Round 4 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season tips off on Monday night and continues through to Thursday.

Game Center: Round 4 has arrived!

## Tuesday, October 15

### [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 76-62 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/37/)

Cedevita returned to winning ways in Group B by downing Lietkabelis at Stozice Arena in the Slovenian capital on Wednesday. Cedevita improved to 3-1 in the standings after leading from start to finish. Lietkabelis dropped to 0-4. Devin Robinson led the winners with 17 points and Jaka Blazic added 14. Mantas Rubstavicius paced Lietkabelis with 13 points and Marko Pecarski posted a double-double.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DRAGONS WIN! Third victory in this <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> season for the Dragons!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BKTEuroCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BKTEuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/S7B2xpO2RK">pic.twitter.com/S7B2xpO2RK</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1846256616926298445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 79-66 Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2024/33/)

Hapoel led by double figures for most of the second half in recording a convincing victory over previously unbeaten Gran Canaria at Samokov Arena in southwestern Bulgaria on Tuesday. The result left both teams with 3-1 records atop Group A. Patrick Beverley led a balanced Hapoel attack with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals and Tomer Ginat scored 14 for the winners. Caleb Homesley paced Gran Canaria with 17 points, while John Shurna collected 5 rebounds for Gran Canaria to move into sole possession of eighth place on the EuroCup’s career rebounding charts with 474.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מערכות הגנה מתקדמות!<br><br>הפועל מנצחת 66:79 את גראן קנריה, עולה למאזן 1:3 ביורוקאפ ולראשות בית A.<br><br>הקבוצה תחזור מחר לישראל ותחל בהכנות למשחק מול בני הרצליה בשבת ב-20:00.<br><br>תודה לקהל האדום בסמוקוב, טיסה נעימה הביתה! <a href="https://t.co/FANxcYXBQh">pic.twitter.com/FANxcYXBQh</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1846270700321181944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg 67-103 U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/veolia-towers-hamburg-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2024/40/)

In a clash of two previously winless teams in Group B, visiting Cluj beat Hamburg. Cluj improved to 1-3 in the group, while Hamburg registered its fourth loss in as many games this season. Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 28 points and 8 assists and Adam Mokoka had 13 points. Jordan Barnett scored 15 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First W of the season secured by <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a>! ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/goNeYSfj9n">pic.twitter.com/goNeYSfj9n</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1846273603928830341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse 67-63 Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse-turk-telekom-ankara/U2024/38/)

In a clash of previously undefeated teams in Group B, Bourg edged Turk Telekom on Tuesday night. Bourg improved to 4-0, while Turk Telekom dropped to 3-1. After a series of lead changes late in the third and early in the fourth quarter, a triple from Maxime Courby gave Bourg 55-53 advantage and the hosts held that lead for good. Bourg prevailed thanks to its defense, which allowed only one field goal over a span of 4 minutes late in the game. Offensively, Bourg had three players with 10 points – Maksim Salash, Adrian Nelson and Xavier Casteneda. Meanwhile, Anthony Brown scored 20 for the visitors.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">VICTOIRE ✅<br><br>COSEA JL Bourg 67 🆚 63 <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TT_Basketbol</a><br><br>Après 40 min de bataille intense, la JL remporte ce 4ᵉ match et reste pour l&#39;instant invaincue !🔥<br><br>➡️ Rendez-vous samedi à Ekinox face à la JDA Dijon ⚔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a>｜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> ｜<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/iC1657RvQk">pic.twitter.com/iC1657RvQk</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1846278907403845994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Wednesday, October 16

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CEST)

Wednesday’s action begins in Istanbul, with Bahcesehir (2-1) aiming to stay near the top of Group A by overcoming Trento (1-2). Both teams are looking to bounce back from low scoring losses, and the host will hope that [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) (10.7 points per game) can continue to lead the way from long-range after making 5 of his 8 three-point attempts over the last two games. Overall, Bahceshir ranks sixth in the competition in three-point shooting accuracy (38.9%). Trento’s strong inside game (55.5% of two-point shots made, sixth in the EuroCup) leans heavily on big man [Selom Mawugbe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/selom-mawugbe/013271/), who has 8.7 points on 70.6% two-point shooting as well as gathering 5.7 rebounds per game.

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:00 CEST)

After gaining its first victory last week, Aris (1-2) will look to keep the feelgood factor by downing Jerusalem (2-1), which is also confident after two straight wins. The Greek team’s comfortable win at Lietkabelis was led by a remarkable 6-of-8 three-point shooting night from guard [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/), who has made multiple triples every game this season. Jerusalem’s main strength lies in its rebounding, ranking third in the competition (39.3 per night). That includes an average of 13 offensive boards, with [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) (4.0 OR per game) leading the way to give valuable extra possessions to the competition’s top scorer, [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) (23.0 points per game).

