 Euroleague season preview: Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 

After an exciting and a memorable last season, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade is aiming for new heights in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign. Backed by an army of die-hard fan, Coach Zeljko Obradovic troops are poised to bring even more excitement in the upcoming campaign.

While Partizan fans created atmosphere at Stark Arena that made its home games the talk of the basketball world, Partizan was stacking victories that brought it a win away from reaching the Final Four. The enters the new campaign looking to make that next step, and the team believes it has the pieces needed to do just that.

 

### Solidified roster

Partizan only brought four new players to the team, including a pair from the NBA floors – guard PJ Dozeir and center Frank Kaminsky. Coach Zeljko Obradovic team was also solidified with the arrivals of veteran forward Mateusz Ponitka and guard Nemanja Jaramaz.

Partizan's biggest 'win' this summer, however, was the ability to keep All-EuroLeague guard and team captain Kevin Punter as well as veteran big man Zach LeDay. The team, and the fans, expect Aleksa Avramovic and Alen Smailagic to keep improvement, and former champ James Nunnally to be the ever-needed veteran presence.

 

### Mission to win

Last season Partizan won 16 of its last 21 regular-season games and marched into the playoffs where eventually it got ousted in a memorable five-game series against the eventual champion Real Madrid. This season, Partizan will look for a better start to its campaign and avoid an early-season hole like a year ago.

But Partizan fans, which are expected to pack Stark Arena the entire season after the club announced it has sold more than 16,000 season tickets, will need to wait couple of weeks to see the team on home floor. It is because Partizan opens the season with two road games, including Round 1 tilt on Thursday against a fellow playoff team from last season, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Euroleague season preview: Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

 EuroLeague season preview: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 

Expectation levels are high for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul as it enters year two under head coach Dimitris Itoudis. The Greek tactician led the Turkish club to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs last year, but the goal in the 2023-24 season is clear: to make it back to the Final Four after last getting there in 2019.

 

After a regular season in which it finished 19-15, going 12-5 at Ulker Sports and Events Hall and 7-10 on the road, Fenerbahce took its game up a notch in the playoffs but ultimately came just short against Olympiacos Piraeus, losing the series 3-2. From last year's team, Fenerbahce will once again be able to call upon the likes of Johnathan Motley, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Dyshawn Pierre, Marko Guduric and Scottie Wilbekin in the coming season.

 

### Fenerbahce's summer signings

 

Fenerbahce has added to its options this summer, with the first signing of the offseason being a surprising one as Yam Madar – the 2022-23 EuroLeague Rising Star winner – joined from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. The next to arrive was Sertac Sanli, who returns to his native Turkiye after two years at FC Barcelona. Sanli has reached the last three Final Fours, first doing so Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2021 before repeating that feat with FC Barcelona in 2022 and 2023.

 

Then, Fenerbahce snapped up Nate Sestina following his impressive debut BKT EuroCup season with Turk Telekom Ankara, before adding 2021-22 All-EuroLeague Second Team member Georgios Papagiannis from Panathinaikos Athens. The last player to arrive at Ulker Sports and Events Hall was Raul Neto, but a knee injury suffered at the 2023 FIBA World Cup means that he will be out of action for quite some time.

 

### Making home court count

 

Fenerbahce plays four of its first six games at home in the 2023-24 season, so Coach Itoudis's squad have the chance to create some early momentum. The team's season opener against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Istanbul will be a tough challenge, but a victory in front of its passionate fans would be the perfect way to start the campaign.

 

From there, Fenerbahce travels to face Valencia Basket in Round 2 before back-to-back home games in Rounds 3 and 4 against Ergin Ataman's Panathinaikos Athens and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, respectively. A trip to Germany to take on FC Bayern Munich follows in Round 5, then Fenerbahce returns to Turkiye to take on Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 6.

 

Should Fenerbahce come through those games and find itself with a nice-looking record, it may provide the platform for a strong regular season.

EuroLeague season preview: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

 EuroLeague season preview: Real Madrid 

 

Real Madrid secured its 11th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season after defying the odds time and time again en route to becoming the champion. With the majority of the roster having returned, Los Blancos appear to be even stronger entering the 2023-24 season after adding star guard Facu Campazzo to their array of options.

