### Giannis Kastritis, Aris head coach

"Buducnost is a very athletic and experienced team, with a deep roster and quality in every position. We have to be ready for a physical game and take care of their transition points and their offensive rebounding as well."

### Giorgos Fillios, Aris player

"Another game on the road for us, against a very good team as Buducnost. Our opponent is very strong, especially in his home, so we have to be very focused and determined. We have to have high energy in the defense and be effective on the offensive part, to get the result we want."

Game News

Two teams keen to get back on the winning track go head to head as Buducnost (2-3) hosts Aris (2-3). The home team has lost two in a row after underperforming offensively, scoring just 73 and 74 points in those losses, and will look for a spark from Mckinley Wright, who has averaged 13.8 points per game. Aris has similar problems after being held to just 59 points in last week's loss to Cluj, and now has the worst offense in the competition with just 69.4 points per game. Three-point specialist Roberto Gallinat has consistently delivered with 16.8 points per game, but Aris now needs others to step up.

Pre-game quotes: Buducnost vs. Aris

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2023-11-08T18:00:00.000Z)

With few notable exceptions, everything has changed in the second edition of the BKT EuroCup Power Rankings. Only three teams kept the same position, and while this may seem normal, six have already made the maximum permitted six-position jump – since the initial rankings remain the base, or else we would just follow the standings – and three more have changed their position by five spots.

That’s the nature of the competition, with U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, and Paris Basketball stealing the show, while Umana Reyer Venice, 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and Turk Telekom Ankara have unexpectedly disappointed so far.

Especially those three teams that have high expectations but just one win so far, they have already dug themselves into a hole and need to react as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we already have three early coaching changes.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1578111/bkt-eurocup-power-rankings-vol-2-paris-rising/)

Seven teams have already made the maximum six-position jump either forward or backward, proving that you can expect the unexpected in the BKT EuroCup.

BKT EuroCup Power Rankings Vol. 2 – Paris rising

Three teams remain undefeated in the BKT EuroCup as Round 6 begins on Tuesday: Paris Basketball, Dreamland Gran Canaria and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. There are plenty of interesting choices in EuroCup Fantasy Challenge this week. We are recommending a superstar bouncing back, a reigning champion, two young players stepping up, and a well-rounded guard with a leading role. Here are our suggestions for Fantasy Challenge managers in Round 6.

Fantasy tips, Round 6: Stars and sleepers!

Three teams remain undefeated in the BKT EuroCup as Round 6 begins on Tuesday: Paris Basketball, Dreamland Gran Canaria and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. There are plenty of interesting choices in [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) this week. We are recommending a superstar bouncing back, a reigning champion, two young players stepping up, and a well-rounded guard with a leading role. Here are our suggestions for Fantasy Challenge managers in Round 6.

[Andrew Andrews, Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) (12.2 credits) – Andrews comes off a fantastic week. He earned Round 5 MVP honors with 33 points and a PIR of 42 against Hamburg, and followed that up with 18 points and a PIR of 20 in a Spanish League win against Valencia. The time is right to bring him on.

[Nico Brussino, Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) (12.0 credits) – Gran Canaria is a very team-oriented squad but Brussino has stepped up lately. He had 13 points, 5 assists and a PIR of 22 against Lietkabelis, and did even better in the Spanish League against Baskonia: 19 points, 11 rebounds and a PIR of 34 in a winning effort.  

Andrew Andrews, Quinn Ellis, Nico Brussino, Paulius Valinskas and Juan Nunez are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 6

[Paulius Valinskas, 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paulius-valinskas/004664/) (9.7 credits) – Valinskas has been playing better since head coach Nenad Canak returned to the team. He had 17 points on 6-for-6 two-point shooting with 6 fouls drawn and a PIR of 19 last week. Valinskas also played well domestically this weekend: 18 points, 7 assists and a PIR of 23. On his way up!  

[Quinn Ellis, Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) (8.4 credits) – Ellis has been leading Trento in the last two weeks, hitting the game-winning shot in Round 4 against Lietkabelis and having a great performance in Round 5 against Turk Telekom. Ellis led Trento with 21 points, no missed shots, 6 rebounds and a PIR of 31.

[Juan Nunez, ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) (9.3 credits) – Nunez had 7 steals, the most for any EuroCup players since 2020, in Round 5 against Slask, also getting 11 points and 6 assists. This weekend, Nunez needed just 22 minutes to amass 18 points, 6 assists and 6 steals in German League action. A rising star ready to shine!

