Top 10 Blocks | November | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Top 10 Assists | November | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Top 10 Dunks | November | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Check out the best plays of BKT EuroCup Round 8 and see who had the best of them.

EuroCup Round 8: Top 10 plays

Umana Reyer Venice - BAXI Manresa | Round 8 | EuroCup 2025-26

Umana Reyer Venice v BAXI Manresa (2025-11-19T19:00:00.000Z)

London Lions - Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse | Round 8 | EuroCup 2025-26

London Lions v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-11-19T19:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 8 | EuroCup 2025-26

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-11-19T17:30:00.000Z)

Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens - Lietkabelis Panevezys | Round 8 | EuroCup 2025-26

Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens v Lietkabelis Panevezys (2025-11-19T17:30:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara - Besiktas GAIN Istanbul | Round 8 | EuroCup 2025-26

Turk Telekom Ankara v Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (2025-11-19T16:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento - NINERS Chemnitz | Round 8 | EuroCup Basketball 2025-26

Dolomiti Energia Trento v NINERS Chemnitz (2025-11-18T19:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica - ratiopharm ulm | Round 8 highlights | EuroCup 2025-26

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v ratiopharm ulm (2025-11-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw- Bahcesehir College Istanbul| Round 8 highlights | EuroCup 2025-26

Slask Wroclaw v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-11-18T18:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca-Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem | Round 8 highlights | EuroCup 2025-26

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem (2025-11-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Neptunas Klaipeda-Aris Thessaloniki Betsson | Round 8 highlights | EuroCup 2025-26

Neptunas Klaipeda v Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (2025-11-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out the best plays of BKT EuroCup Round 7 and see who had the best of them.

EuroCup Round 7: Top 10 plays

London Lions-Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana-Umana Reyer Venice | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-11-12T17:30:00.000Z)

NINERS Chemnitz-Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Lietkabelis Panevezys v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-11-12T17:45:00.000Z)

Lietkabelis Panevezys-Turk Telekom Ankara | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul-Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca-BAXI Manresa | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v BAXI Manresa (2025-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem-Neptunas Klaipeda | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-11-11T19:30:00.000Z)

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson-Bahcesehir College Istanbul | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm ulm-Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

ratiopharm ulm v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw-Veolia Towers Hamburg | Round 7 Highlights | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Slask Wroclaw v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

Latest Videos

Round 8

Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) member clubs met on Thursday, November 27, to evaluate the current situation in Israel. The meeting followed the announcement issued on October 21, which identified December 1 as a tentative date for the potential restart of games in the country.



EuroCup and EuroLeague games to resume in Israel on December 9 and 11 respectively

Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) member clubs met on Thursday, November 27, to evaluate the current situation in Israel. The meeting followed the [announcement issued on October 21,](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fid.euroleague.net%2Fpublicapi%2Fv1%2Fcommunication%2Flink%2F1E21D7EE-61AB-B107-62D6-FC91E15139FB%2Ff41644bbdea3475f584b4c1d945a863caf01a6c8a2d15aef20fe71a46cb63af3_3809&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C09ddf34a637a4f2b89c508de2dd268f8%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638998578884123369%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Cx4ju9D1D%2F%2FWP4aZ%2Bv24Q85YtUrFgz5jsNEr1gIbKqk%3D&reserved=0) which identified December 1 as a tentative date for the potential restart of games in the country.

During the meeting, clubs received a detailed briefing on last week’s official Euroleague Basketball (EB) delegation visit to Israel, which included a comprehensive on-site inspection of current conditions and the safety measures and conditions to be implemented, as well as formal meetings with multiple governmental bodies. The clubs also reviewed the most recent discussions conducted by EB with local and international authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations, including ELPA, EHCB, and UEBO, who have been actively involved and informed throughout the monitoring phase.

After careful deliberation, Euroleague Basketball has determined to activate the return plan and resume the competition in Israel beginning with Round 10 of the EuroCup and Round 15 of the EuroLeague. The first game in Israel, since October 2023, is scheduled for December 9, when Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem will host Veolia Towers Hamburg in the EuroCup. The EuroLeague will return on December 11 with the matchup between Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne while Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will make its home debut on December 16 against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Euroleague Basketball will continue to closely monitor developments and maintain constant communication with local and international authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. In this regard, the return plan presented by the EB management commits to full cooperation and alignment with national government recommendations or restrictions with regards to the travel of their domestic teams to Israel.

Stats review: A look at the EuroCup's best three-point defenses

The BKT EuroCup saw a big shakeup in Group A when [Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/wro/) handed [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) its [second loss of the season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/slask-stays-hot-at-home-to-take-down-bahcesehir/).  In a competitive matchup at Hala Orbita that saw Bahcesehir jump out to a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter, the Polish club stayed attached before taking over in the fourth quarter to score a comeback victory against the previous group leader. 

