After barely missing the playoffs last season, almost no team extended itself in the summer signings market quite like [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2023-24), which added no fewer than 10 new faces for what will be its first season that starts from training camp with veteran head coach Dusko Ivanovic. His ability to jell his mostly veteran newcomers with a core of emblematic Zvezda players will determine how soon and how deeply the team will become a factor in the upcoming season's playoff race.

### BACKCOURT

Serbian icon [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-brings-home-legend-milos-teodosic/), one of the off-season's marquee moves, brings offensive creativity and veteran know-how to the team he supported since childhood. He will be counterbalanced by defensive ace [Adam Hanga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/adam-hanga-is-crvena-zvezda-fourth-summer-signing/), as of last spring a former EuroLeague champ like Teodosic. The balance they offer is mirrored by the only two returning guards, scoring threat [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-brings-back-star-guard-nedovic/) and lock-down defender [Branko Lazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-keeps-team-captain-lazic/). On top of those veterans, Zvezda brought in another pair of point guards with pedigree. [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/shabazz-napier-joins-crvena-zvezda/) put up 15.0 points per EuroLeague game upon joining EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in mid-season after extensive NBA experience. And [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/yago-dos-santos-makes-jump-to-euroleague-with-zvezda/) was the EuroCup's eighth-best performer last season (17.6 PIR) before leading ratiopharm Ulm to a historic German League crown as MVP of the finals. He's now starring for Brazil at the World Cup. In the swing positions are [Stefan Lazarevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/stefan-lazarevic-extends-stay-at-crvena-zvezda-to-2026/), another defensive ace; multi-faceted Serbian international [Dejan Davidovac](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-brings-back-swingman-dejan-davidovac/); and [Rokas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-strengthens-with-rokas-giedraitis-arrival/), who has averaged 11.9 points over his four-season EuroLeague career. Teenage rising star [Nikola Topic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-invests-in-the-future-with-angt-star-nikola-topic/) will also be on hand if needed.

Rokas Giedraitis, Shabazz Napier Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Rokas Giedraitis, Shabazz Napier top plays in the 2022-23 EuroLeague

### FRONTCOURT

Change is even more pronounced on the frontline, where the only returnee ranked among Zvezda's top 13 in minutes played last season is power forward [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-re-signs-fan-favorite-luka-mitrovic/). Veteran centers [Ognjen Kuzmic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-keeps-veteran-big-man-ognjen-kuzmic/) and [Miroslav Raduljica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-brings-raduljica-back-to-the-euroleague/) are back, too, but were used sparsely last season. The same goes for young forward [Dalibor Ilic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-adds-frontcourt-depth-with-ilic/). Two big men coming as reinforcements are familiar to Zvezda fans. Jumping jack center [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-puts-former-champ-joel-bolomboy-in-the-paint/) already won the EuroLeague once and came within a shot of doing so again with Olympiacos Piraeus last season. [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-signs-mike-tobey/) won the EuroCup title before becoming a per-minute impact player the last three seasons with Valencia Basket and FC Barcelona. Last but not least, 2.13-meter Montenegrin international [Marko Simonovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-gets-bigger-with-marko-simonovic/) could well become a difference-maker, especially on the boards, where Zvezda lost three of its top four rebounders last season.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes will be on Milos Teodosic in his long-awaited debut with Zvezda. The 36-year-old passing virtuoso will be instrumental in helping Coach Ivanovic get the best out of this deep lineup. Teodosic conjures easy baskets for others, which is nothing short of gold dust in the Euroleague due to the many high-pressure situations that arise when every game matters. He played almost 20 minutes per game last season with Virtus Segafredo Bologna and no doubt will be deployed in situations when Zvezda needs to keep pace offensively or sustain leads at the ends of quarters. Teodosic's ability to read a game is like a sixth sense. How his new teammates adapt to receiving passes sometimes only he sees coming will determine how quickly Teodosic can unlock the offensive talent around him.

