Name: Bryant Dunston: ‘It’s going to be tough playing this year without him’
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

It’s an immediate repeat of last season’s third-place game, narrowly edged by the Reds. Both teams boast exciting summer signings, headlined by Fenerbahce bringing giant [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/boban-marjanovic-returns-to-europe-with-fenerbahce-beko/) back to Europe after a decade away. [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-bonzie-colson-at-forward/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-star-guard-wade-baldwin/) will aim to repeat the excellence they routinely displayed for Maccabi last season, and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-reunites-with-nicolo-melli/) will be eager to make a positive start to his second spell at Fenerbahce. For Olympiacos, there’s a very welcome return for former EuroLeague MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-seals-return-to-olympiacos-bc/) after just one year away, and an array of new backcourt stars including [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-adds-star-guard-evan-fournier-to-backcourt/) and [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-tyler-dorsey-reunite/) join a formidable roster.

Game Videos

\- In the third-place game at the 2024 Final Four in Berlin, Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 87-84. Alec Peters led Olympiacos with 20 points and Giannoulis Larentzakis had a career-high 4 steals.

\- Both games between Fenerbahce and Olympiacos in the 2023-24 regular season were decided by 3 points or fewer. In Round 6 Fenerbahce held on to a 79-77 win, while in Round 34 Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 84-81 after overtime.

\- In their 2023 best-of-five playoff series, Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 3-2 after winning Games 1, 3 and 5.

\- Olympiacos registered a 79-68 victory in the series opener, setting a club playoff record with 16 made three-pointers.

\- Fenerbahce beat Olympiacos 80-64 in the 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game.

\- Fenerbahce matched its club record with 9 blocked shots against Olympiacos in the 2017 championship game.

\- Tyler Dorsey came back to Olympiacos this summer after spending the last two seasons with Fenerbahce, where he helped the team reach the 2024 Final Four and win the 2024 Turkish League championship.

\- Fenerbahce guard Scottie Wilbekin and Dorsey were not only teammates at Fenerbahce the last two seasons but also played together at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv for two years, from 2019 to 2021.

\- Fenerbahce guard Wade Baldwin made his EuroLeague debut with Olympiacos during the 2019-20 season, appearing in 24 games. He played under coach Georgios Bartzokas and was a teammate of Nikola Milutinov, Kostas Papanikolaou and Shaquielle McKissic.

\- Baldwin and Olympiacos forward Alec Peters were teammates at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the 2021-22 season.

\- Olympiacos guard Thomas Walkup was a teammate of Fenerbahce's Nigel Hayes-Davis at Zalgiris Kaunas for two seasons, from 2019 to 2021.

\- Walkup played under current Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius at Zalgiris Kaunas from 2019 to 2021.

\- Walkup grabbed a career-best 8 rebounds in Game 3 of the playoffs last season.

\- Fenerbahce's Marko Guduric has been a teammate of Olympiacos centers Nikola Milutinov and Filip Petrusev on the Serbian national team. Together, they won a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

\-  In a Game 5 loss in the 2023 playoffs, Guduric knocked down a career-best 8 three-pointers on 12 attempts against Olympiacos.

\- Peters had a career high in PIR (31) while playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Fenerbahce in November 2020.

\- Fenerbahce guard Scottie Wilbekin and injured Olympiacos guard Keenan Evans were backcourt mates at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv during the 2021-22 season.

\- Fenerbahce guard Scottie Wilbekin made a career-high 12 free throws while playing for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv against Olympiacos in January 2021.

\- Olympiacos playmaker Luca Vildoza grabbed a career-high 7 rebounds while playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Fenerbahce in November 2020.

Game News

Last season’s beaten semifinalists start the campaign with a bang as Fenerbahce confronts Olympiacos in Istanbul.

Game Notes: Fenerbahce vs. Olympiacos

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-04T17:30:00.000Z)

[Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rokas-jokubaitis-seals-move-to-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-deal-2-year-deal-with-jordan-loyd/) provide an intriguing new backcourt combination with plenty of EuroLeague experience, but Maccabi cannot call upon another new signing, center [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-unveils-signing-of-wenyen-gabriel/), due to injury. After a tough couple of seasons, ASVEL will be desperate to enter the new campaign on a more optimistic note and coach Pierric Poupet can continue to put the team in the hands of backcourt stars [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) – who led the league in steals last season – and [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/). Centers [Tarik Black](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tarik-black-strengthens-asvels-frontline/) and [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-inks-big-man-neal-sako/) are among half a dozen new signings hoping to make ASVEL more competitive this time around.

\- The first showdown between Maccabi and ASVEL came in 1978.

\- Maccabi has won six straight games against ASVEL.

\- Both of ASVEL's two wins this century came in a regular-season sweep in the 2020-21 season, including a 67-74 win in Tel Aviv, their only road win over Maccabi this century.

\- Maccabi swept ASVEL in the 2004-05 regular season on its way to defending its EuroLeague crown. In the first of those two games, Maccabi guard Anthony Parker had a PIR of 47 and made 13 two-point shots, both still club records, in a game at the legendary Astroballe on November 18, 2004.

\- ASVEL center Tarik Black spent two seasons at Maccabi, from 2018 to 2020. He was a teammate of John DiBartolomeo and Jake Cohen in both of those seasons.

\- Maccabi guard Rokas Jokubaitis and ASVEL center Joffrey Lauvergne were teammates at Zalgiris Kaunas during the 2020-21 season.

\- Maccabi center Alpha Kaba spent two seasons at ASVEL, from 2017 to 2019, and was a teammate of Theo Maledon, David Lighty and Charles Kahudi for both of those seasons.

\- Maccabi guard Jordan Loyd collected a career-high 5 steals while playing for Crvena Zvezda Belgrade against ASVEL in November 2020.

\- Paris Lee posted his career high in three-pointers made with 5 while playing against Maccabi in a Round 30 game last season.

\- ASVEL's David Lighty had a career-high 8 rebounds in an 84-81 home win over Maccabi in December 2020.

After losing several key performers during the summer, Maccabi will hope that new stars will immediately be born with a visit from retooled ASVEL. 

Game Notes: Maccabi vs. ASVEL

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-03T19:00:00.000Z)

After losing the vast experience of [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/three-time-euroleague-champ-sergio-rodriguez-retires/) and [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rudy-fernandez-calls-time-on-a-glittering-career/) to retirement, *Los Blancos* will look for returning stars like [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) and [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to take on even bigger leadership roles, while backcourt creativity and dominance in the paint are respectively guaranteed from [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/). New Real signing [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-serge-ibaka-reunite/) faces an immediate matchup with his former team, and he faces another big man with long-range scoring capability in the form of new Bayern arrival [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/johannes-voigtmann-returns-to-germany-joins-fc-bayern-basketball/). New coach [Gordie Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-tabs-world-champion-gordie-herbert-as-head-coach/) will hope for backcourt chemistry between new guards [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-bags-2023-euroleague-rising-star-yam-madar/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-signs-point-guard-shabazz-napier/), and leadership will still be provided by the hustle of [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/).

