DON'T MISS

The passion that the competitors in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague play with on the hardwood is built over years as kids playing on the pavement and blacktops of their hometowns, all over the world. There is no denying the deep-rooted connection between basketball and urban culture.

 “𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 is a philosophy of life 

The passion that the competitors in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague play with on the hardwood is built over years as kids playing on the pavement and blacktops of their hometowns, all over the world. There is no denying the deep-rooted connection between basketball and urban culture.

Immersed in the heart-pounding world of streetball, the EuroLeague motto Every Game Matters is a way of life in which success is not about winning or losing but it is about sacrifice, about trying again and again, about never giving up.

Euroleague Basketball celebrates that culture and the *Every Game Matters* philosophy in this 2023-24 promotional video in which EuroLeague stars Willy Hernangomez of FC Barcelona, Mike James of AS Monaco, Kostas Papanikolaou of Olympiacos Piraeus and Sergio Rodriguez of Real Madrid and championship-winning head coaches Ergin Ataman of Panathinaikos Athens and Pablo Laso of FC Bayern Munich enter the world of streetball.

Imagine walking by your local schoolyard or park. You hear the noise of the ball slapping against the pavement and banging against the rim. As you get closer, you can see people gathering, taken in by the energy of the streetball.

It’s not a friendly game. It's winner-stays-on, but there is a code of honor and a level of sportsmanship among the players. After the jump ball, suddenly it's not a kid who grabs the ball but rather a EuroLeague superstar. One by one the streetball players become EuroLeague players and the run-of-the-mill backyard battle transforms into a streetball festival using a unique basketball crafted by graffiti artist [SISC](https://siscartist.wixsite.com/sisc).

The onlookers pull out their phones to record the spectacle. Every possession matters; every second of the game is vital and nobody is giving anything for granted, not even skillful lifestyle influencer [Ari Geli](https://www.instagram.com/arigelii) or basketball freestyler [Pulpo](https://www.instagram.com/pulposneakers/).

The video serves as a reminder, right before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague begins its 2023-24 season, of the roots, the culture and the essence of the game in which every moment matters. A reminder of the philosophy behind every EuroLeague player, every coach, and every fan base. Whether in good or in bad times, they will always respect their history, team’s traditions and their opponents. It is about appreciating every moment in a league where their game, our game and your game matter more than ever.

Whether in an arena or playing street ball , Every second of every game matters. Every possession, every defence matters,

Wherever it's played, giving up is not an option 

The most competitive league in the world is back.

The EuroLeague is back.

#EveryGameMatters”

  #EveryGameMatters is a philosophy of life 

EuroLeague season preview: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 

Exciting times loom in Belgrade where Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet has a mostly new-look squad and great ambition to get back into the playoffs. Last season Zvezda's 17-17 record left it in 10th place, two wins outside of the playoff zone, however with the current format that would have sent the club into the new Play-In Showdown.

### Look who's back!

Zvezda fans can welcome home some familiar faces as former players Dejan Davidovac and Nemanja Bjelica are both back at the club. While the former was away for one season, the latter returns after 13 years abroad. Then there is former MVP Milos Teodosic, who grew up a Zvezda fan, though he never wore the red-and-white jersey, and Marko Simonovic who returned to Belgrade after two seasons in the NBA.

Altogether, Zvezda penned new 10 players to deals over the summer. There are several veterans, such as reigning champion Adam Hanga and centers Mike Tobey and Joel Bolomboy. The duo of Yago Dos Santos and Shabazz Napier will be a formidable one at point guard. And Rokas Giedraitis packs plenty of scoring punch.

 

### Unprecedented depth

Coach Ivanovic will preside over the deepest roster in club history. Nemanja Nedovic and Branko Lazic remain from the old guard to deliver in the backcourt, Luka Mitrovic and Ognjen Kuzmic can be counted on in the paint and Stefan Lazerevich and Dalibor Ilic will fill out the rotation on the wings. When everyone is healthy, Coach Ivanovic will have some tough decisions to make.

Zvezda has been to the playoffs only once before, in 2016, when it was swept by CSKA Moscow. The club believes a playoff return is long overdue and Zvezda has the right roster - with youth and experience - and support from the fans to end that drought this season.

EuroLeague season preview: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

EuroLeague season preview: FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona has made it to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in each of the last three seasons, but the Blaugrana have been able to get their hands on the championship title in that time. With star player Nikola Mirotic and head coach Saras Jasikevicius having left the club this summer, a new-look Barca led by first-year boss Roger Grimau hopes to once again be in European basketball's showpiece event.

