Just hours before leading his first practice in his second stint with Real Madrid, Sergio Scariolo was awarded the Royal Cross Order of Sports Merit by the Spanish Council of Ministers. 

Sergio Scariolo awarded Royal Cross Order of Sports Merit

Just hours before leading his first practice in his second stint with [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/), [Sergio Scariolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-brings-back-coach-sergio-scariolo/) was awarded the Royal Cross Order of Sports Merit by the Spanish Council of Ministers. 

This prestigious distinction – Spain’s highest honor in sports – is granted annually by the King of Spain, upon the recommendation of the National Government through the Higher Sports Council. It recognizes exceptional contributions to Spanish sport across various ranks and categories.

Scariolo earned the award in recognition of his 15-year tenure as head coach of the Spanish men’s basketball team, where he built a successful program spanning youth development to the senior squad. Under his leadership, Spain captured the 2019 FIBA World Cup and four EuroBasket titles (2009, 2011, 2015, and 2022). He also guided the team to two Olympic medals: silver in London 2012 and bronze in Rio 2016.

Beyond his achievements on the court, Scariolo has shown deep commitment to social causes through the Cesare Scariolo Foundation, which supports children battling cancer.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🎖️ <a href="https://twitter.com/sergioscariolo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioScariolo</a>, reconocido con la Gran Cruz de la Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo.</p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1965385458680303628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pilar Alegría, Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, praised Scariolo’s legacy, calling the award “the perfect ending to an impeccable path on and off the court.” She added: “He has elevated basketball to the highest level of global sport, always putting the team first. ‘La Familia’ isn’t just a nickname for the national team – it’s a philosophy, a unique bond between coach and players that continues to bring us joy.”

Alegría also emphasized the "inestimable worth" of Scariolo’s contributions to Spanish basketball. Notably, Scariolo becomes the first non-Spanish citizen to receive the Royal Cross Order of Sports Merit, joining an elite group that includes [Pau Gasol](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/pau-gasol/adf/), Rafael Nadal, Andrés Iniesta, Teresa Perales, Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario, Carlos Sainz, and Miguel Induráin.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🎙️ <a href="https://twitter.com/sergioscariolo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioScariolo</a> 🎙️</p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1965455156868272445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I’m proud to be included on this list despite not being a Spanish citizen,” Scariolo said. “I’ve always tried to give everything I could to Spanish sport, especially the national team, to make it competitive and admired worldwide. This award belongs to the entire team that allowed me to share our passion for basketball and achieve great results.”

He continued: “Together, we’ve built a sports culture that transcends medals and titles. It’s a culture that embraces players of all ages and showcases the best values of sport. I share this honor with my former teammates in the national team – they deserve it as much as I do.”

More Real Madrid News

The 64-year-old Real Madrid head coach receives Spain’s highest sports honor

With preseason training camp already underway, new Virtus Bologna signing Derrick Alston Jr. was presented to the media at the club’s Palestra Porelli training complex on Tuesday.

Derrick Alston Jr., Virtus’s new No 21: ‘Following in the footsteps of Toko Shengelia is not easy’

With preseason training camp already underway, new [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2025-26) signing [Derrick Alston Jr.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-adds-forward-derrick-alston-jr/) was presented to the media at the club’s Palestra Porelli training complex on Tuesday.

Just like he did for Boise State University, the Salt Lake City Stars, Rostock Seawolves and BAXI Manresa, the 27-year-old will wear the No 21 jersey – the number worn by [Toko Shengelia until his exit from Virtus this summer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-binds-toko-shengelia-through-2028/).

“I know that following in the footsteps of Toko Shengelia, who played the same position as me and wore the number 21, is not easy,” Alston Jr. said. “We are different players, and for me, the most important thing is to do whatever it takes for the team to win. But if I can do even half of what he did here, I can say I've spent my time well.”

For Alston Jr., the No 21 has special significance, too.

“It's always been my number,” he continued. “My father wore it when he played in the NBA, and I've worn it since college. I knew it would be difficult to get it, but in the end I succeeded, and I want to do great things with it here too.

