Roster rundown: Hapoel Tel Aviv

There is a buzz in Israel's largest city as Hapoel Tel Aviv prepares to make its debut in the 7DAYS EuroCup. Once among the most feared teams in Israeli basketball, Hapoel is back to challenging for domestic titles and eager to reemerge as a force in Europe. Head coach Danny Franco knows a thing or two about the EuroCup from past seasons with Hapoel Jerusalem and together with management brought in plenty of new pieces to play alongside the stars of last season's successful campaign. 

### BACKCOURT

High-scoring point guard J’Covan Brown begins his sixth season in Israel and his second in Tel Aviv. On top of his scoring prowess and court vision, Brown is a player who does not back down from challenges and inspires his teammates to succeed. Gil Benny was the captain of the Israeli national team that won the gold medal at the U20 European Championship in 2018 and has already debuted for the senior national team. He can be expected to play a big role off the bench. Xavier Munford is surely among the team’s most experienced players, having already played in the EuroLeague for FC Barcelona and been a double-digit scorer in the EuroCup for Frutti Extra Bursaspor. His ability to score and create for others makes Munford a great compliment to Brown in the lineup. Swingman Adam Ariel is one of the top shooters in Israel and that alone will keep defenses on their toes. Veteran Bar Timor enters his sixth EuroCup campaign, though the combo-guard may miss the start of the season to injury. Small forward James Young was Hapoel’s top scorer last season and figures to have just as important a role in his first EuroCup campaign. Teenager Eyal Harel will gain experience in his first season with the senior squad.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">❤️🤍 <a href="https://t.co/DAEccgvfnT">https://t.co/DAEccgvfnT</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1566668447265726464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

J.P. Tokoto is one of Coach Franco’s jokers in that he can play either forward spot, thus giving the team lots of lineup flexibility. Last season Tokoto was in the Israeli League top 10 in both rebounding, steals and PIR while contributing 3.6 assists per game – which was his lowest in three seasons! Jaylen Hoard has the size, skills and athleticism to be a difference maker as he looks to get regular playing time after spending parts of the last three seasons in the NBA. Tomer Ginat returned home from two seasons in France and gives the team a serious presence in the paint. Chris Horton led the French League in rebounding in two of the past three seasons and his hunger on the boards and shot-blocking abilities should anchor the Hapoel defense. Horton will share minutes at the ‘5’ with Israeli national team center Idan Zalmanson. Forward Lotan Amsalem, the son of Hapoel legend Shimon Amsalem, cracked the rotation last season and at age 21, his role should only grow. Another player to keep an eye on is 17-year-old power forward Ilay Dolinski, who signed a long-term deal with the club over the summer. 

### PLAYER TO WATCH

When Tomer Ginat decided to return to Israel from France after two seasons with Boulogne Metropolitans 92, all reports had him signing with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut. However, at the last moment, Ginat had a change of heart and chose to return to Hapoel, where he starred from 2016 through 2020. That move saw a dramatic rise in ticket sales not only because of the fans’ love of Ginat, but the belief that the versatile big man could put Hapoel over the top. Ginat fits perfectly into the team concept thanks to his versatility and team-first approach. A great passer, aggressive rebounder and effective scorer from the paint and the perimeter, Ginat also brings experience, which, as the season progresses, could prove ever more important for Hapoel. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">אנחנו כשאנחנו קולטים שעוד ארבעה ימים חוזרים הביתה!<br><br>עוד ארבעה ימים לבכורה המחודשת של תומר גינת בהפועל.<br><br>ומי המשוגע שלא יהיה שם? אף אחד!<br><br>המשחק כלול במנוי וכרטיסים אלקטרוניים נשלחו במייל,<br>כרטיסים אחרונים מחכים לכם כאן -&gt; <a href="https://t.co/GQHWkseil9">https://t.co/GQHWkseil9</a> <a href="https://t.co/yn6XDy7U9a">pic.twitter.com/yn6XDy7U9a</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1570385442490441730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### OUTLOOK

The first season in the EuroCup can be a challenge for many clubs. Fortunately for Hapoel, it has a coach and several players with EuroCup experience and seven players back from last season. That combination of experience and chemistry should help Hapoel through some of the inevitable bumps in the road. The schedule offers Hapoel the chance to play its first two games against fellow newcomers – hosting London Lions in Round 1 and visiting Paris basketball in Round 2. A strong start could go a long way as Hapoel looks to make some noise and reach the knockout stage in its maiden EuroCup voyage.

