczów, podpisał umowę do końca sezonu 2024/2025 ✍ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <br><br>🗨 &quot;Po rozmowach ze sztabem szkoleniowym doszliśmy do wniosku, że jedną ze zmian, które musimy przeprowadzić,… <a href="https://t.co/Keem7oX2EV">pic.twitter.com/Keem7oX2EV</a></p>&mdash; MISTRZ POLSKI 2024 🏆 (@treflsopot) <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot/status/1873742209582813669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Moten has also played for the Svendborg Rabbits in Denmark, Espoo United and Ura Basket in Finland, Eisbaren Bremerhaven in Germany, Olomoucko in Czechia and Union Neuchatel Basket in Switzerland. He could be in uniform as soon as this week when Trefl takes on Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in Round 13 on Thursday.

"After talking with the coaching staff, we came to the conclusion that one of the changes we need to make is to sign a defensive player for the 3-4 position," club president Marek Wierzbicki said in a statement released by the club. "We considered various options. During the talks, Zan Tabak stated that he could use someone like Darious. He has good memories of working with him; he is a basketball player who knows his requirements, wants to work and, above all, looks after the good of the team. We contacted Darious and quickly reached an agreement. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is not the end of the changes at Trefl Sopot."

The forward previously spent three and a half seasons with Trefl

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that dynamic guard Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has been named the MVP for December

Theo Maledon makes history as December MVP

Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce that dynamic guard Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has been named the MVP for December. Maledon's outstanding performance over the past month has captured the attention of fans, coaches, and analysts alike, establishing him as one of the league’s brightest rising stars.

In December, Maledon delivered a series of dominant performances, leading his team to crucial victories with an impressive mix of scoring, playmaking, and leadership on both ends of the floor. His ability to impact the game consistently, particularly in high-pressure moments, has made him an indispensable asset for ASVEL.

Maledon authored an outstanding all-around month during which he averaged 21.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists for a PIR of 26.8. He led all players in PIR in December and ranked third in scoring. Maledon knocked down an impressive 46 of 50 free throws in that time frame, too.

Perhaps most important to his candidacy was the fact that he led ASVEL to a winning month that saw it climb from the foot of the standings to the heart of the push for a postseason berth. Maledon was the MVP for Round 13 when ASVEL upended Real Madrid and continued to star as his team ended Paris Basketball’s 10-game winning streak and then recorded road wins at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Zalgiris Kaunas, the last two of those coming in the same week.

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. The award for December covered the six games played by all teams between Rounds 13 and 18.

This marks the first time that a player from ASVEL has been chosen as the EuroLeague MVP of the month. Maledon becomes the fourth French player to earn the honor following his ASVEL teammate Nando De Colo (January 2015, February 2016, January 2018, all with CSKA Moscow), Thomas Heurtel (February 2017 with Anadolu Efes Istanbul) and Guerschon Yabusele (January 2022 with Real Madrid).

A rising star in European basketball, the 23-year-old Maledon is in his second EuroLeague season. Just 16 years old when he first signed with ASVEL, Maledon first played for the youth systems at SPO Rouen then the French national academy. He played his first EuroLeague campaign with ASVEL in 2019-20 and was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. Maledon went on to play four seasons in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns before returning home to ASVEL, France and the EuroLeague this season.

More on Theo Maledon

The LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne guard is the club’s first-ever MVP of the month in the EuroLeague

There are some guys in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague who can simply fly! Check out some of their high-flying heroics with the 10 best dunks from the month of December! 

Top 10 Dunks | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

 There are some guys in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague who can simply fly! Check out some of their high-flying heroics with the 10 best dunks from the month of December! 

There are some guys in the BKT EuroCup who can simply fly! Check out some of their high-flying heroics with the 11 best dunks from the December! 

Top 10 Dunks | December | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz announced on Monday that it has signed Luka Samanic 

Luka Samanic arrives to bolster Baskonia frontline

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz announced on Monday that it has signed [Luka Samanic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/luka-samanic/007579/) (2.08 meters, 24 years old). The big man arrives from Cibona Zagreb, where he returned to action and averaged 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 block in three games in the ABA League.