### OUTLOOK

So many new players usually means a longer adjustment period, but Coach Ivanovic has been there and done that many times. The larger challenge is distributing roles and minutes on such a deep roster. The crowd of perimeter talents will likely mean that Ivanovic chooses to play up-tempo often and rotate in players like Davidovac, Giedraitis and even Lazarevic at power forward to juice the pace. Having solid on-ball-defenders like Hanga, Lazic and even Napier gives Zvezda the ability to frustrate opponents early, play smaller inside, run often and substitute a lot. Don't be surprised if Zvezda's bench has a revolving door meant to keep players fresh and keep opponents wondering how to match the rhythm.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

The 2023-24 version of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade started rolling this week with the first practice of the preseason training camp. The team gathered at the small practice hall at Stark Arena and had one session there right before setting off for Kopaonik, where it will spend one full week of preparation before playing a series of friendly games.

Partizan begins preseason training with high goals

The 2023-24 version of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade started rolling this week with the first practice of the preseason training camp. The team gathered at the small practice hall at Stark Arena and had one session there right before setting off for Kopaonik, where it will spend one full week of preparation before playing a series of friendly games.

The first session had a total of 13 participants, including familiar faces [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-swingman-kevin-punter-re-signs-with-partizan/), [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-and-leday-pen-deal-to-remain-together/), [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-lands-forward-smailagic/), [Danilo Andjusic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-brings-andjusic-back-home/) and [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-re-ups-with-james-nunnally/). However, there were also some new faces such as [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-adds-versatility-with-mateusz-ponitka/), [Ognjen Jaramaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ognjen-jaramaz-returns-to-partizan-belgrade/), [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-lands-big-man-kaminsky/) and [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-adds-defensive-ace-pj-dozier-to-the-mix/), who appear eager to start new chapters in their careers with the Adriatic League champs. [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-belgrade-re-signs-playmaker-aleksa-avramovic/) was not present due to his participation in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with the Serbian national team.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Porodica!🖤🤍<br><br>Okupljanje crno-bele ekipe! Prvi timski trening za sezonu 2023/2024 ✊🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/zHg6xdy7HZ">pic.twitter.com/zHg6xdy7HZ</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1696240033936588825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last season, Partizan made it all the way to Game 5 of the playoffs against eventual champion Real Madrid and now, Coach Zeljko Obradovic will try to at least match that success. To do so, Partizan has retained much of the core of the team from last season Obradovic will hope the new additions can bring the missing ingredient that will take the Belgrade to Berlin, Germany, for the Final Four in May.

### Partizan's preseason schedule

Before the start of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Partizan has scheduled several exhibition games and it will also play in a few official ones. Action will start on September 6 with a tournament in Laktasi to commemorate KK Igokea's 50th anniversary. There Partizan will play against Hapoel Jerusalem and Turk Telekom Ankara. On September 18, Partizan will take part in the regional SuperCup in Podgorica, Montenegro, with a first game against Mega. Partizan will visit Athens on September 23 and 24 for a tournament with Panathinaikos Athens, FC Bayern Munich and Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Another Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team with many new faces has started the process of building chemistry as Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade got its preseason going on the outskirts of the Serbian capital in Stara Pazova. After completing the medicals, head coach Dusko Ivanovic gathered his troops for the first official team practice as Zvezda is using the facilities of the Serbian Football Federation for the first seven days of its preseason camp.

[See Zvezda's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Back to the office! First practice ✅<br><br>Danas su crveno-beli odradili prvi timski trening i time i zvanično započeli pripreme za sezonu 2023/24 🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/kXlzIMnNea">pic.twitter.com/kXlzIMnNea</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1695546527484088709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Zvezda has brought nine new players this summer, but more than half of them are still to join the practices. Four players are with their national teams at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Zvezda returnee Dejan Davidovac is with the national team of Serbia; Mike Tobey is dunking passes from Luka Doncic for Slovenia; Yago dos Santos is orchestrating Brazil's offense; and Marko Simonovic is helping in the paint for Montenegro. Also absent is guard Shabazz Napier, who is set to join Coach Ivanovic's squad later this week.