\- This is the ninth time that Bayern has hosted Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, but the first time at SAP Garden. Real has won six of its eight games so far against Bayern, including each of the last four.

\- Last season in Munich, Real cruised to a 71-92 win. In that game, Facundo Campazzo tied his career high with 7 rebounds.

\- In December 2022 in Munich, Real beat Bayern 64-68 with Walter Tavares collecting 14 points, 8 rebounds and tying a club record and career high with 6 blocks.

\- In January 2021, when Real pulled out a 76-81 overtime win in Munich, it was behind a career-high 26 points from Walter Tavares on a career-best 11 made two-point shots.

\- In their lone meeting in the 2019-20 season, a 95-86 Bayern victory in Munich, Bayern made a club-record 32 two-pointers.

\- Real's single-game record for steals by a player is 6, which Gustavo Ayon tied against FC Bayern Munich on December 11, 2015.

\- Real center Serge Ibaka spent last season with Bayern.

\- Bayern's Johannes Voigtmann had his career high in offensive rebounds with 7 while playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Real Madrid in February 2017.

\- Voigtmann collected a career-high 11 defensive rebounds while playing for Baskonia against Real in March 2019.

\- Bayern guard Shabazz Napier dished a career-high 8 assists while playing for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan against Real Madrid in March 2023.

\- Bayern's Andreas Obst tied his career high and a Bayern club record with 7 made three-pointers in Bayern's 79-67 road loss against Real in April 2023.

\- Bayern guard Yam Madar posted his career high with 6 rebounds while playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade against Real Madrid in Game 3 of the 2023 EuroLeague Playoffs.

Last season’s runner-up Real will aim for a winning start with a tough trip to ambitious Bayern. 

Game Notes: Bayern vs. Madrid

FC Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (2024-10-03T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia sharpshooter [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) will receive last season’s Top Scorer Trophy before tip-off, and denying Howard open looks on the perimeter will be a major focus for the Partizan defense. A big summer signing for Baskonia is [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-announces-luwawu-cabarrot/), who will attempt to maintain the electric form he showed last season with ASVEL. Partizan has an almost entirely new roster, with only two players remaining. EuroLeague experience is provided by big men [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-brandon-davies-at-center/) and [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-reels-in-isaac-bonga-to-belgrade/), along with guards [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-puts-iffe-lundberg-into-backcourt/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-scoring-threat-sterling-brown/). And if any coach can quickly craft a winning team out of so many new pieces, it’s surely the incomparable Obradovic.

\- Of the 11 EuroLeague meetings between these two clubs, the home team has won the last nine. The last time a road team won in games between Baskonia and Partizan was nearly 23 years ago, in January 2002.

\- Last season in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Baskonia edged out Partizan 84-83 in Round 6 on a pair of game-winning free throws from Chima Moneke with 1.1 seconds to go. Moneke paced Baskonia that night with 16 points, 6 rebounds and a career-high 4 steals.

\- In Baskonia's home opener in the 2022-23 season, Baskonia pulled out an improbable 103-96 overtime win against Partizan after Markus Howard hit a buzzer-beating triple at the end of regulation that sent the game into extra session. Howard scored 33 points, making a career-best 8 three-pointers made.

\- In 2008, Baskonia and Partizan faced off in the best-of-three EuroLeague Playoffs. Each team won on its home floor, with Baskonia winning the series 2-1 and advancing to the Final Four.

\- Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic coached current Baskonia head coach Pablo Laso at Real Madrid for two seasons during the mid-1990s. They won the 1997 Saporta Cup together.

\- Partizan team captain Vanja Marinkovic spent the last three seasons with Baskonia, helping it reach the EuroLeague Playoffs last season.

\- Baskonia guard Ognjen Jaramaz arrived from Partizan this summer. Jaramaz came through Partizan’s youth system and spent parts of three seasons there from 2019 to 2021, and then again last season.

\- Baskonia's Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Partizan center Brandon Davies were teammates at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in the 2022-23 season.

\- Partizan forward Isaac Bonga played under Baskonia head coach Pablo Laso at FC Bayern Munich last season.

Pablo Laso makes his coaching debut for Baskonia with a visit from another legendary play-caller, Partizan’s Zeljko Obradovic. 

Game Notes: Baskonia vs. Partizan

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Roca Team superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is doubtful for Round 1 after undergoing surgery in the summer, while new signing [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) is out for three to four weeks. It will likely be the task of [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) to find giant [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/), who will hope to quickly develop an effective one-two big man punch with the returning [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/). Milan boss Ettore Messina has added plenty of experience during the off-season, including last season’s rebounding leader [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-tabs-rebounding-leader-josh-nebo/). [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zach-leday-seals-return-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-seals-move-for-leandro-bolmaro/) will add hustle to support star men [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), and the cool experience of [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-tabs-two-time-champion-fabien-causeur/) will be crucial in quickly setting Milan on the right path.

\- Last season in Monaco, Milan celebrated an 80-98 win behind 21 points from Nikola Mirotic. That was Milan's second win in three games in Monaco since these two teams first met in December 2021.

\- Last season in Milan, Monaco beat Milan 66-72 in Round 6 with Mike James scoring 21 points.

\- Monaco guard Mike James played for Milan during the 2018-19 season, winning the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy with an average of 19.8 points per game.

\- Monaco's James and Milan's Fabien Causeur were teammates at Baskonia for a season and a half, from 2014 to 2016. They helped the team reach the 2016 EuroLeague Final Four.

\- Milan's Zach LeDay made a career-high 13 free throws while playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade against Monaco in April 2023.

\- Milan forward Giampaolo Ricci set career highs with 8 rebounds, 6 offensive rebounds and a PIR of 15 against Monaco in December 2022.

\- Monaco point guard Nick Calathes earned MVP of the Round honors while playing for Panathinaikos Athens in an 85-93 road win against Milan in March 2019. He made a career-high 12 two-point shots, scoring 27 points and recording a PIR of 39.

After falling just short of a place in last season’s Final Four, Monaco will aim for a strong start at home to powerfully rebuilt Milan.

Game Notes: Monaco vs. Milan

AS Monaco v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

The hosts will look for instant impact from a long line of summer arrivals, including veteran big man [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bryant-dunston-heads-to-zalgiris-kaunas/), scoring threat [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-deal-with-scorer-sylvain-francisco/), hard-working [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-lands-explosive-big-man-alen-smailagic/) and talented guard [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-eurocups-top-scorer-deividas-sirvydis/), who excelled in last season’s EuroCup. In addition to their new man on the sidelines, Barca will give debuts to scoring star [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/) and rebounding specialist [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barca-rebuilds-frontline-with-youssoupha-fall/). Another summer arrival, young guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-makes-juan-nunez-its-playmaker-of-the-future/), will look to underline his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting rising talents alongside the scoring talent of [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), but Barca will also have to confront the always-electric atmosphere of Zalgirio Arena.