 

### Four new signings

 

In addition to the arrival of Coach Grimau, Barca has tweaked its roster by bringing in Spain star Willy Hernangomez, who last played in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as fellow Spaniards Joel Parra and Dario Brizuela. Jabari Parker, the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, joined the Blaugrana in the offseason, too.

 

Despite losing the likes of Mirotic, Cory Higgins, Kyle Kuric and Sertac Sanli, Barca is still able to call upon Tomas Satoransky, Rokas Jokubaitis, Nikola Kalinic and Jan Vesely, among others. A new head coach brings new ideas, so it will be fascinating to see how Barca gets on in the coming season.

 

### A tough start to the season

 

On Thursday night, Barca opens its EuroLeague season at home to Anadolu Efes Istanbul in a mouth-watering contest. Both teams have undergone big changes over the summer, and this fixture has provided some compelling contests in the last few years. From there, the Blaugrana have two tricky road games at Olympiacos Piraeus and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively.

 

Round 4 will see the return of Pablo Laso, a two-time EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid, to Palau Blaugrana and his FC Bayern Munich side takes on Barca. Then, in Round 5, there is the first clásico of the season against Real Madrid, which takes place at WiZink Center. It is not the easiest of starts for Coach Grimau's group, but if it comes through those games with flying colors, it should be a good sign of what is to come later in the campaign. 

 EuroLeague season preview: ALBA Berlin 

ALBA Berlin has failed to make the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs since returning to the competition in the 2019-20 season, but it will hope to upset the odds in the coming campaign. The 2024 EuroLeague Final Four will take place at ALBA's home, Mercedes-Benz Arena, so there should be added motivation for Israel Gonzalez's side to do the unthinkable and secure a spot in May's Final Four.

 

### Surprising changes to the roster

 

After a couple of years of sticking with more or less the same group of players, this summer saw plenty of changes at ALBA. Guards Maodo Lo, Jaleen Smith and Tamir Blatt have all moved on, as have forwards Luke Sikma and Yovel Zoosman. In short, we will see some different stars on the court for ALBA in the coming season.

 

The new recruits include Italian prodigy Matteo Spagnolo, who arrives at ALBA one year after his compatriot, Gabriele Procida, joined the club. Sterling Brown adds high-level talent after coming from the NBA, while Matt Thomas offers scoring and Ziga Samar will be keen to show what he can do after returning from a loan spell with Veolia Towers Hamburg.

 

Justin Bean has also signed for ALBA, with the hope being that he can emerge as a replacement for Sikma. Some good news for ALBA fans is that small forward Louis Olinde has stayed with the team after getting some interest from NBA teams.

 

### A world champion remains on the books

###  

While Lo departed ALBA for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, one of his World Cup-winning teammates from the Germany squad has opted to stay in Berlin: Johannes Thiemann. Following a summer in which Thiemann played a crucial role in Germany making it to the World Cup final and then beating Serbia, he enters the 2023-24 EuroLeague season as ALBA's new team captain.

 

ALBA finished 16th last season with a record of 11-23, so Thiemann will hope to use his winning experience from the World Cup with Germany to guide his club side to an unlikely playoff appearance. From there, the dream of playing the Final Four on its home court can start to appear in the players' minds, but there's a long way to go before that.

EuroLeague season preview: ALBA Berlin

After winning back-to-back EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022, Anadolu Efes Istanbul fell off the mountain last season when it failed to reach the playoffs. What followed was a quick rebuild as Efes hired the EuroCup Coach of the Year, kept several stars from the glory years and enhanced them with a handful of new talents hungry to taste the high life.

 EuroLeague season preview: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

After winning back-to-back EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022, Anadolu Efes Istanbul fell off the mountain last season when it failed to reach the playoffs. What followed was a quick rebuild as Efes hired the EuroCup Coach of the Year, kept several stars from the glory years and enhanced them with a handful of new talents hungry to taste the high life.

### The big guns

The Efes attack begins with the guards where three returnees set the tone. Shane Larkin is a pre-season candidate to lead the league in scoring and claim the MVP trophy. Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant are impact players at both ends of the floor who can win games with big shots and defensive stops.

 Center Tibor Pleiss is also a returnee from the championship teams and he will share the paint with Ante Zizic who is back for a second consecutive season in Istanbul. Two-time All-EuroLeague selection Will Clyburn won his championship elsewhere and now looks for one with Efes as a dynamic do-it-all forward.