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Trefl Sopot (19:00 CEST)

In the first-ever EuroCup meeting between the teams, Buducnost (1-2) will defend its home court against a Trefl team (0-3) hoping for a first win of the season. Trefl has always competed well, losing all three games by no more than 6 points, and will believe that its luck can soon turn if [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/) maintains his spectacular all-round contributions of 15.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6 assists. Buducnost cruised to its first win last week by thrashing Trento on the road, and will hope for another strong night from [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) after he netted 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (20:30 CEST)

Joventut (2-1) will look to strengthen its position near the top of Group A with a visit from winless Wolves. The Spanish team took a tight one last week at Trefl with a strong contribution from [Kassius Robertson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kassius-robertson/012740/) (20 points, 6 assists), and will hope that consistent big men [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/) (13.7 and 15.0 points per game, respectively) can control the paint. Wolves has struggled for consistency on offense, and will hope that offensive leader [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) can start to find his range from beyond the arc after only making 21.1% of his three-point attempts, including just 2 of 14 in the last two games.

## Thursday, October 17

### Valencia Basket vs. Umana Reyer Venice (19:00 CEST)

In Thursday’s sole game, red-hot Valencia (3-0) will look to stay perfect with a visit from Reyer (1-2), which has to offer a big recovery from last week’s 22-point home loss to Bourg. Valencia is the EuroCup’s leading scorer (96.7 points per game) after passing the 100-points mark in two straight games, with [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) hitting 6 of a club-record 20 three-pointers last week at Cluj. Reyer will hope to base its challenge around a third-straight double-double from outstanding center [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/), who leads the competition in rebounding (12.3 per game) and two-pointers scored (6.7 per night), but also needs a strong defense to stop the *Taronjas* whirlwind.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 4 Head-to-Head: Lopez-Arostegui vs. Moretti

## Monday, October 14

### [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul 107-74 ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul-ratiopharm-ulm/U2024/34/)

Besiktas blasted Ulm in a rare Monday contest at Besiktas Fibabanka Sports Complex. The winners led from tip to buzzer while establishing several club records, including most points scored. The result lifted Besiktas’s record to 2-2 in Group A and handed Ulm its first loss. Kyle Allman led six Besiktas scorers in double figures with 16 points and Jonah Mathews and Dustin Sleva added 15 apiece. Ulm’s top performers were its teenage stars as Noa Essengue scored a game-high 19 points and Ben Saraf tallied 16 points, 5 assists and 3 steals.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another W on the board for <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJK_Basketbol</a> ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/nRjrvTlGEw">pic.twitter.com/nRjrvTlGEw</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1845901706099405006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Round 4 will be spread out over four nights!

Game center: Bourg improves to 4-0; wins for Hapoel, Cluj, Cedevita

Valencia Basket v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-17T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-16T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-15T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Trefl Sopot (2024-10-16T17:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-10-16T16:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-10-15T16:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-10-14T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj Napoca might have waited until Round 4 to register its first win of the new BKT EuoCup campaign, but the team has done it style, beating the depleted Veolia Hamburg Towers by 36 points.

Cluj, Simpson rolled to club's second-largest win

U-BT Cluj Napoca might have waited until Round 4 to register its first win of the new BKT EuoCup campaign, but the team did it style, beating the depleted Veolia Hamburg Towers by 36 points.

The star of the show was Zavier Simpson, who had 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting on twos and 3-of-4 on threes, while dishing 8 assists.

But, in addition to the performance of its star guard, Cluj's 67-103 win came behind control of the boards.

Hamburg was not shooting the ball well, making just 3-of-26 (11.5%) from long range, and in the early going the hosts struggled on the defensive glass. Hamburg pulled down 5 offensive rebounds in the first quarter, and 9 by halftime, but Cluj had already put the matter under control and used it to create many fastbreak opportunities and open a 20-point halftime lead.

Game Videos

After the break, Hamburg never stopped trying, even down by 40 points, but Cluj allowed only 1 offensive rebound in the last two quarters. It lead to a 38-27 rebounding advantage for the visitors.

In addition, Cluj dominated inside, finishing the game with 74.4% two-point shooting. Along with 42.9% from long range, it helped Cluj overcome 18 turnovers in its second-largest win in the competition. The only win bigger than this one was Cluj's 60-98 victory at Dolomiti Energia Trento last season.

Game News

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana held off 7Bet-Lietkabelis's comeback to register a 76-72 win. Devin Robinson and Devante Jones had to do a lot of it. 


Robinson is a highlight reel in Cedevita's win 

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana held off 7Bet-Lietkabelis's comeback to register a 76-72 win. Devin Robinson and Devante Jones had to do a lot of it. 

The hosts led from start to finish and showed their best basketball in the second quarter. After 9 minutes, Cedevita led 16-10 when Jones and Robinson decided they had enough. 

Jones opened a 18-4 run with a layup, then collected a steal in the opening play of the second quarter to feed Robinson for a wildmill slam. Jones then found Robinson for a high-flying alley-oop dunk in transition. Robinson returned the favour, finding Jones for a floater, then he swished a three-pointer. By the time Jaka Blazic hit his own from downtown, Cedevita led 34-14 and was well on its way to win the game. 

Jones had 6 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists before the break. Robinson had 7 rebounds, 3 rebounds and an outstanding block, sending the basketball out of bounds. Cedveita pulled down 17 defensive rebounds before the break, partly because Lietkabelis missed all of its 12 shots from beyond the arc. The hosts also shared the ball really well, getting 10 assists and 3 turnovers. Both teams' PIR difference at halftime said it all, 60-16. 

