Valencia Basket gets down for media day

The media day tour ahead of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season continued on Friday when Valencia Basket hosted its annual session at the L'Alqueria del Basket facilities where the team has been holding its training camp for the last weeks. The  players and coaches engaged in a busy day full of taking part in photo shoots, interviews and social media activities, among other things.

Valencia roster features half-dozen newcomers: guard [Kassius Robertson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-brings-in-scorer-kassius-robertson/), forwards [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-adds-stretch-big-man-nate-reuvers/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-signs-forward-semi-ojeleye/), as well as centers [Damien Inglis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-adds-two-time-eurocup-champ-damien-inglis/), [Boubacar Toure](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-inks-center-boubacar-toure-to-multi-year-deal/) and veteran [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-basket-signs-brandon-davies-to-multi-year-deal/), who has engaged in his seventh media day with a fourth different team.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A message to all the 🍊 fans from Chris Jones🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/8d4x7AJQcs">pic.twitter.com/8d4x7AJQcs</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1702636094511063218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

The only Valencia player who has competed in the EuroLeague longer than Davies is a fellow big man [Victor Claver](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-brings-back-forward-claver/), who is entering his ninth campaign in the competition. The two have re-united at Valencia after previously spending two years together at FC Barcelona.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who better than <a href="https://twitter.com/Xabi6lopez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Xabi6lopez</a> to show us how Damien Inglis is doing on his first EuroLeague Media Day?👇<a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyDEQYFoy4">pic.twitter.com/pyDEQYFoy4</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1702662745575891067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

A revamped Valencia roster, guided by head coach Alex Mumbru, will aim for a strong regular season and place in the playoffs, a feat that has eluded Valencia since its only playoff appearance to date in 2011.

Last season marked a memorable return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Head coach Zeljko Obradovic's team overcame a 4-9 start to reach the playoffs, only to squander a 2-0 series lead and lose to eventual champion Real Madrid. The club's first EuroLeague campaign after eight years was also memorable for the fans who repeatedly packed Stark Arena in Belgrade, turning every home game into a celebration of basketball. This past summer, Partizan has built a roster that it hopes will be the foundation for even more success.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Last season marked a memorable return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Head coach Zeljko Obradovic's team overcame a 4-9 start to reach the playoffs, only to squander a 2-0 series lead and lose to eventual champion Real Madrid. The club's first EuroLeague campaign after eight years was also memorable for the fans who repeatedly packed Stark Arena in Belgrade, turning every home game into a celebration of basketball. This past summer, Partizan has built a roster that it hopes will be the foundation for even more success.

### BACKCOURT

The go-to guy for Partizan will once again be All-EuroLeague guard [Kevin Punter](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fall-euroleague-swingman-kevin-punter-re-signs-with-partizan%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482827492%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WXZAjEHEwNmMEx%2BoKrVuPISZ3XH67EZ8MxRhiM7BcH4%3D&reserved=0), who finished as the EuroLeague's seventh-best scorer, with 16.1 points per game last season, including 22.7 in the playoffs against Real Madrid. Punter came up clutch time and time again for Partizan, as did veteran swingman [James Nunnally](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-re-ups-with-james-nunnally%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482827492%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tvM2hVNWE5Ob%2FwTIhqfiV3GtSAXLNQHb9tSZVx3mpBw%3D&reserved=0), who will be entering his fifth season with two different clubs under Coach Obradovic. What's unique about this backcourt with three weeks to go before the start of the season is that it lacks a career-long point guard.

Kevin Punter | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

As it stands now, playmaking duties will be in the hands of [Aleksa Avramovic](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-belgrade-re-signs-playmaker-aleksa-avramovic%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FWtnCgLdxMwDRYOQE6999wtJ1d3WxjOkJaUxate%2FfFA%3D&reserved=0), [Ognjen Jaramaz](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fognjen-jaramaz-returns-to-partizan-belgrade%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gGe%2F82dJACNUVhSwMIkhJlxl5G9H8F21zJz71I%2B4968%3D&reserved=0) and [PJ Dozier](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-adds-defensive-ace-pj-dozier-to-the-mix%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=MhUPqOI5IT24ZgMr6LGOgdqG2o0TK1nHEFXAYAYdgMk%3D&reserved=0). Both Jaramaz and Avramovic have been primarily scoring guards who turned into ball-handlers. Jaramaz, a die-hard, life-long Partizan fan, has returned to his native club after two seasons with FC Bayern. Avramovic, a stellar defender, will be in his third season with the team, over which time ha has grown into the playmaking role. Dozeir is a do-it-all guard who can score in bunches, but is also a defensive ace able to guard positions "one" through "four". Hard-charging small forward [Mateusz Ponitka](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-adds-versatility-with-mateusz-ponitka%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GH94J5e6qVoooftyzyYymgvfJdxF2jvYjqrqJhEl6xo%3D&reserved=0) is no stranger to creating for his teammates, either, while Danilo Andjusic is a trusted sharpshooter off the bench who can change the dynamic of a game on any given night.