###  The agents of change

Up and down the roster Efes made changes that should have the team playing in the tough defense, exciting attack image of Coach Erdem Can. Point guard Darius Thompson led the league in assists last season as a EuroLeague rookie with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and was named to the All-EuroLeague team.

Outstanding athletes Tyrique Jones and Derek Willis are both coming up from the EuroCup to leave their marks. Point guard Justus Hollatz entered camp on a high after helping Germany win the Basketball World Cup and swingman Erkan Yilmaz is another EuroLeague newcomer at Coach Can's disposal.

Between the culture of winning that remains from the core players and the hunger of the newcomers, both on the bench and on the hardwood, Efes fans have plenty of reasons for optimism as this season begins.

EuroLeague season preview: Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Quite a lot has changed at Virtus Segafredo Bologna over the last couple of months, but the biggest change of all saw Luca Banchi replace Sergio Scariolo as head coach. However, Banchi's terrific work with the Latvian national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup has created a sense of optimism among the Italian side's fan base.

 EuroLeague season preview: Virtus Segafredo Bologna 

Quite a lot has changed at Virtus Segafredo Bologna over the last couple of months, but the biggest change of all saw Luca Banchi replace Sergio Scariolo as head coach. However, Banchi's terrific work with the Latvian national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup has created a sense of optimism among the Italian side's fan base.

On the playing roster, three of the players with the four highest average PIR scores have all departed: Semi Ojeleye, Milos Teodosic and Mam Jaiteh. Other members of the squad to have left this summer include Kyle Weems, Ismael Bako and Nicolo Mannion, so there's a new look to the team heading into the new EuroLeague season. Importantly, though, star forward Tornike Shengelia is healthy and ready to remind the EuroLeague of his talent after an injury-hit season last time out.

### The new signings at Virtus

There are high hopes that 23-year-old Alessandro Pajola can take another step up in his career, while Jaleen Smith and Ognjen Dobric – coming off impressive seasons at ALBA Berlin and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, respectively – have bolstered Virtus's options at the guard positions.

Another new signing at Virtus is Italian forward Achille Polonara, who returned to his country of birth this summer after four years away. Curiously, Polonara will have his first chance to play in the EuroLeague with an Italian team next season, having previously represented teams from Spain (Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, 2019-21), Turkiye (Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, 2021-22; Anadolu Efes Istanbul, 2022-23) and Lithuania (Zalgiris Kaunas, 2022-23).

Guard Bruno Mascolo and forward Devontae Cacok have also joined Virtus, as has veteran center Bryant Dunston. Now 37, Dunston has a ton of experience under his belt and also a winning mentality, which should make him an ideal candidate – along with team captain Marco Belinelli – to lead the locker room. A two-time EuroLeague champion and a two-time winner of the EuroLeague Best Defender prize, the American will be determined to show that he's still got something left in the tank, too.

### Improving on last year

Last season saw Virtus play in the EuroLeague for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, but despite having high expectations, the team finished 14th with a 14-20 record. The level of quality in the EuroLeague has taken another jump across the board, but Virtus will hope that it can channel the spirit of Coach Banchi's Latvia side and upset the odds. 

EuroLeague season preview: Virtus Segafredo Bologna

The upcoming 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season marks a start of a new era for Valencia Basket, with the team having undergone major changes over the summer. There will be more than a half dozen new faces wearing Valencia's famous orange jersey as the club embarks upon its fourth EuroLeague campaign in the last five years.

 EuroLeague season preview: Valencia Basket

The upcoming 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season marks a start of a new era for Valencia Basket, with the team having undergone major changes over the summer. There will be more than a half dozen new faces wearing Valencia's famous orange jersey as the club embarks upon its fourth EuroLeague campaign in the last five years.

Guided by second-year head coach Alex Mumbru, a revamped roster will go in search of Valencia's second-ever playoff berth, following the club's lone EuroLeague playoff appearance back in the 2010-11 season.

### Veteran frontcourt leadership

The biggest change at Valencia will be getting used to not seeing club icons Bojan Dubljevic and Sam Van Rossom, who both parted ways with the club. That does not mean, however, that Valencia will lack veteran presence.

Big men Victor Claver and Brandon Davies, who are entering their ninth and seventh EuroLeague campaigns, respectively, have reunited at Valencia after previously spending two years together at FC Barcelona. Meanwhile, point guard Stefan Jovic, a veteran of seven seasons in the competition, is another experienced head on Coach Mumbru's roster.

Davies and Jovic are among seven summer arrivals, in addition to guard Kassius Robertson, forwards Nate Reuvers and Semi Ojeleye, and centers Damien Inglis and Boubacar Toure.