“\[My father\] has been fundamental. Ever since I was a child, he has given me lots of advice, allowed me the freedom to make mistakes and get back up again, and he’s always helped me. He has been decisive, especially in dealing with new experiences such as those abroad. Having someone like that by your side is special, and having him as a father is truly a privilege.”

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It might be early days, but the American power forward – coming off averaging 16.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists for Manresa in the Spanish League last season – has been made to feel right at home at Virtus.

“The welcome has been fantastic,” he said. “Everyone made me feel part of the group right away and we are building team chemistry day by day. Being Virtus's first choice on the market is a great honor. A club with a history of victories and competitiveness – both in Italy and Europe – is the right place for me to grow.”

Alston Jr. will have the chance to do just that as he prepares for his rookie campaign in the EuroLeague.

“I think that since I've been in Europe, I've always faced important challenges,” he commented. “I've learned to exploit my strengths, speed, and athleticism, and now I'm facing another leap forward: playing in the best league on the continent. It will be a challenge and will require a period of adjustment, but I'm excited. It's what I've always wanted and worked for. I can't wait to continue improving and winning.”

More Virtus Bologna News

He will make his EuroLeague debut this coming season

Derrick Alston Jr.: ‘Following in the footsteps of Toko Shengelia is not easy’

Anadolu Efes crowns its half-century-long success story with the 50th Anniversary Logo and a new set of jerseys

Efes unveiled new look for golden jubilee

The upcoming season is a special one for Anadolu Efes Istanbul, which is celebrating its 50th birthday. And Efes is making sure it truly will be memorable. 

For the celebratory occasion of the club’s golden jubilee, Efes has unveiled a brand new logo as well as new jerseys.

"A half-century journey filled with victories, unforgettable moments, and the pride of being a great family," was part of the message the club conveyed when announcing the new logo, which will be used as the club’s corporate identity throughout the season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Zaferlerle, unutulmaz anlarla ve büyük bir aile olmanın gururuyla geçen yarım asırlık bir yolculuk…<br><br>Bu sezon geçmişten bugüne taşıdığımız değerlerimizi ve kazandığımız zaferleri simgeleyen 50. Yılımıza özel hazırladığımız logomuzla parkede olacağız.<br><br>Birlikte yazdığımız bu… <a href="https://t.co/0pelUASBD2">pic.twitter.com/0pelUASBD2</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1963927612121551135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The logo reflects Anadolu Efes’s vision of carrying its deep-rooted legacy into the future. The design embodies the club’s core values success, passion, and sustainability through a modern visual language.

"This season, we will take to the court with a logo specially designed for our 50th anniversary, symbolizing the values we have carried from the past to the present and the victories we have achieved", said club general manager Gokce Dayi.

In addition to the new logo, the club founded in 1976 is also going into the anniversary season with new jerseys, both home and away, that are visibly different from those Efes wore in the previous season.

A two-time EuroLeague champion from 2021 and 2022, and a playoff team a season ago when it was stopped in a five-game playoff series against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Efes is aiming for more success with a new head coach in Igor Kokoskov and a team that will feature seven newcomers.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yeni mücadelelere hazır!<br><br>Anadolu Efes’in gücü ve tutkusu, yeni sezon formalarımızda!<br><br>Here are our new season jerseys with GSA! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereIStand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereIStand</a> <a href="https://t.co/DNDBqn377C">pic.twitter.com/DNDBqn377C</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1965404475889516599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shane Larkin came alive in the fourth quarter to ensure that Turkiye got past Poland and into the semifinals at EuroBasket 2025 on Tuesday at Arena Riga in the Latvian capital. The Anadolu Efes Istanbul recorded 9 points and 3 assists in the final stanza 

Shane Larkin's big fourth quarter propels Turkiye into EuroBasket semis

[Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) came alive in the fourth quarter to ensure that Turkiye got past Poland 91-77 and into the semifinals at EuroBasket 2025 on Tuesday at Arena Riga in the Latvian capital. The [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/) recorded 9 points and 3 assists in the final stanza as Turkiye held off a Poland rally, which chipped away at a 23-point third-quarter deficit to get within 8.

