Giampaolo Ricci of Olimpia Milano built an early connection to Africa and is now on a mission to build a free secondary school in Tanzania.

Giampaolo Ricci's project in Tanzania (Part 2): 'Africa changes you'

[***Read part one here.***](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/giampaolo-ricci-family-mission-in-tanzania-part-1-i-feel-obligated-to-do-this/)

There's a real legacy being built by EA7 Emporio Armani Milan's [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) in the Tanzanian town of Kisaki that is sure to impact children there for many years to come.

As explained in part one of this two-part interview, the 32-year-old Milan forward dedicates his extra energies – through his charitable organization, [Amani Education](https://amani.education/amani/) – to finalizing the construction of a secondary school in Kisaki. This will allow children there to continue studying beyond age 12, which is not currently the case for the vast majority of children due to a lack of facilities.

For Ricci, the children's desire to better themselves is one of the core factors behind his desire to improve the situation in Tanzania, where he has regularly visited with his parents since a very young age.

"The most impressive thing, for me, are the kids, the young kids," Ricci explains to the EuroLeague's official website.

"If you ask a young kid there: 'What is your dream. What do you want to do in your life?' They don't answer: 'I want to play basketball, I want to be a doctor…' They just say: ‘My dream is to study.' For me, this is unbelievable.

"Building a school for them could be a really \[big\] change because only with education, only with knowledge, can you be free to choose your future."

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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; 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border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf_6dxps_he/?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">Una publicación compartida de Giampaolo Ricci (@giamp_ricci)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Collaborating with 'angels'

During the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, when he must support those children's dreams from afar, Ricci relies on the Assumption Sisters, who conduct the day-to-day construction effort and inspired him over the years to pursue his mission of raising enough money to complete the school.

"The Assumption Sisters \[are\] our connection to Tanzania because they met my parents when they were young," he comments. "There, the Assumption Sisters are not only nuns, but they work in hospitals, they work as teachers, so they are really important for that population – they are really engaged in everyday life.

"For me, they are really angels because they really think about others. They really do everything for the young guys, the kids, because they know that they are the future of the nation."

Ricci feels privileged to have first-hand experiences in Africa thanks to those trips with his parents, volunteer doctors who lived in Tanzania before he was born and returned often to help build a small hospital and dig water wells in the area, among other projects.

"I try to talk about Africa to my friends, I try to share videos, images, but if you don't live that atmosphere, if you don't go there, it is impossible to understand 100 percent what Africa is and what it can give to you," he says.

"Africa changes you. It changed me and it changes people. I think when you come back from a trip there, you really see everything in a different way. It's difficult to share what Africa is, but I've tried \[to do so\] every time with words, with images. I suggest that everybody goes there."

The Ricci family with the Assumption Sisters (Photo: Giampaolo Ricci)

### A family legacy continued

Besides the many trips there, the letters that his parents sent home even before he was born about their experiences in Africa have a big impact on Ricci to this day.

"When they lived there in 1989 and 1990, they talked with their family here in Italy with some letters," Ricci notes. "My grandfather collected all of these letters over these years.

"One thing that really stayed in my mind is a letter from my mom that says to Africa: 'Dear Africa, how many times we felt too small to help you? How many times we have felt like a drop of a drop? But how many times has the memory of your people who await a better day shaken us? We don't know if we will altogether improve their lives, but we know at least we will at least give meaning to our lives by trying to do so.'

"For me, this is a big thing and it really stays in my heart and my mind. I just want to keep doing what they started, and I think they are happy that they can share through me, through my brother and my sister, this love for Africa."

### Raising funds for free schooling

Looking ahead, Ricci aims to finish the construction of the secondary school before making it possible for all the students to not only attend, but live there, without having to pay. Although he understands the difficulty of this, it is something that he hopes to achieve.

"It will be a college where the kids can sleep, can eat, can live, so for sure there is a little fee to pay," Ricci comments. "But in my dream, it is to give to these 400 or so kids the possibility to have a free education, a free school.

"I know that it is a little bit impossible, but I will try. The kids that \[have\] difficult stories and maybe don't have parents with money. We try to help – we're already trying to help. It is different to help somebody than to give the whole school for free. My wish is to one day maybe get a lot of friends, a lot of companies, that can help me and do this."