\- In the most recent of 38 meetings between these two teams this century, in Round 21 last season, Barcelona beat Zalgiris at home 91-73 as Dario Brizuela set career highs with 24 points and a 23 PIR, while Jabari Parker had a career-high PIR of 22.

\- When these two teams met in Kaunas last season, Zalgiris big man Laurynas Birutis scored a career-high 18 points, but it came in an 80-85 loss.

\- Barcelona swept Zalgiris in their best-of-five 2023 playoff series, clinching the series with a 66-77 Game 3 win in Kaunas.

\- In Barcelona's 89-81 win in Game 2 of that series, Nicolas Laprovittola set his career high with 11 assists.

\- In a 91-69 Game 1 win, Barcelona set a new playoff record by making 21 free throws without a miss.

\- Barcelona beat Zalgiris in the 1985 Cup Winners' Cup final, 77-73, behind 29 points from Chicho Sibilio.

\- Barcelona's single-game record for blocks by a player is 5, which Daniel Santiago tied against Zalgiris on November 27, 2008.

\- Barcelona's single-game record for steals by a player is 6, which Michailis Kakiouzis tied against Zalgiris Kaunas on January 3, 2007.

\- The EuroLeague and Barcelona's record for the most two-point shots without a miss by a player, 11, was set by Ante Tomic against Zalgiris in December 2015.

\- Barcelona big man Youssoupha Fall had a career-high 5 blocks while playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Zalgiris in October 2019.

\- When Zalgiris beat Barcelona 91-84 in Kaunas in March 2022 to end a streak of six consecutive losses against the Spanish side, Edgaras Ulanovas had a career-high PIR of 33 and a career-best 6 steals.

\- In Game 3 of the 2023 playoffs, Ulanovas posted a career-high 6 offensive rebounds in a 66-77 loss.

\- Ulanovas set his career high with 7 assists in a 90-74 win over Barcelona in March 2018.

\- Lukas Lekavicius made a career-high 8 two-point shots against Barcelona in February 2017.

\- Jan Vesely made a career-high 10 free throws while playing for Fenerbahce Istanbul against Zalgiris in December 2017.

New Barcelona coach Joan Penarroya faces his first test with a trip to Andrea Trinchieri’s Zalgiris.

Game Notes: Zalgiris vs. Barcelona

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Barcelona (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

The Greek giant has strengthened an already formidable roster with the introduction of explosive guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-lorenzo-brown/) and two players who have returned to Europe after long spells in the United States: all-action forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/cedi-osman-joins-panathinaikos-bc/) and big man [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-lands-omer-yurtseven/). ALBA has retained the vast majority of last season’s squad which finished rock bottom with a disappointing 5-29 record, and coach Israel Gonzalez will hope to become more competitive through two new signings: [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-grabs-all-eurocup-center-trevion-williams/), last season’s rebounding leader in the EuroCup, and Australian guard [Will McDowell-White](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ru/euroleague/news/will-mcdowell-white-joins-alba-berlin/). Taking on the title holders could not be a tougher start for the German team.

\- Panathinaikos returns to Berlin and Uber Arena, where it won the 2024 EuroLeague crown.

\- Last season, in Round 34, the last time these two teams met, Panathinaikos beat ALBA in Athens 84-75 with Kostas Sloukas earning MVP of the Round honors, having earned a PIR of 27.

\- Last season in Berlin, Panathinaikos beat ALBA 85-99 in Round 7 with Konstantinos Mitoglou scoring 24 points and Jerian Grant dishing a career-high 9 assists.

\- ALBA set club records in scoring (106 points) and two-pointers made (33) against Panathinaikos in a 105-106 double-overtime road win in November 2019.

\- Panathinaikos guard Marius Grigonis played for ALBA during the 2017-18 season. He was a teammate of current ALBA players Jonas Mattisseck and Tim Schneider.

\- ALBA sharpshooter Matt Thomas played for Panathinaikos in the 2022-23 season.

\- Panathinaikos center Kostas Antetokounmpo posted a career-high 4 blocks in a Round 34 win over ALBA last season.

\- In last season’s Round 34 win over ALBA, Panathinaikos guard Kendrick Nunn scored a career-high 28 points.

\- Panathinaikos guard Kostas Sloukas earned MVP honors in Round 12 of the 2019-20 season when he set a career high with a PIR of 39, collecting 23 points and 10 assists and also making a career-best 13 free throws while playing for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul against ALBA.

\- Panathinaikos forward Ioannis Papapetrou set career highs with 39 points and a PIR of 41 while playing for Panathinaikos in a double-overtime home loss against ALBA in November 2019. Papapetrou played a career-high 48:53 minutes and set a couple of career highs after making 9-of-10 two-pointers and 6-of-12 three-pointers.

\- Panathinaikos big man Konstantinos Mitoglou had a career-high 3 blocks against ALBA in February 2021.

\- In Round 34 last season, ALBA's Justin Bean tied his career high with 7 rebounds in a loss against Panathinaikos.

\- ALBA guard Jonas Mattisseck set a career high with 3 steals against Panathinaikos in November 2019.

Reigning champ Panathinaikos makes an immediate return to the scene of May’s Final Four triumph with a trip to face ALBA Berlin. 

Game Notes: ALBA vs. Panathinaikos

ALBA Berlin v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-03T16:45:00.000Z)

Bryant Dunston sits down with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss joining Zalgiris Kaunas, his expectations for the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, and a player whose presence he will miss.

Bryant Dunston: ‘It’s going to be tough playing this year without him’

You could say that [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) has been there and done it all. Aged 38 and with two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships to his name, the veteran center was picked up by Zalgiris Kaunas in the offseason after showing at Virtus Segafredo Bologna that he still has something left in the tank.

During a sit-down interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Javier Gancedo prior to the 2024-25 EuroLeague season getting underway, Dunston explains why he signed for Zalgiris, why he is so impressed by two of the club’s new additions, and what it will be like now he doesn’t have to face [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/), the four-time EuroLeague champion who retired in the summer.

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Dunston was a key member of the Anadolu Efes Istanbul squad that won back-to-back EuroLeague trophies in 2021 and 2022, while he also secured back-to-back EuroLeague Best Defender awards in 2014 and 2015, when he was playing for Olympiacos Piraeus. That experience and know-how is going to see him become a crucial member of head coach Andrea Trinchieri’s roster, much like [Othello Hunter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/othello-hunter/005160/) was during the Italian play-caller’s time at FC Bayern Munich.