Just when Poland had closed the gap to 78-70, Larkin took charge with assists on back-to-back plays to his Efes teammates [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) and [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) to help restore a double-digit lead from which Poland never recovered.

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Larkin finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a team-high 34 minutes. He was tied for second on Turkiye in scoring behind Alperen Sengun, who boasted a triple-double of 19 points, 12 boards and 10 assists. Hazer also scored 13 points and [Kenan Sipahi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-sipahi/005275/) of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/roster/bah/) chimed in with 11.

Turkiye was strong on the glass, outrebounding Poland 31-26 and scoring 18 second-chance points, which more than doubled Poland's 8. [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/), also of Bahcesehir, tallied 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in defeat for Poland, while [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/)'s [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) also netted 19.  

More EuroBasket 2025 coverage

The Efes guard made sure to put an end to Poland's late rally (PHOTO: FIBA)

AS Monaco has bolstered its options at the point guard position by bringing in David Michineau on a one-year deal.

David Michineau joins Monaco

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) has bolstered its options at the point guard position by bringing in [David Michineau](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-michineau/003836/) on a one-year deal.

Michineau (1.91 meters, 31 years old) spent the last two years with Turkish side Bursaspor, posting 14.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals across 31 Turkish League games last season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">David Michineau à Monaco ! 🇲🇨<br><br>💪 Référence du championnat de France, l&#39;international tricolore (31 ans, 1m91) vient renforcer la traction arrière monégasque 🔮<br><br>➕️ Il est le 6e JFL de notre effectif 🇫🇷 <br><br>Bienvenue David ! 🙌<br><br>🗣 Retrouvez le communiqué officiel et sa réaction… <a href="https://t.co/7qWqHDJhyG">pic.twitter.com/7qWqHDJhyG</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1965354936713314590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Frenchman will make his EuroLeague debut once he steps onto the floor for Monaco. Since making his way into Cholet Basket's first team in 2013, Michineau has made a total of 34 appearances in the EuroCup – three with Cholet in 2013-14, then 31 for Metropolitans 92 across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns. He averaged 8.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists through his EuroCup career.

To date he has suited up for Cholet (2013-16), which included a loan spell at Chalons-Reims for most of the 2013-14 season, as well as Hyeres-Toulon (2016-17), Cholet again (2017-18), Metropolitans (2017-22), Napoli Basket (2022-23), and most recently Bursaspor (2023-25).

More Monaco News

The experienced point guard will play in the EuroLeague for the first time next season

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade revealed their new-look jerseys for the 2025-26 campaign over the weekend. This season Zvezda will celebrate 80 years of existence and the uniforms are steeped in nods to history. 

Zvezda readies for celebratory season with new-look jerseys

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade revealed their new-look jerseys for the 2025-26 campaign over the weekend. This season Zvezda will celebrate 80 years of existence and the uniforms are steeped in nods to history. 

On Monday, the home uniforms were unveiled, featuring a traditional look.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">У години великог јубилеја (80 година постојања клуба) и након претходних искустава са првим дресом КК Црвена звезда, који је сада већ по традицији пругаст црвено-бели – овога пута нема компромиса јер је представник Звездине традиције и богате историје!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/pCdRXccdO0">pic.twitter.com/pCdRXccdO0</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1964998245995942183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The red and white stripes, the most recognizable symbol of the club, dominate the front of the new kit, which also features a gold-colored logo and adidas stripes. The back of the jersey, as well as the shorts, are white.

Zvezda’s away jersey, released a few days earlier, is all red, with the years 1945 and 2025 on it to symbolize 80 years since the club's founding.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Away jersey 2025/26 🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/adidas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adidas</a> x KKCZ 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/EX2RGTVCLd">pic.twitter.com/EX2RGTVCLd</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1964044238817050827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The red-and-whites revealed their new home and away uniforms

The FC Bayern Munich point guard and the FC Barcelona power forward combined for 48 points. 