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ASxK-skQn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ASxK-skQn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ASxK-skQn/?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">Una publicación compartida de Giampaolo Ricci (@giamp_ricci)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Ricci has already started this path towards getting more donors for his philanthropic work in Tanzania, receiving €15,000 in donations from more than 450 people at an Amani Education fundraiser in Italy in December. There is still plenty more work to be done, but with Ricci and Amani Education continuing their work in Kisaki, there are certainly brighter days ahead.

[Donate to Amani Education](https://amani.education/donazioni/)

There's a real legacy being built by EA7 Emporio Armani Milan's Giampaolo Ricci in the Tanzanian town of Kisaki that is sure to impact children there for many years to come.

The Milan forward built an early connection to Africa and is now on a mission to build a free secondary school in Tanzania.

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic speaks with Euroleague.net about Real Madrid Baloncesto, Facundo Campazzo, and whether his former team could win back-to-back EuroLeague titles.

Luka Doncic: ‘I’m confident in Real Madrid Baloncesto'’

Dallas Mavericks superstar [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) is arguably the biggest star to ever come out of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. He started his career with Real Madrid at age 12 and left seven years later to become a global basketball icon and an NBA superstar.

Doncic made EuroLeague highlights before he set foot in the competition, helping Real win the 2015 Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament and earning Finals MVP honors at age 16. He made his EuroLeague debut in the 2015-16 season, averaging 3.5 points and a PIR of 6.2 in 12 games. 

A year later, Doncic was chosen as the 2016-17 EuroLeague Rising Star, posting 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and a PIR of 13.3 in 35 games. It all clicked in the 2017-18 campaign, as Doncic led Real to its 10th EuroLeague title and earned Rising Star, season MVP and Final Four MVP honors. He averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a PIR of 21.5 in 33 games.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXq18bB41n/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXq18bB41n/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXq18bB41n/?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 Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### A lifelong bond with Real Madrid

In his sixth season with the Mavericks, Doncic has made it to the All-NBA First Team in each of the last four seasons. Doncic is in contact with his former Real Madrid teammates but misses the people inside the club – all the players, coaches and staff he grew up with – more than the Spanish capital itself.

"What I miss most about the club is just the teammates, the coaches, the guys that spend a lot of time with, even the medical staff, physiotherapists, all those great people," Doncic tells Euroleague.net. "That's what I miss the most about the club."

Looking back: Luka Doncic Highlights

### The impact of Campazzo’s return

While in Dallas, Doncic reunited with Facu Campazzo for a while. Doncic and Campazzo were teammates when Real won the EuroLeague title in 2018, and they played together again for a few weeks in Dallas before Facu returned to the EuroLeague, joining Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. Campazzo came back to Madrid last summer by signing a long-term contract at WiZink Center, and Doncic thinks it was a smart move by Real.

"Well, Facu is very important. You know, he's a great player, a lot of energy, great passer, great scorer," Doncic comments. "So I think this was one of the biggest additions to Madrid. And they are going to need him."

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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; 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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/BfPB1k1Fv3E/?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 Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Back-to-back chances

Despite being the most successful team in EuroLeague history with 11 titles, Real has not been able to win consecutive EuroLeague crowns since 1967. *Los Blancos* have another shot at this goal, 57 years later. Doncic believes it is always hard to go all the way again in consecutive seasons, but he’s optimistic about Real's chances to do so.

"For Madrid to win back-to-back titles, it’s going to be very tough. I think there are a lot of teams that are really good," he says. "But I'm confident. They have a great team, great coaching. So I'm confident in them."

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic spoke with Euroleague.net to discuss Real Madrid, Facundo Campazzo and Los Blancos' chances of winning back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles.

Luka Doncic: ‘I’m confident in Real Madrid’

The 2017-18 EuroLeague MVP spoke to Euroleague.net about a few topics

Serge Ibaka is one of the most interesting men in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. From his childhood in the Republic of the Congo, beginning a professional basketball career in Europe, winning the 2019 NBA championship and, of course, his viral How Hungry Are You? TV show, Ibaka has many great stories to tell. He gets to all of those and more in this riveting hour-long conversation with Joe Arlauckas on The Crossover.

Early on, their conversation veers into the environment Ibaka was raised in Brazzaville, where there was no belief that basketball would be his ticket to anything in the future. Except for Ibaka, whose faith helped him stay focused and pursue his dream.

\[9:30\] “I am talking about me personally. I believe in God. And then I believe in my hard work. I believe that this is going to work. I have to be patient. It’s all those things that go together,” Ibaka reflected on the recipe for his success.