### FRONTCOURT

Very much like its backcourt, Partizan's frontcourt exudes versatility. Under the basket, [Zach Leday](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-and-leday-pen-deal-to-remain-together%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5EZ46fJtEh%2F6yEcmetVS4HbLZbeWMQChbeCsMaedr5c%3D&reserved=0) will continue to be a force for his fourth season in a Partizan uniform. Whether playing power forward or center, LeDay does it all at a high level. He will be mostly paired with Partizan's splashy summer signing, center [Frank Kaminsky](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizan-lands-big-man-kaminsky%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aB5Z42r7ald%2F0ICR4xKhvB%2BBj2DItEvKj3lVCIs37qc%3D&reserved=0), who is known for his high basketball IQ and great shooting range. Young big man Alen Smailagic, who plays both frontcourt positions, plans to build on his rookie EuroLeague season and his 7.4 points on 66.7% three-point shooting in the playoffs.

Best of Zach LeDay, 2022-23

Around these three, Partizan has youngsters with EuroLeague experience ready to contribute. The 22-year old small forward Uros Trifunovic started 11 games last season, and usually brings great energy on the court. Even-younger, 20-year old shooting threat Tristan Vukcevic will hope to get more chances after logging 13 appearances a season ago. Meanwhile, center [Balsa Koprivica](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fbalsa-koprivica-renews-at-partizan-belgrade-until-2025%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7Ccf5e3b190fd045af75f108dbb5da50bb%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638303721482983703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WtjZMMy7exe%2BKLGljAJhf7WCsffd8q0Zdj3scyvftWw%3D&reserved=0) hopes to put an injury-plagued season behind him and return to his 2021-22 form, when he led the EuroCup in blocks and offensive rebounds per-40 minutes.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Aleksa Avramovic missed the first 14 EuroLeague games last season with a broken right arm, and then broke his left hand in Game 3 of the playoffs against Real Madrid. In between, Avramovic with his never-stop motor, was one of the main protagonists in Partizan's season. What speaks about his impact more than 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game is the fact that Partizan had a 17-6 record in games that Avramovic played. Coming off a memorable World Cup where he harassed opposing playmakers with his relentless defense en route to Serbia winning the silver medal, this fan favorite is set to be a big impact player for Partizan this season.

Aleksa Avramovic best plays of the 2022-23 season

### OUTLOOK

After coming with one victory of reaching the Final Four a season ago, Partizan is not hiding its ambition to get there this time. The majority of the core players from last season has been kept in place for Coach Obradovic, and Partizan went out to hand-pick four additions who can fit right in. Partizan had a very slow start last season but still managed to overcome it. It will be key for this team to avoid digging itself another hole by getting its engines started early. Punter & co. certainly plan to do that with the help of their fans, who made every home game last season a must-see event. It will be no different at Stark Arena this season again, giving Partizan all the motivation it needs to take one step further.

Virtus Bologna has confirmed the dismissal of head coach Sergio Scariolo. The Italian, whose contract was set to expire next summer, led Virtus back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after winning the BKT EuroCup title in the 2021-22 season. In its first season back in the EuroLeague after a 15-year absence, Scariolo's Virtus had a 14-20 record and finished 14th in the standings, thus missing the playoffs.