Devin Robinson led Cedevita Olimpija to a 76-72 home win against 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys with 17 points and some show-stopping plays.

Devin Robinson was pure showtime in Round 4

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana held off 7Bet-Lietkabelis's comeback to register a 76-72 win. Devin Robinson and Devante Jones had to do a lot of it. 

Lietkabelis buried 4 consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter but did not get within striking distance until Andrija Stipanovic scored down low for a 75-72 score with 2.6 seconds remaining. Ziga Daneu rounded out Cedevita's win from the foul line.

The visitors finally found answers from downtown after missing 33 consecutive three-pointers. Mantas Rubstavicius hit his team's last three-pointer early in the fourth quarter in its Round 2 game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. After missing all 15 attempts in Round 3 against Aris Midea Thessaloniki, Rubstavicius scored from beyond the arc after 33 team misses.

When the dust settled, Robinson led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-9 two-point shooting. Jones added 10 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists while Jaka Blazic drew 12 fouls on his way to scoring 14 points.

"We came onto the court and played with a lot of good energy. We knew it would be tough, that the opposing team would play aggressively, so we wanted to pull away as quickly as possible," Robinson said after the game. "We played with a lot of fight and competitiveness and had an excellent first half. In the second half, we eased up a bit, but that’s basketball."

Cedevita remains undefeated at home and plays four of its next six games at Stozice Arena. After a 0-15 start last season, Cedevita is well on its way for a turnaround season.

Robinson was a highlight reel in Cedevita's win 

In a clash of two previously undefeated teams in Group B, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse edged out Turk Telekom Ankara 67-63 on Tuesday night. Bourg improved to 4-0, while Turk Telekom dropped to 3-1 in a young season.

Bourg fights off Turk Telekom to remain perfect

In a clash of previously undefeated teams in Group B, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse edged Turk Telekom Ankara 67-63 on Tuesday night. Bourg improved to 4-0, while Turk Telekom dropped to 3-1.

After a series of lead changes late in the third and early in the fourth quarter, a triple from Maxime Courby gave Bourg 55-53 advantage and the hosts held that lead for good. Bourg prevailed thanks to its defense, which allowed only one field goal over a span of 4 minutes late in the game.

Offensively, Bourg had three players with 10 points – Maksim Salash, Adrian Nelson and Xavier Casteneda. Meanwhile, Anthony Brown scored 20 for the visitors, Javon Bess had 12 and Kyle Alexander collected 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Turk Telekom scored the first 7 points of the game with Hanlan hitting a triple, and Brown scoring twice, but Bourg replied in style, with an 11-2 run with Usher scoring 5 points, including a three-pointer, and Nelson getting his tally started with a close range basket. Brown hot another tough shot for the visitors, but Nelson scored twice more, including a monster fastbreak dunk to make it 15-11 after 10 minutes.

Back-to-back threes from Brown and Durmaz tied things at 17-17 in the second as the teams proceeded to trade leads, as Kyle Alexander scored twice for the visitors, his jumper making it 23-24. But Bourg replied with an 8-0 run fueled by Castaneda, before a basket from Usher and a triple from Salash helped open a 38-29 difference, the largest lead of the night. But a pair of jumpers from Brown in the final 6 seconds of the half made it 38-33 at the break.

Brown opened the third quarter with a triple, and Turk Telekom scored the first 8 points in the period, capped by a triple from Bess and 38-41. Kevin Kokila ended Bourg's drought, but the visitors stayed in front but Bourg slowly took the defense to another level, forcing a pair of 8-second clock violations. The hosts tied the score, but Brown beat the third-quarter buzzer with a runner to make it 47-49.

However, Benitez and Mehdy Ngouma, the latter with a steal and a fastbreak slam, put Bourg back in front. Bess scored on consecutive possessions to restore the visitors' lead, but Courby's three-pointer, his only three-point attempt of the night, made it 55-53, and Bourg never trailed again. A layup from Nelson and a basket from Benitez made it 61-55, forcing a visiting timeout. Brown hit a jumper, but Salash made a hook shot, and short jumper from Benitez made it 65-59 with 1:06 left. After another defensive stand from Bourg, there was no coming back for the visitors.

Bourg fights off Turk Telekom, 67-63, to remain perfect

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv led by double figures for most of the second half in recording a convincing 79-66 victory over previously unbeaten Dreamland Gran Canaria at Samokov Arena in southwestern Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Hapoel pushes past Gran Canaria, 79-66, for third win in a row

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv led by double figures for most of the second half in recording a convincing 79-66 victory over previously unbeaten Dreamland Gran Canaria at Samokov Arena in southwestern Bulgaria on Tuesday. The result left both teams with 3-1 records atop Group A.

Patrick Beverley led a balanced Hapoel attack with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Tomer Ginat scored 14 for the winners, Ish Wainwright had 12 and Bruno Caboclo 11. Caleb Homesley led Gran Canaria with 17 points and Nicolas Brussino added 12 of 4-of-6 three-point shooting. John Shurna collected 5 rebounds for Gran Canaria to move into sole possession of eighth place on the EuroCup’s career rebounding charts with 474.

