AS Monaco made a big splash this past summer when it signed superstar guard Kemba Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star. As he waits to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut, Walker is aware he will need to adapt in order to help continue Monaco's recent success.

 Kemba Walker, Monaco: I'm not expecting it to be easy' 

#### **This past summer, another superstar landed in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague when Kemba Walker joined AS Monaco's backcourt.**

Monaco made a big splash back in July when it signed Walker, a four-time NBA All-Star and a former All-NBA Third Team selection.

"I've been to Monaco one time before, which actually influenced my decision on coming here," Walker says. "I just remembered how beautiful of a place it was. I always said I would love to come back."

During his NBA career, which spanned over 12 seasons and 781 games, Walker scored more than 15,000 points and dished 4,000 assists, good for impressive career averages of 19.3 points and 5.2 assists.

The 33-year-old star, a household name among the basketball fans all over the world, decided to bring his skillset, abilities and experience to Monaco, but is aware that differences in style of play between the EuroLeague and NBA will require some adjustments that he is not expecting to be easy.

"I love challenges, I love to compete at the highest level," Walker says. "To me, basketball is basketball. I just have to adjust to a new team, I just have to adapt. I am just looking forward to the next chapter in my basketball career."

Monaco made history by reaching the EuroLeague Final Four and winning the French League title last season, both firsts for the club. Walker's arrival this summer signaled Monaco wants to go even further.

Although he has yet to play a game, Walker is now practicing with the team. He joins backcourt that also features the likes of Mike James, Jordan Loyd and Elie Okobo.

"I am excited to be a part of this team and help and do what I can", Walker says. "I just want to win, that's what it is all about. I want to continue to have success for this club."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔥 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗄 🙌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗒 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 ⏳<br>💆‍♂️ 𝖣𝗈𝗇&#39;𝗍 𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗂𝗍 💪 <a href="https://t.co/aXiXLVZa9Z">pic.twitter.com/aXiXLVZa9Z</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1712421650287747321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Focus on: Kemba Walker, AS Monaco

Kemba Walker, Monaco: 'I'm not expecting it to be easy'

 Pre-game quotes: Monaco vs. Virtus 

### Sasa Obradovic, Monaco head coach

"The team must raise its level in the EuroLeague and find the chemistry that goes with it. Valencia was the first match; we must quickly move on to something else. Virtus Bologna is a good team with a coach who knows Monaco well. It's far too early to say that we have the pressure on our shoulders."

### Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach

"The first EuroLeague away game has a certainly challenging opponent in store for us. Monaco was able to reach the Final Four last year and presents itself at the starting line of this new season with many confirmations, starting from the coach to the main nucleus of the team, with some small corrections that confirm their ambition of wanting to remain at the absolute top of both the EuroLeague and at national level, where last year they were able to achieve two trophies, both the championship and the French Cup. It will certainly be a challenging match from a point of view of nerves; both teams suffered a defeat in their debut match. There will be a strong desire on the part of both for redemption, but above all to give impetus to this new season."

### Yakuba Ouattara, Monaco player

"Valencia scored 20 points from offensive rebounds, so that was a lesson for us. We need to show our true colors in terms of fighting spirit and desire. Bologna is a very aggressive team defensively, with a coach who knows Monaco well. We still have some way to go to reach our best level, but desire can make up for a lot of things."

### Jaleen Smith, Virtus player 

"They are a really talented team. They reached the Final Four last year and due to a bad final quarter, they didn't reach the final. They probably have the best backcourt in the EuroLeague with Mike James and Elie Okobo. We are ready for this challenge and want to get back on track after last week."

Game Videos

Game News

Another pair of Round 1's defeated teams meet to ensure that either Monaco (0-1) or Virtus (0-1) will claim their first win of the season. Monaco's dangerous combination of backcourt stars didn't really get going as the team put just 65 points on the board against Valencia. The men from the principality will expect a sharp upturn in offensive efficiency at home after making just 45.3% of two-pointers, 33.3% of triples and posting more turnovers (16) than assists (13) in Round 1. Virtus let a series of strong leads slip in losing to Zalgiris after a poor fourth quarter (14-24), so the Italian team will be eager to compete for the full 40 minutes this time around.