Virtus Bologna parts ways with Sergio Scariolo

Virtus Segafredo Bologna has confirmed the dismissal of head coach [Sergio Scariolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/scariolo-sergio/). The Italian, whose contract was set to expire next summer, led Virtus back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after [winning the BKT EuroCup title](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec21-final-virtus-bursaspor-report/) in the 2021-22 season. In its first season back in the EuroLeague after a 15-year absence, Scariolo's Virtus had a 14-20 record and finished 14th in the standings, thus missing the playoffs.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Comunicazione esonero di Sergio Scariolo ⬇<a href="https://t.co/n92UuvZXm1">https://t.co/n92UuvZXm1</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1702607014407373127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A two-year run with Virtus

Scariolo returned to his native Italy in the summer of 2021 to take charge of Virtus, having worked as an assistant for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA alongside being the head coach of the Spanish national team. Virtus had the fourth-best regular-season record in Group B of the EuroCup in 2021-22, before downing Liekabelis Panevezys, ratiopharm Ulm, Valencia Basket and Frutti Extra Bursaspor en route to the title. 

Unsurprisingly, given the size of Virtus as a club, there was a lot of expectation heading into its first EuroLeague season in 15 years. With the likes of Milos Teodosic, Toko Shengelia and Marco Belinelli all under contract, it was thought that the Italian side would have enough to make a strong push for the playoffs. Yet, a mixture of injuries and disappointing results saw the team's season come to a premature end, with Virtus going 3-7 in its final 10 games of the campaign.

The Virtus Head Coach reflects on the team's EuroCup success that booked them a ticket to the 22/23 EuroLeague campaign. He explores their ambitions for the season.

Sergio Scariolo: Back to the EuroLeague

### The reason for his dismissal

In an announcement posted by the club, Virtus confirmed that Scariolo has been relieved of his duties after comments made during both an end-of-season press conference and a press conference that took place two days ago, in which he stated: "The club built this team, and they gave it to me." Scariolo also stated that guard Iffe Lundberg would not be part of the team, despite having one year left on his contract.

"The coach's statements released to the press on September 13, 2023, which follow those released during the end-of-season press conference on June 27, 2023, unfortunately undermine the serenity and enthusiasm of the Virtus environment and of the group that is preparing to face the first official commitments of the new sporting season with the aim of achieving important results at both the national and international level," read Virtus's statement.

More Virtus Bologna News

Sergio Scariolo on the sideline during a Virtus Segafredo Bologna game in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Virtus parts ways with Sergio Scariolo

The preseason run-up to the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is underway across Europe with individual friendly games and prestigious tournaments serving to help all teams take what they are preparing at training camp onto the court for testing.

Find below the preseason calendar and results for all EuroLeague teams so you can monitor their results in the buildup for the start of the regular season.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team-by-team 2023-24 preseason calendar, results

### SEPTEMBER

3 **ALBA Berlin 78-81 Veolia Towers Hamburg**, Friendly game, Oranienburg, Germany

10 **Basketball Lowen 89-90 ALBA Berlin**, Friendly game, Braunschweig, Germany

16 **ALBA Berlin vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA Berlin vs. Bayern or Zvezda**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. ALBA Berlin**, Basket for Lugo, Lugo di Romagna, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 79-91 Anadolu Efes Istanbul**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 83-82 Lokomotiv Kuban**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

9 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 79-87 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

12 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 94-87 Tofas Bursa**, Friendly game, Antalya, Turkey

14 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul 68-59 Pinar Karsiyaka**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

15 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. CSKA Moscow**, TUBAD Tournament, Beldibi, Turkey

17 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Besiktas Istanbul**, Friendly game, Beldibi, Turkey

23 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### AUGUST

30 **Bahcesehir Koleji 78-94 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Manisa BB Spor 77-91 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

3 **Yılyak Samsunspor 66-88 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

6 **Tofas Bursa 83-89 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

8 **Besiktas Istanbul 95-70 AS Monaco**, Gloria Cup, Antalya, Turkey

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 105-73 Zunder Palencia**, Friendly game, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

12 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 93-77 Casademont Zaragoza**, Friendly game, Pamplona, Spain

15 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Surne Bilbao Basket**, Euskalcopa, Galdakano, Spain

19 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Derthona Basket**, Trofeo Alava-Araba, Tortona, Spain

24 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Rio Breogan**, Friendly game, Spain

30 **Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Bilbao Basket**, Opening Game 2023, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

### AUGUST

31 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 94-58 Spartak Subotica**, Friendly game, Stara Pazova, Serbia

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 84-50 KK Dinamik**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

4 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 90-73 Borac Mozzart**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

9 **Dinamo Sassari 76-71 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77-74 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, third-place, Cagliari, Italy

16 **FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **Crvena Zvezda vs. ALBA or Virtus**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