There is still room for Dunston to write his name further into the EuroLeague’s history books, as he discusses during the interview, and he is confident that Zalgiris has what it takes to aim for the postseason, so long as he and his teammates focus on a few key facets.

More Zalgiris News

You could say that Bryant Dunston has been there and done it all. Aged 38 and with two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships to his name, the veteran center was picked up by Zalgiris Kaunas in the offseason after showing at Virtus Segafredo Bologna that he still has something left in the tank. During a sit-down interview with Euroleague.net’s Javier Gancedo prior to the 2024-25 EuroLeague season getting underway, Dunston explains why he signed for Zalgiris, why he is so impressed by two of the club’s new additions, and what it will be like now he doesn’t have to face Kyle Hines, the four-time EuroLeague champion who retired in the summer.

The new Zalgiris center sat down with Javier Gancedo ahead of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season

Bahcesehir College Istanbul center Tai Odiase sat down with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss how his third EuroCup season, Bahcesehir and much more.

Tai Odiase, Bahcesehir: 'We want to make the playoffs'

Bahcesehir College Istanbul started the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season with a bang, [downing Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69-80 to win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs1-report-wol-bah/) in its return to the competition after a three-year break. Center [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) was one of the pillars of Bahcesehir's balanced offense, finishing the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 5 fouls drawn for a team-high PIR of 20. 

Now in his third EuroCup season with as many teams, Odiase made his EuroCup debut with Germani Brescia Leonessa in 2022 before suiting up for Prometey Slobozhanske last season. He helped both teams reach the EuroCup Playoffs and believes that should be Bahcesehir's initial goal: challenging for a playoff spot, as he told Javier Gancedo in an interview for [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com). 

"Right now, we're just focused on making it in the top six. We want to make the playoffs and then go from there," Odiase said. "Personally, I don't look too far ahead. I try to take things one step at a time. So I think our main goal is to just make these playoffs and then make a run from there."

Tai Odiase finished the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5 fouls drawn and a team-high PIR of 20. Bahcesehir College Istanbul beat Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69-80 in Round 1.

Odiase led Bahcesehir to opening-round win

**Hello, Tai. Congratulations on beating Wolves in Vilnius. How important was it to get that first win right win in Bahcesehir's return to the competition?**

"Thanks. It's always good to get that first win of the season and start the season off right, heading in the right direction. We still have some things we need to work on defensively, but I think overall it was a good first game."

**You started the season in great shape, too. What did you do this summer to show up in such great physical condition?**

"I didn't stop playing basketball. So right after I left Prometey last season, which ended in about April, about a week after that, I went to Puerto Rico and played until the beginning of August. And then about a few days after that came the training camp in Istanbul. So I just kept playing all summer. I think some people might see that as a negative because I didn't really get any rest, but in my opinion, I think it was a positive because I just kept playing basketball. I stayed sharp instead of having to get into game shape again during preseason, so I just kept playing basketball."

**I am sure you had many offers in the offseason. Why did you choose Bahcesehir?**

"I wanted to play in a good \[international\] competition and also play in a good local league as well. You know, Prometey played the EuroCup last season but the local league wasn't as strong as the Turkish Basketball League. So that was one of the main factors, just playing good competitions all year round. And you have a great group of guys, a great coach, a great staff here. So that was one of the biggest factors leading to my decision."

"Having [Nemanja Bjelica] as a GM is a great thing because he played basketball and understands how we feel."

**You also have a lot of experienced players in the competition. How much of a good thing is that?**

"I think it's really good for us. We have Jaleen \[Smith\] and Ponitka, they have EuroLeague experience and we have a lot of EuroCup-experienced guys. I think that is going to help us, especially towards the end of the game when we have to make right decisions. Just having that experience can help us later in games and later in the season."

**Nemanja Bjelica retired from basketball is now your club's general manager. How great is it to have such a successful player running things off the court?**

"Having him as a GM is a great thing because he played basketball and understands how we feel, so he always tries to relate to us from a player-to-player standpoint. And that helps us get acclimated to the team and be comfortable and just only worry about basketball."

**Bahcesehir is a very special club, with schools and colleges everywhere and loads of students at the games. How much are you looking forward to that?**

"I'm looking forward to it a lot because last year we didn't have this situation with the team. We didn't have our fan base, so I didn't get to enjoy having that. But this year we get to enjoy the fan base, having the college behind us. And it should be a lot of fun. I'm very excited for it. We play in a big arena. I hope they fill it up."

"Playing against Besiktas should be fun, having them also in Istanbul should bring out a lot of people... a great, exciting atmosphere."

**Your next opponent is Besiktas. Both teams won in Round 1 and are based in the same city. Is that something you looked forward when you signed for a Turkish team, the derbies?**

"I wasn't really thinking about the derbies per se. I just wanted to be on a team that was good, so we could win a lot of games. But playing against Besiktas should be fun, having them also in Istanbul should bring out a lot of people, bring out the crowd. This should be a great, exciting atmosphere, and I think we will do everything we need to prepare to hopefully win that game."

**Are you in touch with your former Prometey teammates?**

"I talk to each of them from time to time. Ondrej Balvin recently wished me a happy birthday and I wished him the same because he had his birthday shortly after mine. So yeah, I talked to them from time to time. We keep up with each other. I think the chemistry was even stronger because, of the situation. Everybody was in Riga where they were not at home, in their hometown or home country of Ukraine. So I think the chemistry was a lot stronger because we had to deal with things that normal teams don't really have to deal with, playing at an Olympic center all year, where other teams are using the same things and other kids are working out, so we had to work around schedules and just certain things. Waking up at five in the morning for the travel so we could travel on time, and a lot of things that teams don't really deal with. So I think the chemistry was even stronger based on that."

**Have you had time to go around Istanbul and taste some of the great food there?**

"I haven't had much Turkish food. I have been to a lot of restaurants, but not Turkish food. My favorite restaurant so far has been Zuma. There are a lot of malls here, it's actually very overwhelming because I live in Chicago and I figure that's one of the biggest cities. But coming to a city that's similar in size is crazy. So I didn't have the time to really explore. We got here, went to training camp straight away for a couple of weeks, and we have been traveling and playing games. But anytime I have a free day, we try to go around Istanbul, whether it's to a mall or somewhere where the kids will enjoy and just look around. But I have, what, eight-nine more months to explore. So I think by the end of the season, I'll have had my fair share of looking around and traveling around Istanbul."

**The season just started. What can we expect from Bahcesehir going forward? What would be a satisfactory result for you?**

"Right now, we're just focused on making it in the top six. We want to make the playoffs and then go from there. Personally, I don't look too far ahead. I try to take things one step at a time. So I think our main goal is to just make these playoffs and then make a run from there. Like you said, we have a great group of guys with a lot of experience, so I think that alone will take us where we need to be."