The group that has started with the practices features several EuroLeague veterans, none with more experience than former EuroLeague MVP and champion Milos Teodosic who is set to fulfil his childhood dream and play for Zvezda, his favorite team growing up. Adam Hanga, freshly crowned EuroLeague champ with Real Madrid, also landed in Belgrade this summer, as did another former champ, big man Joel Bolomboy. Sharpshooting forward Rokas Giedraitis completes the list of the players in their first preseason with the club, while Nemanja Nedovic, Luka Mitrovic and team captain Branko Lazic highlight a group of players who remain with the team from last season.

Zvezda is set to play nine preseason games, and the first one on the last day of August when it will square off with a fellow Serbian side Spartak Subotica, followed by home tilts against two more Serbian clubs, KK Dinamik Belgrade and Borac Cacak, on back-to-back nights on September 3 and 4. After that, Zvezda will also play three tournaments against mostly EuroLeague opposition. The first tournament Zvezda goes is in Cagliari, Italy where LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will also be competing, then at the MagentaSport Cup in Munich where FC Bayern Munich, ALBA Berlin and Virtus Segafredo Bologna will also be playing, and finally in Nicosia, Cyprus with Zalgiris Kaunas, Olympiacos Piraeus and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv as the opposition.

Brand new Zvezda gets its training camp going

Nikola Milutinov has been off the radar of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans for more than a year, but he is showcasing with Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup the kind of substantial impact he could have in returning to Olympiacos Piraeus for next season.

On Monday, Serbia registered its second win in as many games in Manila, Philippines, with a 94-77 win over Puerto Rico in their Group B game. Serbia built a 30-point halftime lead, but saw it melt to just 10 points midway through the fourth quarter against three-point happy Puerto Rico.

Milutinov’s dominance for Serbia is good news in Piraeus

[Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) has been off the radar of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans for more than a year, but he is showcasing with Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup the kind of substantial impact he could have in returning to Olympiacos Piraeus for next season.

On Monday, Serbia registered its second win in as many games in Manila, Philippines, with a 94-77 win over Puerto Rico in their Group B game. Serbia built a 30-point halftime lead, but saw it melt to just 10 points midway through the fourth quarter against three-point happy Puerto Rico.

However, when Serbia need its defense to stop the leak, it was Milutinov and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) who stepped up.

### Milutinov's big double-double

Avramovic's trademark energy and perimeter defense and Milutinov's presence in the paint were the main reasons Serbia stopped Puerto Rico's fourth-quarter surge and re-established control. Serbia held Puerto Rico scoreless for more than 3 minutes in the final quarter as baskets by Avramovic started a 10-0 run that turned an 81-71 lead into an unsurmountable 91-71 margin.

While Avramovic, who exited the game later due to an ankle injury, finished with 15 points in 14 minutes on the floor, it was Milutinov who dominated inside the entire game. Playing more than 30 minutes, the veteran big man amassed 12 points on 6-for-11 shooting, 15 rebounds and 3 assists.  The importance of the nine-year EuroLeague veteran Milutinov for this Serbian squad is very clear. Milutinov played the entire third quarter and remained on the floor until Serbia put the difference out of Puerto Rico’s reach at 88-71 with 3:30 left to play.

### Top rebounder since 2017

In Piraeus, they hope for a similar impact from the 28-year old center. This summer, Milutinov returned to Olympiacos, his home for five previous seasons between 2015 and 2020, during which time he emerged as one of the top big men in Europe. He helped the Reds reach the championship game in 2017, but really found his footing in the competition following that season.

So much so that since the 2017-18 season no EuroLeague player has averaged [more than Milutinov's 7.3 rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&fromSeasonCode=E2017&toSeasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Range&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds). He has also posted 9.8 points in 117 games during that time.

Milutinov, who was named the MVP of the Month in December 2020 and has earned weekly MVP honors on six occasions in his career, is heading into the 2023-24 campaign with career totals of 1,497 points, 1,106 rebounds and 177 assists. He is ranked ninth all-time with 509 offensive rebounds, too.