### Tough early-season schedule

Valencia starts the season with back-to-back home games, including a season opener against AS Monaco on Friday, October 6. However, it's what comes next that will present a big challenge for Valencia. Not only do the team's next three games come on the road, with trips to Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Kaunas, but Valencia will play away from home in six of the eight games between Rounds 3 and 10.

It will be a tough task for a new-look team that is expected to be in search of on-court chemistry. On the other hand, overcoming such a tough stretch and getting off to a good start would be the perfect way for Valencia to get the new campaign underway.

EuroLeague season preview: Valencia Basket

Israeli champion Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv enters the 2023-24 campaign full of hope with the vast majority of its team back after coming within a few baskets of reaching the Final Four. Maccabi led with 4 minutes remaining in Game 5 of its playoff series against AS Monaco only to see its hopes of reaching Kaunas disappear.

EuroLeague season preview: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

EuroLeague season preview: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

 

Israeli champion Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv enters the 2023-24 campaign full of hope with the vast majority of its team back after coming within a few baskets of reaching the Final Four. Maccabi led with 4 minutes remaining in Game 5 of its playoff series against AS Monaco only to see its hopes of reaching Kaunas disappear.

 

Now Maccabi will look to end a decade-long Final Four drought, its last appearance came in 2014 when it won the crown the club's sixth continental crown. And Coach Oded Kattash and co. believe they have all the tools to get to Berlin.

 

### Eight players return

###  

Having eight players back on the roster this season is something not seen in Tel Aviv since the Anthony Parker- and Nikola Vujcic- led teams of the mid-2000s. The duo of Wade Baldwin and Lorenzo Brown is in the conversation for the best backcourt in the EuroLeague and forward Bonzie Colson comes off a fantastic debut season in Europe's premier competition.

 

Big men Josh Nebo and Roman Sorkin are still trending up after just two EuroLeague campaigns, while veterans John DiBartolomeo, Jake Cohen, and Rafi Menco all play impactful roles under Kattash's system.

 

### Talented additions

 

Maccabi made key additions all over the court. Jasiel Rivero promises to be a main fixture in the paint and James Webb is a top-tier inside-outside option at the "four". Playmaker Tamir Blatt gives the team a different offensive look off the bench while swingman Antonius Cleveland promises to make waves on both ends of the floor.

 

The X-factor could be in the stands; Maccabi had the best home record in the EuroLeague last season at 15-2 and Maccabi has already sold out Menorah Mivtachim Arena for all of its home games this season. If that fortress remains intact, Maccabi could be well on its ways to achieving its goals.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is set to start its 10th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season since the turn of the millennium. It has been in Europe's marquee club basketball competition in each of the last five campaigns and is set to move to the magnificent LDLC Arena in late November, which can host as many as 16,000 fans. In other words, it is the start of a new era for the team.

EuroLeague season preview: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is set to start its 10th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season since the turn of the millennium. It has been in Europe's marquee club basketball competition in each of the last five campaigns and is set to move to the magnificent LDLC Arena in late November, which can host as many as 16,000 fans. In other words, it is the start of a new era for the team.

 

ASVEL finished at the bottom of the standings last season with an 8-26 record, so it has made sure to put together a more competitive roster. The team features a good mix of experienced players that know to how be successful at this level, together with some up-and-coming prospects that are ready to learn and contribute. T.J. Parker remains ASVEL's head coach. 

 

### Well-rounded veterans

 

The French side will once again rely on Nando De Colo to be its leader, especially in crunch time. A deadly shooter, De Colo is also a terrific pick-and-roll player due to his off-the-charts basketball IQ. Charles Kahudi and David Lighty are ASVEL's glue guys, especially on defense, and Joffrey Lauvergne has recovered from a serious injury and is ready to prove he can play again at the highest level.

 

ASVEL can also call upon Youssoupha Fall, one of the toughest centers to guard due to his size and mobility, and playmaker Paris Lee, who took a step forward with Panathinaikos Athens last season and is prepared for a new challenge.

 

### Plenty of new names

 

ASVEL has added new players everywhere. De Colo and new signing Lee will be joined by veteran shooter Edwin Jackson, all-around swingman Boris Dallo, up-and-coming talent Noam Yaacov and shooting guard Frank Jackson, who gives ASVEL an extra scoring punch from downtown. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot arrives to take care of small details and help in many different ways; his adjustment to a bigger role should be a big key for Coach Parker's team.