 

One player who is set to play a key role for Real once again is Final Four MVP Walter Tavares, who posted a double-double in both the semifinal and championship game. The 31-year-old is better than ever and he seems primed to be among the contenders to win the EuroLeague MVP prize, having been named to the All-EuroLeague First Team in each of the last three seasons.

 

There's also Real's famed trio of veterans – Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez – who all came up clutch for Real in the final part of last season. Elsewhere, star forwards Dzanan Musa, Gabriel Deck, Mario Hezonja and Guerschon Yabusele are ready to do damage in the EuroLeague again as Real looks to retain its EuroLeague title.

 

By adding Campazzo into the mix, Real has a go-to floor general that is ready to wow fans at WiZink Center in his second spell at the club. Campazzo returned to the EuroLeague midway through last season and reminded everyone of his quality, posting 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals in nine games for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

 

### Real Madrid's start to the season

 

Chus Mateo's team begin the game with two games on the road, as Real face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 1 before taking on Anadolu Efes Istanbul in a repeat of the 2022 championship game. Then, Los Blancos have three straight home fixtures against Zalgiris Kaunas, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and FC Barcelona at WiZink Center. In particular, the visit of the Mirotic-led Milan prior to playing a new-look Barca in El Clásico should bring plenty of intrigue from basketball fans across the globe.

EuroLeague season preview: Real Madrid

 EuroLeague season preview: Panathinaikos Athens 

All eyes were on Panathinaikos Athens in the off-season market, as the Greens signed two-time EuroLeague-winning coach Ergin Ataman and as many as 12 new players to make sure it breaks with its recent past. Panathinaikos has not reached the Final Four since 2011, and its last playoffs appearance 2019. Last season, Panathinaikos ranked 17th overall with a 9-23 record.

 

### Sloukas, new floor general

 

Kostas Sloukas switched sports archrivals, joining Panathinaikos from Olympiacos Piraeus on a multi-year deal. Right at the prime of his career, Sloukas is an elite floor general, able to put the ball in the right hands, dominate the game tempo and hit clutch shots. Last season's BKT EuroCup MVP Jerian Grant offers athleticism, driving skills and court sense as Sloukas's backup. Kyle Guy and Marius Grigonis are set to provide the fireworks from downtown.

 

Rounding a deep perimeter, Luca Vildoza is a combo guard with unlimited range and outstanding passing skills. Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Dimitris Moraitis give Coach Ataman even more options at both wings. Ioannis Papapatrou starts a second stint with the Greens and should be his team's statrting small forward. His character, versatility and experience should make him a key player in this roster.

 

### Lessort leads the Greens' frontcourt

 

Mathias Lessort made it to the All-EuroLeague First Team last season and is set to keep rolling. His connection with Panathinaikos fans should be a topic to follow this season. His hustle, rebounding skills and intensity make him unguardable at times. Aleksander Balcerowski and Kostas Antetokounmpo give Ataman many choices at center. Both of them can play way above the rim, and Balcerowski can stretch the floor with his long-distance shots.

 

Juancho Hernangomez is the ice on the cake, a do-it-all forward able to play hard defense, rebound, hit three-pointers and run the floor like a guard. Dinos Mitoglou is back to help at both frontcourt positions. His post skills and hustle under the boards should make him earn playing time. Eleftherios Mantzoukas and Alexandros Samontourov add plenty of versatility to a roster built to succeed. It may take some time for the team to gel, but Panathinaikos should be considered one of the teams to beat in EuroLeague this season.

EuroLeague season preview: Panathinaikos Athens

It is not possible to start a Euroleague without the Official EuroLeague Power Rankings by Eurohoops. So here we go!


EuroLeague Power Rankings by Eurohoops: Vol. 1

Many consider last season to be the most exciting in EuroLeague history. Can it get any better? The answer should be: Why not?

The competition seems stronger than ever, all teams have improved, and any prediction is bound to fall down the drain sooner rather than later.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1561557/euroleague-power-rankings-by-eurohoops-vol-1-7/)

It is not possible to start a Euroleague without the Official EuroLeague Power Rankings by Eurohoops. So here we go!



Nikola Mirotic's debut for Milan will be the center of attention following arguably this summer's most high-profile transfer, but Fenerbahce will be determined to spoil the former Barcelona forward's night by defending its home court. The Turkish team's boss, Dimitris Itoudis, has strengthened an already powerful roster with the acquisition of new stars, like experienced big men Georgios Papagiannis and Sertac Sanli, whereas Mirotic is joined at Ettore Messina’s Milan by dangerous playmaker Maodo Lo and athletic forward Alex Poythress for a matchup between two teams with high aspirations. Fenerbahce fans will ensure a red-hot atmosphere for this high-level affair on Friday night.

### Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce head coach:

We are playing against a very good and experienced team. Milan is a team that has been built to go all the way through in this year’s EuroLeague. They are full of creators and executors, with tons of experience from coaches to players. So, we need full concentration and motivation. We are happy that we will play in front of our fans. Hopefully we are going to have a full house. We are going to give our best to play the best possible game.

### Ettore Messina, Milan head coach:

The start of the EuroLeague is always difficult for everybody and in our case, we'll face one of the most competitive team, on the road. Obviously, playing a very high-level game will be crucial. Controlling the boards and communicating effectively, both on offense and defense, will be the key to earn the chance to win the game.

### Melih Mahmutoglu, Fenerbahce player:

We are starting the new season in the EuroLeague facing a strong opponent. Milan is a good team and they want to perform much better than last season. It is an advantage for us to play with such strong teams at the beginning of the season; we want to see what level we are at and improve by learning lessons as a team. We will want to play in front of our fans and take advantage of this to win. Of course, we will also be excited to host a very special basketball icon once again in our home, at Ulker Sports and Event Hall, which is also his home. Gigi Datome is a very special friend to us, a very special part of the Fenerbahce family. It will be great for both us and our fans to see him here once again. A very special opening evening awaits us.

### Nicolo Melli, Milan player

For me personally, every game against Fenerbahce especially in Istanbul, is a special one. On top of it, it is the first Euroleague game, so we are extremely motivated to do well. Obviously, we'll face a very strong team benefitting enormously from the home court advantage impact. It will be a very challenging game. We'll do whatever it takes to compete for 40 straight minutes and try to enter in the competition the right way.

Game Videos

Nikola Mirotic's debut for Milan will be the center of attention following arguably this summer's most high-profile transfer, but Fenerbahce will be determined to spoil the former Barcelona forward's night by defending its home court. 

Pre-game quotes: Fenerbahce vs. Milan

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

Another high-octane opening night encounter comes at Palau Blaugrana as two ambitious teams in Barca and Efes look to start their new eras on the front foot. Even with charismatic coaches Sarunas Jasikevicius and Ergin Ataman now departed, new sidelines chiefs Roger Grimau and Erdem Can will set the same high expectations. Barca newcomers Willy Hernangomez, Dario Brizuela, Joel Parra and Jabari Parker are ready to leave their marks in the EuroLeague, while deposed back-to-back champ Efes can still call upon the scoring power of the explosive Shane Larkin but also added plenty of new talent, including assists magician Darius Thompson and high-flying center Tyrique Jones. It will be fascinating to see which direction these two powerhouse teams will take this season, and Thursday night will provide some early clues.

### Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach

Efes is playing really well. It's a team with lots of intensity and one-on-one skill. They have a lot of quality players who are capable of breaking open a game. Despite the fact that they have many names that resound for their offense, on defense they are very active, and when they run they can be very dangerous.

### Erdem Can, Efes head coach:

First game on the road against a very important team who has a big tradition and plays very tough especially at home. It will be a great challenge for us. We hope to start the season strongly.

### Alex Abrines, Barcelona forward

Efes is a team that in recent years is always fighting to win the title. \[Vasilije\] Micic was a determinant factor for them, but \[Darius\] Thompson showed last season that he plays at a very high level. Player by player, they all have lots of talent. It's a very difficult opponent and they won't make things easy on us. We want to start 1-0.

### Shane Larkin, Efes player

The first game of the EuroLeague season is always important, but I think even more so for us this year. We have started slow each of the last few seasons but with a new group of players and a new coach it will be important for us to try and start off the season with a win. Both teams have changed a lot since last season so whoever comes out with more energy and more intensity will have the edge. We have to focus on that and stick together, if we do that I believe we have a great chance to get a win on the road to start the EuroLeague season.

Another high-octane opening night encounter comes at Palau Blaugrana as two ambitious teams in Barca and Efes look to start their new eras on the front foot. 