Wainwright opened the scoring with a contested three-pointer for Hapoel and Andrew Albicy quickly matched him at the other end. Homesley gave Gran Canaria its first lead, 5-8, with a triple from the wing. Wainwright continued his strong start to the game with a layup that gave him 7 points and tied the score at 10-10 and then Beverley pushed Hapoel ahead from the free-throw line. After Carlos Alocen tied it for the visitors, Joe Ragland’s steal and layup made it 16-14 after 10 minutes.

Miquel Salvo briefly tied the score again before Caboclo scored 5 straight points. Despite a triple by Albicy, Hapoel looked to pull away and the margin grew to 27-19 on a Ragland layup, which prompted a timeout for the visitors. Brussino responded with a three, but Hapoel remained in control. Caboclo set a double-digit advantage with free throws and Brussino connected from deep to make it 37-29 at the halftime break.

Brussino picked up where he left off in the second quarter with a three-pointer just 14 seconds into the second half and George Conditt’s layup got Gran Canaria within 3. Ginat’s three-point play gave Hapoel more breathing room and soon after he connected from deep to make it 45-36. Marcus Foster added a three and Beverley shined with a steal and a jumper to cap a 12-2 run. Brussino ended Gran Canaria’s drought with another triple, but Hapoel continued to roll with the lead climbing to 18. Gran Canaria scored the last 5 points of the quarter after Johnathan Motley committed an unsportsmanlike foul on Albicy, and Conditt beat the buzzer to get within 61-48.

Bar Timor got Hapoel back on track with a three-pointer and Caboclo’s jumper extended the lead to 18. Gran Canaria continued to push and made Hapoel work hard, but Beverley and Foster made sure the lead remained comfortable in Hapoel’s hands until the final buzzer.

Patrick Beverley filled the stat sheet once again for the winners

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana returned to winning ways in Group B by downing 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 76-72 at Stozice Arena in the Slovenian capital on Wednesday. Cedevita improved to 3-1 in the standings after leading from start to finish. Lietkabelis dropped to 0-4. 

Devin Robinson led the winners with 17 points. Jaka Blazic added 14 while Devante Jones and DJ Stewart had 10 for Cedevita. Mantas Rubstavicius paced Lietkabelis with 13 points. Andrija Stipanovic scored 13 and Marko Pecarski 12 and Oleksandr Kovliar each netted 12 for the visitors. Pecarski also collected 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Martynas Geben got Cedevita going with a jumper which Blazic followed with a three-point play for a 5-0 lead. Stewart bettered Gabrielius Maldunas's jump hook with a bomb from downtown. Pecarski and Stipanovic each scored down low to keep Lietkabelis within 9-6. Jones scored in transition and got help from Blazic to restore a 13-6 Cedevita lead. Grantas Vasiliauskas stepped up with an alley-oop layup, Rok Radovic answered from beyond the arc and Stipanovic brought the visitors within 16-10. Jones's driving layup fixed the score at 18-10 after 10 minutes.

Robinson stopped the show with a windmill dunk early in the second quarter. Radovic followed that with a second-chance layup that caused Lietkabelis to call a timeout at 22-10. Robinson ignited the crowd once again with a huge alley-oop slam, capping an 8-0 Cedevita run. Maldunas and Radovic traded layups, then Dovis Bickauskis's put-back basket brought the visitors within 26-14. Robinson fed Jones for a floater and buried a three-pointer that broke the game open, 31-14. Blazic sank a corner triple and got help from Nikolic and Stewart to boost the hosts' lead to 43-23 at halftime.

Kovliar tried to ignite a Lietkabelis comeback with back-to-back layups. Robinson hit a three-pointer and Rubstavicius followed Georgios Kalaitzakis's layup with a bomb from downtown, Lietkabelis's first after 33 consecutive misses in the last three games combined. Pecarski also struck from beyond the arc and Rubstavicius's second triple made It a single-digit game, 47-38. Geben and Bickauskis each joined the three-point shootout, then Stipanovic got Lietkabelis even closer, 50-44. Jones stepped up with a floater and a driving layup, then Blazic struck from downtown to keep Cedevita in control at 60-51 after 30 minutes.

Bickauskis banked in a scoop shot early in the fourth quarter. Derek Ogbeide dunked, Martynas Varnas scored in penetration and Robinson's fadeaway jumper set a 66-56 Cedevita lead. Geben buried a three-pointer and found Robinson for a high-flying reverse layup. Geben went on to block a shot that allowed Robinson to score at the other end for a 71-58 Cedevita lead. Pecarski and Kovliar brought Lietkabelis within 75-68 already in the final minutes, causing Cedevita to call timeout with 22.8 seconds left. Stipanovic scored twice in the paint and then Stewart and Ziga Daneu sealed the outcome from the foul line.

Robinson leads Cedevita to third win, 76-72

In a clash of two previously winless teams in Group B, the visiting U-BT Cluj-Napoca beat Veolia Hamburg Towers 67-103 on Tuesday night. Cluj improved to 1-3 in the group, while Hamburg registered its fourth loss in as many games this season.

Cluj thrashes Hamburg on the road, 67-103

In a clash of two previously winless teams in Group B, visiting U-BT Cluj-Napoca beat Veolia Hamburg Towers 67-103 on Tuesday night. Cluj improved to 1-3 in the group, while Hamburg registered its fourth loss in as many games this season.