Ibaka relayed the story of how he made it to Europe. There was a French basketball player whose father worked in Brazzaville. When playing pickup ball during one of his visits, he noticed Ibaka’s potential and eventually helped find him a club to join in France. From there Ibaka moved to Spain, first with L’Hospitalet.

\[16:45\] “When I moved to Spain, I was like, ‘You know what? This is my destiny,’” Ibaka told Arlauckas.

“The only thing in my mind was I have to figure out how to do it to make it as far as I can. And I am going to do whatever it takes. I am going to give my best,” he explained before adding “It’s going to inspire a lot of people back home. It’s going to inspire a lot of kids.”

Ibaka developed into one of the best prospects in the game and by the end of the season, he was wowing scouts at showcases. He was selected with the 24th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, but elected to play one more season in Spain, this time with Manresa.

At Manresa, Ibaka took his game to another level that year and when he eventually debuted in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ibaka was ready. He would become and three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and in 2012 helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals. Despite playing alongside stars Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Ibaka and co. lost to LeBron James’s Miami Heat in five games. That young core thought it would have many more chances to challenge for the crown, but it was not to be.

Ibaka’s next chance for a championship came in 2019 when he was with the Toronto Raptors. This time he was in a different stage of his career and when he and his teammates fell behind the Milwaukee Bucks 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, Ibaka stepped in and showed his leadership.

\[33:40\] “I had been in that situation many, many times. So during that moment, all I was thinking was to try to be out there, try to keep my team spirit up,” Ibaka recalled. “Everybody was down. The energy was down after that 0-2. So I had to do something.”

After Ibaka rallied the troops with a memorable speech, Toronto came back to take the series and then defeated the Golden State Warriors in the finals. Ibaka played a total of 14 seasons in the NBA for five different clubs and was planning for a 15th before he got a call from a former coach.

\[39:30\] “What brought me back here I think one of the biggest reasons was Pablo Laso. I know Pablo since Madrid when I went to play there during the NBA lockout. I kind of knew him already as a person, as a coach,” Ibaka explained. And even though Ibaka was not ready to field offers outside of the NBA at the time, Laso convinced him: “I don’t know if this guy has a magic talk, but he was able to change my mind.”

Ibaka came to Munich shortly before the start of the season, but quickly became a force. He leads Bayern this season in scoring, rebounding, blocks and PIR. After playing so long on the other side of the Atlantic, he has loved the experience of playing in Europe’s premier competition.

\[46:05\] “Oh man. The EuroLeague, every game is like a playoff already. It’s crazy. You have to come out to play every game. It’s crazy fun,” Ibaka said.

With a one-hour format of exclusive one-on-one interviews, The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas goes well beyond the playing court with each podcast to delve into the life experiences that have made his guests protagonists and legends of the EuroLeague. The Crossover debuted in 2018 and has featured such current stars as [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mike-james-opens-up-at-the-crossover/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/lorenzo-brown-hops-aboard-the-crossover/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mario-hezonja-stops-by-the-crossover/); coaching greats such as [Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/hear-from-coach-bartzokas-on-the-crossover/), [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/the-crossover-opens-its-season-with-dimitris-itoudis/), and Zeljko Obradovic, and legends like Theo Papaloukas, Nikola Vujcic and [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-legend-mike-batiste-visits-the-crossover/), among others. Ibaka is the fifth guest this season after [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/season-6-of-the-crossover-opens-with-nigel-hayes-davis/), [Kemba Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kemba-walker-visits-the-crossover/), [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/james-nunnally-opens-up-at-the-crossover/) and [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/chima-moneke-joins-the-crossover/).

The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is available on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYpAbSLlCc), [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas/id1440034922), [Audioboom](https://audioboom.com/channel/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6T1SYvGSpzyrYZpG9z2wjR), [Deezer](https://www.deezer.com/fr/show/65962), [RadioPublic](https://radiopublic.com/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas-6NkdjJ), [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdWRpb2Jvb20uY29tL2NoYW5uZWxzLzQ4ODM3OTkucnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiYzr_b78XtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-p1174586/), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [CastBox](https://castbox.fm/channel/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-id1467328?country=gb), [iVoox](https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas_sq_f1629856_1.html) and other platforms.

The FC Bayern Munich big man talks about growing up in the Republic of Congo, winning an NBA championship and his decision to play in the EuroLeague.

