The official shortlist for the 2024–25 One Team Awards

The shortlisted teams and ambassadors for the 2024-25 One Team Awards

During the 2024-25 season, every team competing in the EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup demonstrated exceptional dedication to their One Team programs. Now, it’s time to recognize and celebrate the clubs and One Team Ambassadors who went above and beyond throughout the campaign.

Eight clubs have been shortlisted for this year’s One Team Awards, with three honors to be presented at the One Team Annual Workshop in Barcelona, Spain, this September: the One Team Gold, Silver, and Bronze Program awards.

The selection process focuses on several key criteria, including the clubs’ planning and execution of their One Team initiatives, ambassador involvement during sessions, marketing and communications efforts, and the engagement of commercial partners.

Additionally, outstanding contributions by individual One Team Ambassadors will be acknowledged with the One Team Ambassador Award. Three ambassadors stood out for their impactful work off the court, making a meaningful difference within their teams' communities during the previous season.

ThinkBeyond, a social impact and sustainability consultancy that supports leaders and organizations to make a positive impact on the world, will again be involved in the judging process for the 2024-25 One Team Program Awards.

One Team Shortlisted Teams

Olympiacos Piraeus: Executed a dynamic and inclusive One Team program that showcased the power of collaboration and creativity. By bringing together two social partners, the club fostered connections among youngsters from different backgrounds, encouraging shared development and understanding. Over 12 thoughtfully planned weekly sessions, participants experienced a range of activities – from basketball drills and confidence workshops to special themed days such as Hero Day and Women’s Day, along with gardening and cultural outings. Shaquielle McKissic, Sasha Vezenkov, and Giannoulis Larentzakis supported the program, boosting both participant involvement and overall visibility. Communication was consistently strong, with a visible presence on social media and across the EuroLeague network.

Umana Reyer Venice: With a focus on emotional impact and inclusive participation, the club ran a powerful One Team program supported by high-quality communication. Over 13 sessions, it also advanced broader social goals such as internships and residential engagement. Participants were involved in impactful events like anti-violence walks, unified games, and in-arena recognitions, fostering pride, visibility, and a sense of belonging. The program’s strong media presence – through weekly social media posts, One Team Ambassadors (Juan Manuel Fernandez and Davide Casarin) activity, and TV/radio features – helped extend its reach and influence. Backed by powerful personal stories, the initiative proved its effectiveness and emotional resonance, highlighting the true spirit of One Team.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne: Delivered an outstanding One Team program which was marked by a deep commitment to inclusion. With 138 sessions across children, teens, and adults, the club provided ongoing, tailored support – particularly for autistic participants – through the involvement of a multidisciplinary team including doctors and psychologists. The program was strongly backed by club sponsors through donations and hands-on volunteering, while Shaquielle Harrison, Paris Lee, and Charles Kahudi played a key role as One Team Ambassadors across sessions, events, and media appearances, strengthening both visibility and participant connection. Beyond basketball, the participants engaged in a wide range of enriching experiences like climbing, rugby, TV appearances, and activities at the Paralympic Village, helping build confidence and valuable life skills. The sessions were well-structured with clear learning outcomes, supported by strong storytelling, and excellent social media presence, making ASVEL a standout example of One Team in action.