Kamar Baldwin, Toko Shengelia send Georgia to the quarterfinals 

Georgia reached the EuroBasket quarterfinals for the first time by downing France 70-80 in Riga, Latvia, on Sunday. Georgia is set to face Finland in the next round, and the winner will advance to the semifinals. It is its biggest win ever, as Georgia's best-ever finish in international competitions was an 11th-place finish at EuroBasket 2011. Georgia led for the best part of the game, and its best players stepped up at the right time to make the difference. 

[Kamar Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kamar-baldwin/012597/) of FC Bayern Munich allowed Georgia to keep a slim lead throughout the game, attacking the rim with great determination and burying critical shots when it mattered most. When France got a 35-33 lead near halftime, Baldwin followed a step-back triple with a driving layup to put Georgia back ahead, 37-38, at halftime. Once France rallied from a nine-point deficit to tie it at 66-66, Baldwin scored in penetration to put Georgia ahead.

Baldwin got plenty of help from [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) of FC Barcelona in crunch time. Shengelia buried a couple of critical three-pointers, adding free throws and feeding [Goga Bitadze](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/goga-bitadze/006809/) for a two-handed dunk that sealed the outcome, 70-78, with 30 seconds remaining. Shengelia played his best game of the tournament until now, finishing it with 24 points on 3 of 4 three-pointers, 8 rebounds and a PIR of 24. Baldwin also had 24 points on 5 of 6 two-pointers, 3 of 4 three-pointers and 5 of 5 free throws. Zalgiris playmaker [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) led France with 14 points. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TORNIKE WITH TWO HUGE THREES 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPAAcMnMOw">pic.twitter.com/XPAAcMnMOw</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1964690632481370418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

It was a special win for Shengelia, whose commitment to the Georgian national team throughout his entire career has been simply outstanding. "In a pre-game meeting, starting from coach, we said that we were going to play to win. We were happy to be here, but were not satisfied. And the only way we were going to do that was to play a 40-minute game, starting from the first minute. As you saw, we never stopped fighting, we never stopped believing," Shengelia said in the press conference room. "And even at halftime, it was very crucial for us to come out very concentrated because we knew France were going to come out swinging, and we had to be prepared and even put higher our intensity, which we did. I am very, very proud of my teammates. Everybody, man. I don't want to miss anybody. You see the guys on the bench, they are jumping up and down: almost every game, we see the technical fouls. That's how much we cheer for each other."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">SAKARTVELO 🇬🇪 ON THE BOARD 🪧<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kn9dz7BOQE">pic.twitter.com/Kn9dz7BOQE</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1964701656458903592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

"If we go out there and play with only X and Os, there are not a lot of teams that we might beat, but if you combine that with the unity, and how we believe in each other, fighting for each other, it doesn't matter if you have zero points or you have 20 points... every time we played like that, we won the game.

And every time we didn't, we lost the game. So it's like coach \[Aleksandar Dzikic\] says all the time, it's mostly about us. It doesn't matter who we play.

Finland eliminated Serbia last night. Georgia beat France and is going against Finland for a semifinals spot. Expect the unexpected at EuroBasket 2025. 

The FC Bayern Munich point guard and the FC Barcelona power forward combined for 48 points

New Fenerbahce Beko signing Mikael Jantunen enjoyed a huge role as Finland shocked tournament favorite Serbia at EuroBasket 2025 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Mikael Jantunen, Finland stun EuroBasket favorite Serbia

For [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) and his Finland teammates, they – and every Finn across the world – are never going to forget the events of Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Up against Serbia, [the overwhelming favorite to go all the way at EuroBasket 2025](https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-eurobasket-2025/news/media-predictions-champions-surprises-and-mvp-favorites), Finland stunned Nikola Jokic and co. by triumphing 86-92 in Riga, Latvia, to book its place in the last eight – the second time in a row it has reached the quarterfinals.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FINLAND HAS COMPLETED ONE OF THE BIGGEST UPSETS IN THE HISTORY OF BASKETBALL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUROBASKET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUROBASKET</a> <a href="https://t.co/4QQrJzkCjV">pic.twitter.com/4QQrJzkCjV</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1964431553297051682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was a night when many players became heroes, of which Jantunen – who debuted in the EuroLeague last season with [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) and signed for [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) in this off-season – is one.