6 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 96-86 Tortona**, Memorial Bottacin, Vigevano, Italy

9 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 95-78 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Sassari 63-83 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**, City of Cagliari 2023, Final, Cagliari, Italy

17 **Olympiacos vs. A7 Emporio Armani Milan**, The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Athens, Greece

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Lleida 80-103 FC Barcelona**, Friendly game, Lleida, Spain

11 **FC Barcelona 104-92 Basket Girona**, Lliga Catalana, Lleida, Spain

12 **FC Barcelona 81-79 Baxi Manresa**, Lliga Catalana, Final, Lleida, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

17 **Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia and Malaga**, Supercopa Endesa, Final, Murcia, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

2 **FC Bayern Munich 90-75 SIG Strasbourg**, Friendly game, Munich, Germany

6 **Coviran Granada 91-79 FC Bayern Munich**, Friendly game, Granada, Spain

8 **Unicaja Malaga 80-73 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torrox, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

16 **FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda** , MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **FC Bayern Munich vs. ALBA or Virtus**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC  Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

6 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 100-93 Bahçeşehir Koleji**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

11 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul 75-60 Zenit St Petersburg**, Friendly game, Istanbul, Turkey

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

21 **MBA vs. Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

23 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. CSKA Moscow or Lokomotiv Kuban**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Moscow, Russian Federation

24 **Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, VTB SuperCup 2023, Final or classification, Moscow, Russian Federation

### AUGUST

23 **Lyonso Basket 41-85 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, La Canopee, France

26 **Chorale Basketball vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, France

28 **Dijon 102-83 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, Friendly game, France

### SEPTEMBER

1 **LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 84-69 Friburg Olympic Basket**, Friendly game, Villeurbanne, France

9 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 95-78 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, Cagliari, Italy

10 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77-74 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**, City of Cagliari 2023, third-place, Cagliari, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 89-68 Hapoel Holon**, Friendly game, Tel Aviv, Israel

15 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Fernerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

22 **Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

7 **Promitheas 61-45 Olympiacos Piraeus**, Friendly game, Greece

17 **Olympiacos vs. A7 Emporio Armani Milan**, The Night of The Legend Vassilis Spanoulis, Piraeus, Greece

22 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

### SEPTEMBER

4 **Panathinaikos Athens 91-80 Krka Novo Mesto**, Friendly game, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

7 **Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 90-78 Panathinaikos Athens**, Friendly game, Ljubljana, Slovenia

9 **Panathinaikos Athens 98-82 U-BT Cluj-Napoca**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

10 **Peristeri 75-84 Panathinaikos Athens**, 4th Nikos Fassouras Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

16 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

17 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**, Nick Galis International Tournament, Rhodes, Greece

23 **Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC  Bayern Munich**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 86-81 Hapoel Jerusalem**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

9 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 75-71 Turk Telekom Ankara**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

10 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 74-54 CSKA Moscow**, Igokea 50th Anniversary, Final, Laktasi, Bosnia and Herzegovina

13 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 93-63 Fuenlabrada**, Friendly game, Belgrade, Serbia

18 **Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Mega MIS Belgrade**, ABA SuperCup, Podgorica, Montenegro

23 **Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

24 **Panathinaikos, Efes, Bayern and Partizan**, 5th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, Athens, Greece

### SEPTEMBER

2 **Real Madrid 81-85 Surne Bilbao Basket**, Friendly game, Pamplona, Spain

9 **Real Madrid 85-65 FC Bayern Munich**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Torre de Benagalbon, Spain

10 **Unicaja Malaga 83-66 Real Madrid**, Torneo Costa del Sol, Malaga, Spain

16 **FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid**, Supercopa Endesa, Murcia, Spain

17 **Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia and Malaga**, Supercopa Endesa, Final, Murcia, Spain

### AUGUST

27 **Valencia Basket 79-72 Joventut Badalona**, Friendly game, Salou, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

1 **Valencia Basket 92-78 ratiopharm Ulm**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Menorca, Spain

2 **Dreamland Gran Canaria 72-77 Valencia Basket**, Estrella Damm Ciutat de Mao, Final, Menorca, Spain

6 **Valencia Basket 87-61 Casademont Zaragoza**, Memorial Pepe Lanzuela, Teruel, Spain

9 **Monbus Obradoiro 71-76 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Spain

10 **Rio Breogan 75-80 Valencia Basket**, Friendly game, Pazo dos Deportes, Spain