### Sunday's results

**U-BT Cluj-Napoca 87-93 Peristeri**, Nikos Fassouras Tournament, final, Greece

**Dolomiti Energia Trento 89-81 Varese**, Gianni Brusinelli Memorial Trophy, Trento, Italy

**Ventspils 68-108 Prometey Slobozhanske**, Friendly game, Latvia

Dolomiti Energia Trento raised the Gianni Brusinelli Memorial Trophy after seeing off Varese 89-81 in Sunday’s final. Diego Flaccadori scored 20 points to lead the winning attack, Andrejs Grazulis added 16 points, Darion Atkins and Trent Lockett netted 14 points apiece and Matteo Spagnolo 13. Varese overpowered Trento in the second quarter to lead 38-50 at the break. Spagnolo provided a spark for Trento in the third and Flaccadori completed the comeback in the fourth before a pair of clutch baskets by Lockett helped seal the outcome. Guglielmo Caruso led Varese with 20 points and Jaron Johnson added 18 in defeat.

 

U-BT Cluj-Napoca placed second at the Nikos Fassouras Memorial Tournament after falling 87-93 to Peristeri in the final. Sylvain Francisco scored 25 points and Leonidas Kaselakis added 14 for the winners. Leonardo Meindl scored 22 points for Cluj, Emanuel Cate added 16 and 8 rebounds and Stefan Bircevic 13. Cluj fell behind early, 13-24, before Meindl led a run to tie things at 26-26. Peristeri soared to 46-54 at halftime and held on the rest of the way.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">What a tournament! 🙌 Second place at the Nikos Fassouras Memorial! 🥈<br>📊 Stats: <br>Meindl 22 pts<br>Căţe 16 pts<br>Birčević 13 pts<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaideU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaideU</a> <a href="https://t.co/TOFRxOfadY">pic.twitter.com/TOFRxOfadY</a></p>&mdash; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1571581888623525888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Prometey Slobozhanske cruised past Ventspils 68-108 in their game in the Latvian capital.  Caleb Agada scored 28 points to lead Prometey, Ondrej Balvin tallied 19 points and 11 rebounds and Dalenta Stephens added 18 points and 3 blocked shots for the winners. The visitors used a 0-15 first-quarter run to take control 13-32 after 10 minutes and increased the margin to 28-59 at halftime en route to a lopsided win.

Preseason: Trento takes Brusinelli Trophy 

Juancho Hernangomez shot 7 for 9 from downtown en route to 27 points to lead the winners. His brother Willy Hernangomez added 14 points and 8 rebounds while point guard Lorenzo Brown of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv ran the show with 14 points and 11 assists. Evan Fournier was France’s top scorer with 23 points and Real Madrid forward Guerschon Yabusele contributed 13 points and 6 assists in defeat.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringTheNoise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringTheNoise</a> <a href="https://t.co/cul9bFr46c">pic.twitter.com/cul9bFr46c</a></p>&mdash; #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1571609014160719873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rudy Gobert’s free throw opened the scoring and would prove to be France’s only lead of the game. Lorenzo Brown put Spain on top with 3 free throws and later a 9-2 run gave Spain a double-digit lead, 18-7. A three by Rudy Fernandez made it 23-14 after 10 minutes. Juancho Hernangomez drilled 5 three-pointers in the first 5 minutes of the second half as the lead swelled to 41-22. It peaked at 47-26 on Willy Hernangomez’s layup before France finished the half on a 0-11 tear – with the last 5 points coming from Fournier, to get within 47-35 at halftime.

France retained its momentum into the second half and Yabusele trimmed the deficit to 49-46. Spain regrouped during a timeout and soon Jaime Fernandez restored a double-digit margin. It was 66-57 at the end of the third quarter. France got as close at 68-61, but Juancho Hernangomez responded and Brown extended the margin to 75-63 with 4 minutes to go as Spain held on for the gold.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🇪🇸 Otra generación.. mismo resultado: CAMPE🏆NES<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringTheNoise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringTheNoise</a> <a href="https://t.co/UNSXCCAdKc">pic.twitter.com/UNSXCCAdKc</a></p>&mdash; #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1571594365675671552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Germany captures the bronze

The host nation finished the tournament on the right foot by defeating Poland 82-69 to win the bronze medal. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan big man Johannes Voigtmann shined with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Dennis Schroder was the top scorer with 26 points and Andreas Obst of FC Bayern Munich added 9 points. Michal Sokolowski paced Poland with 18 points and Gran Canaria guard A.J. Slaughter tallied 10 points and 10 assists.