Milutinov will be looking to continue his success in the EuroLeague for Olympiacos, but first has to continue getting the job done for Serbia, whose top scorers against Puerto Rico were Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jovic with 17 points apiece.

This outcome has all but qualified Serbia for the next stage as it sports a 2-0 record in Group B ahead of its clash with South Sudan, while Puerto Rico dropped to 1-1 and will look for a place in the next stage against China on Wednesday.

The arrival of Nikola Mirotic at Olimpia Milano has created a real buzz around the city and the club, which has led to more eyes on the team's training camp than usual. Milano missed out on the playoffs last season, despite a strong finish to the campaign, but the goal heading into the new campaign is to reach the EuroLeague Final Four, something it last did in 2021. Luckily for Milan, Mirotic is an expert at guiding his team to the Final Four.

Excitement builds as Olimpia Milano starts its training camp

The [arrival of Nikola Mirotic at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-inks-former-euroleague-mvp-nikola-mirotic-until-2026/) has created a real buzz around the city and the club, which has led to more eyes on the team's training camp than usual. Milan missed out on the playoffs last season, despite a strong finish to the campaign, but the goal heading into the new campaign is to reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, something it last did in 2021. Luckily for Milan, Mirotic is an expert at guiding his team to the Final Four, having done so in each of the last three years.

### [See Milan's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Re-Start! 🤍❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3kcNz7FqR">pic.twitter.com/B3kcNz7FqR</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1696135555665248613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This summer, Milan has been particularly active with regard to improving its roster, with the likes of [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-moves-from-alba-berlin-to-olimpia-milano/), [Diego Flaccadori](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-wraps-up-move-for-diego-flaccadori/), [Alex Poythress](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alex-poythress-completes-move-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Ismael Kamagate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ismael-kamagate-seals-move-to-milan/), among others, signing for last season's Italian League champion. While Lo is away at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Germany, which is also the case for Kevin Pangos (Canada), Johannes Voigtmann (Germany) and Italian trio Giampaolo Ricci, Stefano Tonut and Nicolo Melli, there was still plenty of star talent on show as Milan got its training camp rolling.

Milan head coach Ettore Messina could not only call upon Mirotic, Flaccadori and Kamagate, but he also had key players such as Devon Hall, Billy Baron, Shavon Shields and Kyle Hines all working under his orders. There was also a chance for two promising Italian recruits, the 22-year-old [Giordano Bortolani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/giordano-bortolani-heads-back-to-olimpia-milano/) and the 24-year-old [Guglielmo Caruso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-inks-big-man-guglielmo-caruso-long-term/), to show what they can do.

Trying to get everyone on the same page is one of the main tasks for Coach Messina, particularly when expectation levels have gone to another level following the signing of Mirotic. Still, Milan fans will no doubt be happy to see some of the team's stars already back at the club's facilities ahead of what should be an intriguing campaign.

### Milan's preseason schedule

Milan has a few friendly games scheduled in the coming weeks, starting on September 6 and leading up to its first game of the new campaign, the Italian Super Cup against Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Brescia on September 23. Among the team's scheduled preseason games, the highlight will be on September 17 against Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece.

More Milan News

Excitement builds as Milan starts its training camp

Cape Verde and its star player, Real Madrid center Edy Tavares, were the talk of the basketball world after the country booked its place at the 2023 FIBA World Cup for the first-ever time back in late February. Six months later, Cape Verde has recorded a historic triumph at the World Cup, defeating Venezuela 75-81 in Okinawa, Japan.

Edy Tavares, Cape Verde make history at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Cape Verde and its star player, Real Madrid center [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), were the talk of the basketball world after the country booked its place at the [2023 FIBA World Cup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-basketball-is-at-the-heart-of-the-2023-fiba-world-cup/) for the first-ever time back in late February. Six months later, in late August, Cape Verde's World Cup adventure began. After suffering a defeat to Tornike Shengelia's Georgia in its World Cup group-stage opener, Tavares and co. responded with a historic triumph just a couple of days later, defeating Venezuela 75-81 in Okinawa, Japan.