Cluj had control from the start, and trailed just once, for one possession in the first quarter. The visitors pulled away with couple of big second-quarter runs to build a 20-point halftime lead, and never looked back. 

Zavier Simpson paced the winners with 28 points and 8 assists. Adam Mokoka had 13 points, Sasu Salin netted 12, De'Shawn Stephens collected 11 points and 9 rebounds and DJ Seeley had 10 points for Cluj. Jordan Barnett scored 15 points, Brae Ivey had 13 and Osaro Rich 10 points in defeat.

Cluj had the better start, scoring the first 6 points, but Ivey and Osaro, who each made a three-pointer, got Hamburg going, and the hosts took a 12-11 lead. But Stephens sparked a 0-6 run that helped the visitors restore their lead, which stood at 16-19 after 10 minutes. 

Adam Mokoka scored 5 points early in the second for the visitors, and his three-point play started Cluj's surge. Mokoka and Stephens led the charge, and Seeley's corner triple opened a 24-36 lead. That triple also fueled a 3-16 run, as Cluj finished the half with 3 consecutive three-pointers, 2 from Sasu Salin and 1 from Simpson that made it 27-47 at halftime.

The teams traded baskets to start the third quarter and an Ivey to Barnett alley-oop helped cut the margin to 37-53. But Seeley answered with a triple that fueled a 9-0 run, which Salin capped with a three-pointer. The visitors continued adding points, and Simpson's three-pointer made it 43-70. 

Cluj scored the final 6 points of the third, to break the 30-point barrier, and the first basket of the fourth to open a 48-83 lead. The visitors never let down in the fourth and led by as many as 40 points, 57-97, in cruising to a huge win.

Zavier Simpson stuffed the stats sheet in another strong effort for the winners

JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach Frederic Fauthoux is a firm believer in the team over an individual, with the French play-caller hoping to return to the EuroCup Finals with his squad this season.

Frederic Fauthoux wants a ‘collective-first’ mentality for Bourg-en-Bresse

If anybody had predicted [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22bou%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Cosea%20JL%20Bourg-en-Bresse) to go on and reach last year’s BKT EuroCup Finals, they would have been met by a number of surprised faces. Bourg? Really?

Sure, the red-and-white French side had some interesting notes on its side: [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zaccharie-risacher/010718/)’s projected standout season before heading to the NBA, another season on board for coach Frederic Fauthoux, and tons of talent on the roster.

But even after its 4-2 start through the first six rounds, Bourg still didn’t receive a lot of consideration. However, following a road loss against 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, it went on a 7-0 run which included beating the reigning competition champion, Dreamland Gran Canaria.

The team’s trajectory brought Bourg all the way to the all-French ultimate best-of-three showdown against Paris Basketball, where Regular Season and Finals MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) took over.

One question arises as it stands on top of Group B with the same record it had at this point last year: can Bourg contend once again for the EuroCup title despite eight significant roster changes?

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1728330/frederic-fauthoux-bourg-en-bresse-eurocup-france-national-team-interview/).

More Bourg News

The newly appointed France boss is hoping for another successful season with his club team

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul overpowered ratiopharm Ulm and its young stars 107-74 on Monday night as it set club EuroCup records for most points scored in a game and in a half, the largest margin of victory and two-point shooting accuracy, among others. 

Besiktas relied on its 'tough' defense in record offensive onslaught 

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul [overpowered ratiopharm Ulm and its young stars 107-74](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs4-report-bes-ulm/) on Monday night as it set club BKT EuroCup records for most points scored in a game and in a half, the largest margin of victory and two-point shooting accuracy, among others. But the root of all those numbers was the team’s toughness on defense.

“I want to congratulate my players because we were serious from the first second till the last one,” Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic said after the game. “It was offensively very good but I have to say that all this confidence came from great defense.”

Not only was his team serious from the first second, but they essentially controlled the game from the first second.

Besiktas puts on a defensive clinic against Ulm

Well, almost the first second. Ulm, in fact, controlled the opening tip. But then the Besiktas defense forced a turnover. Even though Besiktas didn’t turn its first possession into points, [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/)’s aggressiveness showed as Besiktas corralled 2 offensive rebounds. Ulm’s [Isaiah Roby](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/isaiah-roby-/013291/) seemed to shift the momentum the other way with a steal and teenage star [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) was coasting in for a layup when [Kerem Konan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kerem-konan/011379/) flew in for a block.

That’s when [Kyle Allman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-allman/011924/) drained a three for the game’s first points. Before long, it was 7-0 and the hosts never let up. A 19-0 run later in the quarter led to Besiktas sitting pretty at 31-9 after 10 minutes.

The rout was on and both teams knew it.

“The first quarter was a disaster and we never really recovered from it. That was obvious,” Ulm’s head coach Ty Harrelson said.  

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Akatlar&#39;da muhteşem bir gece! 🔥 <br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 107-74 ratiopharm Ulm | Maç Sonucu <br><br>🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Be%C5%9Fikta%C5%9FFibabanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeşiktaşFibabanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Potan%C4%B1nKartallar%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PotanınKartalları</a> <a href="https://t.co/eDxqb0l9Y7">pic.twitter.com/eDxqb0l9Y7</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1845901871283593583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 22-point lead after 10 minutes was tied for the sixth largest by any club in EuroCup history. The 33-point halftime difference was tied for the third-most in competition history. And it was only the seventh time a team led by at least 40 points through three quarters.