Pre-game quotes: Monaco vs. Virtus

AS Monaco v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2023-10-13T17:00:00.000Z)

### Alex Mumbru, Valencia head coach

"Fenerbahce comes off playing a great game against Milan. They won in overtime and it was a very intense game, with lots of inside play. Outside, they have Wilbekin, Dorsey, Calathes, Madar, Hayes, Pierre... so outside as inside they are scary. It's a team that plays hard, concentrated and very physical. We need to prepare ourselves for the level that this game is going to demand from us. We will try to maintain the defensive level we had against Monaco and try to win, but we know it will be difficult. Apart from defending well, we need to be more fluid on offense, something that Fenerbahce doesn't let you do at any time."

### Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce head coach

"We play against Valencia, which is a very aggressive team, especially at their home. They have experience, they have size. They are really a hustle team. They out-hustled Monaco with 14 offensive boards and in general, they played a great game. Overall, it is a tough road game for us. We need to show our character, we need to bounce back also from the bad performance we had in the Turkish League. To do the hustle part, our players need to understand that each and every one needs to give their hustle on the court. When he gets on the court, the hustle has to be the start and the rest will follow."

### Nate Reuvers, Valencia player

"My first EuroLeague game was a great experience, with a victory against a very good team, AS Monaco. It was exciting. On Friday we have a very difficult game against a very tough opponent. But we play at home, so I hope that we have a lot of crowd support and we can play a good game. Until now, we've always come out to play hard and do our best. If do that, I think we can compete against any team."

### Tyler Dorsey, Fenerbahce player

"I think they are a hard-nosed playing team. Obviously, this is our first road game so it's going to be mentally different. So we have to prepare and be ready to fight. If not, we're going to struggle on the road. It's hard to play any EuroLeague team on the road this year, and they feed off the energy of their crowd. So we've got to mentally be prepared these next two days coming up."

100% records will be on the line as Round 2 concludes with a showdown between Valencia (1-0) and Fenerbahce (1-0). Fenerbahce relied on an all-round team performance to overcome Milan in its season opener, with five different players scoring in double digits. Dimitris Itoudis's men will need a similarly strong collective effort against a Valencia team which relied on a stellar defensive effort – and 19 points from Semi Ojeleye – to down Monaco last week. The Spanish side will probably need more offensive production to overcome Fenerbahce, and will look to recent signing Brandon Davies to stand strong against the Turkish team's dangerous collection of big men.

Pre-game quotes: Valencia vs. Fenerbahce

Valencia Basket v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-10-13T18:30:00.000Z)

### Kazys Maksvytis, Zalgiris head coach

"A strong team arrives to Zalgirio Arena. Crvena Zvezda’s management declared the goal to reach the Final Four, and their summer actions prove that. They have a big budget, they have brought in great players, so it will be interesting to compete against them. On the other hand, it’s our first game at home and the pressure from the home crowd will add a little bit. I hope that we will be able to cope with that pressure and fight for the victory."

### Dusko Ivanovic, Zvezda head coach

"For many years, Zalgiris has been a team that has shown that it is one of the toughest opponents, especially when they play at their home court. They play extremely hard, extremely disciplined and with great patience. Besides, they have a team that has been playing together for many years, and they are extremely coordinated. But we are looking at us, we want to continue in the rhythm we have been in so far."

### Tomas Dimsa, Zalgiris player

"The start of the season is always exciting, especially because it is our first home game of the EuroLeague season. Our fans have bought out all the tickets weeks ago, so it will be great to play in this atmosphere again. Talking about the opponents, it is a very dangerous team. We have met them in the preseason, and it was a close game. Crvena Zvezda has quality and depth in each position, so we will have to work hard all 40 minutes."

### Dejan Davidovac, Zvezda player

"We are playing against a good team that has been together for a long time; they are physically very dominant. We recently played with them in Cyprus. I expect a physically demanding match above all. We are prepared. I think we are in a good rhythm. We know that they have a lot of support from their fans. We want to win this game. We'll need to do our best, and we'll see ."