16 **Valencia Basket vs. Coviran Granada**, Torneig Ciutat de Lliria, Spain

### SEPTEMBER

3 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 69-73 Pesaro**, Friendly game, Faenza, Italy

10 **Virtus Segafredo Bologna 91-86 Cremona**, Friendly game, Parma, Italy

16 **ALBA Berlin vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, Munich, Germany

17 **ALBA, Bayern, Virtus and Zvezda**, MagentaSport Cup 2023, third-place and Final, Munich, Germany

23 **EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna**, SuperCoppa, Brescia, Italy

24 **Milan, Virtus, Brescia and Tortona**, SuperCoppa, Final, Brescia, Italy

### SEPTEMBER

8 **Zalgiris Kaunas 90-57 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys**, Friendly game, Kaunas, Lithuania

13 **Zalgiris Kaunas 80-59 VEF Riga**, Friendly game, Kaunas, Lithuania

22 **Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

23 **Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas**, OPAP Tournament "Neofytos Chandriotis", Nicosia, Cyprus

Team-by-team 2023-24 preseason calendar, results

The capital of Serbia showed its passion for basketball once again, but this time in an unusual setting, as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade hosted Spanish side Fuenlabrada for a preseason game on the outdoor court at Tasmajdan Stadium in front of a 7,500-strong sell-out crowd on Wednesday night. It was Partizan's only game in Belgrade before the new season starts, an occasion made even more special by holding it at an open-air venue in the same park where basketball was first played in Serbia nearly a century ago.

Partizan gifts fans a preseason night to remember

The capital of Serbia showed its passion for basketball once again, but this time in an unusual setting as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade hosted Spanish side Fuenlabrada for a preseason game on the outdoor court at Tasmajdan Stadium in front of a 7,500-strong sell-out crowd on Wednesday night.

It was Partizan's only game in Belgrade before the new season starts, an occasion made even more special by holding it at an open-air venue in the same park where basketball was first played in Serbia nearly a century ago.

On a warm, beautiful evening, the action tipped off in daylight but was already being played under a night sky by the start of the second half, by which time Partizan had switched from white to black jerseys, so the fans on hand could be the first to see the team's new home and away uniforms.

"Growing up we always played outside so being able to actually play an actual game, as a professional, outside, kind of give you the childhood feel again," Partizan newcomer PJ Dozier said of his first taste the atmosphere at a Partizan game. "It was amazing. I feel like half of the time I was paying attention to the fans rather than what's going on in the game."

Veteran swingman James Nunnally, who was instrumental in Partizan reaching the EuroLeague Playoffs last season, was not surprised at how the club's fans rose to the occasion.

"We always talk about how great \[our fans\] are, but this just shows: preseason game, packed out, outdoors," Nunnally said. "Different environment, but the same fans, same vibes."

The occasion was made even more special with the visit of the Spanish side Fuenlabrada. The two clubs nurture a special relationship ever since the 1991-92 season when Partizan hosted its EuroLeague games in Fuenlabrada's gym due to the war in the former Yugoslavia. Fuenlabrada fans took Partizan's team as their own. Partizan proceeded to win its only EuroLeague title that season under rookie head coach Zeljko Obradovic, who is back on the team's bench now after conquering European basketball like no one else.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Da li ste spremni za novu sezonu?✊🏽<br><br>Are you ready for the new season?<a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#KKPartizan</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@EuroLeague</a> <a href=https://t.co/H5Ze18C2YQ>pic.twitter.com/H5Ze18C2YQ</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href=https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1702250654364737812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>September 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>



As far as the game goes, Partizan dominated in a 93-63 win, with All-EuroLeague guard Kevin Punter leading the way with 14 points, big man Frank Kaminsky adding 13 and Alen Smailagic scoring 12.

"We expect another fun year", Danilo Andjusic said after a special night in his hometown. "Last year we had a great season, and I think we can do even better. I hope we can go step higher, and we are all ready for that."