Slask did a lot of little things to score the win, pounding the glass and moving the ball unselfishly, but its three-point defense was ultimately key to its success. 

That is nothing new for coach Ainars Bagatskis’s team, as his group has done a good job in rotation and an excellent one at getting a hand up on pull-up three-point shooters over the first months of the season.

Around 40% of all shot attempts have come from beyond the arc in the EuroCup this season, with teams converting them at a 34% rate that falls between the 29% players are shooting off the dribble and the 36% they are shooting off the catch. With only 31% of all three-point attempts coming off the dribble and teams knocking down 40% of their open spot-up jumpers, there’s real value in a defense that can speed an offense up and alter their shot selection, whether that be forcing them into contested shots, challenging them to beat them off the dribble, or funneling everything into the three-point line.

Slask has done a good job fitting into the second of those molds. While it does not force a high volume of midrange attempts, it has done a great job at extending its defense and then recovering in time to get a hand up when shooters step into pull-up threes. Allowing just 20% from beyond the arc on those attempts has been an important factor in its top-seven overall defensive performance thus far.

Slask is unsurprisingly joined by [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/bou/), which continues to lead the EuroCup in defensive efficiency by a wide margin, allowing only 0.84 points per possession. Its efforts on the ball and in transition have been especially impressive, but Bourg has done a stellar job in rotation as well, despite how often its big men are switched onto the perimeter. While it has faced the second-highest volume of spot-up three-point attempts of any team this season, Bourg ranks second in efficiency defending them. [NINERS Chemnitz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/niners-chemnitz/nin/) has excelled with a similar approach.

[Besiktas GAIN Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-gain-istanbul/bes/) stands out on this list by doing the best job to take away the three and open catch-and-shoot jumpers in particular, not only facing a low volume, but contesting a well-above-average 61% of the attempts it does face. Besiktas has often managed to disrupt the rhythm of opposing shooters this season. The [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/london-lions/lli/) fall into a similar category, with most of their wins this season resulting from significant efforts on the defensive side to contest the high volume of two-point attempts they force teams to beat them with.

While offense has been the separator for a lot of elite EuroCup teams in recent history, several of the league's notable overachievers in the current format have excelled at guarding the three-point line.

Look back at all the action in Round 8 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 8

Look back at all the action from Round 8 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson has strengthened its backcourt with the addition of veteran sharpshooter Danilo Andjusic, who signed a deal for the remainder of the season. Andjusic (1.96 meters, 34 years old) arrives from Dubai Basketball, where he saw limited action this season

Sharpshooter Danilo Andjusic joins Aris

[Aris Thessaloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) has strengthened its backcourt with the addition of veteran sharpshooter [Danilo Andjusic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/danilo-andjusic/000956/), who signed a deal for the remainder of the season. Andjusic (1.96 meters, 34 years old) arrives from Dubai Basketball, where he saw limited action this season. He appeared in one EuroLeague game and one ABA League game for Dubai this season. Last season, Andjusic averaged 11.0 points per game in the ABA League while connecting on 36.4% of his three-point attempts.

He brings a wealth of experience to Aris, including parts of seven seasons in the EuroLeague. Andjusic played four of those campaigns with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. After starting his professional career with Hemofarm Vrsac, Andjusic has showcased his scoring ability across Europe.

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His résumé includes stints with Virtus Bologna in Italy, Valladolid and Bilbao Basket in Spain, Anwil Wloclawek in Poland, Parma Perm and UNICS Kazan in Russia, Igokea Aleksandrovac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and French clubs JL Bourg en Bresse and AS Monaco. Andjusic last played in the EuroCup for Bourg during the 2020-21 season.

Andjusic captured the Serbian League and Cup double and the 2023 ABA crown with Partizan in 2012 and lifted the Bosnian Cup with Igokea in 2019. He has also played for the Serbian national team at the junior and senior levels. With his proven shooting touch and leadership, Andjusic can be expected to play a key role for Aris as the team looks to make a run under Coach Igor Milicic.

The latest Aris news

The Greek side adds a proven scorer with a track record across Europe’s top leagues

Slask Wroclaw has been one of this season’s biggest surprises in the BKT EuroCup. After posting a combined 6-46 record from 2021 to 2024, the team is now 3–4 in Group A and riding a three-game home winning streak. Their latest victory came in Round 7, a 92–81 win over Veolia Towers Hamburg, led by 19 points and 5 assists from playmaker Issuf Sanon. The Ukrainian guard returned to the EuroCup this season after a year away, taking on a leading role with Slask.

Issuf Sanon, Slask: 'I have been missing these referees'

[Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/wro/) has been one of this season’s biggest surprises in the BKT EuroCup. After posting a combined 6-46 record from 2021 to 2024, the team is now 3–4 in Group A and riding a three-game home winning streak.