 

Mike Scott is a marquee addition at power forward, as he can stretch the floor, power the boards and score in many different ways. Mbaye Ndiaye is a very versatile player, especially on defense, using his intuition and quickness to get steals and block shots. John Egbunu is a force of nature who can play above the rim and be explosive at both ends. ASVEL looks bigger, more physical and better. It is ready to bounce back and open a new chapter in its EuroLeague history.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is set to start its 10th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season since the turn of the millennium. It has been in Europe's marquee club basketball competition in each of the last five campaigns and is set to move to the magnificent LDLC Arena in late November, which can host as many as 16,000 fans. In other words, it is the start of a new era for the team.



Entering its ninth season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, FC Bayern Munich is ready to take things up a notch. After appointing two-time champion Pablo Laso as head coach, expectation levels have risen at BMW Park heading into the new campaign. Bayern has made a number of exciting additions to its roster, too, highlighted by 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka.

EuroLeague season preview: FC Bayern Munich

Entering its ninth season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, FC Bayern Munich is ready to take things up a notch. After appointing two-time champion Pablo Laso as head coach, expectation levels have risen at BMW Park heading into the new campaign. Bayern has made a number of exciting additions to its roster, too, highlighted by 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka.

The German club failed to make the playoffs under the stewardship of former head coach Andrea Trinchieri in the 2022-23 season, as Bayern finished in 15th position with a record of 11-23. Having had back-to-back postseason trips under Coach Trinchieri in 2020-21 and 2021-22, it was viewed as a disappointment, although it must be said that injuries were a recurring problem for the team last season.

### World Cup success

While both Bayern and fellow German club ALBA Berlin finished last season in the bottom four positions in the standings, there is plenty of excitement in Germany heading into the new EuroLeague season. That is thanks, in large part, to the success of the German national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, with Germany becoming world champions for the first time in its history.

Bayern had three players on Germany's World Cup-winning roster – Andreas Obst, Isaac Bonga and Niels Giffey – and they have all been reveling in that triumph, especially at Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest event.

### Turning the page to a new era

On top of that, there is growing momentum at Bayern, with Coach Laso's arrival being followed by the signings of Leandro Bolmaro, Carsen Edwards and Sylvain Francisco. Not only are they all young – Bolmaro is 23 while Edwards and Francisco are 25 – but they should ensure that Laso can implement his high-pace style of basketball with minimal problems.

Later came the return of Devin Booker, who previously played for Bayern between 2016 and 2019, as well as the aforementioned addition of Ibaka. Bayern has also been building a new arena, SAP Garden, which should be completed next spring, so things are certainly on the up. It's a fun time to be a Bayern fan, that's for sure.

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 EuroLeague season preview: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 

One of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season was Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, which scored a league-best average of 86.7 points per game. Led by dynamic scorer Markus Howard, Baskonia is in a good position to once again excite its fans at Buesa Arena.

 

The 2022-23 EuroLeague campaign saw Baskonia narrowly miss out on the playoffs, as the team finished ninth in the regular-season standings with an 18-16 record. It was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for the Spanish club during last season, with Baskonia going 14-3 at Buesa Arena but 4-13 on its travels. Therefore, head coach Joan Penarroya will be hoping for a better road record this time around, which should help the team's chances of finishing in the playoffs.

 

### Howard is Baskonia's go-to guy

 

One major difference between last season's roster and the group entering the 2023-24 campaign is the absence of Darius Thompson. The American guard, who was named to the 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team after a stellar rookie EuroLeague season at Baskonia, left to join Anadolu Efes Istanbul. As such, there will be more of an emphasis placed on Howard as he enters his sophomore EuroLeague campaign.

 

### Baskonia's signings this summer

 

Howard is now a guaranteed starter for Baskonia, having last season come off the bench in 15 of his 33 appearances, and he is joined by a familiar face in the team's backcourt: Vanja Marinkovic, who enjoyed his best EuroLeague campaign to date in 2022-23. New signing Nico Mannion will be hoping to realize his potential at a club famous for developing young guards, while Codi Miller-McIntyre – another new recruit – is a steady pair of hands at 29 years of age.

 

There is also plenty of optimism around what fellow new signings Chima Moneke and Nikos Rogkavopoulos could do at the forward positions. Maik Kotsar, entering year two as a Baskonia player, seems primed to take another leap, too. At center, Khalifa Diop – a BKT EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria last season and the 2021-22 EuroCup Rising Star – could make a strong impact from the bench as well.