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has not been to the Final Four since it last won the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown in 2014. The decade-long drought is the longest the club has endured since the Final Four was adopted by the EuroLeague in 1988. Maccabi came close last season when it took AS Monaco to five games in the playoffs and led in the fourth quarter before coming up short. Coach Oded Kattash is back this season with most of last season's stars and their goal is nothing short of leading an army of fans in yellow to the German capital to play for the title this season. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv  

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/games/tel/?season=2023-24) has not been to the Final Four since it last won the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown in 2014. The decade-long drought is the longest the club has endured since the Final Four was adopted by the EuroLeague in 1988. Maccabi came close last season when it took AS Monaco to five games in the playoffs and led in the fourth quarter before coming up short. [Coach Oded Kattash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/kattash-oded/?season=E2023) is back this season with most of last season's stars and their goal is nothing short of leading an army of fans in yellow to the German capital to play for the title this season.

### BACKCOURT

No argument about the best guard tandem in the league can take place without discussing[ Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/). The two were both named to the All-EuroLeague Team last season; they were the only two guard teammates on the team. Baldwin is the better scorer of the two and Brown is more of a playmaker, but they can and often do reverse those roles, which is what makes them so dangerous.

Lorenzo Brown | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Team captain [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) enters his seventh EuroLeague campaign and over that time has performed a key role as a three-and-D player who can also handle the ball. [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), the son of former EuroLeague-winning head coach David Blatt, joined the team this summer and will be the main playmaker off the bench.

The reigning two-time Australian League defensive player of the year, swingman [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-tel-aviv-brings-in-defensive-star-antonius-cleveland/) will make his EuroLeague debut this season. Cleveland is more than just an elite defender though and his athleticism and aggressiveness when attacking the rim could be a major asset for Maccabi. Small forward [Rafi Menco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rafi-menco/004233/) returns after making 22 appearances as a EuroLeague rookie last season to provide defense and energy off the bench. 

Focus on: Bonzie Colson, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

### FRONTCOURT

[Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) impressed many last season, his first in the competition. Though he played mostly small forward, Colson is big and strong enough to play at the "four" when Coach Kattash wants to run with a smaller lineup. His mix of strong outside shooting and a nose for rebounding ensure that Colson is a constant mismatch threat. The same can be said of [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-webb-iii/011971/), who joined Maccabi after his rookie season with Valencia Basket. Webb, however, is more likely to play the "four" and "five" spots, where his outside shooting on offense and ability to fight in the paint on defense is an intriguing tool.

[Jake Cohen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jake-cohen/005145/) stepped into the starting lineup last season when Alex Poythress was injured and ended up setting career highs in minutes plays, rebounds and assists. The skills he displayed will ensure that he continues to play an important role in his age 33 season. Meanwhile, [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/) has continued to improve throughout his two seasons with Maccabi and has been a true difference-maker off the bench at both ends.

Roman Sorkin's top plays 2022-23

[Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) started 33 games for Maccabi at center and the high-flyer is back as a force in the paint, where he frustrates opponents and thrills Maccabi fans alike with his alley-oop slams and blocked shots. Another signing from Valencia, [Jaisel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) will give the team a different look and type of scoring threat in the paint. Thanks to Nebo, Rivero and Sorkin, Maccabi should be among the best offensive-rebounding teams around.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Maccabi has eight players back from last season and among its new faces, only one lacks EuroLeague experience. What Antonius Cleveland doesn't lack, however, is EuroLeague-level talent. He should be able to easily carve out a role for himself from the start thanks to his stellar defense. It's on the other end of the court where it will be determined how high Cleveland can soar. His athleticism will ensure that he can be a force in transition, but with Maccabi's great playmakers, Cleveland must be able to knock down open threes to take his game – and the Maccabi attack – to the next level. That is why Cleveland is a player to watch this season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Work in progress...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/J5MTTTtlI4">pic.twitter.com/J5MTTTtlI4</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1701885014550426090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### OUTLOOK

History has shown that continuity is always a major plus for title contenders and Maccabi has leaned into that. How quickly the handful of new players adjusts to the game plan will affect how quickly Maccabi comes out of the gate. On paper, Maccabi has a team that can go far. It is also a very hungry one; no active player has ever been to the Final Four. Will 2024 be the year that changes?

If you are already itching to witness yet another unpredictable season of elite basketball in which every game truly matters, EuroLeague TV is here to deliver for you. This is the perfect time to guarantee yourself all the non-stop drama that the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has to offer. From now until September 27 only, the EuroLeague TV Annual Pass is on sale at a 20% early-bird discount!

Get your early-bird discount on the EuroLeague TV annual pass!

If you are already itching to witness yet another unpredictable season of elite basketball in which every game truly matters, EuroLeague TV is here to deliver for you.