Their latest victory came in Round 7, [a 92–81 win over Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2526-rs7-insight-wro-ham/), led by 19 points and 5 assists from playmaker [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/issuf-sanon/011947/). The Ukrainian guard returned to the EuroCup this season after a year away, taking on a leading role with Slask.

Sanon previously debuted in the EuroCup with Prometey Slobozhanske, helping the club reach the 2023 semifinals. Now with Slask, he’s averaging 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in six games, coming off the bench for about 21 minutes per night.

Surprisingly, there’s one thing he especially missed during his year away from the competition: the referees. As he explained in this [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview, he has become one of their biggest fans.

**Q: Hello, Issuf. First of all, congratulations on beating Hamburg. This is your third win at home. What did you do well this time?**

“I think we just had to stick to our game plan and just do what Coach asked. But the main thing is that we just have to focus on our main offensive skills and just do what we can do the best. I think we are more offensive-minded than defensive, but we still have to play defense.

“And if we are talking about this game with Hamburg, I think we really stuck to the plan and just did what we do best: run and score the easiest points. So I think that was the main key.”

**Q: You already won three games at home. Winning on the road is the next step for Slask. How do you take the good things you're doing at home and apply them on the road?**

“I think we have to be focused for 40 minutes because if you can see our games, sometimes we focus for 30 minutes, 25, 22 — not 40 minutes. So we are losing some focus and that’s how our opponents got us.

“At the end of the day, we just need to be focused and stick to the plan that Coach gives us before the game. And I think we are going to be good. Make it simple, like everybody is saying.

“We were not focused early in the game against Aris; I think we started 23–5 or something. We were down by 20–25 and in the last five minutes, it was minus seven. We started playing too late and our opponents kept going. If we manage to be focused from the first minute to the last minute, for exactly 40 minutes, that will be the main key for us.”

Issuf Sanon joined Slask Wroclaw this season.

Rounds 1-7 highlights: Issuf Sanon, Slask 

**Q: Let's talk about Polish basketball. The national team has done well in many competitions but the clubs struggle a bit. Now that you’ve been there for a few months, what do you think?**

“Well, the players that do big things in their national team are not playing in Poland, so that is one of the main factors. Most of their main players probably play outside of Poland. If you check the games, you would say the main guys who lead the team, I think all of them play outside.

“Even with that, I would say the Polish League is kind of an underrated championship because everybody thinks Poland is a weak basketball country. But if you come here and play, you will find it is completely the opposite, because the guys out here play physical, they play strong. People who have never been here think it’s easy, but it isn’t.”

**Q: After two years of EuroCup experience and a strong season with VEF Riga, did you join Slask to take on a leading role?**

“Yes, exactly. That’s why I came here, and also because Coach Bagatskis is my basketball father, I can put it like that. We have known each other for 8–9 years already, I can’t even count it. It has been a long time.

“I knew that if I signed here, I would be one of the first options in the team, and well, Coach knows me and I know him. Like I said, we have known each other for a long time — it is easy to adapt to each other. I think these two things were the most critical ones in my decision.”

**Q: How was the experience with Prometey — playing in Riga, reaching the semifinals, and meeting Ukrainian fans along the way?**

“I would say it’s the best team I have ever played for because of our mentality, the team’s chemistry — what we had as a team… I never experienced anything like that.

“I hope one day I will come back to the team and experience it again because the vibe out there, how we understood each other, how we moved… man, it was something. I don’t even know how to describe it.

“I never felt like that. I just had to look at my teammate to understand exactly what he was going to do. And this is a great situation for a player like me who is always trying to learn.

“I think those were my best two years because I learned a lot from the guys and the coaches: how to win, how to be a good player and how to play around good players. When you are around good players, you don’t have to be selfish. In Prometey, I had to spread the floor, share the ball and help my teammates.

“It was a very good experience that I would never trade. If someone had asked me back then if I wanted to go to another team, I would say ‘hell no.’ I definitely wanted to stay there and experience all of that. It was unbelievable, man. Unbelievable.”

**Q: You face Bahcesehir at home this week. How big of a test is this for Slask?**

“I wouldn’t say it is a test for us. Like you said, the last time we played EuroCup, it wasn’t that good. We expect to do way more than we did two years ago.

“We have a big goal, which is improving game by game. This game is another chance for us to show what we are about.”

**Q: You were away from the EuroCup for a year. What did you miss most about the competition?**

“Referees, man! There is a high level of referees. I have been playing a lot in other competitions. I want to humbly say that the referees out there need to learn a lot of things. I am being humble — please put it like that. I am saying it humbly and in a good way.