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v ratiopharm Ulm (2023-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-11-08T19:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2023-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2023-11-07T17:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2023-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v London Lions (2023-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-11-07T19:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Vilnius v Prometey Slobozhanske (2023-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

The American big man is enjoying his first season in the BKT EuroCup.

Ben Lammers, Gran Canaria: 'We should be pretty happy with our EuroCup play'

Sometimes a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. [Ben Lammers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ben-lammers/010385/) is thriving at his new club, Dreamland Gran Canaria, in the BKT EuroCup after moving from ALBA Berlin, where he spent three years playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

The 27-year-old big man has averaged 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks in Gran Canaria’s 5-0 start to the 2023-24 season. For a team looking to defend its EuroCup title, Lammers has already shown that he has the qualities needed to make sure Granca remains one of the teams to beat in the competition.

Dreamland Gran Canaria big man Ben Lammers has averaged 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks through the first five rounds of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Ben Lammers's top plays in 2023-24

During an interview with the official BKT EuroCup website, Lammers – ALBA’s all-time EuroLeague leader in blocked shots – discussed switching the city of Berlin for the island of Gran Canaria, how he is settling in with his new team and his thoughts on the EuroCup, as well as much more.

**After spending three years in the EuroLeague with ALBA Berlin, you made the move to Gran Canaria in the EuroCup. How have you found going from a city like Berlin to the island lifestyle in Gran Canaria?**

"It’s definitely a different type of lifestyle. Berlin is very German; you have the stereotype of doing everything on time and the correct way. Then you go to Spain in general, which is typically more relaxed, but especially on an island off the coast of Spain. It’s definitely been a lot more relaxed. I can walk five minutes to the beach, so it’s been quite a nice change. The weather and everything like that has been a big plus."

**You started your professional career in Spain with Bilbao Basket in 2018 and stayed there for two seasons before heading to ALBA. How does it feel to be back in Spain? Are there many differences between life in Bilbao and Gran Canaria?**

"Bilbao is in the Basque Country, which is northern Spain, and it was my first time ever playing in Europe, so I didn’t really know in Spain that there are different cultures inside the same country. That’s when I learned about the Basque people and that they still spoke the \[Basque\] language. Then when I got here \[in Gran Canaria\], they have their own separate culture as well, so I think that’s always been an interesting thing. Growing up in the U.S., you learn about different countries but you don’t learn about the details, like how things are different inside \[the country\].”

**Gran Canaria is a well-established team in the EuroCup and brought back many of its players from last year’s championship-winning side. Did you find it easy to fit in?**

“I think they’ve made fitting in pretty easy. Obviously, with so many guys returning, it makes it a little easier because most people already know the system, so there’s plenty of people to help you out and help you along when you mess up a bit. Sometimes when you come to a new team like that, it can be a little difficult, but everyone has been really nice, everything’s matched up really well with my playing style, so all in all, it’s been a pretty pleasant experience."

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv616VIg9aT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv616VIg9aT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns=https://www.w3.org/2000/svg xmlns:xlink=https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv616VIg9aT/?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 Dreamland Gran Canaria (@grancanariacb)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

**Gran Canaria has started this season how it finished last year, going 5-0 through the first five games of the campaign. What are your thoughts on how the team is playing right now?**

"I think in the EuroCup we’re doing pretty good. We also have the ACB \[Spanish League\] so those games can be quite tough, but it’s just the beginning of the season so we’ve still got some things to hammer out, some more details when it comes to offensive and defensive tactics. In general, though, I think we should be pretty happy, especially with our EuroCup play."

**Gran Canaria is trying to become the first team to go back-to-back in the EuroCup since the competition’s inception in 2002. Was that challenge one of the reasons you agreed to join the team?**

"I think that was definitely one of the appeals. They’re a successful team, so you want to join up with them to help them continue being a successful team. They have a history of high performance, so that’s what makes it fun when you’re playing with a good team with good players. It makes it a more enjoyable year, rather than just struggling to get a win."

**What lessons did you learn in your time in the EuroLeague that you are now using with Gran Canaria in the EuroCup?**

"Obviously, when you play so many games, you’re bound to pick up a few things here and there about how to play a little bit. I’m used to playing six games in 12 days or even more, so I’m used to a pretty high turnover of games. Compared to that, playing two games a week here with the EuroCup, it’s really nice. It’s kind of like a nice little break, because now I know I’ll pretty much always have two days or three days between games, rather than just having one day between games."