This is the perfect time to guarantee yourself all the non-stop drama that the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has to offer. [From now until September 27 only, the EuroLeague TV Annual Pass is on sale at a 20% early-bird discount](https://euroleague.tv/signup?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=PR&utm_campaign=sept-2023_elbird)!

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Indeed, the new season blasts off in the first week of October with one of the biggest opening-round games imaginable as new-look [Panathinaikos Athens hosts archrival Olympiacos Piraeus in the Greek Derby](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-athens-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/7/#roster) after league icon Kostas Sloukas switched from the Reds to the Greens over the summer – can't-miss basketball in the very first week!

Before October has a chance to end, defending champion [Real Madrid and FC Barcelona play their first clásico of the EuroLeague season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fc-barcelona/E2023/40/#roster) while – on the same night! – [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade stage a cross-town derby](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/39/#roster) loud enough to shake the foundations in the Serbian capital.

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The run of media days ahead of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season got going on Wednesday in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, as Baskonia's players and staff welcomed journalists from the EuroLeague, local media and its broadcast partners for photos shoots and interviews at Buesa Arena. 

Baskonia serves up media day

The run of media days ahead of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season got going on Wednesday in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, as Baskonia's players and staff welcomed journalists from the EuroLeague, local media and its broadcast partners for photos shoots and interviews at Buesa Arena. [Coach Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/penarroya-joan/?season=E2023) leads a young squad that boasts both a returning core and several new players. There is a lot of excitement around the players, such as the backcourt of [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and [Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/011064/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Markus and Nico got a message for you <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a> fans 🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/markushoward11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@markushoward11</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/niccolomannion?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@niccolomannion</a> <a href="https://t.co/CIHGrGQEKx">pic.twitter.com/CIHGrGQEKx</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1701886082416001218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The entire team went through a series of stops to be filmed and photographed for web sites, media guides, social media and more. And they made the most of it with Howard clearly enjoying the antics of [Dani Diez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-diez/003198/) as the latter brough the emotion to his photos.


<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/danidiez11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danidiez11</a> got Markus rolling on the floor 😂<a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z5NDoO3kOS">pic.twitter.com/Z5NDoO3kOS</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1701937718559666484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


There is optimism at the beginning of every season and Baskonia's new additions who were on display Wednesday represent all the reasons fans in Vitoria-Gasteiz can be hopeful in 2023-24. The newcomers are all players on the way up who have already found success in their careers such as [Chime Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), who reached the Final Four last season with AS Monaco; [Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khalifa-diop/008072/), the 2021-22 EuroCup Rising Star; Mannion, who won the 2022 EuroCup with Virtus Segafredo Bologna; 22-year-old Greek star [Nikos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/), and flashy playmaker [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🤗 Así ha sido el Media Day desde detrás de cámaras 📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/KJrZSjEf7n">pic.twitter.com/KJrZSjEf7n</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1701946549218013332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, is back at it in 2023-24 to try to make another assault to the crown. Coach Dimitris Itoudis has the bulk of the roster from last season back plus some new names that look like they will fill in the gaps to produce a roster more than covered at all positions. Last season, Fenerbahce made the playoffs from the eighth place in what was probably the most competitive EuroLeague regular season ever. After that, it fell to Olympiacos Piraeus in a playoff series that went all the way to Game 5. With the team mechanisms already in place and just a few new pieces to fit in the puzzle, Fenerbahce is ready to get back to the Final Four next May in Berlin.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

The 2017 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion, [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2023-24), is back at it in 2023-24 to try to make another assault to the crown. Coach Dimitris Itoudis has the bulk of the roster from last season back plus some new names that look like they will fill in the gaps to produce a roster more than covered at all positions. Last season, Fenerbahce made the playoffs from the eighth place in what was probably the most competitive EuroLeague regular season ever. After that, it fell to Olympiacos Piraeus in a playoff series that went all the way to Game 5. With the team mechanisms already in place and just a few new pieces to fit in the puzzle, Fenerbahce is ready to get back to the Final Four next May in Berlin.

### BACKCOURT

Fenerbahce's backcourt has kept most of its names from last season, ensuring that the team engine will be well-oiled and running from the get-go. [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-lands-scoring-ace-wilbekin/) and [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-extends-guduric-three-more-years/) are EuroLeague household names. They will team up with [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-brings-tyler-dorsey-aboard/) to form a trio of dangerous backcourt scorers. Dorsey joined the team midway through the last campaign and should have an even bigger impact over a full season. 