“They still need to learn a lot because the way they call games out there, man… you know, after some games, I wanted to quit. You work your ass off to do some things and a referee tells me that I am too strong and this is why he is not giving me calls. Because I am too strong! Come on, man.

“So yeah, EuroCup referees are high-level guys. They are not judging, but refereeing. Some referees judge. They say, ‘I think it is not.’ This is not about what you think — we have a book of rules. You just have to do what’s in the rules. Don’t tell me, ‘I think…’. I don’t care what you think, I want it like it is in the rules. If it is a foul, it is a foul and if it isn’t, it isn’t.

“For me, that was the most painful thing. I am kind of emotional because for me, referees are the main thing — they run the game, and if they make three or five bad calls, the opposite team can be frustrated and not understand how to play.

“If you play well and do everything but the referees call dumb-ass fouls, it just ruins the game. So yes: referees. I would say one thing — r-e-f-e-r-e-e-s — and that’s it.”

**Q: I’m sure the EuroCup referees will appreciate the love…**

“I am just being honest! I was in the EuroCup for two years, got out one year, and man, I have been missing these referees. You can see how I come to them each time before the games. I hug them, almost kiss them. I am being serious, man.

“For me, it is really a big blessing when I see these guys. Even when they make mistakes, they will come and say, ‘Hey man, I made a mistake, we are all human.’ And for me, as a man, this is the most important. If he didn’t call a foul and says, ‘Hey man, maybe it is a foul but I missed it.’ Thank you! It is always good to hear!

“Because I can’t really play basketball when the referees do the opposite of what they are supposed to do.”

<center>
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**Q: Coach Bagatskis was a great shooter as a player. How does that influence the way he coaches?**

“One million percent! He has been inside the kitchen and understands what to do. I think anybody who really understands basketball can see that he knows basketball at a high level.

“He has a different mentality, different thoughts. And I think it has really helped us understand what he wants because, being a former player, it is easier for him to tell us what to do than some other coach who just reads the books. They have never been inside the kitchen and it is difficult for them to understand how to talk to players and how to explain certain things to some guys.

“So yes, I would say it is easy to see that he played high-level basketball before and understands the game.”

**Q: Slask has many fast, athletic players who fit your style. How fun is it for you to play for this team?**

“I think they’re really underrated. They just need some time to show everyone that they belong at this level and what they’re capable of. In a couple of years, I’m sure they’ll be somewhere in the EuroLeague and making a big impact.

“And yes, this is why I’m here and why I do what I do. For me, leading this team has been the main priority – just being the leader and showing it. For me, it’s basic. I don’t overthink it, and I’m not focused on anything other than doing my job. But at the end of the day, like you said, it’s about leading the team and being one of the first guys out there showing everyone how things should be done and in what way.

“So yes, for me it’s not about fun – it’s just the basics. This is why I came here. I wasn’t really excited; I just have a goal, and I’m taking it game by game, that’s it.”

More Slask News

Javier Gancedo spoke with the Ukrainian guard in this week's EuroCup interview

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Last one before the break

Round 8 is the last one in November, as the BKT EuroCup takes a two-week break until early December. All EuroCup Fantasy Challenge managers want to go into that break on a high note and I will do my best to help you do so. The competition has been mostly dominated by guards, so I am going to mostly recommend forwards and centers for Round 8, as I assume most fantasy managers have the same star guards.

By the way, my colleague Frankie Sachs is still first overall. I can't wait for Frankie to lose the leadership so that he can give you elite advice. I rank 409th out of almost 30,000 teams, so 98.6% of teams are doing worse than mine. Not bad, huh? Here are my recommendations:

 

### Kevin Yebo, NINERS Chemnitz (14.0 credits)

He should be your go-to option at center as the steadiest big man in the competition when it comes to numbers. [Kevin Yebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kevin-yebo/013368/) has had a PIR of at least 19 in each of his last five games, a stretch that has seen him average 21.4 points on 31-of-46 two-point shooting, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists for a PIR of 23.4. What's not to like?

 

### Ante Zizic, Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (13.0 credits)

When it comes to the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, what I like most about [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-zizic/004554/) is that he doesn't need to shoot a lot to get a high PIRs. In Round 7, Zizic had 5 points but added 11 rebounds and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 19 in 21 minutes. If he scores a lot, of course, Zizic's numbers skyrocket.

London's Kameron McGusty does a little bit of everything!

### Kameron McGusty, London Lions (12.8 credits)

[Kameron McGusty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kameron-mcgusty/014111/) is the only guard on this list because I like his consistency a lot. He's had PIRs of 16 or higher in each of the last five games. For the season, McGusty has averaged 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals for a PIR of 17.6. As you can see, he does a little bit of everything!