EuroLeague season preview: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

 EuroLeague season preview: Olympiacos Piraeus 

Fresh off a run to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game, Olympiacos Piraeus is ready to once again be among the contenders to lift European basketball's crown. The Reds wowed fans across the globe with their play during the last campaign, and it's fair to say that Olympiacos will be one of the EuroLeague's teams to watch once again in the 2023-24 season.

 

Olympiacos finished last year's regular season top of the standings for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign, when it finished top of Group B. There have been some notable departures over the summer, but the club's fan base remains optimistic after bringing in a handful of top-level players.

 

### Moving on from Vezenkov, Sloukas

 

Two of Olympiacos's star performers last season, 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov and the best sixth man in the league in Kostas Sloukas, both left the club this summer. Vezenkov made his long-awaited move to the NBA, while Sloukas shocked the basketball world by joining Olympiacos's archrival, Panathinaikos Athens.

 

It was always going to be difficult to replace the impact of Vezenkov and Sloukas, but Olympiacos has done a good job of doing so by bringing in the likes of Nigel Williams-Goss, Ignas Brazdeikis, Luke Sikma and Nikola Milutinov. In the cases of Williams-Goss and Milutinov, they have both returned to the Reds after previously playing for the club, so they already know exactly what is expected of them in the coming season.

 

### Key players still on the roster

 

The new signings are all likely to make a positive impact for Olympiacos during the campaign, but head coach Georgios Bartzokas will also be able to lean on several of the players that have made the Reds a force once again, such as Thomas Walkup, Shaquielle McKissic, Kostas Papanikolaou and Moustapha Fall.

 

There is also the chance that some players entering their second years with the team could come up big, like Isaiah Canaan, who shined during last season's Final Four, and Alec Peters. For Peters, he had to play most of his minutes behind Vezenkov, so he should get a better chance to show what he can do entering the 2023-24 campaign.

EuroLeague season preview: Olympiacos Piraeus

 EuroLeague season preview: Zalgiris Kaunas 

Coach Kazys Maksvytis and his Zalgiris Kaunas are about to test the theory that one of the best ways to building a long-term dynasty is by holding on to the team's core. After reaching the playoffs last season, Zalgiris model 2023-24 brings back all but four key players from last season.

### Continuity is king

The team leaders in PIR, Keenan Evans, Edgaras Ulanovas and Rolands Smits, figure to be the team leaders. Having Evans on the floor is a double boost as he missed the second half of last season due to an Achilles injury, but looks to be back to his old self in the preseason.

Steals leader Arnas Butkevicus and blocks leader Kevarrus Hayes are also back this season for the Lithuanian champs. Dovydas Giedraitis, 23, and center Laurynas Biruits, 26, are both hopeful of taking on even bigger roles this season.

### Who are the reinforcements?

Zalgiris tabbed three players at different positions to bolster the team this season. Combo-guard Naz Mitrou-Long came to Kaunas after making his EuroLeague debut with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Sweet shooting big man Brady Manek shined in Australia last season and now steps onto Europe's premier stage. And 24-year-old Danielius Lavrinovicius seeks to take his career to the next step with the pride of Lithuanian hoops.

A 3-0 start in domestic action and a series of international exhibition games have helped Zalgiris prepare for the EuroLeague regular season. And soon all of Europe will be able to see how Zalgiris's strategy works when the team travels to Italy to face Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

EuroLeague season preview: Zalgiris Kaunas

ALBA Berlin is set to be without versatile forward Yanni Wetzell for around six weeks due to an ankle injury, the club announced. Wetzell was injured early this week and could not help his team in a German League game on Monday night. ALBA center Christ Koumadje also missed that game due to a knee injury.

ALBA's Yanni Wetzell out six weeks

ALBA Berlin is set to be without versatile forward Yanni Wetzell for around six weeks due to an ankle injury, the club announced. Wetzell was injured early this week and could not help his team in a German League game on Monday night. ALBA center Christ Koumadje also missed that game due to a knee injury.

<br>
Wetzell averaged 6.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and a PIR of 6.2 in 31 EuroLeague games last season, coming off the bench in all of them but one. This in his second season with ALBA. He is one of four New Zealanders to ever play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, along with Kirk Penney, Mark Dickel and Tai Webster.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🚨 Unser Kader:<br>Samar / Mattiseck <br>Thomas / Procida / Brown / Delow / Rapique / Olinde / Schneider / Bean<br>Thiemann / Nikić<br><br>Yanni Wetzell wird uns mit einer Knöchelverletzung ungefähr sechs Wochen fehlen. Khalifa Koumadje ist mit Knieproblemen raus und Matteo Spagnolo pausiert.</p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1708877590964949271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Happy Holidays to Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans! The 2023-24 season tips off this week and the hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast are ready to celebrate. In this week’s episode, Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs unveil the rosters for their teams. How do you think they did?