Playmaker [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-seals-move-for-yam-madar-the-2022-23-euroleague-rising-star/) won the EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade last season. A pesky defender, Madar will take on an even more important role due to the knee injury suffered at the Basketball World Cup by summer signing [Raul Neto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-inks-ex-nba-guard-raul-neto/). The versatile [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-adds-guard-talent-hazer/) enters his third season with Fenerbahce looking to establish himself as a key piece in the rotation. Veteran team captain [Melih Mahmutoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-mahmutoglu-sign-two-year-extension/) completes the backcourt with experience that will always come in handy off the bench. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🤜🤛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/gasXRxhLBo">pic.twitter.com/gasXRxhLBo</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1701279045931925559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

At small forward, [Dyshawn Pierre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-extends-dyshawn-pierre/) will start his fourth EuroLeague season - all with Fenerbahce - as he has already become a fan-favorite. He teams up nicely with [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-nigel-hayes-davis-extend-contract-to-2026/), who started in all 39 of his EuroLeague appearances last season. Both players are versatile forwards and tough defenders who will do whatever it takes to help the team win. 

[Metecan Birsen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-locks-metecan-birsen-in/) increased his numbers dramatically last season, but this season he will also have competition for minutes from [Nathan Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-lands-forward-nate-sestina/), who shined with Turk Telekom in his EuroCup debut last season. Newcomer [Yigit Hamza Mestoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-invests-in-future-with-forward-mestoglu/), a 19-year-old big man who arrives with Spanish League experience, provides depth as he learns the ropes in the EuroLeague. 

Metecan Birsen Top Plays from 10/01/2022 to 05/30/2023

Fenerbahce locks Metecan Birsen in

Fenerbahce has three centers who could emerge as nightmares for their opponents. Things start with [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-inks-center-motley/), a player who has already made a big impact on the team after just one season. He averaged 14.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 36 appearances, quickly earning the fans's favor. Two newcomers join him in the paint, [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/sertac-sanli-returns-to-turkiye-joins-fenerbahce/) and [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-anchors-paint-with-georgios-papagiannis/). A 2021 EuroLeague champ with Anadolu Efes, Sanli returns to Turkey after two seasons with Barcelona, but this time he has switched Istanbul sides. His presence in the paint is always a guarantee for defense, as is Papagiannis's.

The latter arrives from Panathinaikos, where it looked like he would become a franchise player for years to come. Coach Itoudis didn't pass up the opportunity to recruit one of the most impressive big men in the league to complete a trio that will claim its territory wherever it plays.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard Yam Madar has capped off his debut season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by being named the 2022-23 EuroLeague Rising Star. The 22-year-old is the first Israeli to secure the prize and the third player for Partizan to do so, following Novica Velickovic (2008-09) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (2013-14).

2022-23 EuroLeague Rising Star: Yam Madar, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Yam Madar is at an important crossroads in his career. When he was recruited by bench wizard Zeljko Obradovic, few knew of him. He only needed a couple of seasons at Partizan to make everyone notice. A member of the Israeli national team, Madar soon exploded in the EuroCup and he reaffirmed his position last season in the EuroLeague. Madar averaged 5.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 38 EuroLeague appearances, 24 of them as a starter, and was one of the main factors to put the Belgrade team back into the playoffs. His performance did not go unnoticed as coaches chose him to win the 2022-23 EuroLeague Rising Star Award. 

Now, Madar leaves the club that lifted him up to join a project that aspires to go all the way in the EuroLeague. Having gotten used to the demanding Partizan fans will give him a bit of an advantage when playing for an equally passionate fanbase in Istanbul. The key for Madar will now be adapting to a new system and showing Coach Itoudis - a former apprentice of Coach Obradovic - that he can fit and shine in his system, too.

### OUTLOOK

Last season, Fenerbahce was just one game away from reaching the Final Four, even after undergoing a massive transformation that had started on the bench with the arrival of Coach Itoudis. For this new campaign, the team has kept most of its roster and signed a few additions that could make all the difference. With an explosive combination of youth, experience and talent, Fenerbahce will try to go all the way again to lift its second EuroLeague title. In such a competitive league it will not be easy, so Fener will want to hit the ground running. If Itoudis manages to fit the new pieces flawlessly, Fenerbahce could be a title contender from very early in the season.