 

### Juwan Morgan, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (12.7 credits)

[Juwan Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/juwan-morgan/013256/) is a rock-solid option at forward, who has been delivering night in and night out. In the last three games, Morgan is averaging 16.7 points on 8-of-9 two-point shooting, 5-of-9 on three-pointers and 16-of-17 on free throws plus 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 fouls drawn and a PIR of 28.7. Still a cheap option at 12.7 credits, so go for him!

 

### Jakub Urbaniak, Slask Wroclaw (6.2 credits)

This is not the first time [Jakub Urbaniak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jakub-urbaniak/012777/) has appeared here. His value has risen from 4.5 to 6.2 credits in the last five games, and Urbaniak definitely has room for improvement. He's had double-digit PIRs in each of the last four games. In Round 7, he took another step forward, scoring 17 points and a PIR of 17. One of the great bargains in the game right now.

Ante Zizic, Kameron Mcgusty, Kevin Yebo, Juwan Morgan and Jakub Urbaniak are featured in this week's article. 

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 8 

Javier Gancedo has some ideas to help your EuroCup Fantasy Challenge teams this week

Things in Europe are very new for Malachi Flynn, who is spending his first season on the Old Continent. Shifting his focus from an NBA career, the Bahcesehir College Istanbul point guard will always know that he can score. He proved that by scoring 50 points in an NBA game. 

From 50 in the NBA to leading Bahcesehir: Malachi Flynn’s journey

Things in Europe are very new for Malachi Flynn, who is spending his first season on the Old Continent. Shifting his focus from an NBA career, the Bahcesehir College Istanbul point guard will always know that he can score. He proved that by scoring 50 points in an NBA game.

Flynn has already made a strong transition to the European game as he is averaging 18.6 points for the first-place team in Group A in the BKT EuroCup. The 27-year-old made 223 appearances in the NBA, and none left as big an impression as the game on April 3, 2024.

Flynn started the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors and around the New Year was moved to the New York Knicks. Then, in early February 2024, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. The 1.85-meter-tall guard totaled just 41 points in his first 12 games with the Pistons. He averaged 11.4 points over the next five and then came the road game against the Atlanta Hawks.

<center>
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Flynn was given the starting nod and he started on fire. The Pistons were trailing the entire game and Flynn was just trying to keep the team close. He hit shot after shot and got one pass after the next and in the end, he poured in 50 points - albeit in a 121-113 loss. Flynn made 18 of 25 shots - including 5 of 9 from long range - to go with 9 of 12 free throws. He added 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

“The biggest thing is I wish we would have won the game. It would have felt a lot better if we won and not had 50, but at the end of the day, it was a good performance,” said Flynn.

“It was just an ordinary day, honestly. I didn't know if I was going to play or not that day. I found out a couple of minutes before game time that I would. And the hoop just got bigger and bigger. I got some easy buckets, and before I knew it, it was there.”

He became the third player in NBA history to score 50 points as a reserve, joining Nick Anderson and Jamal Crawford.

“It was definitely something cool to look back on. And coming off the bench and doing it with Jamal Crawford was real cool because he's someone who I've looked up to in the area of Tacoma and Seattle,” said the Tacoma native.

Flynn, who was born and raised in Tacoma, said he had scored 46 points in a high school game but otherwise nothing close. He said it’s not a shock that he scored 50 points with players pouring in 60 and 70 points nowadays, and he knowing his scoring and shooting abilities.

But the performance does give him the confidence to know that he can do as much scoring as his team needs.

“I'm not saying I'm gonna just go out and score 50 all the time, but I think I'm capable of putting the ball in the hole or making plays for others. It's just sometimes about situation, opportunity, and I feel like I'm a player that can have those type of games.”

That was the best performance in his five-year career, which saw him bounce between the NBA and G League. After half a decade of going back and forth, Flynn was ready to give Europe a try. And he had those lessons of the unknown to help him be prepared for his season with Bahcesehir.

“I'd never been in Europe, so I am just kind of going with the flow, seeing how it is out here. The games are a little different and I am just going game by game and trying to learn the game, see the differences and then just continuing to be open to new things because it's a different league and a different style,” said Flynn, who has also averaged 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals through his first seven EuroCup games.

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One teammate who has helped his adjustment is Matthew Mitchell, who Flynn played alongside in his final season at San Diego State University.

“It’s great. Even just off the court, being around Matt, being around him from San Diego State to now, nothing’s changed. He’s a great person to be around. And for me, my first year coming overseas, it made it a little easier just kind of knowing, being familiar with someone that I was already around and someone that I trust to give me the feel on things,” Flynn said.

Flynn’s first game in European competition was already a special one as Bahceshir was taking on U-BT Cluj-Napoca. And playing at the other end was Nathan Mensah, who played with Mitchell and Flynn at SDSU in 2019-20 and helped the team put together a 30-2 record.