**You have started in just one of your five appearances so far in the EuroCup. What is the difference for you between being a starter and coming off the bench?**

"I’ve never really cared too much about starting because, at the end of the day, it depends how you perform as to whether you start or not. Also, I’ve preferred to be the one that ends games if it’s a close game, because that’s usually a more important moment than starting the game. Actually, in Bilbao, I didn’t start that many games either and I almost like it that way, because it’s a little easier for me to get a feel for the pace of the game. I can watch the first few minutes and then go in and help out immediately."

**You won the German League twice as well as the German Cup during your time with ALBA. How would it feel to become a EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria this season?**

"That would definitely be a nice thing to add to the whole career. Obviously, that will be quite difficult, but I think it’s definitely something that is possible. It would make my career look pretty good so far!"

### Ronen Ginzburg, Prometey head coach

"We need to play different basketball. We need to respond. In the EuroCup we started good and then not so good. I want my team to show character, especially on defense."

### Viacheslav Bobrov, Prometey player

"The Wolves are a strong team. Lithuania is big on basketball, and I am sure they will play aggressive at home for the win. We have to play hard defense from the start, control the rebounds and make less mistakes than we did lately. We are having ups and downs now, but it moivates us to play harder and to work on our mistakes."

After kickstarting its playoff challenge with two straight victories, Wolves (2-2) will look to make it three in a row against a Prometey team (2-3) that has struggled for consistency so far this season despite leading the competition in rebounding with 42 per game, mostly thanks to Ondrey Balvin with 9.2 per night. The Lithuanian team has Rasheed Sulaimon in great form with 17.8 points per game, while Ronald March is red-hot for Prometey with 20 and 23 points in his last two games.

Pre-game quotes: Wolves vs. Prometey

### Neven Spahija, Venice head coach

"I hope we will be ready. Everybody must step up. Cedevita comes with no wins, but that does not mean anything. They will be very motivated. We will prepare to play this game and we will pay attention to their best players, especially Prepelic, who they just addedd. Blazic and Matkovic are also important and we must be ready to respond against any kind of play they show."

### Andrea Turchetto, Cedevita Olimpija assistant coach

"For us, every game is important. We will face one of the best teams in the BKT EuroCup. Venice has quality roster, ambitions and a great club history. The guards of our rivals are very athletic, while the whole team plays very good basketball with a good flow. Tuesday's match will be a very high mountain for us to climb. We are going to Venice with the right attitude and desire to be better, to compete and to show our progress again."

### Amedeo Tessitori, Venice player

"It's going to be a very tough game, we need to be much focused and make as less mistakes as possible. It's pivotal for us to follow our game plan. For sure they want the win, but we need it as well. It's an important game."

### Karlo Matkovic, Cedevita Olimpija player

"We are aware that our situation is not the best. Every game in the BKT EuroCup is very important for us, especially away games. If we want to enjoy the victory, we have to play a great game. We feel positive pressure, and we are going to Venice with a risen head and the desire to win the match. We are motivated, we are preparing and doing everything to improve. We have to fight for the full 40 minutes of every match."

Two struggling teams are looking for a boost as Reyer (1-4) hosts Cedevita (0-5). These are two of the lowest-scoring teams in the league with Reyer managing just 74.4 points per game with Cedevita a little better, averaging 77.4 Cedevita slipped to its fifth straight loss by falling in Round 5 to Wolves despite 13 rebounds from Amadou Sow, who has grabbed multiple offensive boards in every game this season. This week he goes to battle with the powerful Amadeo Tessitori, who has averaged 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds for Reyer.

Pre-game quotes: Venice vs. Cedevita

### Freddy Fauthoux, Bourg head coach

"We know the arena, the environment, and we prepared well for this game, but it's really not an easy team to play at home. We must be able to find our standards over 40 minutes and not a small part of the game. We mustn't let our opponents settle into their game." 

### Godwin Omenaka, Bourg player

"I think it is a very good team, well organized, a team that plays good and their strength is to make us play in their rhythm and slow us down."

Lietkabelis (1-4) is aiming to snap a three-game losing streak as it welcomes Bourg (4-1), which got back on track last week by edging out Buducnost thanks to 21 points from teenage star Zaccharie Risacher. Lietkabelis has struggled defensively during its losing streak, allowing 99, 93 and 88 points, and will again rely on Gediminas Orelik (15.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game). Bourg will hope for more long-range heroics from Jeremy Morgan, who has made 52.3% of his shots from beyond the arc this season.