Two unbeaten teams will battle to extend that record on Friday with Zalgiris (1-0) enjoying its first home game with a visit from Zvezda (1-0). The local fans will be particularly pleased to see playmaker Keenan Evans, who returned from long-term injury last week and delivered a superb performance – 25 points on 9-of-15 field goal shooting – to secure an impressive comeback win at Virtus. Zvezda will hope that new signings Shabazz Napier (21 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting) and Rokas Giedraitis (20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) can continue their stellar form after excelling in last week's demolition of ASVEL, which saw the team knock down a club-record 17 three-pointers with a 50% conversion rate.

Pre-game quotes: Zalgiris vs. Zvezda

Zalgiris Kaunas v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-10-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out five bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. 

 Bold predictions for EuroLeague Round 2

### Howard will show Top Scorer credentials in Berlin

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz faces ALBA Berlin in Round 2 in the German capital. It is a good opportunity for shooting guard [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) to prove he can be the top contender to the Alphonso Ford Top Scoring Trophy this season. Howard is full of confidence, as Baskonia extended his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. Howard was off-target against Real Madrid in Round 1, hitting just 4 of 15 shots on his way to 10 points. He had been on fire at the start of the Spanish League season, scoring 29 and 23 points in his two opening games. Howard has cooled off a bit in the last two weeks, but ALBA's run-and-gun game fits him perfectly. I expect him to catch fire again and he scored 20 or more again, Baskonia shoud have a lot of chances to record its first win in this EuroLeague season.

Round 1 highlights: Markus Howard, Baskonia

### Road teams will at least break even in Round 2

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Home teams dominated Round 1 with a 6-3 record, and even then it took an overtime, a huge comeback and a missed shot at the buzzer for them not to sweep opening week. Round 2, it says here, will be different. There is some low-hanging fruit that might be expected to fall, like ASVEL (0-1) vs. Partizan (0-1) and ALBA (0-1) vs. Baskonia (0-1). Both visiting teams are as hungry as their hosts to get in the win column. But even if ASVEL and ALBA prove me wrong, there are plenty of games in play behind them. Whether or not Real Madrid (1-0) gets [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) back, the champs won without looking great last week and will likely be better when visiting an Efes (0-1) team still finding its chemistry. New-look Bayern (1-0) has nothing to lose and everything to gain in Athens, where all the pressure will be on Panathinaikos (0-1), much like when Virtus (0-1) visits Monaco (0-1). Crvena Zvezda (1-0) won't be rattled by a great Zalgiris (1-0) crowd in Kaunas. Barcelona (1-0) faces an Olympiacos (1-0) team suddenly weakened by [injuries](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/latest-euroleague-injury-news-fantasy/). And Fenerbahce (1-0) will likely subject host Valencia (1-0) to a defensive battle. I'm betting that at least four teams out of eight fly home with valuable road wins this week.

### Jones will outplay Wilbekin in a showdown

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Valencia Basket playmaker [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) did not have things go his way for the better part of last week's opening night before turning in a clutch fourth quarter. He scored 9 of his 14 points in the final quarter, including a three-pointer with 62 seconds to go to break a 63-63 tie and clear the path for Valencia's 70-65 win over AS Monaco. This week, Valencia welcomes Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Jones's former teammate [Scottie Wilbeki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/)n. The two were backcourt mates at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the 2020-21 season, where Jones was in a back-up role in his first season in the competition. In two head-to-head games last season, Jones was 0-for-7 from long range, and averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Wilbekin started this season hot, with 19 points on 4-for-8 three-point shooting and I expect him to keep that going in Valencia. However, I think Jones breaks out of his three-point shooting slump against Wilbekin and Fenerbahce, and tops Wilbekin to lead Valencia to a victory and a surprising 2-0 start to the season.