“That year in San Diego was all special for us. We got to know each other really well. And then it’s crazy how life works. I end up teaming up with Matt five years later, and then our first game, we play Nate. So it’s just funny to see how life works,” Flynn said.

It’s all part of a new life experience like the one he is experiencing with Bahcesehir.

More Bahcesehir News

Flynn reflects on his record-setting NBA performance and his smooth transition to European basketball

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If you want to succeed in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, you need to find the hot players at the right prices. Here are five to consider this week.

Round 11 fantasy tips: Uncovering value

The secret to success in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) is maximizing value. That means getting points from your cheapest players, picking up others when they are hot and getting the superstars that you can afford. As we head into Round 11, there are players who fit those criteria available. Before you finalize your team, consider these options.  

[Kamar Baldwin, Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/) (11.0 credits) – It looks like Kamar Baldwin has found his groove. The combo-guard, who in playing his first EuroCup season, missed a pair of games early in the season and only posted a PIR of double figures once in his first five appearances. Since then, however, Baldwin has averaged 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.0 steals for a PIR of 19.7 over his last three games. He is now the go-to guy in the Trento backcourt. 

[Sam Dekker, London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) (15.1 credits) – This is a calculated risk. When healthy, Dekker is a dominant fantasy – and real life – force. Since his return from injury, Dekker has played limited minutes (12:44 per game) and as a result, his fantasy price has dropped by 0.7 credits. He played nearly double that in the British League on Friday and was in uniform for 14 more minutes in domestic action on Sunday. This week London plays Hamburg, which has allowed the most points in the EuroCup this season (96.9 ppg.). This may be the time to invest in Dekker. 

EuroCup Round 11 Fantasy tips

[L.J. Figueroa, ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/lj-figueroa/012603/) (11.8 credits) – Here are three encouraging facts about LJ Figueroa. He is coming off his best game (20 points, 23 PIR). His previous best game came against this week’s opponent, Dreamland Gran Canaria, in Round 2 (19 points, 20 PIR). His last three games have been his best three-game stretch of the season with averages of 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, PIR 17.3. Is it Figueroa time? 

[Marvin Jones, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marvin-jones/010248/) (9.4 credits) – Marvin Jones’s role in the Buducnost offense has grown in recent weeks. He has averaged 18.5 points and 4.0 rebounds for a PIR of 22.5 over his last two appearances. Jones has taken at least 10 shots in both of those games after not attempting more than 7 in any previous game this season. Jones struggled against this week’s opponent, Turk Telekom Ankara, in Round 2 with a PIR of -2, however, this is a home game and Jones, Buducnost and Turk Telekom are in different places today than they were in early October. 

[Jovan Kljajic, Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jovan-kljajic/007560/) (4.6 credits) – One of the best cheap options in the game is Jovan Kljajic, who has continued to offer very good production for his price in recent weeks. Since Round 8, he has averaged 7.7 points and a PIR of 8.3. The outside shots have not been falling; Kljajic is shooting just 17.4% from downtown. Imagine what might happen if he heats up? Plus, Kljajic plays on Tuesday this week, so there is little risk. 

Top 10 Plays | November | 2025-26 BKT EuroCup

Tarik Phillip is just like any other player in that he wants success. And once you taste it, the yearning for more only grows. That is one of the main reasons he is playing with the London Lions: Phillip wants another chance to win the BKT EuroCup.

Tarik Phillip on return to London Lions: 'I wanted another run at the EuroCup title'

[Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) is just like any other player in that he wants success. And once you taste it, the yearning for more only grows. That is one of the main reasons he is playing with the [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/london-lions/lli/): Phillip wants another chance to win the BKT EuroCup. 

Another chance because Phillip was part of one of the most exciting teams in the EuroCup in 2023-24 – a talent-laden side that ran into the buzz saw that was eventual champion Paris Basketball.

“It was electric, man,” Phillip told David Hein when recalling the 2-0 series loss to Paris in the semifinals. “Just the fact that we played against Paris and we're neighboring cities in a sense, it was very dope to experience that.”

Among Phillip’s teammates were Sam Dekker, Gabe Olaseni, David Nwaba, Conor Morgan, Matt Morgan and Jordan Taylor. London that season defended its British League championship and lost only six games in the EuroCup before going into the semis against Paris, which had beaten Lions twice during the regular season. 

Despite falling in the EuroCup Semifinals, Phillip said the 2023-24 campaign was one to remember for the ages. And that London team had the makings of greatness. 

“It's definitely up there. I'll say number one,” the 32-year-old said. “We lost to a great team. We had a heck of a team. That team was so much fun to watch. That Paris team has been together for probably three years. So I felt if we had kept that team and built chemistry from the year after that, there was no telling where we could have done. We had so much talent.”