Pre-game quotes: Lietkabelis vs. Bourg

### Tuesday, November 7

[7-bet Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys-mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2023/56/)

Lietkabelis (1-4) is aiming to snap a three-game losing streak as it welcomes Bourg (4-1), which got back on track last week by edging out Buducnost thanks to 21 points from teenage star Zaccharie Risacher. Lietkabelis has struggled defensively during its losing streak, allowing 99, 93 and 88 points, and will again rely on Gediminas Orelik (15.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game). Bourg will hope for more long-range heroics from Jeremy Morgan, who has made 52.3% of his shots from beyond the arc this season. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-lkb-bou)

[Umana Reyer Venice vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2023/52/)

Two struggling teams are looking for a boost as Reyer (1-4) hosts Cedevita (0-5). These are two of the lowest-scoring teams in the league with Reyer managing just 74.4 points per game with Cedevita a little better, averaging 77.4 Cedevita slipped to its fifth straight loss by falling in Round 5 to Wolves despite 13 rebounds from Amadou Sow, who has grabbed multiple offensive boards in every game this season. This week he goes to battle with the powerful Amadeo Tessitori, who has averaged 13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds for Reyer. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-vnc-lju)

Umana Reyer Venice - Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana | Round 4 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

### Wednesday, November 8

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-ratiopharm-ulm/U2023/59/)

In the first of eight games on Wednesday, Cluj (4-1) faces Ulm (4-1) for a big showdown at the top of Group 4. It's a clash of styles because Cluj has based its success on defense, allowing just 72.6 points per game - third-best in the competition. Ulm, on the other hand, boasts the fourth-ranked offense with an average of 92 points per game. That attack is powered by Dakota Mathias, who is averaging 18 points per game, and whose talents will be challenged this week by the ball thief skills of DJ Seeley, who has bagged 2.0 steals per game. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-clu-ulm)

[Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/turk-telekom-ankara-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/57/)

After suffering its third straight loss with an overtime defeat to Trento last week, Turk Telekom (1-4) has the tough task of bouncing back against reigning champ Gran Canaria (5-0), which has won all six previous meetings between the teams and stayed perfect by downing Lietkabelis in Round 5. Jalen Adams has scored in double digits in every game so far this season for Turk Telekom, and his duel with Andrew Albicy could be a key in deciding the outcome. The Gran Canaria playmaker has averaged 5.2 assists so far this season, helping his team achieve an outstanding 22.2 per night. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-ttk-can)

[Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2023/53/)

High-flying Besiktas (4-1) will fancy its chances of picking up a fifth win as it welcomes Hamburg (0-5). Time is running out for the German team to get its season on track and improved defense must be the priority after allowing 108 at Badalona in Round 5. The power of William Christmas - who grabbed 9 rebounds last week - can help Hamburg compete physically against the Turkish team, which boasts one of the competition's top rebounders in the form of Angel Delgado and his 7.8 boards plus 12.0 points per night. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-bes-ham)

[Wolves Vilnius vs. Prometey Slobozhanske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/wolves-vilnius-prometey-slobozhanske/U2023/51/)

After kickstarting its playoff challenge with two straight victories, Wolves (2-2) will look to make it three in a row against a Prometey team (2-3) that has struggled for consistency so far this season despite leading the competition in rebounding with 42 per game, mostly thanks to Ondrey Balvin with 9.2 per night. The Lithuanian team has Rasheed Sulaimon in great form with 17.8 points per game, while Ronald March is red-hot for Prometey with 20 and 23 points in his last two games. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-ganme-notes-facts-wol-pmt)

[Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2023/60/)

Two teams keen to get back on the winning track go head to head as Buducnost (2-3) hosts Aris (2-3). The home team has lost two in a row after underperforming offensively, scoring just 73 and 74 points in those losses, and will look for a spark from Mckinley Wright, who has averaged 13.8 points per game. Aris has similar problems after being held to just 59 points in last week's loss to Cluj, and now has the worst offense in the competition with just 69.4 points per game. Three-point specialist Roberto Gallinat has consistently delivered with 16.8 points per game, but Aris now needs others to step up. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-bud-ari)

[Slask Wroclaw vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/slask-wroclaw-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2023/58/)

After winning two games in a row for the first time in two years, Trento (2-3) will aim to take a further step toward the playoffs by continuing to rely on rising star Quinn Ellis, who scored 21 points without a miss in the Round 5 overtime win over Turk Telekom. Winless Slask (0-5) remains rooted to the foot of Group B but can take heart from last week's gutsy overtime loss at Ulm, where Lukasz Kolenda poured in 29 points. If the Polish team can maintain that level of performance, a first win will surely soon come. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-wro-trn)

Hapoel Tel Aviv improved to a perfect 2-0 in its debut season of the 7DAYS EuroCup in winning a shootout at fellow debutant Paris Basketball.