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Episode 3

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be without All-EuroLeague guard Wade Baldwin when it opens the season on Thursday night due to a back injury. Baldwin sat out the Israeli SuperCup final over the weekend due to a strained muscle in his back, for which the team’s medical staff gave him a shot. Also in that game, center Josh Nebo saw limited playing time due to a foot injury. 


Maccabi's Baldwin out for opening night

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be without All-EuroLeague guard Wade Baldwin when it opens the season on Thursday night due to a back injury. Baldwin sat out the Israeli SuperCup final over the weekend due to a strained muscle in his back, for which the team’s medical staff gave him a shot. Also in that game, center Josh Nebo saw limited playing time due to a foot injury. 

Maccabi announced on Tuesday morning the player underwent an MRI, which confirmed the strained muscle, and that he would miss the game against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade as well as the team's next game in the Israeli League before being reevaluated. Last season, Baldwin made it to the All-Euroleague second team, averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 34 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games, and was chosen as MVP for March.

The Israeli champs are slated to visit EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 2. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">עדכון לגבי ווייד בולדווין &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/8fkblG5gDP">https://t.co/8fkblG5gDP</a> <a href="https://t.co/dxMYAuL8Zh">pic.twitter.com/dxMYAuL8Zh</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1709078706507972679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime, opens its 20th edition with the start of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. There are many ways to compete for the grand prize, a unique package that includes being guests of the Euroleague at the 2025 Final Four - flights, four hotel nights and VIP tickets. Even though the game has changed many times over its 20 years, there are some standard strategies that you can follow to be more successful. Here's some help to help you challenge your friends and even compete for the overall victory.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge: Get your strategy right!

[EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home), opens its 20th edition with the start of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. There are many ways to compete for the grand prize, a unique package that includes being guests of the Euroleague at the 2025 Final Four - flights, four hotel nights and VIP tickets. Even though the game has changed many times over its 20 years, there are some standard strategies that you can follow to be more successful. Here's some help to help you challenge your friends and even compete for the overall victory.

### Coaches are critical

Picking the right head coach is critical, and being able to identify which team is really strong at home counts a lot. Last season, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv finished the regular season with a league-best 15-2 home record. Picking a winning coach should give you an edge over other candidates. Do not hesitate to spend credits on a head coach who should win his game and, of course, choose wisely.

### Rotation changes happen

It is very important to monitor injuries and to keep track of which players are not available in that particular moment. Not only will you avoid a player who scores 0 Fantasy points, but other players at his position should see more playing time and therefore have a better chance of getting a higher PIR. More minutes don't always mean a higher PIR, of course, but it usually goes that way.

### Check domestic leagues

This is crucial at the beginning of the season. The best way to find undervalued players is to check a team's domestic results and see who played a lot and did well. Be careful, though. It is not the same to check a 50-point win in which all players saw court time than to check a really close showdown in which the team was forced to play with its strongest rotation. That's the information we like, and when it comes to Fantasy Challenge, information is power.

### Be attached to nobody

Remember: Fantasy Challenge has no memory. Only the next game determines if a player's value will go up or down. For instance, if you buy a player who had a PIR of 30 for five consecutive weeks, and then the same player gets a PIR of -5, his value will drop heavily. Being able to read rosters and determine which star player has a better chance to put up a monster performance is a rare skill that pays off.

### Follow our podcasts and articles

Starting this season, Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo are co-hosting the [EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast, powered by Ardu Prime](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). They will break down their teams, chat with special guests and analyze the fantasy week ahead. Our weekly fantasy tips article will give you five suggestions to enhance your team with star players and sleepers. So if you don't have time to scout, don't worry, we are here for you!

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The brand new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is upon us, and with recent seasons' unprecedented parity among teams, Europe's elite competition is destined to bring derbies of all sorts each week. One such is a mouthwatering matchup on the opening night that pits FC Barcelona and Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Palau Blaugrana, two of the most successful teams in recent years, but also two that start a new journey on Thursday night.
This past summer brought big changes for each team. Several of the main protagonists of recent seasons have left on either side, including former EuroLeague MVPs, Efes's Vasilije Micic and Barcelona's Nikola Mirotic, but also both head coaches, Ergin Ataman and Sarunas Jasikevicius. don't make a mistake and think these teams start from scratch. On contrary. Barcelona and Efes simply retooled their squads and still aim for the very top. And many of the remaining protagonists know exactly what this rivalry brings.