The 25-year-old played 30 minutes for Finland, only behind the 34 minutes of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, and finished the contest with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, with his final assist being for Elias Valtonen’s dagger three-pointer at 81-87. But as Paris fans got to see up close and personal over the last two years, Jantunen offers a lot more than what you see on the stats sheet.

Finland's Mikael Jantunen celebrates with teammate Elias Valtonen after the latter's clutch shot against Serbia. (PHOTO: FIBA)

Playing under his compatriot Tuomas Iisalo at Paris in 2023-24, Jantunen’s energy and hustle were a key component in the French side winning the BKT EuroCup in such dominant fashion and booking its ticket to the EuroLeague. Even though many expected Paris to simply make up the numbers in the EuroLeague, the Finn and the rest of the roster left people’s jaws on the floor right from Round 1 before eventually downing Real Madrid in the Play-In Showdown and facing Fenerbahce in the playoffs.

That same determination to win was evident from Jantunen on Saturday night. Just like Paris was continuously doubted last season, the same could be said of Finland heading into this Round of 16 clash with Serbia. But if there is a player you want on your team in these situations, it is Jantunen – a man who specializes in helping his team defy the odds.

More Fenerbahce News

The Nordic country pulled off arguably the upset of the century (PHOTO: FIBA)

Cedi Osman, Ercan Osmani, Shane Larkin and Sehmus Hazer all played important roles as Turkiye advanced to the EuroBasket quarterfinals for the first time since 2009.

EuroLeague quartet decisive as Turkiye makes EuroBasket history

It wasn't always pretty but Turkiye's 85-79 win over Sweden on Saturday afternoon means it can now prepare for a quarterfinal clash against Poland or Bosnia and Herzegovina at EuroBasket 2025.

Turkiye last reached the last eight at EuroBasket in 2009, and this is the first time that it has advanced from the Round of 16 since the change in format in 2015. While it has made it out of the group on every occasion since 2015, it has not had much success in the last 16, twice falling to France (2015, 2022) and once to Spain (2017).

There was a lot of excitement surrounding Turkiye heading into its Round of 16 meeting with Sweden, particularly after beating Serbia 95-90 in the final group-stage game, yet its first-half performance left much to be desired.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) started the game red-hot by scoring 11 of his team's 20 first-quarter points, but three fouls in the first period meant that he quickly had to take a spot on the bench. After 10 minutes Turkiye trailed 20-23, with Anadolu Efes Istanbul's [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) also contributing 4 points.

Turkiye's Cedi Osman looks to score against Sweden. (PHOTO: FIBA)

Osman ended up sitting for all but seven seconds in the second quarter, which made the 9 points from Efes duo [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (3 points) and [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) (6) all the more valuable for Turkiye coach Ergin Ataman. Still, trailing 37-42 at the break, a big improvement was needed in the final 20 minutes.

That is exactly what Turkiye got as it finished the game with five players scoring 10 points or more, led by Alperen Sengun with 24. But the combined 52 points from Osman (17 points), Osmani (14), Hazer (11) and Larkin (10) proved crucial as Turkiye managed to come from behind before later holding off a late Sweden charge. 

Osmani and Hazer also joined forces for 15 rebounds, which together with Sengun's 16 helped Turkiye win the rebounding battle 45-33 – a key factor in a tight game such as this one.

Turkiye's Ercan Osmani sends up a shot against Sweden. (PHOTO: FIBA)

An improvement will be needed if Turkiye is to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2001, when it won a silver medal, but triumphing in these types of games – winning without playing at its best – is the sign of a good team. And the longer Turkiye's run at the tournament goes, the more Coach Ataman's expertise in winning EuroLeague championships will come to the fore.

For the first time since the introduction of the Round of 16, Turkiye has advanced to the quarterfinals (PHOTO: FIBA)