At halftime, Allman listed what his team had to do to secure the win: “Keep being physical, keep them out of the paint, stop them from getting second chance points and keep pushing the tempo.”

Besiktas checked those boxes. It was physical throughout and allowed only 7 second-chance points in the second half (after giving up 4 in the first half). And the team kept the pace by scoring 28 third-quarter points before easing up in the fourth.

Less than a week ago, Besiktas was on the other end of a beatdown in losing 87-101 against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. And the week before the team lost by 21 against Bahcesehir College Istanbul.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧. <br><br>it&#39;s all good man. 😉 <a href="https://t.co/LDg98ofNPq">pic.twitter.com/LDg98ofNPq</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1845913594820509714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sleva, who shined with 15 points on near-perfect shooting and 7 rebounds, explained what the team took from those losses. “Dusan \[Alimpijevic\] challenged us earlier in the season, we started off a little bit slow, but he challenged all of us to play tough, to play harder… Tonight shots were falling and we were playing tough.”

Besiktas’ toughness might have been enough to win the game. But all those shots falling is what turned it into a blowout. The team made 22 of 31 two-pointers and the 71.0% accuracy was the best in club history. Its 15 triples tied for the second most ever for Besiktas and its 53.3% shooting from deep was the best by any team in the EuroCup this season.

“We fought as a team, everybody on the court. All 10, 12 of us,” Sleva added.

Indeed, almost everyone contributed. Eight players scored at least 9 points. Seven players had steals. And a message was sent that Besiktas is a dangerous team that can play at both ends of the floor.

Thanks to their prowess at both ends, the hosts recorded a lopsided victory

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul blasted ratiopharm Ulm 107-74 in a rare Monday contest at Besiktas Fibabanka Sports Complex

Besiktas manhandles Ulm by 33

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul blasted ratiopharm Ulm 107-74 in a rare Monday contest at Besiktas Fibabanka Sports Complex. The winners led from tip to buzzer while establishing several club records, including most points scored and largest margin of victory. The result lifted Besiktas’s record to 2-2 in Group A and handed Ulm its first loss.

Kyle Allman led six Besiktas scorers in double figures with 16 points and Jonah Mathews and Dustin Sleva added 15 apiece. Kelan Martin had 12 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting, Yigit Arslan had 12 on 4-of-8 shooting from deep, Conor Morgan netted 11 and Derek Needham dished 8 assists. Ulm’s top performers were its teenage stars as Noa Essengue scored a game-high 19 points and Ben Saraf tallied 16 points, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Besiktas's aggressiveness resulted in a forced turnover, an offensive rebound and a blocked shot all in the first minute. The hosts scored the game’s first 7 points before Phillipp Herkenhoff got Ulm on the scoreboard. Allman heated up with free throws and a contested three-pointer to keep Besiktas cruising at 12-5. Allman made it a double-digit lead with a three-point play and Sleva continued his stellar defense by drawing an offensive foul. Mathews’s jumper that made it 19-7 midway through the opening quarter and prompted an Ulm timeout. Berk Ugurlu, Sleva and Martin kept pouring it on as Besiktas scored 19 straight points for a commanding 31-7 lead. Herkenhoff had the last word in the quarter with a bucket for Ulm.

Besiktas added to the lead as another three by Martin made it 39-12. Layups by Thomas Klepeisz and Saraf gave Ulm some hope. The margin continued to grow as free throws by Mathews and Needham put the hosts up by 30. It was 58-22 after triples by Mathews, Morgan and Ugurlu. Threes by Nelson Weidemann and Justinian Jessup only narrowed the gap to 61-28 at the break.

Little changed after the break with threes by Needham and Allman making it 69-32. Sleva pushed the difference to 39. Essengue had a few strong minutes for Ulm and Saraf continued to leave a mark, but there were no signs of an Ulm comeback. Threes by Yigit Arslan and Martin saw the lead swell again. Steals and slams by Ugurlu and Morgan made it a 42-point difference. Klepeisz had the final basket of the third quarter to make it 89-49.

The lead peaked on a basket by Sleva that made it 96-52 in the third minute of the fourth quarter. Mathews had the honor of scoring Besiktas's 100th point and in the penultimate minute, Sleva’s three-point play established a new club record with 104 points as the hosts finished off the impressive win.

The hosts sets club records for points scored and margin of victory 

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 4 in the BKT EuroCup, as well as who might be missing in action.

Round 4: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Monday, October 14

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:00 CEST)

**Ty Harrelson, ratiopharm Ulm head coach** 

“We want to improve from game to game. \[It\] is a big test for us, both defensively and offensively. Besiktas is a very strong defensive team that plays disciplined and aggressive defense. So we have to find ways to score – it will be important to move the ball and create space. At the same time, we have to play better in defense than we did in Bamberg.”