Germany used a 13-0 second-quarter run to build a 34-20 lead and it settled at 36-23 at halftime. Poland rallied to within 5 at the end of the third and tied it at 59-59 in the fourth before Voigtmann stepped up with a three, a block and an assist in an 8-0 charge that made it 73-65 with 3 minutes remaining to put the game on ice.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Germany 🇩🇪🥉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringThenoise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringThenoise</a> <a href="https://t.co/AN8l7ge83D">pic.twitter.com/AN8l7ge83D</a></p>&mdash; #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1571548748031078401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## LIST OF EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL MEDAL WINNERS

### Gold

Sergio Scariolo - Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Lorenzo Brown - Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 

Rudy Fernandez - Real Madrid 

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui - Valencia Basket 

Joel Parra - Joventut Badalona 

Jaime Pradilla - Valencia Basket

### Silver

Andrew Albicy - Gran Canaria 

Moustapha Fall - Olympiacos Piraeus 

Amath M'Baye - Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

Elie Okobo - AS Monaco 

Vincent Poirier - Real Madrid 

Guerschon Yabusele - Real Madrid

### Bronze

Maodo Lo - ALBA Berlin 

Andreas Obst - FC Bayern Munich 

Johannes Thiemann - ALBA Berlin 

Johannes Voigtmann - EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 

Nick Weiler-Babb - FC Bayern Munich 

Jonas Wohlfath-Bottermann - Veolia Towers Hamburg

Spain became the EuroBasket champion for the fourth time after defeating France 88-76 in the final in Berlin. 

EuroBasket: Spain wins gold for fourth time!

More than half of 7DAYS EuroCup teams were in action on Saturday night. Lietkabelis Panevezys continued its successful preseason with a 76-71 win over Rytas Vilnius to win Raimund Sargunas Cup. Lietkabelis took control of the game in the second quarter, then opened a double-digit margin in the third, before holding off the visitor in the final minutes. Kristian Kullamaee paced the winners with 14 points, Stefan Peno scored 11 and Benas Griciunas had 10 in a victory.

Mitchell Watt scored a last-second basket to lift Umana Reyer Venice to a 79-78 win over Tortona in the final ofr Trofeo Carlo Lovari. Reyer was down 11-23 after the opening 10 minutes, but rallied in the second quarter and went ahead in the third, but the game went down to the wire and was decided on Watt's game-winner. Allerik Freeman was the top scorer in Reyer win with 22 points and Watt finished with 16. Jordan Parks scored 13 and Jayson Granger had 11 points in a victory.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🚨 Il <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gamewinner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gamewinner</a> di Mitchell Watt a 1 secondo dalle fine, l’Umana Reyer vince il Trofeo Lovari di Lucca 🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reyer150?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reyer150</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/finoallafine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#finoallafine</a> <a href="https://t.co/tIYgXLua19">pic.twitter.com/tIYgXLua19</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1571245026482573314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Slask Wroclaw rallied to beat Jonava BC 93-83 on home floor. Slask was down by 18 points in the third quarter, but a 12-0 run helped cut the deficit to 52-58. Slask rallied back and took 71-70 lead before the last 10 minutes, then opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run to pull away for a victory. Jeremiah Martin paced Slask with 25 points, and Jakub Niziol scored 21.

Gran Canaria edged its Canary Islands rival Tenerife 90-92 on Saturday after a back-and-forth affair. Gran Canaria trailed 78-71 in the fourth quarter, but first put together a 2-7 run, then a 3-10 spurt to go in front 83-88, lead it preserved in the final minutes. John Shurna had 23 points, while Damien Inglis and Nico Brussino scored 17 apiece for Gran Canaria.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👀 𝗗𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘀<br><br>▪ Del 80-78 al 83-88 con siete puntos y una asistencia de <a href="https://twitter.com/FerranBassas20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FerranBassas20</a>... En los dos últimos minutos de partido.<br><br>✨ Nervioso no se pone, no. <a href="https://t.co/Q0srffhomm">pic.twitter.com/Q0srffhomm</a></p>&mdash; CB Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1571224881596964865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Paris Basketball has won the Areas Cup played in Gravelines, France, defeating Dinamo Sassari after overtime 100-94. Paris trailed 59-67 after three quarters, and was down 63-73 early in the fourth, Tyrone Wallace sparked a comeback by Paris and game was tied 86-86 after regulation. In the extra session, Paris opened with a 5-0 run and never relinquished the lead. Aamis Simms paced Paris with 24 points and 6 rebounds, Kyle Allman had 21 points and 10 assists, and Wallace scored 19 in a victory.