Chris Jones came up clutch for Valencia Basket in Round 1 win over AS Monaco

Chris Jones came up clutch for Valencia

### Undermanned Olympiacos to lay down another marker

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Olympiacos Piraeus secured bragging rights over archrival Panathinaikos Athens in Round 1, beating the Greens 78-88 in overtime. That victory showed that Olympiacos, now without Sasha Vezenkov, last season’s MVP, and Kostas Sloukas, can still get the job done. In the Greek derby, the Reds leaned on star performances from the likes of Alec Peters, Nikola Milutinov, Thomas Walkup and Nigel Williams-Goss, who is questionable for Round 2. Heading into this matchup with FC Barcelona, shot-blocking center Moustapha Fall – an absentee in Round 1 – is also questionable, while [Shaquielle McKissic and Luke Sikma are both out](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) after playing against Panathinaikos. A new-look Barca got off to winning ways in its curtain raiser, defeating Anadolu Efes Istanbul 91-74. However, I expect Olympiacos to burst the *Blaugrana*'s bubble in Round 2 and advance to 2-0 in convincing fashion, roared on by the ever-passionate fans at Peace and Friendship Stadium.

Panathinaikos Athens-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 1 | Highlights

Check out four bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. 

Bold predictions for EuroLeague Round 2

ALBA Berlin v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-10-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid (2023-10-12T17:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Barcelona (2023-10-13T18:15:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens v FC Bayern Munich (2023-10-12T18:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-10-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season to get your Fantasy Challenge teams up to date.

Latest EuroLeague injury news

Follow here all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season as reported by the clubs and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

[Yanni Wetzell will be out until mid-November with an ankle injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/albas-yanni-wetzell-out-six-weeks/), ALBA announced.

Khalifa Koumadje (knee) will miss Round 2 vs. Baskonia.

Elias Rapieque suffered a broken hand and will be out for six weeks.

Marcus Eriksson is out indefinitely with plantar tendonitis.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Elijah Bryant and Erten Gazi are unavailable for Round 2 vs. Real Madrid due to injury.

Salih Altuntas, Efes Demirel and Burakcan Yildizli are not active for Round 2.

**AS Monaco**

[Jordan Loyd is out following a mid-August back surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/monaco-loyd-2-3-months-out/).

Kemba Walker will not play in Round 2.

**Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

There are no reported injuries.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Branko Lazic (knee) did not travel to play Zalgiris in Round 2.

Nemanja Bjelica (leg) will miss Round 2, as well.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

[Maodo Lo is due out until late October](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-olimpia-milano-out-for-three-weeks/) with a thigh injury.

[Billy Baron will be out until mid-December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/billy-baron-olimpia-milano-elbow-surgery/) following elbow surgery.

**FC Barcelona**

Michael Caicedo is sidelined indefinitely with a broken right foot.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Vladimir Lucic is unavailable for the Round 2 road game at Panathinaikos.

Elias Harris is unavailable for Round 2.

Nelson Weidemann is unavailable for Round 2.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Metecan Birsen and Hamza Mestoglu are inactive for Round 2 due to injuries.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

David Lighty (chest) will miss for Round 2 vs. Partizan.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

[Wade Baldwin is out indefinitely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabis-baldwin-out-for-opening-night/) with a back injury.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

[Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-acquires-brazdeikis-from-zalgiris/) and [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) are available for Round 2 against Barcelona.

[Luke Sikma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) is out for two weeks due to a leg injury.

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) is out for at least three weeks with a leg injury.

[Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) is not available for Round 2.

Panagiotis Tsamis is out until mid-November with an injury.

**Panathinaikos Athens**

Kostas Sloukas will miss Round 2 vs. Bayern with a calf injury.

Konstantinos Mitoglou will miss Round 2, as well.

Ioannis Papapetrou is questionable to play in Round 2 with an injury.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Tristan Vukcevic is not active for Round 2.

**Real Madrid**

Gabriel Deck, who missed Round 1, traveled to Istanbul for Round 2 vs. Efes.

Walter Tavares, who missed Round 1, traveled for Round 2.

Rudy Fernandez (ankle) did not travel for Round 2.

Carlos Alocen is sidelined indefinitely with an injury.

**Valencia Basket**

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui is due out with injury until late October.

[Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-loses-jared-harper-to-injury/) is set to miss several games due to a shoulder injury.

[Martin Hermannsson underwent knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencias-martin-hermannsson-is-recovering-after-knee-surgery/) and is due out until December.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

[Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtuss-polonara-to-undergo-surgery/) is out indefinitely after undergoing testicular surgery.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

There are no reported injuries.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague injury report for the 2023-24 season.

Check out all the injuries and absences expected in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before the Fantasy Challenge deadline.