Pre-game quotes: Barcelona vs. Efes

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

Players and coaches from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne have spoken to the media ahead of their Round 1 matchup in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season,

 Pre-game quotes: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

The season's opening tipoff will see [Zvezda host ASVEL](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/1/#roster) in the Serbian capital. The hosts flirted with the playoffs last season but fell just short, finishing in 10th position with a 17-17 record. Over the summer, experienced head coach Dusko Ivanovic added proven talent such as [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), [Adam Hanga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/adam-hanga/005099/) and [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) in an attempt to get even stronger. ASVEL has finished in the bottom two of the standings in each of the last two campaigns, and long-serving head coach TJ Parker will hope to change that dynamic in the 2023-24 season. The team has made some new additions as it looks to do just that, with new recruits [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/), [Frank Jackson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-jackson/012732/) and [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) complementing returning veterans like [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) and Joffrey Lauvergne[.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/charles-kahudi/kir/)

### Dusko Ivanovic, Zvezda head coach

"In our first preseason game, their main players De Colo and \[Joffrey\] Lauvergne did not play. Now, everything revolves around that; they are two different teams, with and without them. This is perhaps the most dangerous and difficult game for us because it is the first, everyone expects us to win. The players have support and the crowd will give them more energy. We need to prepare ourselves so we don't burn out. We are experienced enough to be able to play concentrated for 40 minutes."

### Nemanja Nedovic, Zvezda guard

"Our first game in new EuroLeague season will be vs. ASVEL, a team that's team athletically very powerful and has experienced players at the EuroLeague level. Their game is based on De Colo and Lauvergne, and that's where we face the greatest danger. We worked well during the week and we will be ready. In this first-game return to Stark Arena after two seasons, no euphoria is allowed to affect us. We know that it can easily go in the wrong direction. Full focus on the court, and we'll see."

### T.J. Parker, ASVEL head caoch

"We're going to have to put on a better show than we did two days ago in the French League. We've taken a slap in the face, and it's up to us to make the effort to lift our heads. I really expect a reaction from us. We know how tough Crvena Zvezda is and the atmosphere that reigns there. Playing Zvezda in Belgrade, there's no better way to react and see if we have heart."

### Nando De Colo, ASVEL guard

"In the EuroLeague, there's no ideal place to start a season. This will put us straight into the swing of things and teach us a lot about the rest of the season. Zvezda is one of the teams that has strengthened the most over the summer, and has big goals in mind. I'm not at all proud of having finished last in the ranking last season, so it's up to us to create the right team chemistry to build something great this season."

Game News

The two teams face off at Stark Arena in the first game of the new EuroLeague season on Thursday.

Pre-game quotes: Crvena Zvezda vs. LDLC ASVEL

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

German basketball lived its greatest moments last month when its national team won the gold medal at the 2023 Basketball World Cup. The squad was made up of, among others, seven Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players. Now in Round 1 of the new season, four of those gold medalists will be on opposite sides in the German derby in which FC Bayern Munich hosts ALBA Berlin on Friday night.

World champs face off in EuroLeague opener

German basketball lived its greatest moments last month when its national team won the gold medal at the 2023 Basketball World Cup. The squad was made up of, among others, seven Turkish Airlines EuroLeague players. Now in Round 1 of the new season, four of those gold medalists will be on opposite sides in the German derby in which FC Bayern Munich hosts ALBA Berlin on Friday night.

Bayern features three newly crowned world champions, [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/), [Niels Giffey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niels-giffey/001557/) and [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/), while center [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) will be in an ALBA uniform.

"To put Germany on the map with this team and just to be a world champion is just amazing," Bonga said in the video. "It's hard to find to express it into words."

He and his fellow gold medalists will have to put that success behind them as the new EuroLeague season tips off. All the players partly credit their previous EuroLeague experience for playing a big role in the success of the German national team.

Bonga, entering his second EuroLeague season, has the least experience in the competition of the group. Obst is entering his third campaign, Thiemann his fifth, and Giffey is going into his sixth EuroLeague season.

"Playing every week in the EuroLeague prepares yourself perfectly for the World Cup," Thiemann said. "You have so many talented players and competing against the best and every other week is \[the\] best preparation you can have."

In the EuroLeague opener, however, these players will now find themselves on opposite sides as the two biggest German rivals collide in Round 1.

"I just want to have a good game, compete, enjoy it, because that's why we all play basketball," Obst said. "On the court, you're not maybe friends, but off the courts when the game is over, we're all good, we are brothers."

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