More Bahcesehir News

Tai Odiase in action for Bahcesehir College Istanbul against Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The 29-year-old is dreaming big after a strong Round 1 performance

AS Monaco Basket guard Nick Calathes will miss the start of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season after suffering a knee injury.

Nick Calathes out 3-4 weeks with knee injury

AS Monaco has confirmed that guard [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) will miss the start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season after suffering a knee injury, which will keep him sidelined for the next three to four weeks.

Calathes joined Monaco in the summer after spending two years with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. The EuroLeague's all-time assists leader has reunited with former Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens teammate [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) by signing for Monaco, while [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/) also made the switch from Fenerbahce to Monaco this offseason.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ℹ️ En raison d’une blessure au genou, Nick Calathes sera éloigné des terrains pour les 3-4 prochaines semaines. 🚑<br><br>Nous souhaitons un prompt rétablissement à notre meneur et meilleur passeur de l’histoire de l’Euroleague. Toute la Roca Family est avec toi. Daghe Nick ! 👊… <a href="https://t.co/mLZIJGUCI5">pic.twitter.com/mLZIJGUCI5</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1840713638950076498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With Calathes expected to miss three to four weeks, he should be in line to return in Round 5 against Paris Basketball. Before then, Monaco face EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at home in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively, before travelling to take on FC Barcelona in Spain in Round 3 and heading back to Salle Gaston Medecin for a Round 4 clash against Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

More Monaco News

AS Monaco guard Nick Calathes passes the ball during the annual Turkish Airlines EuroLeague media day.

He will miss Monaco's opening four games at least

The EuroLeague is back for its 25th season, ladies and gentlemen! Round 1 is full of incredible matchups, and here we will talk you through them.

At a glance: The world's most passionate basketball league is back!

We’re back! The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns on Thursday and Friday with nine tantalizing matchups, including a EuroLeague debut for a rising force and a big showdown between last season's beaten semifinalists. Here’s your guide to Round 1.

## Thursday, October 3

### ALBA Berlin vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CEST)

Reigning champ Panathinaikos makes an immediate return to the scene of May’s Final Four triumph with a trip to face ALBA Berlin. The Greek giant has strengthened an already formidable roster with the introduction of explosive guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-lorenzo-brown/) and two players who have returned to Europe after long spells in the United States: all-action forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/cedi-osman-joins-panathinaikos-bc/) and big man [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-lands-omer-yurtseven/). ALBA has retained the vast majority of last season’s squad which finished rock bottom with a disappointing 5-29 record, and coach Israel Gonzalez will hope to become more competitive through two new signings: [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-grabs-all-eurocup-center-trevion-williams/), last season’s rebounding leader in the EuroCup, and Australian guard [Will McDowell-White](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ru/euroleague/news/will-mcdowell-white-joins-alba-berlin/). Taking on the title holders could not be a tougher start for the German team.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Procida vs. Grant

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona (19:00 CEST)

New Barcelona coach [Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-names-joan-penarroya-as-head-coach/) faces his first test with a trip to Andrea Trinchieri’s Zalgiris. The hosts will look for instant impact from a long line of summer arrivals, including veteran big man [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bryant-dunston-heads-to-zalgiris-kaunas/), scoring threat [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-deal-with-scorer-sylvain-francisco/), hard-working [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-lands-explosive-big-man-alen-smailagic/) and talented guard [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-eurocups-top-scorer-deividas-sirvydis/), who excelled in last season’s EuroCup. In addition to their new man on the sidelines, Barca will give debuts to scoring star [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/) and rebounding specialist [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barca-rebuilds-frontline-with-youssoupha-fall/). Another summer arrival, young guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-makes-juan-nunez-its-playmaker-of-the-future/), will look to underline his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting rising talents alongside the scoring talent of [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), but Barca will also have to confront the always-electric atmosphere of Zalgirio Arena.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Ulanovas vs.Parker

### AS Monaco vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (19:00 CEST)

After falling just short of a place in last season’s Final Four, Monaco will aim for a strong start at home to powerfully rebuilt Milan. Roca Team superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is doubtful for Round 1 after undergoing surgery in the summer, while new signing [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) is out for three to four weeks. It will likely be the task of [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) to find giant [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/), who will hope to quickly develop an effective one-two big man punch with the returning [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/). Milan boss Ettore Messina has added plenty of experience during the off-season, including last season’s rebounding leader [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-tabs-rebounding-leader-josh-nebo/). [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zach-leday-seals-return-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-seals-move-for-leandro-bolmaro/) will add hustle to support star men [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), and the cool experience of [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-tabs-two-time-champion-fabien-causeur/) will be crucial in quickly setting Milan on the right path.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Diallo vs. Shields

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CEST)

Pablo Laso makes his coaching debut for Baskonia with a visit from another legendary play-caller, Partizan’s Zeljko Obradovic. Baskonia sharpshooter [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) will receive last season’s Top Scorer Trophy before tip-off, and denying Howard open looks on the perimeter will be a major focus for the Partizan defense. A big summer signing for Baskonia is [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-announces-luwawu-cabarrot/), who will attempt to maintain the electric form he showed last season with ASVEL. Partizan has an almost entirely new roster, with only two players remaining. EuroLeague experience is provided by big men [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-brandon-davies-at-center/) and [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-reels-in-isaac-bonga-to-belgrade/), along with guards [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-puts-iffe-lundberg-into-backcourt/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-scoring-threat-sterling-brown/). And if any coach can quickly craft a winning team out of so many new pieces, it’s surely the incomparable Obradovic.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Howard vs. Lundberg

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

Last season’s runner-up Real will aim for a winning start with a tough trip to ambitious Bayern. After losing the vast experience of [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/three-time-euroleague-champ-sergio-rodriguez-retires/) and [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rudy-fernandez-calls-time-on-a-glittering-career/) to retirement, *Los Blancos* will look for returning stars like [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) and [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to take on even bigger leadership roles, while backcourt creativity and dominance in the paint are respectively guaranteed from [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/). New Real signing [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-serge-ibaka-reunite/) faces an immediate matchup with his former team, and he faces another big man with long-range scoring capability in the form of new Bayern arrival [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/johannes-voigtmann-returns-to-germany-joins-fc-bayern-basketball/). New coach [Gordie Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-tabs-world-champion-gordie-herbert-as-head-coach/) will hope for backcourt chemistry between new guards [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-bags-2023-euroleague-rising-star-yam-madar/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-signs-point-guard-shabazz-napier/), and leadership will still be provided by the hustle of [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/).