FC Bayern Munich: The club’s One Team program blended creativity, inclusion, and community engagement. Over 26 diverse sessions, the participants took part in music workshops with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, dance and art sessions, and drawing exercises, broadening the learning experience beyond the court. The program reached 100 participants, who had never played basketball before. Visibility was strong, with content shared across multiple platforms, alongside a detailed impact report and powerful storytelling. Memorable experiences – such as visits to SAP Garden, creative workshops, and designing fan items for One Team games – helped foster confidence, joy, and lasting connections among participants.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana: Innovatively introduced an internship initiative that prepared participants for job-related tasks, including merchandising, email communication, and event operations. The program’s visibility was amplified through national TV coverage, active social media engagement, and a dynamic online presence. Personalized touches like amusement park visits, professional haircuts, Christmas gifts, and diplomas added meaning to the participants' journeys. With consistent involvement from Ziga Daneu, Cedevita’s One Team Ambassador, and support from other players, the club demonstrated genuine commitment. Backed by a major banking sponsor and a transparent fundraising campaign that raised €4,200 via blockchain, the program combined innovation, care, and community support to make a lasting impact.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens: Implemented a highly structured and impactful One Team program centered on consistency, teamwork, and empowering participants. With weekly sessions facilitated by a committed group of coaches and volunteers, the program offered stability and skill-building opportunities throughout the season. Ambassadors played a vital role – especially Juancho Hernangómez, who was present at every session and helped raise the program’s profile through media appearances and events. The initiative was distinguished by its innovative “assistant coach for a day” activity, giving participants practical leadership experience and employability skills. Strong partnerships with Special Olympics Hellas, combined with active support from club coaches and sponsors, ensured credibility and integration at all levels. The program’s communication strategy was equally strong, with high-profile media coverage, detailed reporting, and strong social media engagement. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting gains in confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz: With 55 sessions delivered, plus Christmas camps, arena visits, backstage access, and involvement from teachers and club staff, the program offered an enriching experience. The participant group featured a nearly equal gender balance and welcomed children new to basketball, all supported by a dedicated team of coaches and a social worker focused on fostering social inclusion. Khalifa Diop, the club’s One Team Ambassador, once again made an impressive impact during the program and was an exemplary role model for the participants. Baskonia’s decade-long dedication and holistic approach underscore the genuine impact of their One Team journey.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan: Combining strong planning with impactful participant experiences, the program was built around clear life-skill objectives and consistent delivery. Many participants took part, with a nearly even gender split – 49% female and 51% male – reflecting the club’s commitment to balanced participation. The initiative was driven by strong internal leadership, including proactive One Team Managers, and three One Team Ambassadors – Ousmane Diop, Shavon Shields, and Giampaollo Ricci - ensuring visibility and quality throughout. The program thoughtfully integrated key themes such as International Women’s Day and Olympic values, using discussion-based learning alongside basketball activities. Communications were consistently strong across multiple platforms, with honest and inspiring change stories that highlighted personal growth and real-life impact.

One Team Shortlisted Ambassadors

They are all well-known for their play on the court, but the five individuals in the running for the One Team Ambassador Award each impacted their communities and had a positive influence on the One Team participants. Below, you will see a description of what each of the nominees got up to with their respective clubs.

Juancho Hernangómez, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens: Demonstrated outstanding dedication throughout the season as a One Team Ambassador. He attended all 16 sessions, even stepping in as a coach when needed, and took part in additional events. Juancho strengthened his bond with the participants by gifting personalized Panathinaikos T-shirts and sharing a heartfelt speech. His enthusiasm extended beyond the sessions, as he actively promoted the program on social media and publicly spoke about its personal significance in the Greek media, inspiring others with his openness and genuine commitment.

Ziga Daneu, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubjana: Showed strong and heartfelt commitment as a One Team Ambassador, attending six sessions and actively encouraging teammates to get involved. Drawing from a personal connection, he related to the participants with empathy and respect, treating them as equals and acting as a supportive mentor. Žiga also helped raise the project’s visibility through Instagram posts, contributing to wider community engagement. His efforts extended beyond the court, building meaningful relationships and promoting inclusivity at every step.

Shaquille Harrison, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne: Stood out as a truly all-rounded and impactful One Team Ambassador. He attended many sessions, forming genuine connections with participants and teammates alike, and even gifted game jerseys to the kids, making the experience unforgettable. His commitment was so remarkable that the club created a dedicated presentation to highlight his contribution. Beyond the sessions, Shaquille actively supported the program’s visibility by featuring in a promotional video and consistently advocating for One Team within the club environment.