Valencia Basket v AS Monaco (2023-10-06T18:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Real Madrid (2023-10-06T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-10-06T18:15:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-10-06T17:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-10-05T18:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-10-05T18:05:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v ALBA Berlin (2023-10-05T18:30:00.000Z)

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

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-10-05T17:00:00.000Z)

New FC Barcelona forward Jabari Parker sits down for an interview with Euroleague.net to discuss his move to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club, his love of basketball and how he has dealt with setbacks.

Jabari Parker, FC Barcelona: ‘I just want to play basketball’

For [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), signing for FC Barcelona and playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague was a chance to start afresh. Still just 28, the American forward has left behind a turbulent few years in the NBA and now hopes to be the missing piece for a Barca team looking to lift its first EuroLeague crown since 2010.

Parker, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, showed glimpses of what he can offer head coach Roger Grimau on his EuroLeague debut, posting 10 points (all in the fourth quarter), 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in just under 18 minutes on the floor as Barca defeated Anadolu Efes Istanbul 91-74 in Round 1 of the 2023-24 season.

### Jabari Parker in the EuroLeague

Speaking exclusively with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net), Parker touched on how he has dealt with setbacks, coming to the EuroLeague and, above all, his love of basketball. But, as he made clear, he is taking everything one step at a time.

“I just want to be the best that I can \[be\] every day,” says Parker. “I don’t take days off and I don’t look too far ahead, so \[I’m\] just trying to be the best that I can be.

“I think that whatever experience that I have, I try to stay in the moment. And no tag defines me. I’ll play in Alaska if I have to, I’ll play in Antarctica. I just want to play basketball, I want to enjoy myself and enjoy my life.

“It doesn’t matter where I go, where I play, because I am who I am and nothing helps define me.”

### Dealing with pressure and setbacks

From an early age, Parker has played with the spotlight on him. Having starred at Simeon Career Academy, the same high school where fellow Chicago native Derrick Rose first made his name, he then went to Duke University – one of the most famous college basketball programs in the United States – and established himself there. Yet, he didn’t feel any pressure.

“Honestly, it was no pressure because basketball is something I love to do,” Parker notes. “I didn’t ever put expectations on myself, and I definitely don’t live by other people’s perception \[of me\]. The thing is that I submit to God; God is the person I submit to and I know that I’m making him proud.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Els 4️⃣ fitxatges per al curs 2023/24! ✨ <a href="https://t.co/PtXYiYxQeT">pic.twitter.com/PtXYiYxQeT</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1702360025228808475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, following the Milwaukee Bucks’s decision to take Parker with the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, more pressure was placed on his shoulders. Parker initially made a good start to life in the NBA, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds through his first 25 games, but then came a serious ACL injury in his left knee. 

Two seasons later, having worked his way back to average a career-high 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 51 games in the 2016-17 campaign, another setback arrived as he suffered another ACL injury in the same knee. Parker, however, refused to let those injuries change his mindset.

“\[It was\] not devastating at all. Life is all about adversity, it’s all about different things and there’s no expectation of what… there’s no perfect route for anybody. So, that’s what it was and I bounced back every time.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">J🎧BARI PARKER. <a href="https://t.co/cT2H6vX559">pic.twitter.com/cT2H6vX559</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1709994360027107567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A ‘new chapter’ in his career

Many American players over the years have been afraid to make the jump to the EuroLeague from the NBA, but not Parker. He spent eight years in the NBA before opting to join Barca, following a one-year hiatus, and his early performances have created excitement among the Blaugrana’s supporters.

“I love Barcelona, Barcelona’s beautiful,” Parker adds. “The people are very patient here, very nice, especially with people like myself that don’t speak Catalan or Spanish real frequently, so it’s been nice.

“It is a new chapter in my career. It’s something different, something I wanted to do, something that’s new. I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited.”

Jabari Parker scored 10 points as FC Barcelona beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 91-74 in Round 1 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Jabari Parker's highlights vs. Efes

Only time will tell if Parker ends up leading Barca to EuroLeague glory, but coming up big in the fourth quarter against Efes was a good way to start. Next up, the American will experience one of Europe’s best atmospheres as Barca travels to Peace and Friendship Stadium to take on Olympiacos Piraeus. It will be a big test, but another strong performance by Parker would see him quickly become a fans’ favorite at Palau Blaugrana.