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Lucic vs. Deck

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (21:00 CEST)

After losing several key performers during the summer, Maccabi will hope that new stars will immediately be born with a visit from retooled ASVEL. [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rokas-jokubaitis-seals-move-to-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-deal-2-year-deal-with-jordan-loyd/) provide an intriguing new backcourt combination with plenty of EuroLeague experience, but Maccabi cannot call upon another new signing, center [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-unveils-signing-of-wenyen-gabriel/), due to injury. After a tough couple of seasons, ASVEL will be desperate to enter the new campaign on a more optimistic note and coach Pierric Poupet can continue to put the team in the hands of backcourt stars [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) – who led the league in steals last season – and [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/). Centers [Tarik Black](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tarik-black-strengthens-asvels-frontline/) and [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-inks-big-man-neal-sako/) are among half a dozen new signings hoping to make ASVEL more competitive this time around.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Blatt vs.Lee

## Friday, October 4

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

Last season’s beaten semifinalists start the campaign with a bang as Fenerbahce confronts Olympiacos in Istanbul. It’s an immediate repeat of last season’s third-place game, narrowly edged by the Reds. Both teams boast exciting summer signings, headlined by Fenerbahce bringing giant [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/boban-marjanovic-returns-to-europe-with-fenerbahce-beko/) back to Europe after a decade away. [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-bonzie-colson-at-forward/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-star-guard-wade-baldwin/) will aim to repeat the excellence they routinely displayed for Maccabi last season, and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-reunites-with-nicolo-melli/) will be eager to make a positive start to his second spell at Fenerbahce. For Olympiacos, there’s a very welcome return for former EuroLeague MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-seals-return-to-olympiacos-bc/) after just one year away, and an array of new backcourt stars including [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-adds-star-guard-evan-fournier-to-backcourt/) and [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-tyler-dorsey-reunite/) join a formidable roster.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Hayes-Davis vs. Vezenkov

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (21:00 CEST)

After falling in the first edition of the play-in tournament last season, Virtus is hungry for even more as it welcomes the always dangerous Efes. Luca Banchi’s team still has the backcourt experience of [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/), [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), along with the inside presence of [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). Joining them are exciting new signings [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/) and [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/), who faces an instant reunion with his former Efes teammates. [Shane Larkin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/)is an injury doubt for the Turkish team, which still has plenty of talented guards with [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/). Coach Tomislav Mijatovic will also hope that new arrivals [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-picks-up-high-flying-center-vincent-poirier/) and [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rolands-smits-signs-for-anadolu-efes/) can give his team more power in the paint to prevail in this season opener.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Bryant

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (21:00 CEST)

After a scintillating season of success in the EuroCup, Paris is more than ready for its EuroLeague debut with a visit from new-look Zvezda. The French club has retained last year’s star guard duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), while [new head coach Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-appointed-tiago-splitter-as-head-coach/) has also retained big men [Leon Kratzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/leon-kratzer/004512/) and [Bandja Sy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bandja-sy/005793/). Joining them are fresh faces with EuroLeague experience like [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-heads-to-paris-basketball/), [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-picks-up-veteran-guard-yakuba-ouattara/) and [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-basketball-fortifies-frontline-with-kevarrius-hayes/). Zvezda coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has recruited several proven performers such as shooting star [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/isaiah-canaan-joins-kk-crvena-zvezda/), last season’s leading assists provider, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-lands-playmaker-codi-miller-mcintyre/), and the returning [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-reunites-with-nikola-kalinic/). Power in the paint comes from [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) and long-serving [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/), but [Milos Teodosic will miss the game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/round-34-disciplinary-sanctions/) through suspension.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Shorts vs. Miller-McIntyre

Some 130 days after Panathinaikos lifted the EuroLeague title in Berlin, the new season is ready to get underway

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Frankie Sachs has made his five recommendations for Round 2 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Is there anyone he is missing?

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Must-have players in Round 2

With each game that passes, there is more data to digest in the quest to build the perfect EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team. Here are five players you should consider to maximize their value entering Round 2.

### Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius – 11.9 credits

The 27-year-old point guard seems to be in the perfect spot to shine. [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) has been Wolves’ top scorer this season with the bonus of effective shooting, getting to the line and compiling assists. He went for 20 points and 4 assists for a PIR of 23 in Round 1 against Bahcesehir College Istanbul and followed that up with 20 points and 6 assists against EuroCup side 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys over the weekend in the Lithuanian League. He made 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) and 14-of-16 free throws (87.5%) in those games. In what should be an uptempo game against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Cowan has great value.

Anthony Cowan had 20 points in Wolves' Round 1 game against Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cowan's highlights vs. Bahcesehir

### Justinian Jessup, ratiopharm Ulm – 9.4 credits

[Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) did it all for Ulm against Trefl Sopot in Round 1. He netted 6 three-pointers, led the team with 20 points, collected 6 rebounds and made the game-winning shot. He also played a game-high 39:55 minutes, so it is clear that coach Ty Harrelson is counting on his sweet-shooting small forward. Moreover, Jessup is leading Ulm in scoring (17.5 ppg.) and PIR (20) in the German League, too. Against a tough Joventut Badalona squad this week, Ulm will look to Jessup again.

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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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### Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice – 12.6 credits

There are several strong options at center and [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/) is not among the cheaper ones, but his rebounding prowess gives him such a high floor that it can’t be overlooked. The Canadian big man contributed 13 points and 9 boards for a PIR of 17 on opening night against Aris Midea Thessaloniki. He then erupted for 17 points and 21 rebounds – posting a PIR of 40 – in the Italian League over the weekend. With those numbers under his belt, Kabengele becomes a very intriguing option.

Mfiondu Kabengele had 13 points and 9 rebounds against Aris Midea Thessaloniki in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Kabengele's highlights vs. Aris

### Zavier Simpson, U-BT Cluj-Napoca – 13.2 credits

If there were any questions about how [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) would adjust to European basketball, he put them to bed in Round 1 with a monster line – 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists – against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Simpson has an impressive resume and displayed his vast array of skills from the start. Any time you have a triple-double threat, he is going to be a valuable player since he will be able to contribute in many ways. Simpson is not a cheap player, but if he becomes a EuroCup star, you may want to grab him before he gets too pricey.

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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/DAUIzN1tDdS/?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 Zavier Simpson (@nfl_xaviersimpson3)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Ben Saraf, ratiopharm Ulm – 7.4 credits

It is unusual to list two players on the same team, but the truth is we could easily have had three from Ulm. [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), 17, was the most valuable player in fantasy last week with 28.6 fantasy points (18 points and 6 rebounds) for just 5.4 credits. His price has jumped this week, as has [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/)’s. The Israeli point guard had 17 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 17 in Round 1. The two teenagers are bound to have their ups and downs, but for their current values and playing on Turn 1, they are both wise additions.