Phillip said one of the biggest keys was adding Nwaba before Round 14 in January 2024. 

“That just took us to a whole other level as well, despite the players that we already had. We literally had two starting fives, the same way Paris did. It was fun. It was a heck of a series. And I definitely have to rank that number one in my playing career so far.”

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0VHnEZx9lE/?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 TARIK PHILLIP (@t_r.e.x)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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Phillip spent two seasons with London, arriving in 2022 after having played in Hungary, Spain, Türkiye, Israel and Italy. He played in the EuroCup in 2021-22 with Umana Reyer Venice and then mid-season moved to San Pablo Burgos in the Spanish top flight. 

Then it was off to the home country of his mother, England, to play for London. But the Brooklyn-born New York native had to wait quite a while before he could finally play for the club. On the first day of the 2022-23 pre-season, he fractured his patella. The broken kneecap kept him out until April 21, 2023 – a full 254 days after signing with London. 

He averaged 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in seven games that season, which ended with a domestic league crown. 

When deciding if he would return the following campaign, Phillip said his relationship with management and its commitment to him steered his decision, as well as them saying they will build a strong team for 2023-24. 

“I'm like, you know what? I'm coming off an injury. They’ve given me the opportunity to come back and play with a guaranteed contract again with the same role and the same aspirations. It's something to honor you at the end of the day. They’re believing in me despite my injury and everything like that,” Phillip said. 

Phillip only started playing with London in 2022 but he has been with the British national team since 2019 and is excited to see the following built up in the city. 

“I went from seeing the Copper Box having hundreds of people maybe to having full arenas. So it's surreal when you see stuff like that and you see the community buying into what we're doing because we're going in every day and putting in the work to get to where we need to get to, to put our good performances and show that UK basketball has basketball players and we can really compete.”

The best plays of London Lions guard Tarik Phillip through the first eight rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Tarik Phillip's top plays this season

Phillip left London in 2024 and started last season in Poland with Trefl Sopot before moving to Hapoel Jerusalem in November, helping the Israeli side reach the EuroCup Quarterfinals in his second stint with the club.

When looking for a spot for this season, Phillip said he talked to new head coach Tautvydas Sabonis as well as club president Lenz Balan and liked what he heard.

“Just the trajectory of where they want London basketball to go, where they want the team to go, their aspirations as well as my aspirations. Obviously, everybody wants to play at the highest level here in Europe. I never really got a chance to play in the EuroLeague. They still have aspirations. Everybody in Europe wants a EuroLeague team in London. They still have the same plan to do big things here with basketball in London, and I wanted to be a part of it. So I said, why not come back and try to make another run at the EuroCup title?”

Phillip has a slightly different role this time around. More of one as a grizzled veteran and leader.

“It's kind of a new position for me because I've never really been the oldest or one of the older guys on the team. So it was definitely an adjustment in the beginning. But slowly I’m embracing it,” he said. “It kind of makes you tap into yourself a little more, knowing that you're leading and eyes are watching you. You have to set the example at all times, despite the moments where it's not going good for you. You still have to keep the team on track and keep the team together even in those 20-point losses or whatever the case may be, because we got another game next week.”

Another week closer to the success that Phillip hopes to find again in London.

More London Lions News

After one year away, the guard rejoined the British team this past summer

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has announced the signing of Ognjen Jaramaz for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Cedevita Olimpija brings Ognjen Jaramaz aboard

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) has announced the signing of [Ognjen Jaramaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ognjen-jaramaz/004058/) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Jaramaz (1.92 meters, 30 years old) started the campaign with Ilirija, where he averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.0 steal across four ABA League games.

He is a veteran of 105 EuroLeague games and 26 BKT EuroCup appearances, Jaramaz offers experience and high-level play to a Cedevita side that is currently top of Group A with a 6-2 record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Na zunanjih igralnih položajih bo Cedevito Olimpijo okrepil 30-letni in 192 centimetrov visoki Ognjen Jaramaz! 🐉<br><br>Jaramaz v Zmajevo gnezdo s seboj prinaša izkušnje z igranjem v Evroligi, EuroCupu in Ligi ABA, v sezoni 2025/26 pa je v regionalni ligi odigral štiri tekme v dresu… <a href="https://t.co/oeOcQ0fzKT">pic.twitter.com/oeOcQ0fzKT</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1993703965687500832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Through his career, Jaramaz played for FC Bayern Munich (2021-23), Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-24) and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-25) in the EuroLeague, while he also suited up for Partizan (2019-21) in the EuroCup.

More Cedevita Olimpija News

Stefan Djordjevic loves basketball but the action on the hardcourt is not the only interest in the Slask Wroclaw big man’s life. Ask the Serbian about his passion for old-time Mercedes-Benz cars and fishing and he will talk for a while.