Serge Ibaka visits The Crossover

Malte Delow has penned a one-year contract extension at ALBA Berlin, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Malte Delow signs one-year extension at ALBA Berlin

ALBA Berlin has confirmed, via a funny video, that [Malte Delow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/malte-delow/008211/) has renewed his contract by one more year, meaning his new deal will expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. Delow, 22, has spent the last 12 years at ALBA. He is currently in his fifth campaign in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and has played 112 games in the competition to date.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Einmal Berliner, immer Berliner 🐻<br> <br>Schon seit 12 Jahren bei ALBA und es geht immer weiter: Mehr als ein Jahr vor Ablauf seines Vertrags hat Malte Delow einen neuen Vertrag bis zum Ende der Saison 2026/27 in seiner Heimatstadt unterschrieben – und das Team liebt‘s! 💛💙 <a href="https://t.co/N0RPHOjWOq">pic.twitter.com/N0RPHOjWOq</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1767848631875350691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This current Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season has seen Delow take on a bigger role in ALBA's offense, even if he has started just six of his 28 appearances. This year, he has set career-best marks across the board: minutes played (482:18), points (142), rebounds (68), assists (71), steals (24) and combined PIR (141). Delow's averages for the 2023-24 campaign stand at 5.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a 5.0 PIR per night.

The best plays of ALBA Berlin guard Malte Delow through the first 28 rounds of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Delow's highlights so far this season

One performance in which Delow particularly stood out came in Round 26, as he posted a season high of 12 points and a career-best 5 steals — while not committing a single turnover — in a loss at FC Barcelona. The best scoring night of Delow's career came last season, when he netted 13 points in a narrow defeat to FC Bayern Munich.

More ALBA News

Malte Delow in action for ALBA Berlin in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The guard is having a breakout season for the German club

Malte Delow signs one-year extension at ALBA

The most important Greek derby in years will see Panathinaikos Aktor Athens (18-10) attempt to keep hold of third place by winning at Olympiacos Piraeus (17-11). 

 A huge Greek Derby starts Round 29 in style! 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/255/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-facts-oly-pan/)[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs28-game-facts-pan-asv/)| [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-notes-oly-pan/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-prequotes-oly-pan/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-29/)

Both teams are in great form, with the Reds winning five in a row while Ergin Ataman's team has triumphed in three straight. The opening-week meeting between the teams saw Olympiacos win 78-88, powered by 17 points and 10 rebounds from [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), meaning Georgios Bartzokas's team has now won five derbies in a row. But Panathinaikos could not be more motivated to end that slide and will look to feed off the energy provided by [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who has a PIR of at least 20 in five consecutive games. Two of the league's best defenders will also battle for backcourt dominance as [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) takes on [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/).

[Olympiacos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/statistics/oly/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Panathinaikos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/statistics/pan/?season=2023-24)

Thomas Walkup vs. Kostas Sloukas: These former teammates and present protagonists will be front and center all night on Thursday.

Olympiacos Piraeus may have lost a couple of major pieces to the roster that came up just short of winning the title last season, but Friday night’s 78-88 overtime win over Panathinaikos Athens showed that the Reds are not going away any time soon. 

Panathinaikos Athens-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 1 | Highlights

A huge Greek Derby starts Round 29 in style!

Olympiacos Piraeus v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-03-14T17:45:00.000Z)

Fresh from last week's statement-making win in Madrid, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (17-11) will look to keep pushing for the top four against a Valencia Basket team (13-15) battling to stay in the top ten.

 Fenerbahce welcomes Valencia with top four in mind 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-valencia-basket/E2023/258/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-facts-ulk-val/)[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs28-game-facts-pan-asv/)| [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-notes-ulk-val/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-prequotes-ulk-val/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-29/)

The visitor will look to the dynamic [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) to match the hustle of Fenerbahce's do-it-all [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), who powered the road win against Real Madrid with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and can take the confidence of knowing it has already beaten the Turkish team once this season with a 77-74 victory in Round 2. [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) top scored on that occasion with 18 points, and he has a key role in the paint against Fener center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), who has posted double-digit scoring in eight consecutive games.

[Fenerbahce Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/statistics/ulk/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Valencia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/statistics/pam/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Johnathan Motley vs. Brandon Davies: The battle between these two bangers will be well worth the price of admission alone.