Anthony Cowan in action for Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Let’s take a look at some undervalued players to consider this week

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-10-01T17:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-02T17:30:00.000Z)

Geoff Gillingham has recommended five players to select in Round 1 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Will you listen to his advice?

Fantasy tips, Round 1: Some under-the-radar picks to consider

The start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign means the beginning of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. In the absence of fantasy expert [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto), who will be doing these columns during the season, I am here to point you in the right direction.

It is always a difficult task recommending players for Round 1 as head coaches are still finalizing their lineups, but my job is to try to make some recommendations based on the previous season, as well as what to expect in the coming campaign.

### Jordan Nwora, Anadolu Efes Istanbul – 13.1 credits

A new name for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers, Jordan Nwora has what it takes to shock EuroLeague fans this year. Efes teammate Shane Larkin seems to agree, telling the YouTube channel Amerikanos24: "I'm very excited for him. He might be the best pure scorer that I've played with in Europe so far.” Nwora has been one of the leading lights of Efes’s preseason campaign and with the Turkish club set to play on the road at Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 1, I think he’s worth a shot.

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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; 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### Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball – 11.4 credits

For anyone who did not get a chance to watch Paris during its BKT EuroCup-winning campaign in 2023-24, I am sorry. Why? The backcourt duo of TJ Shorts and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) dominated on a night in, night out basis and were must-see TV. In Round 1, I expect Hifi to put on a show when Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade visits Adidas Arena. Paris’s version of Kyrie Irving, Hifi has what it takes to score at the EuroLeague level and become a thorn in the side of opposition defenses.

The best plays of Nadir Hifi as Paris Basketball went on to become the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup champion.

Hifi's top plays in 2023-24

### Sterling Brown, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade – 9.4 credits

A natural scorer, [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) should make an immediate impact in Round 1 at home to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Last year, he averaged 11.2 points per game for an ALBA Berlin side that struggled, but surrounded by a better roster at Partizan, the platform is there for the 29-year-old to become one of the team’s leading scorers, starting this week. At 9.4 credits, Brown feels like a solid choice to have in your fantasy team.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5ib8AMp2n/?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/p/C-5ib8AMp2n/?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; 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/C-5ib8AMp2n/?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 KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@partizanbc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Jaron Blossomgame, AS Monaco – 8.5 credits

One of the most consistent performers in the EuroLeague, [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) will be tasked with doing it on both ends as Monaco welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan to the principality in Round 1. Particularly in the latter part of last season, Blossomgame improved his scoring average and, in turn, became a much more favorable player for those playing the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. For the price of 8.5 credits, he seems like a good player to have.

### Sertac Sanli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul – 6.3 credits

Sometimes, EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers will be scrambling around to see which cheap players they can find to fill their roster. Well, [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) could be an interesting option, especially after impressing with 11 points in each of his two games against Fenerbahce’s Round 1 opponent, Olympiacos Piraeus, last season. Importantly, him playing in Turn 2 should further increase his value to your team.

This week, Geoff Gillingham is in the hot seat to give his five fantasy players you should choose in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

For configuring the countdown clock for all three competitions (EL, EC and NG). Please add only one CCB per comp ID.

Configuration - EuroLeague Round Countdown Config Page

The second round of the 2024-25 EuroCup season is here, with drama guaranteed in several key clashes.

At a glance: Plenty of heavyweight battles await in Round 2

Round 2 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season will see last week's winners attempt to defend their perfect records, including an exciting Istanbul derby. Here's your overview of the upcoming action.

## Tuesday, October 1

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (18:00 CEST)

A first win is up for grabs as two of last week’s losers meet. Lietkabelis needs to improve offensively after managing just 66 points in the loss at Turk Telekom, and starting center [Gabrielius Maldunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabrielius-maldunas/010461/) will be particularly keen to find his radar after scoring 0 points in that game. The Lithuanian team did grab 14 offensive rebounds in the loss so will look for more dominance in the paint to overcome a Hapoel Jerusalem team which also struggled to score last week, managing just 64 points against Valencia. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) accounted for 27 of those, but he needs more help this time around.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?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/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?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; 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; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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/DAiI0OKsxpO/?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 BC „7bet-Lietkabelis” (@bclietkabelis)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Besiktas Fibabank Istanbul (18:00 CEST)

An all-Istanbul showdown will see Bahcesehir welcome Besitkas, with both teams in a confident mood after starting the season on a winning path. The first-ever EuroCup meeting between the teams could be a high-scoring encounter after Besiktas poured in 94 points last week against Buducnost, paced by playmaker [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) pairing 18 points with 6 assists. The host only allowed 69 points to overcome Wolves, and Bahcesehir will again look to control the pace of the game through big man [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), who had impressive numbers of 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in the season opening win.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Odiase vs Terry

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona (19:00 CEST)

An intriguing matchup will see last week’s two narrowest winners go head-to-head as Ulm welcomes Joventut. The German team started its campaign by overcoming Trefl in overtime behind the all-action [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/), who played for nearly 40 minutes in the process of registering 20 points – including 6 three-pointers – and 6 rebounds. Ulm also had a great debut from teenager [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/), with 17 points and 10 assists, and his matchup with Joventut veteran [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) could be crucial. The Spanish team just edged out Hapoel Tel Aviv last week as [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) shined with 17 points and 12 boards, and Ulm must find a way to control Tomic’s influence.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Saraf-Dotson

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (19:45 CEST)

After starting the season with losses, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Wolves will be fighting hard for a first victory at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s powerfully reloaded roster slipped to defeat at Joventut last week largely due to poor shooting from three-point range (25.7%) and the foul line (53.3%), so will look for better accuracy from shooters like [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), who went a combined 6 of 23 from the field last week. Wolves will hope for a similar upturn from [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who made just 3 of his 10 shots in the season opening loss at home to Bahcesehir.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Beverley-Cowan

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice (20:00 CEST)

An offensive showdown awaits as Cedevita hosts Reyer, with both teams exceeding 90 points to start the season with a bang last week. Cedevita’s win over Cluj owed a lot to new guard [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/), who made an instant impact on both sides of the ball with 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, while [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) showed his ability to dominate inside by scoring 8 two-pointers in his 20-point haul. Reyer’s hopes of overcoming that multifaceted offense will be powered by veteran forward [Jordan Parks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-parks/011909/), who paired 17 points with 7 rebounds to help beat Aris last week.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Robinson-Parks

## Wednesday, October 2

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:00 CEST)

After starting the season with a 20-point mauling against Reyer, Aris will attempt to respond against a Turk Telekom team which leaned on strong defense to overcome Lietkabelis. Aris needs to focus on taking better care of the basketball after recording more turnovers (17) than assists (14) in Round 1, negating a solid debut from forward [Landers Nolley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/landers-nolley/013249/) (14 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting). Turk Telekom also enjoyed a strong first game from [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), who bagged a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, and that all-American duel could be crucial on Wednesday.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2  Head-to-Head: Toliopoulos-Heidegger