Turk Telekom Ankara won Yalcin Efe Tournament it hosted by defeating Konyaspor 87-66 on Sunday. Tony Taylor and Jerian Grant each scored 14 points in a victory.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Türk basketbolunun değerli ismi Yalçın Efe&#39;nin adını yaşatan Türk Telekom 2. Yalçın Efe Turnuvası sona ererken, katılımcılar Asbaşkan Savtekin Şentürk tarafından plaket aldı. <a href="https://t.co/uk72TD3o5h">pic.twitter.com/uk72TD3o5h</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1571194562470633472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Dolomiti Energia Trento rallied from 19 points down to edge Napoli 95-93 and reach the finals of Brusinelli Memorial tournament. Trento fell behind in the first quarter, trailed 42-57 at halftime, but climbed its way back then went ahead midway through the fourth quarter. Andrejs Grazulis had 23 points and Diego Flaccadori had 16 points for Trento which will play Varese in the final.

U-BT Cluj-Napoca will play in the final of the Nikos Fassouras Tournament played in Athens, Greece, after edging AEK Athens 67-69. Cluj led 41-27 at halftime, then managed to preserve the lead as Patrick Richard scored 17 points while Victor Sanders had 17 and Andrije Stipanovic 11 points.

Frutti Extra Bursaspor paid a visit to KK Vojvodina in Novi Sad, Serbia, and won 70-87 in a friendly game in honor of the late Stevan Jelovac. Anthony Clemmons paced Bursaspor with 23 points, Onuralp Bitim scored 16 with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, and Enes Berkay also scored 16 points.

Veolia Hamburg Towers downed Belgian side Mons Belfius 89-80 with Seth Hinrichs amassing 20 points plus 12 rebounds, Yoeli Childs scoring 16. Lukas Meisner scored 15, Len Schoormann 12 points, while Kendale McCullum dished 10 assists.

### Saturday games

Turk Telekom Ankara 81-63 Buyukcekmece, Yalcin Efe Tournament, Ankara, Turkey

KK Vojvodina 70-87 Frutti Extra Bursaspor, Stevan Jelovac memorial game, Novi Sad, Serbia

Turk Telekom Ankara 87-66 Konyaspor, Yalcin Efe Tournament, Ankara, Turkey

JL Bourg 76-72 SLUC Nancy, Friendly game, Bourg-en-Bresse, France

Lenovo Tenerife 90-92 Gran Canaria, Friendly game, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain

Germani Brescia 80-87 Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Trofeo Carlo Lovari, 3rd place, Lucca, Italy

Umana Reyer Venice 79-78 Tortona, Trofeo Carlo Lovari, final, Lucca, Italy

Dolomiti Energia Trento 95-93 Napoli, Trofeo Brusinelli, Trento, Italy

Promitheas Patras 72-81 Olympiacos Piraeus, Friendly game, Patras, Greece

ratiopharm Ulm 88-104 HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim, Friendly game, Ulm, Germany

Slask Wroclaw 93-83 Jonava BC, V Memorial Adama Wojcik, Wroclaw, Poland

Lietkabelis Panevezys 76-71 Rytas Vilnius, Raimund Sargunas Cup, Panevezys, Lithuania

Paris Basketball 100-94 Dinamo Sassari, Areas Cup, final, Gravelines, France

AEK Athens 67-69 U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Athens, Greece