What Stefan Djordjevic knows about 90kg burgers, Marc Gasol, old-time Mercedes-Benzes and fishing

[Stefan Djordjevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/stefan-dordevic/006977/) loves basketball but the action on the hardcourt is not the only interest in the [Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/wro/) big man’s life. Ask the Serbian about his passion for old-time Mercedes-Benz cars and fishing and he will talk for a while.

It’s all part of Slask’s main man in the middle, who already has helped the Polish club reach unheard-of heights in the BKT EuroCup.

Djordjevic is averaging 10.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for a Slask team that is 4-4 in Group A, including an impressive 4-1 record at home.

“We are proud of this, but we need to continue, practicing good and playing good. I think it's really good for the club and for us as players to show that we can play the high level of the EuroCup,” the 26-year-old center told David Hein.

Just how surprising is the 4-4 mark after eight rounds? Consider that Slask had a combined record of 6-47 in its three previous seasons, from 2021 to 2024.

Djordjevic joined the club this off-season from within Poland. He had put together a strong 2024-25 season with Arka Gdynia, finishing second in the league in scoring (19.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.9 rpg). And a chance to play in the EuroCup was a major reason for coming to Slask.

“That was a big thing and a big satisfaction to play in the EuroCup because we play against some of the best teams in Europe in every country,” said Djordjevic, who played two seasons in the Basketball Champions League with Bosnia and Herzegovina side Igokea in 2022 and 2023.

The top plays of Slask Wroclaw big man Stefan Djordjevic through the first eight rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Stefan Djordjevic's best plays this season

For the 2023-24 season, Djordjevic made the jump to Spain and played for Basquet Girona. The club near Barcelona is owned by former Spanish great Marc Gasol. And the former NBA champion and two-time world and European champion had a very hands-on approach with the club.

“I talked with him many times. With his great experience, his advice was very important for me at that moment,” Djordjevic said.

The Serbian said Gasol really helped him improve his passing game – something the Spaniard really excelled at during his long career.

“I felt before that season, I wasn't that good of passer. But after I talked with him, I saw the court differently. Now I think I can find passes easier, better and more automatic,” he said.

One of the things about being away from his homeland during the season is Djordjevic missing out on some of his biggest hobbies.

He fondly remembers his time in Leskovac in southern Serbia. One of the reasons the city of about 70,000 people is actually world-famous is the annual Leskovac Barbecue Festival. The locals regularly set a Guinness world record for the biggest burger. This August, at the 35th edition, the mammoth “pljeskavica” weighed in at 90 kilograms.

Djordjevic would regularly attend the event as a youngster and try the burger as the barbecue masters cut up the meat and gave it to the thousands of attendees.

“You want to be part of it because television is there and everybody wants to be on TV when you’re young. Plus it’s free food,” he remembered.

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Djordjevic now lives in Belgrade in the off-season, and one of his biggest hobbies is working on his old-timer cars.

“I really like vintage old Mercedes-Benzes. I have a few of them, and I really like taking care of them – cleaning them and everything. I'm trying to do some mechanic work too, what I can do by myself – changing some parts and stuff. And I really enjoy driving them,” Djordjevic said of his Mercedes-Benz W124 – the same model his grandfather used to drive when Stefan was young.

Djordjevic has three of them – the same car but different engines. Big engine cars.

An even bigger hobby for the big man is fishing, an obsession he had long before basketball entered his life. He used to go with his father and then with his friends from his home village – and quite often.

“We would go almost every day before school. That was a big passion of ourselves,” he remembered.

Djordjevic learned pretty early from his parents that it is better to release the fish he caught.

“They said I will feel better. Just take a photo and release it. So I started doing that. And I can say it's a better feeling than when you take it home,” he said.

Djordjevic actually considers himself a sports fishermen.

And he still has fishing friends. One of them is a fellow EuroCup player – [Nikola Tanaskovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nikola-tanaskovic/005637/) from [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/), someone who he camps with for three or four days at a time.

“I often go fishing in the summer. Most of the time I go carp fishing. I go camping with Nikola. He really likes it too. Every time I have time, I try to use it to go fishing,” he said.

Djordjevic now lives about a 10-minute walk from the Sava River in Belgrade and would go there almost every night after practice in the summer to fish for about an hour.

Djordjevic doesn’t have his fishing gear with him in Wroclaw, which is actually okay because there is not much time for it.

“Maybe when we finish the EuroCup season, because now almost every day we are on a trip or somewhere because we play twice a week. But I would like to try fishing here because Poland is a good country for fishing with a lot of rivers,” he said.

Djordjevic said he will eventually buy some new gear in Poland. He has already done some scouting and found some good places to go.

Now it’s just about finding the time when he’s not helping Slask reach new heights.

The Slask big man has been thriving on the court, but there is more than meets the eye