None better than Shane Larkin who has won five MVP of the Round honors playing for Efes against Barcelona, including two after game at Palau Blaugrana. 

New chapter in modern-day rivalry between Barcelona and Efes 

The brand new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is upon us, and with the unprecedented parity among teams in recent years, Europe's elite competition is destined to bring thrillers of all sorts each week. One such is a mouthwatering matchup on opening night pits [FC Barcelona against Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/2/#info) at Palau Blaugrana. These are two of the most successful teams in recent years, but also two that start a new journey on Thursday night.

The EuroLeague has long had famous clashes among rivals. Some are geographic, others may be rooted in a single game or incident, and then there are those that develop over years of historic encounters. Some, however, sprout up over a short period of time. It would be hard to find clubs whose rivalry has grown more in the past few years than the one between Barcelona and Efes, who have clashed in so many meaningful games in recent years.

### Symbolic outcomes

Barcelona and Efes might have first played each other in 1980, but their true rivalry has developed over the last five years, and arguably started with their best-of-five EuroLeague Playoffs series in 2019, which Efes won 3-2 and went on to reach its first-ever EuroLeague championship game.

The next major chapter was the 2021 championship game in Cologne, Germany, when [Efes beat Barcelona 86-81](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2020-21/fc-barcelona-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2020/328/#boxscore) to capture its first EuroLeague crown. The outcomes of these games also carry a symbolic meaning of how things have gone for each club in recent years.

Catch up on FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul highlights from Final of the 2020/21 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, May 30, 2021

FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul Highlights - Final - May 30, 2021

For Efes, these wins are some of the highlights of the most fruitful era in club history, a five-year period that saw the team win two EuroLeague crowns and reach three championship games.

For Barcelona, which has [won 111 regular-season games](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=GamesWon&fromSeasonCode=E2018&toSeasonCode=E2023&category=GamesPlayed&seasonMode=Range&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=RS) over the last five seasons, more than any other EuroLeague team, the losses against Efes symbolize how good the team has been and even more how each time it ended up just short of where it really wanted to be.

### Emotional charges

The head-to-head games between Barcelona and Efes have been so close. The margin of victory has been 10 or fewer points in 13 of their last 14 games, all played since the start of their 2019 playoff series.

But there has been a lot more to these games than just basketball excitement and drama. Barcelona and Efes played numerous emotionally charged regular-season meetings that had everything, ranging from memorable player performances to coaches' ejections and subsequent interactions with the crowd that went viral on social media.

Ergin Ataman's memorable ejection at Palau Blaugrana during Anadolu Efes Istanbul's Round 21 game against FC Barcelona.

Ergin Ataman's ejection at Palau Blaugrana

This past summer brought big changes for each team. Several of the main protagonists of recent seasons have left on either side, including former EuroLeague MVPs, Efes's Vasilije Micic and Barcelona's Nikola Mirotic, as well as both head coaches, Ergin Ataman and Sarunas Jasikevicius.

So, with new head coaches [Roger Grimau](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/saras-jasikevicius-leaves-barcelona-roger-grimau-is-new-head-coach/) and [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-erdem-can-as-its-new-head-coach/) now in charge, what makes this season-opener unique is that both of these title contenders also simultaneously embark on a new era in their respective club histories.

### A retool, not a rebuild

However, don't make the mistake of thinking that these teams start from scratch. On the contrary. Barcelona and Efes simply retooled their squads and still aim for the very top. And many of the remaining protagonists know exactly what this rivalry brings.

None better than Shane Larkin who has won five MVP of the Round honors playing for Efes against Barcelona, including two after games at Palau Blaugrana. Larkin also nailed a season-high 5 three-pointers when [Efes held off Barcelona 75-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/fc-barcelona-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2022/168/#boxscore) the last time they played.

Will Clyburn, who joined Efes last season and [dropped 24 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/anadolu-efes-istanbul-fc-barcelona/E2022/64/) in a 96-86 home win over Barcelona last November, quickly learned the importance of this rivalry. And so did Barcelona's Nicolas Laprovittola, who had career-high 28 points in that same game, but not enough for a win.

All of them, alongside Tibor Pleiss, Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant on one side, and Alex Abrines, Jan Vesely and Rokas Jokubaitis on the other, are perfectly aware of what a win in this game brings.

And this game will certainly serve as the very first indicator for Grimau and Can in addition to all the EuroLeague fans which team got off to a better start in its retooling, making this clash even more important.

FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-10-05T18:30:00.000Z)

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