Hamburg Towers 89-80 Belfius Mons-Hainaut, Friendly game, Hamburg, Germany

Preseason: Busy Saturday night for EuroCup teams

### Lietkabelis maintains unbeaten start

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys advanced to the final of the Raimund Sargunas Cup on Friday after downing Parnu Sadam 90-73. Kristian Kullamae was the leading scorer for Lietkabelis with 18 points, with Jamel Morris (13), Zeljko Sakicius (12) and Gabrielius Maldunas (11) also getting into double figures. Lietkabelis came out of the blocks fast and rushed to a 25-14 lead after the first quarter, but despite winning the next three quarters, the quarter-by-quarter scores were very tight. On Saturday, Lietkabelis will face Rytas Vilnius in the final. From its four preseason games so far, Lietkabelis has a 100% record.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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; 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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/Cik4EbrLY--/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC „7bet-Lietkabelis” (@bclietkabelis)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Reyer gets one over Brescia

 

Two of the three Italian clubs from the 7DAYS EuroCup played against one another on Friday, as Umana Reyer Venice beat Germani Brescia 83-79 in the Trofeo Carlo Lovari. Jayson Granger, who signed for Reyer in the offseason, scored a team-high 17 points, while Mitchell Watt (15) and new arrivals Jordan Parks (13) and Derek Willis (12) also got into double figures for head coach Walter De Raffaele's team. It was also a case of some new signings stepping up for Brescia, as CJ Massinburg (19), Troy Caupain (17) and Tai Odiase (12) showed what they can offer in the coming season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🏀 Orogranata in finale del torneo di Lucca! Grande voglia di sacrificarsi l’uno per l’altro 💪 Battuta <a href="https://twitter.com/LeonessaBrescia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeonessaBrescia</a> 83-79! Forza ragazzi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reyer150?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reyer150</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Ik2ydr0X4">pic.twitter.com/1Ik2ydr0X4</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1570848867431907331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Slask continues preparations

 

Slask Wroclaw is continuing to iron out some details, as it lost 84-87 to BK Nymburk on Friday night. Four of the club's new signings had impressive scoring nights, however, as Jeremiah Martin (24), Conor Morgan (20), Arciom Parachouski (14) and Jakub Niziol (10) all managed to get into double figures.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Mnóstwo emocji pierwszego dnia V Memoriału Adama Wójcika, ale ostatecznie zwycięstwo ląduje w rękach <a href="https://twitter.com/basketnymburk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@basketnymburk</a> 🏀<br><br>Jutro kolejny dzień i kolejny mecz 👊 Naszym rywalem będzie Cbet Jonava.<br><br>V Memoriał Adama Wójcika został dofinansowany przez Gminę Wrocław.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DumaMiasta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DumaMiasta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2ftykQ1hk">pic.twitter.com/K2ftykQ1hk</a></p>&mdash; Mistrz Polski 🏆🥇 (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1570873299034570753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris making progress

Paris Basketball came away with a victory from its sixth preseason game on Friday, as it beat Orleans 99-79 in the Areas Cup. Tyrone Wallace, who arrived at Paris in the offseason, put up 20 points and 5 assists in the win, while young center Ismael Kamagate finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Juhann Begarin, another young talent on Paris's roster, had 10 points and 7 assists, too. Paris also had Dustin Sleva and Gauthier Denis score 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Preseason: Lietkabelis, Reyer record victories

### France flexes muscle against Poland

Poland reached the semifinals of the EuroBasket for the first time since 1971, yet it proved a step too far as it lost 95-54 to France in Berlin on Friday evening. Real Madrid forward Guerschon Yabusele led the way for France with 22 points on nine-of-12 shooting, including four-of-six from three-point range, while Rudy Gobert was a menace on the interior with three first-half blocks. Olympiacos Piraeus and France's Moustapha Fall also recorded three blocks during the game. Gran Canaria guard AJ Slaughter and Michal Michalak were Poland's highest scorer with 9 points, respectively, but it was clear from the early stages that France was going to end its nine-year wait to appear in the EuroBasket final.

For France, its dominant victory was the result of an excellent team display. Eight players scored six points or more and, on the defensive end, France made life incredibly difficult for Poland. After Yabusele and his 22 points, the next highest scorers for France were Evan Fournier and new Monaco signing Elie Okobo with 10 apiece, then Terry Tarpey, recent Anadolu Efes Istanbul arrival Amath M'Baye and Real Madrid center Vincent Poirier had 8 each. Ultimately, Poland was unable to keep pace with France's scoring. France coach Vincent Collet will also be delighted that his players achieved more than twice the number of assists and rebounds that Poland were able to record. France has now secured its 10th medal at the EuroBasket, and it will try to win its second gold medal when it takes on either Germany or Spain in the showpiece event on Sunday night.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The dancing bear delivers for Les Bleus in the Semi-Finals! 🇫🇷🐻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringTheNoise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringTheNoise</a> <a href="https://t.co/s3S5yzsnCr">pic.twitter.com/s3S5yzsnCr</a></p>&mdash; #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1570828807803633666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Spain beats Germany in a classic