## Tuesday, October 15

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:30 CEST)

**Dorde Adzic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana assistant coach**

"On Tuesday, we face a challenge against a team that deserves respect, even though Lietkabelis started the season with three losses. They are a young team, made up of young Lithuanian players who may be unknown to the wider sports audience, complemented by some experienced players. Lietkabelis plays extremely aggressive defense, and our opponents tend to switch a lot on the defensive side without losing their aggressiveness. We must get used to this, adapt, and play very smart offensively. In attack, they like to shoot and use their big players in the low post, while also moving a lot without the ball, which allows them to create opportunities for offensive rebounds. For us, it's important to control this style of play and build our attack against their aggressive defense. I want to thank the fans for their support in the game against Split, and I invite them to join us in large numbers at Stozice. Their support is extremely important to us, and our job is to earn that support during Tuesday's game and throughout the season."

**Derek Ogbeide, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana center**

"We started the season somewhat slow, but as we get to know each other as a team, we are playing better. We're trying to learn a lot during the games themselves and improve our performance 'live.' To win on Tuesday against Lietkabelis, we must stay focused on our principles. We have a plan we need to follow. We need to step on the court with energy and keep improving for the rest of the season. We definitely want loud support from the stands on Tuesday at Stožice, as it fills us with energy, and we draw strength from the fans' cheering. Every bit of support from the stands is important for us, as it helps us play even better."

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We play a very tough game against Gran Canaria among a very tight schedule against one of the most successful teams in EuroCup over the last year, with the same coaching staff and roster. We have great psychology and confidence after the winning streak we have lately and I hope the desire will overcome the fatigue."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"I feel that from game to game, we are doing more, getting more good minutes and connecting as a team. Gran Canaria is an excellent team and we will have to come and be there from the first moment so that we will be in a good position to win."

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Towers Hamburg head coach**

“Cluj is like the antithesis of our team: a bit older, a bit more experienced. They're also big and physical, which will present us with another challenge when it comes to rebounding. The battle under the baskets will be key. On the other hand, I think we have advantages in terms of speed, which we want to exploit. In general, we are at a critical moment in this still young season. Due to the absences so far, some players have had to step up their game. Unfortunately, this also means a higher risk of injury. Kur \[Kuath\] and Bene \[Benedikt Turudic\], our two regular centers, will be out. So we now have to use the full breadth of the squad, give our young players a chance and try to turn them into a strength.”

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"We want to play well in order to give ourselves chances to win. Our team is focused and highly motivated to win the first game of the season. I hope we will come back home with a victory."

**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca center**

"We are excited for the next game and we are trying to get our first win in the EuroCup. I think our last game we showed some great fight and we have to carry that over and play to the best of our abilities. We are pushing for this first win!"

**Hamburg injury report:** Niklas Wimberg (broken leg), Zsombor Maronka (recovering from ankle injury), Kur Kuath (knee problems), Benedikt Turudic (back problems).

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:30 CEST)

### Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach

"We welcome a team which is undefeated, which we know is the best defense in the EuroCup. We expect a very difficult and contested match in front of our public."

### Jordan Usher, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse forward

“I am excited to play another home game in front of our fans, and against a really good team…it won't be easy, but the fans will bring us energy and push us to win!"

## Wednesday, October 16

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CEST)

\--

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:00 CEST)

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach**

"Tomorrow we have another home game for EuroCup against a truly high-quality team with talent. Hapoel has excellent foreign players as well as high-level Israeli players. They have set high goals for this year's tournament. We are returning after the win against Lietkabelis for another game at home in front of our fans. We will do our best to achieve a winning result."

**David DeJulius, Aris Midea Thessaloniki guard**

"We know that Hapoel is a very good team, with quite a few strong players, some of whom we know from college. We all need to give our best effort together, stop their transition game, not allow them to get second chances, and play with confidence."

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach** 

“We are heading into a tough away game against a quality opponent in a great basketball atmosphere. We want to continue building on the positive things we showed in the last two EuroCup games. We will need to stay focused for 40 minutes and pay attention to the small details in order to return home with another important win.”

**Speedy Smith, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem guard**

“We are looking forward to a fun basketball atmosphere, which is something we’ve been missing a bit in our European away games. We are determined to continue our recent good form, understanding it will be a tough game but confident in ourselves and our approach.”

**Jerusalem injury report:** Nimrod Levi (ankle) Khadeen Carrington (personal matters).

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Trefl Sopot (19:00 CEST)

\--

### Joventut Badalona vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (20:30 CEST)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"We will face on the road one of the best teams in our group. We will go to Spain with the ambition to take a step forward in our journey, respecting the last games. We must start with the defensive effort, knowing that we will play against experienced players, that are led by a great player like Ante Tomic. We need to improve, stay united as a team and compete from the first minute to the last."

**Kristupas Zemaitis, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius guard**

"It's going to be a tough game because it's always challenging to play against ACB teams. Joventut has a very deep roster with strong players in every position. Two frontline players stand out, especially Ante Tomic, who shares the ball like a playmaker and has outstanding passing skills. One key task will be stopping him. Of course, they have many other dangerous players. However, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves. Right now, we aren't playing well. We need to fix our issues, follow Coach's plan, and bring good energy. If we do that, I believe we can upset the home team."

## Thursday, October 17

### Valencia Basket vs. Umana Reyer Venice

\--

Zan Tabak, the head coach of Trefl Sopot, spoke with David Hein about his past experiences, his return to Trefl and the future of Polish basketball.