Samanic spent parts of four seasons in the NBA before returning to Europe this summer. He originally penned a two-year deal with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, but the sides agreed to void the deal in September due to personal reasons.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✍️ OFICIAL | Luka Samanic, nueva pieza de valor para el juego interior de Baskonia<br><br>🗞️ <a href="https://t.co/X2zXdoE42L">https://t.co/X2zXdoE42L</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OngiEtorriLuka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OngiEtorriLuka</a> <a href="https://t.co/AMgkxat42k">pic.twitter.com/AMgkxat42k</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1873679072477528085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Samanic spent last season with the Utah Jazz, where he averaged 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per night across 43 appearances in the NBA. That was his second campaign with the Jazz.

The Croatian power forward began his professional career with FC Barcelona B in the 2017-18 season and went on to play for Petrol Olimpija in 2018-19 before heading stateside. Samanic’s first two years in the NBA were with the San Antonio Spurs, having been selected by the five-time NBA champion with the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Across those two seasons in San Antonio, he also played for the team’s G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. The 24-year-old went on to feature in the G League for the Westchester Knicks in 2021-22 and the Maine Celtics in 2022-23.

Samanic had his best NBA statistics in the 2022-23 campaign, which was his first with the Jazz. He posted 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in seven games. Then, he had one more season with Utah before opting to return to Europe.

The latest Baskonia news

Luka Samanic in action with Cibona Zagreb earlier this season

The big man joins the club after a spell with Cibona Zagreb in his native Croatia

Luka Samanic arrives to bolster Baskonia frontline 

Guarding possessions used by opposing ball handlers and screeners effectively is a game-changing ability in the BKT EuroCup of Euroleague Basketball

Stats review: Who has the best pick-and-roll defense?

Round 12 of the BKT EuroCup featured a key matchup in Group A as Bahcesehir College Istanbul scored an 8-point victory at home to move one game clear of second-place Dreamland Gran Canaria.  In a low-scoring affair, defense was the difference for the hosts.

Bahcesehir held Gran Canaria to just 15 points over 28 possessions created out of pick-and-rolls - one of the better single-game efforts in recent years in terms of efficiency. Allowing only 2 points to their pick-and-roll ball handlers - well below their 10.1 per game season average - they made things a struggle for the visitors in a game with obvious seeding implications.                 

They flipped the script on Gran Canaria who - even after conceding 41 points over 43 possessions in pick-and-rolls to Bahcesehir - remains far and away the best ball screen defense in the EuroCup on the year overall. Guarding possessions used by opposing ball handlers and screeners more effectively than anyone else by a comfortable margin, Gran Canaria has jammed up some of the better offenses in Group A. That held up against Bahcesehir who may not have gotten much scoring from their ball handlers or screeners, but found their shooters consistently out of two-man actions to the tune of 22 points over 21 spot-up possessions. 

The table above lists the top pick-and-roll defenses in the EuroCup so far in terms of points per possession allowed.  The main differentiator keeping Gran Canaria in a tier by itself to this point has been the way it has protected the paint without giving much back on the perimeter.  Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv have fallen in between Gran Canaria and the pack in terms of how well they contest shots inside the arc, but they have better-defined strengths and weaknesses with Jerusalem fairing better guarding screeners and Hapoel doing a relatively better job not just defending the ball, but forcing ball handlers to beat them.

The strategy that goes into how teams defend ball screens at this level is significant and there can be as much value in dictating the action as defending it some nights.  Aris Midea Thessaloniki embodies that with the pressure it brings to the ball and clogging up the passing lanes as it forces turnovers on around 20% of the pick-and-rolls they face, which is the top mark in the EuroCup. While Aris pays a price at times when passes get through, it forces enough mistakes to make up for it more often than not.

With the average possession created out of a pick-and-roll being converted for 0.96 points per possession this season due to Gran Canaria’s outlier performance, only six teams have been able to stay ahead of the curve, including the top two teams in both groups. With teams employing different strategies to stop pick-and-rolls against not just different teams, but individual players, that glances over a great deal of nuance, but with most teams creating over 40% of their total possessions out of those actions, the results certainly paint a picture.

Guarding possessions used by opposing ball handlers and screeners effectively is a game-changing ability