Spain and Germany played out one of the best games of the EuroBasket 2022 during their semifinal matchup in Berlin on Friday night, with Spain booking its place in the final after beating Germany 96-91. New Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard Lorenzo Brown came to the fore for Spain in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points to take his tally for the game to 29. Willy Hernangomez of Spain ended with 16 points, including some crucial free throws down the stretch. Dennis Schroder (30), Franz Wagner (15) and FC Bayern Munich's Andreas Obst (15) contributed a total of 60 points for Germany, but Spain's experience and knowhow saw it over the line.

Spain led by three points after the first quarter, but Germany won the second and third quarters by a combined nine points to go into the final quarter with a six-point lead. Yet, Spain outscored Germany 31-20 to emerge with the victory and secure its place in Sunday's final against France. This match between Spain and Germany will live long in the memory, and the hope is that Spain vs France in the final provides the same level of entertainment.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE WORLD CHAMPS ARE HEADING TO THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUROBASKET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUROBASKET</a> FINAL 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringTheNoise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringTheNoise</a> <a href="https://t.co/9ClSt3pegJ">pic.twitter.com/9ClSt3pegJ</a></p>&mdash; #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1570871007451447297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The EuroBasket 2022 semifinals took place this Friday, with France beating Poland and Spain downing Germany to set up a France vs Spain final on Sunday.

EuroBasket: Spain joins France in the final

Promitheas Patras bolstered its frontline by signing rookie center George Conditt for the 2022-23 season. 

Promitheas Patras bolstered its frontline by signing rookie center George Conditt for the 2022-23 season. Conditt (2.08 meters, 22 years old) spent the past four seasons playing college basketball at Iowa State University, where he averaged 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds last season. He finished his college career ranked fourth in school history with 128 blocked shots. A native of Chicago with Puerto Rican ancestry, Conditt began his professional career with Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico and averaged 11.3 points and 7.2 rebounds in 24 games. He has also been a member of the Puerto Rican national team.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Παίκτης του Προμηθέα ο George Conditt IV !<br>Διαβάστε περισσότερα: <a href="https://t.co/jYg1yGU03U">https://t.co/jYg1yGU03U</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/promitheaspatras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#promitheaspatras</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/promitheasbc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#promitheasbc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudtobeorange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudtobeorange</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sharethefire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sharethefire</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z72kmL1Nj6">pic.twitter.com/Z72kmL1Nj6</a></p>&mdash; Promitheas Patras BC (@promitheasbc) <a href="https://twitter.com/promitheasbc/status/1570693282132561926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Promitheas signs rookie center Conditt

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: More prizes than ever! 

[EuroCup Fantasy Challenge powered by Ardu Prime](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) has enhanced its prize structure ahead of the 2022-23 season. From EuroCup jerseys, to regular season and Final Four tickets, EuroLeague TV subscriptions and EuroCup official Spalding basketballs, there are a lot of cool prizes to be won – more than ever before! 

And, of course, the [Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) manager who finishes first at the end of the season gets the chance to go to the best basketball event in the world: the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four! 

The overall winner at season's end gets two VIP tickets to the 2024 Final Four. The grand prize winner also receives three EuroCup jerseys of his or her choice, two EuroCup official Spalding basketballs and a 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription. 

Among the many other prizes to be captured, each round's top manager wins a 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription and an automatic entry to an exclusive lottery to win two tickets to the 2024 Final Four. 