Trefl head coach Zan Tabak: 'Polish basketball has huge potential'

Trefl Sopot is back in the BKT EuroCup for the first time since the 2012-13 season and Zan Tabak, the club’s head coach, is excited about the future of basketball in Poland.

Tabak was head coach for Trefl the last time it was in the EuroCup and the 54-year-old is in year three back with the club, having guided Trelf to its first Polish League championship last season.

“We are really excited to be back in the EuroCup because this was our main goal when I signed the long-term deal with Trefl,” Tabak, who returned to Trefl in 2022, tells David Hein. “One of the objectives was to put the team back in Europe, where it was many years ago.”

Tabak knows about elite basketball. He was a member of the famous Jugoplastika Split team that won the EuroLeague title three years on the trot, from 1988 to 1991, and he won an Olympic silver medal in 1992 while playing for Croatia against the USA’s famous Dream Team in Barcelona. He also won the 1995 NBA championship alongside Hakeem Olajuwon with the Houston Rockets.

Zan Tabak during his days playing in the EuroCup for Joventut Badalona.

After retiring in 2005, he was an assistant coach for Real Madrid, where together they won the EuroCup in 2007 and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in 2015. Tabak has been a head coach in Europe’s premier club basketball competition, too, having led Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Most of his success as a play-caller has come in Poland, where he guided Trefl to the 2012 Polish Super Cup and then led Zielona Gora to the 2020 Polish Super Cup and Polish League title, in addition to the 2021 Polish National Cup.

Tabak left Trefl back in November 2012 and took over as Baskonia head coach after the Spanish club fired Dusko Ivanovic, yet he knew his departure from the Polish side was going to be a matter of when, not if.

“Trefl was in a really tough financial situation. My contract was a burden for the team,” Tabak recalls. “The objectives of the team changed because of the sudden problems in the financial situation. We came to mutual agreement.”

“That season was a big learning experience for me, and I believe the best teaching lessons are learned from your own mistakes. I think what I learned most at that time was about group leadership and the group energy,” he says of his season with Baskonia, which he led to the team making the EuroLeague Playoffs before losing the series 3-1 to CSKA Moscow.

Zan Tabak dishes out instructions as Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach in the 2015-16 EuroLeague season.

Tabak stayed in contact with the bosses at Trefl and talked to them again in the spring of 2022 after being fired from Spanish outfit San Pablo Burgos in November 2021. He was apprehensive that the team would not be playing in a European competition in 2022-23, but the long-term vision appealed to him.

He then guided Trefl back to the Polish League playoffs in his first year. Then, last season, the team finished second in the regular-season standings but came back from a 3-1 deficit in the finals against King Szczecin to secure the club’s first league crown.

“I believe it was not expected because we didn't have the most talented group of players, but we had the best team,” Tabak states. “We had the best connection, the best chemistry between the players, and each one of them gave their maximum at every moment. Me being the one who could bring that to Sopot, it's a great feeling.”

Jaroslaw Zyskowski and Zan Tabak during Trefl's EuroCup media day.

Over the course of his career, Tabak has seen basketball take big steps in Poland. The country reached the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 semifinals for the first time since 1969, and it finished eighth at the 2019 FIBA World Cup on its first appearance since 1967.

Tabak, however, believes the national team’s performance is not a true indicator of a country’s strength but rather how many of its teams are playing in European club competitions.

Poland has a representative in the EuroCup for the fourth straight season and sixth in the last seven years. King Szczecin and Slask Wroclaw are both playing this season in the Basketball Champions League, PGE Spojnia Stargard and Anwil Wloclawek are competing in the FIBA Europe Cup, and Legia Warsaw and Dziki Warsaw are playing in the European North Basketball League (ENBL).

“I believe the infrastructure and clubs’ organization have gone up since I was here the first time. I see the country with huge potential,” he proclaims, particularly given Poland’s population of 38 million people.

"It's a really big country. Its economy is doing really good. And I believe Polish people, genetically, have a really good predisposition to play basketball. I think Polish basketball has, in the last 10 years, definitely gone way up.”

Tabak now thinks those at the top of Polish basketball need to work on making the game more popular and also increase the money in the sport in order to keep the country’s best players in Poland.

“I believe that Polish basketball needs to get to the level where all Polish players, the best Polish players, are staying in Poland,” he says. “This needs to come through a longer period of lifting all of Polish basketball to the next level.

“Polish clubs need to financially be stronger and play a bigger role in Europe so that they are attractive for the best Polish players to stay in Poland.”

Olek Balcerowski, for example, is on the books at Unicaja Malaga this season after helping Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens win the EuroLeague title last May. Mateusz Ponitka is with Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the EuroCup after spending five seasons in the EuroLeague, Michal Sokolowski is with Dinamo Sassari in his fifth season abroad, while Jeremy Sochan is in the NBA. Young prospect Igor Milicic is in his fourth season in college in the United States and Jakub Niziol played in the EuroCup last season with Slask Wroclaw, but he now plays in France for State Rochelais.

If they were all playing for Polish clubs, things would look a lot different. Just like Zan Tabak believes.

The Croatian play-caller spoke with David Hein about his past experiences, his return to Trefl and how he sees the future of basketball in Poland

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