Paris Basketball - Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv | Round 2 Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

[Paris Basketball vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/55/)

Expect a high-scoring showdown as Paris (5-0) hosts Hapoel (4-0) for a game of 100% records loaded with offensive potential. Paris ranks second in scoring with 98.6 points per game, bettered only by Hapoel's 101.5 points per night. Five of the league's top ten individual performers will be on show, with Hapoel quartet Jaylen Hoard (23.2 PIR per game), Tomer Ginat (21.8), Xavier Munford (21.2) and Braian Angola (20.2) going up against Paris leader TJ Shorts (20.6). It's a must-watch game that could easily be repeated in the playoffs a few months from now. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-prs-hta)

[Joventut Badalona vs. London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/joventut-badalona-london-lions/U2023/54/)

The round concludes with another titanic tussle between ambitious title aspirants as Joventut (3-2) welcomes London (3-2). After overcoming injury absences, including the still-sidelined Ante Tomic, to blast 108 points in last week's win over Hamburg, Joventut will hope that Andrew Andrews can repeat a sensational performance that saw him drain 33 points and take the weekly MVP award. London slipped to its second loss with a 90-98 thriller against Hapoel, where Donte Grantham maintained his usual high standards with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Joventut's ability to contain him could be crucial. [Game Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs6-game-notes-facts-jov-lli)

Joventut Badalona - London Lions | Eighthfinals Highlights | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

Round 6 of the BKT EuroCup is headlined by a high-powered showdown between two unbeaten teams, along with several more duels between direct rivals in the playoff races. Here's your guide to the games.

This week: Group A leaders set to duel

How pick-and-roll savants are standing out this season

Joventut Badalona guard Andrew Andrews scored 33 points to help his team to a 32-point victory and earn Round 5 MVP honors.  He scored 20 of those points by creating his own shot out of pick-and-rolls — among the highest totals in recent BKT EuroCup history.  

Andrews showed off his shot-making prowess from beyond the arc off the dribble in one of the most impressive offensive displays of the early part of the season.

As the table above suggests, the veteran guard has been the EuroCup’s gold standard in the early going in pick-and-roll situations, joining Paris Basketball teammates TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi as the only players scoring more than 7 points per game as ball handlers. Only four players have scored more than 8 points per game as the ball handler in pick-and-rolls across a full season over the last decade.

At this point, every team in the EuroCup relies on pick-and-roll play as a cornerstone of its offense. 

No team has generated less than 39% of its possessions in the half-court from shots attempted or created by passes out of ball screens.  That formula has worked well on paper as the average possession derived from a pick-and-roll has been worth 0.96 points per possession this year — a significant leap from the 0.91 points per possession scored from all other sources outside of transition.

Digging a little deeper into who does the heavy lifting when teams utilize the two-man game, 46% of all possessions derived from pick-and-rolls are used by the ball handler. 

Those possessions have been converted for just 0.81 points per possession — a mark that puts the table above in perspective.  While pick-and-rolls tend to be a fruitful, efficient option for EuroCup offenses in general, a lot of the best looks they create come from what a team’s ball handlers find with their passes.  Having a player who cannot just make reads and find the open man, but create his own shot efficiently is a luxury and what makes Andrews’s outburst so impressive.

While the productivity of the top three and the gaudy efficiency of Justin Cobbs, DJ Stewart, Hifi, and Andrews stands out among this season’s individual leaders, the presence of three players from Paris is perhaps the most intriguing wrinkle on this list. Ranking second behind Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana by creating 56% of its half-court offense out of pick-and-rolls and second behind Dreamland Grand Canaria in points per possession created, Paris is generating 50.4 points per game out of pick-and-rolls.  No team in EuroCup history has scored more than 42.  Much of Paris's undefeated start can be traced to how well Shorts, Hifi, and Ngouama have scored the ball in the early going.  

Whether it’s a solo act like Andrews in Round 5, a team effort like one Wolves Vilnius has used leveraging the pick-and-roll to spread the ball around to its scorers, or a team setting its foundation like Paris with the production of its ball handlers, pick-and-roll play drives much of what occurs on the offensive end in the EuroCup.  While it remains a little early to talk about league records, it will be worth monitoring where the individual and team leaders go from here.  It often seems as though the league reaches a tipping point with pick-and-roll play, but every year a few teams and players continue to push the envelope.