Valencia Basket advanced to 2-0 by holding off Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 77-74 in a bruising battle at La Fonteta. 

Valencia Basket-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Fenerbahce welcomes Valencia with top four in mind

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Valencia Basket (2024-03-14T17:45:00.000Z)

Faltering Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (10-18) will look to get back on track against a Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv(15-13) team aiming for a third straight win. 

 Zvezda faces must-win situation as Maccabi visits 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/257/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-facts-red-tel/)[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs28-game-facts-pan-asv/)| [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-notes-red-tel/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-prequotes-red-tel/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-29/)

Zvezda has lost four in a row to drop away from playoff contention, and knows it can't afford many more missed chances. Maccabi backcourt dynamo [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) will take some stopping after scoring at least 16 points in nine consecutive games. The Serbian team could look to slow the pace by controlling the game through its frontcourt, where [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in last week's loss at Monaco. Earlier this season, currently injured [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) stunned Maccabi with 27 points and 14 assists to power a 92-98 road win, and Zvezda needs similar inspiration this time around.

[Zvezda Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/statistics/red/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Maccabi Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/statistics/tel/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Joel Bolomboy vs. Josh Nebo: Keep an eye above the rim when these two jumpers take to the floor on Thursday.

Maccabi has flown up the standings by winning four of its previous five, with Josh Nebo's double-doubles a key factor in the victory over Baskonia, whilst Zvezda still seek consistency, having dropped three of its last four, including a loss to Real Madrid, and have Ioannis Sfairopoulos facing his former team.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 16 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Zvezda faces must-win situation as Maccabi visits

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-03-14T18:00:00.000Z)

Unstoppable AS Monaco (18-10) will look to make it eight straight wins with a trip to face rock-bottom ALBA Berlin, which has lost five in a row. 

 Monaco takes its league-best streak to Berlin 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-as-monaco/E2023/253/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-facts-ber-mco/)[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs28-game-facts-pan-asv/)| [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-notes-ber-mco/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-prequotes-ber-mco/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-29/)

Although [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) grabbed all the attention after becoming the competition's all-time leading scorer during last week's win over Zvezda, [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) showed he is also a shining talent in the Monaco backcourt with 14 points and 7 assists. Big man [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) is also in good form with double-digit scoring in three of the last four games. James, though, remains the key man and he led the way, scoring 17 points, in his team's 86-75 victory over ALBA earlier in the season. [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/) led the German team with 17 points on that occasion, and he always provides a deep threat with multiple triples in four straight games.

[ALBA Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/statistics/ber/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Monaco Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/statistics/mco/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Sterling Brown vs. Elie Okobo: It'll be a question of who can shut down whom when these two wing scorers match up on Thursday.

AS Monaco used a boost from newly activated Kemba Walker to turn back ALBA Berlin with an 86-75 victory, its first at home this season, on Friday. 

AS Monaco-ALBA Berlin | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Monaco takes its league-best streak to Berlin

ALBA Berlin v AS Monaco (2024-03-14T19:00:00.000Z)

A key battle between direct rivals will see Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (15-13) host a EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (12-16) team boosted by a dramatic win over Partizan last time out.

 Baskonia seeks separation from visiting Milan 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/256/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-facts-bas-mil/)[ ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs28-game-facts-pan-asv/)| [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-game-notes-bas-mil/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs29-prequotes-bas-mil/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-29/)

[Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) was Milan's game-winning hero in that game, and he faces a tough task in containing the influence of [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), who has registered PIRs of at least 20 in three consecutive games. Baskonia has won three in a row at home, scoring 92, 94 and 88 points, so the visiting team will need the same kind of defensive excellence that earned a 76-67 win over the Spanish side in December. Milan's frontcourt also stood out to gain that victory, with [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) scoring 21 points and [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) grabbing 12 rebounds. They face a compelling battle with the Baskonia duo of [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) and [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/).

[Baskonia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/statistics/bas/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Milan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/statistics/mil/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Codi Miller-McIntyre vs. Shabazz Napier: Two relative newcomers to the EuroLeague will have a lot to say in Thursday's outcome.

This game features the league’s most prolific three-point shooters with Markus Howard (3.6 triples per game) taking on Milan’s talismanic leader Shavon Shields (3.2). Will these backcourt dynamo's prove to be a perennial deep threat throughout the evening and be the difference between failure and success?

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Baskonia seeks separation from visiting Milan

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-03-14T19:30:00.000Z)