Here is the full list of prizes for the 2022-23 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge, which can also be found [HERE](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/premi-fantabasket-eurolega)

### 1st Place in Full Season:

2x VIP Tickets to the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four

3x EuroCup jersey of winner's choice

2x EuroCup official Spalding basketball

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

### 2nd Place in Full Season:

10x Regular season 2023-24 tickets, winner's choice (subject to availability)

2x EuroCup jersey of winner's choice

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

1x EuroCup official Spalding basketball

### 3rd Place in Full Season:

8x Regular season 2023-24 tickets, winner's choice (subject to availability)

1x EuroCup jersey of winner's choice

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

1x EuroCup official Spalding basketball

### 4th Place in Full Season:

6x Regular season 2023-24 tickets, winner's choice (subject to availability)

1x EuroCup jersey of winner's choice

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

### 5th Place in Full Season:

4x Regular season 2023-24 tickets, winner's choice (subject to availability)

1x EuroCup jersey of winner's choice

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

### Round Winners (18 Regular Season Rounds)

Automatic entry in a lottery to win 2x tickets to the 2024 Final Four (exclusive to round winners, 18 lottery participants)

1x 2023-24 EuroLeague TV subscription

So what are you waiting for? Join [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) now for your chance to win outstanding prizes.

Romanian champion U-BT Cluj-Napoca enters a new era this season as it prepares to take part in the 7DAYS EuroCup for the first time. Despite its status as a debutant, Coach Mihai Silvasan’s squad was built much the same way more experienced EuroCup rosters are; Alongside a core group of six returnees, the team scoured the market to the right mix of hungry and talented free agents to help make this season a successful one. Let’s get to know the roster. 

### BACKCOURT

Veteran point guard Jordan Taylor will hold the reins of the attack in what will be his fifth EuroCup season. A starter in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne during the 2019-20 season, Taylor’s playmaking and leadership will be important as Cluj gets going. Do-it-all combo-guard Patrick Richard has found a home in the club. He’s been there for three seasons and over the summer signed for three more. Cuban national team swingman Karel Guzman is one of several versatile wing players who can aid in the ball-handling department while making himself a nuisance on defense. Shooting guard Victor Sanders will play in the EuroCup for a third consecutive season eager to display his scoring touch. Brazilian small forward Leonardo Meindl arrives after two strong seasons in the Spanish League and should have a bigger role under Coach Silvasan. Long-time Cluj forward Nandor Kuti has spent a decade with the club and can be counted on to take on any task with enthusiasm. Teenage guard David Calin Lapuste rounds out the backcourt mix. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back, legends! ❤️ Stipe and Birce arrived in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cluj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cluj</a> too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaideU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaideU</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBatFgXUd8">pic.twitter.com/OBatFgXUd8</a></p>&mdash; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1561758118127849473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

What Cluj lacks in frontcourt depth it more than makes up for in experience. Stefan Bircevic, who stands 2.10 meters, is a medalist at the Olympic Games, Basketball World Cup and EuroBasket with the Serbian national team and is now playing professionally in his fifth different country. He will partner with up-and-coming stretch-4 Eduard Roschnafsky at power forward. Andrija Stipanovic begins his third straight season with Cluj and has been a reliable force in the middle throughout that run. This will be his sixth EuroCup campaign. Emanuel Cate was a product of the Real Madrid youth system and returns home to Romania at age 25 after spending most of his career in Spain, including the last four seasons with Murcia. 

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Leonardo Meindl has hurdled every obstacle in his way in his career all the way from his native Brazil to the Spanish League and now he prepares to take on a bigger role in the EuroCup. A physically gifted player, one of Meindl’s greatest strengths is his ball-handling and passing skills, which are on par with most point guards. His physical toughness allows Meindl to guard players at either forward position, which can create great mismatch opportunities at the other end. Meindl’s three-point shooting has also improved in recent years. Now as he rises to the challenge of playing in the EuroCup, there will be a lot of eyes on Meindl, who could emerge as this team’s go-to play. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marking it official here too! <a href="<https://twitter.com/leomeindl23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leomeindl23</a>>, welcome to U BT family! <a href="<https://twitter.com/hashtag/ubt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ubt</a>> <a href="<https://twitter.com/hashtag/cluj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cluj</a>> <a href="<https://twitter.com/hashtag/haideU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#haideU</a>> <a href="<https://t.co/bzywn3VO8U">pic.twitter.com/bzywn3VO8U</a></p>&mdash>; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="<https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1558012100634632193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August> 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="<https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js>" charset="utf-8"></script>

### OUTLOOK

Scoping out the future for a team like Cluj is not easy as it enters its debut EuroCup season. However, as it has ascended in the European basketball landscape in recent years, Cluj has been well-prepared at every step and has a passionate fan base behind it at every home game. Cluj will have its work cut out when it faces some of the powerhouses in Group A, but every win will propel the club forward on its ongoing march to greatness that will last long beyond this season.