Jabari Parker in action for FC Barcelona in Round 1 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The No. 2 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft has embarked upon a new journey in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

### Israel Gonzalez, ALBA head coach

"In their first EuroLeague game, Baskonia only lost to Real Madrid in the last seconds, and in the Spanish League, Joan Penarroya's team is performing well again. So, we have to be prepared for a very dangerous opponent on Thursday."

### Louis Olinde, ALBA player

"We are hyped about our first EuroLeague home game! But Baskonia has a very good team again this season. Markus Howard is one of the top guards in the league and always a threat. Mike Kotsar is a super-efficient big man and a good rebounder. Without two of our centers, we have to do a good job as a team on Thursday, especially under the baskets."

Two opening-round derby losers will look to bounce back as ALBA (0-1) welcomes Baskonia (0-1) to the German capital. ALBA suffered the worst rebounding deficit in EuroLeague history, minus-32, in losing at Bayern, while its offense also went missing in the second half, something that new signings Sterling Brown (8 points), Matteo Spagnolo (6) and Justin Bean (6) can help rectify in the team's home opener. Baskonia certainly won't lack for inspiration from dynamic forward Chima Moneke after his strong debut (13 points, 10 rebounds) in the season opener, but Markus Howard's missed game-winner against Real underscored the explosive guard's struggle for efficiency last week. The visitors will need him, too.

Pre-game quotes: ALBA vs. Baskonia

### Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach

We are working, we are a new team. We are checking our mistakes and the things we do well. It's the start of the season, the main lesson is to check how we are doing. Bayern has an important new coach that knows how to manage the game. They have experienced players like Booker, Edwards, Bolmaro... Ibaka plays great defense. They also have offensive players like Obst or Bonga. A good roster with EuroLeague experience. For sure it will be a tough game. We defeated them in the preseason, but it was a difficult game. Bayern is a great game. Laso is a very good person and my very good friend. I respect a lot what he has done for European basketball but I even appreciate him more because of his personal traits. I hope him the best in the new era with Bayern, but maybe not against us!

### Pablo Laso, Bayern head coach

Panathinaikos has been active in the market, adding very good players, not just Sloukas, but also Hernangomez, Guy, Grant, and Lessort - we're talking about great players and a great team in a fantastic atmosphere. Both teams have undergone a transition, and we also have new players. It's our first away game, and I expect a tough job. Coach Ataman brings them a lot of experience; we had many duels between Efes back then and Real Madrid. He has joined an outstanding organization. But in the EuroLeague, you can lose to any team because you're facing the best, but you can also win any game.

### Aleksander Balcerowski, Panathinaikos player

Coach wants us to watch our mistakes to see what we have to do better. We watched two games on video and coach made a lot of comments about what we have to do. We hope we will play better after this. It will be a hard game. Every EuroLeague game will be. We played against them, but they did not have Ibaka. We have our game plan. We practiced what we need to do. We'll see, but it will be a tough game. We want to play better.

### Andreas Obst, Bayern player

Panathinaikos is a very talented, strong group with undoubtedly high expectations from their home fans. They will come out hot with a lot of energy, and we need to counter that. We must start the game better than we did against Berlin, avoid having so many turnovers, and stop the opponent from getting easy points. We also need to control the rebounds and improve our defense; these are the key factors. Every game is different, that doesn't mean much. What matters is that we deliver our performance over 40 minutes - something we haven't achieved yet.

Familiar coaching foes in new environments will meet in Athens as Ergin Ataman leads Panathinaikos (0-1) into battle with Pablo Laso's Bayern (1-0). The Greens are looking for their first win of the season after being edged out by Olympiacos in overtime last week, but there were positives from that game with double-doubles for new signings Mathias Lessort (10 points, 10 rebounds) and Juancho Hernangomez (13 points, 10 rebounds). Their presence could persuade Ataman to focus on winning the physical battle against Laso's men, who also boast plenty of rebounding strength through Isaac Bonga and Serge Ibaka. They combined for 10 offensive rebounds to help power last week's win over ALBA.

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