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

Powerhouse Gran Canaria will aim to go 2-0 with a trip to Buducnost, which suffered an 18-point thrashing against Besiktas last week. Gran Canaria benefitted from a strong debut by [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), with 20 points and 8 boards, to overcome Trento, and will look to him and [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) to control the paint. Buducnost will continue to be powered by the do-everything [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) – 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Round 1 – but needs to tighten up defensively after allowing Besiktas to convert 60.5% of its two-point shots, which cannot be repeated against Tobey, Shurna and co. on Wednesday.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

After starting the season in stunning fashion with a 100-points haul in Hamburg, last season’s runner-up Bourg will attempt to inflict a second straight loss on Cluj. Newcomer [Adrian Nelson ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adrian-nelson/013264/)led the French team’s rout in Round 1 by scoring 18 points, while [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/) also excelled on debut by hitting 4 triples to suggest Bourg will be a major threat again this season. Cluj also had a player enjoy a great debut as [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) flirted with a triple-double (16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists), but defensive improvement is badly needed after allowing Cedevita to score 93 points and now facing another offensive juggernaut.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Keep movin&#39; 💥<br><br>➡️Prochain match le 2/10 à Ekinox<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> <br>🎟️ <a href="https://t.co/rffpvWk70V">https://t.co/rffpvWk70V</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/R6DczJ8CF6">pic.twitter.com/R6DczJ8CF6</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1840476137883078982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Trefl Sopot (20:00 CEST)

Two teams aiming to bounce back from unlucky defeats go face to face as Trento hosts Trefl. A remarkable performance from [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) – 32 points on 14-of-15 shooting from the field – was not quite enough for Trento to take victory at Gran Canaria last week, and Paolo Galbiati will expect his team to show better decision-making after committing 17 turnovers in that game. Trefl came even closer to victory but was edged out by Ulm in overtime, and the Polish team will hope that big man [Geoffrey Groselle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/geoffrey-groselle/013296/) can again dominate the paint after recording a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.

<center>
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### Valencia Basket vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (20:30 CEST)

After starting out with a road win at Hapoel Jerusalem, a strong-looking Valencia will aim to protect its home court against a visiting Hamburg team which must focus on defensive improvement after allowing 100 points against Bourg. Center [Benedikt Tuduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/benedikt-turudic/006006/) impressed in that game, scoring 19 points without a miss and grabbing 4 offensive rebounds, but he faces a tough night in the paint against Valencia’s [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-sestina/011980/), who combined for 26 points and 10 rebounds to help give their team a winning start. Indeed, Valencia grabbed a remarkable 52 rebounds last week, so competing on the boards is Hamburg’s minimum requirement.

Which teams can maintain their 100% record, or which sides can get back on track after an opening-round defeat?

Valencia Basket v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-10-02T18:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Trefl Sopot (2024-10-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas will be without Brady Manek for the next three weeks, with the forward set to miss the first four games of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Brady Manek out for three weeks with ankle injury

Zalgiris Kaunas confirmed on Sunday afternoon that forward [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brady-manek/012715/) will be out for the next three weeks, meaning he will be unavailable for the start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Manek is entering his sophomore EuroLeague campaign, having averaged 7.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 28 games for Zalgiris last year.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zalgiris will miss Brady Manek for the next 3 weeks, as he suffered an ankle injury during practice. <a href="https://t.co/bt46hhR8l7">pic.twitter.com/bt46hhR8l7</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1840397126582386947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zalgiris has a tough start to the new EuroLeague campaign as it hosts FC Barcelona in Round 1 before travelling to Greece to take on Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 2. It will then stay in Italy for the first double-round week of the season as it faces Virtus Segafredo Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively.

If everything goes to plan, Manek should be back in time for Round 5 at home to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv on October 24.

Brady Manek in action for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

He will miss Zalgiris's first few games of the EuroLeague season

GAME NOTES

\- In the only previous meeting between these teams in the EuroCup, Valencia eliminated Hamburg in the single game eighthfinals in 2022 with a 98-80 home win. Jasiel Rivero starred for Valencia that night with 21 points.

GAME FACTS

### Valencia Basket

 

**Streaks**

Valencia's Ethan Happ has had at least 1 steal in six of his last seven games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Jaime Pradilla is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 11 per game.

Matthew Costello is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Jaime Pradilla is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 8 per game.

Semi Ojeleye is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Jean Montero is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Nathan Reuvers is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Matthew Costello is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Matthew Costello is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui is ranked seventh on the all-time EuroCup charts with 90,14% free throws % for his career.

Stefan Jovic is ranked seventh on the all-time EuroCup charts with 262,5% assists-turnovers ratio % for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Veolia Towers Hamburg

 

**Team Record**

Veolia Towers Hamburg individual single-game club record of 10 2-pointers made was set by Maik Kotsar, against Valencia Basket on april 20, 2022.

 

**Season Rankings**

Benedikt Turudic is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Benedikt Turudic is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Keondre Kennedy is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 5 per game.

Zsombor Maronka is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Kenneth Ogbe is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Game Notes and Facts: Valencia vs. Hamburg

GAME NOTES

\- This game will be the first-ever meeting between the clubs in the EuroCup.

GAME FACTS

### Dolomiti Energia Trento

 

**Streaks**

Trento guard Toto Forray has made 12 consecutive free throws.

 

**Season Rankings**

Jordan Ford is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 36 per game.

Jordan Ford is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 32 per game.

Selom Mawugbe is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Jordan Ford is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 11 per game.

Jordan Ford is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Jordan Ford is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 14 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Toto Forray is ranked fifth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 144 steals for his career.

Toto Forray is ranked sixth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 131 game played for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Trefl Sopot

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Aaron Best posted his career high in 3-pointers made with 3 for London Lions against Dolomiti Energia Trento on january 18, 2023.

Aaron Best posted his career high in Free throws made with 6 for London Lions against Dolomiti Energia Trento on october 18, 2022.

 

**Season Rankings**

Jakub Schenk is ranked seventh among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 24 per game.

Jakub Schenk is ranked third among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 22 per game.

Geoffrey Groselle is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 10 per game.

Geoffrey Groselle is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Mikolaj Witlinski is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Geoffrey Groselle is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Tarik Phillip is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Tarik Phillip is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 6 per game.

Robert Mcgowens is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 4 per game.

Tarik Phillip is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Jaroslaw Zyskowski is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 8 per game.

Geoffrey Groselle is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Robert Mcgowens is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Tarik Phillip is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Jakub Schenk is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Jakub Schenk is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 5 per game.

Tarik Phillip is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.