What's more, the victory over Venezuela showed one of the main characteristics that got Cape Verde to the World Cup in the first place – heart. With Cape Verde trailing 69-63 with 8:31 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Tavares came in to try and turn the tide. As Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans will be well aware of by now, Tavares made his presence felt.

### Tavares gave Cape Verde the momentum

Tavares remained on the court until the final buzzer sounded, in which time his fourth-quarter stats saw him post 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block as Cape Verde secured the win. For the game as a whole, Tavares had 6 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a +30 in the plus-minus column.

Perhaps fittingly, given his standing as Cape Verde's star player, it was poignant that Tavares was the player who gave his nation a late lead, 72-73, following a dunk with 4:06 remaining. From there, Cape Verde never trailed. He then hit a couple of free throws to extend the advantage to 72-75 with 2:35 left, before his teammates stepped up to finish the job.

### Playing against Slovenia… and Doncic

Cape Verde's triumph on Monday has left the door open for the nation to reach the next phase of the World Cup, but its final game in the first round is against the favorite in Group F, Slovenia. As such, Tavares will come up against former Real Madrid teammate Luka Doncic, with the duo having become EuroLeague champions with *Los Blancos* back in the 2017-18 season, their only campaign together.

Doncic had an incredible 37-point, 7-rebound and 6-assist performance for Slovenia in its opener against Venezuela, a 100-85 win, so Tavares and Cape Verde have a tough job on their hands if they are to stop the current Dallas Mavericks star. On Wednesday, Tavares will try to use all of those hours of playing against Doncic in practice to his advantage, which could give Cape Verde some hope.

Last season, Doncic regularly posted images and comments about Real's EuroLeague games on social media, meaning that he is fully aware of just how dominant Tavares has become in Europe's premier club basketball competition. Now, the two titans will go to battle in what should be a must-watch spectacle for any EuroLeague fan, especially those who follow *Los Blancos*.

More Edy Tavares News

Edy Tavares celebrates Cape Verde's 75-81 win against Venezuela at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Edy Tavares, Cape Verde make history at the World Cup

Anadolu Efes Istanbul did not reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs last season after winning consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022. It is a new era for Efes, with an ambitious new coach, a new star guard and a couple of newcomers ready to make a big impact in the competition. The goal remains the same: fighting for the EuroLeague title. 

Roster Rundown: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

Anadolu Efes Istanbul missed out on the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs last season after winning back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. A new era now begins for Efes with an ambitious new coach in [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-erdem-can-as-its-new-head-coach/), a new star guard and several more newcomers eager to make a big impact in the competition. The goal remains the same: to fight for the EuroLeague title.

Darius Thompson Top Assists of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Darius Thompson; 2022-23 EuroLeague assists leader

### BACKCOURT

[Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/) was Efes's marquee signing this summer. He arrives to fill some big shoes but Thompson has already proven to be a EuroLeague star after a fantastic 2022-23 season with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in which he led the competition in assists (6.7 apg.). Moreover, he did it with a flair, flow and poise rarely seen at this level. With more talent around him, Thompson could take another big step forwards and challenge for an All-EuroLeague spot.

[Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) is back as a fully established superstar. A scoring talent like few others with unlimited range, Larkin also uses his skills to get to the basket from where he can exploit defensive holes and pass the ball to open players. [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-rodrigue-beaubois-come-to-terms-on-new-deal/) is back to offer instant offense: when he gets going, Beaubois is an unstoppable scorer. Beaubois is also a surprising defender with good shot blocking skills. [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/elijah-bryant-renews-at-efes-until-2025/) is a key player on Efes's perimeter due to his size, experience, driving skills and deep shooting range. [Erten Gazi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-re-signs-guard-erten-gazi/) is a great on-the-ball defender, as is playmaker [Dogus Ozdemiroglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-speedy-dogus-ozdemiroglu-to-backcourt/), though the latter may miss most of the season due to injury.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Başarılı pivot Tyrique Jones ile 2 yıllık sözleşme imzaladık! ✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> T-Jones <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouseOfBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HouseOfBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/xcTh6qGXqj">pic.twitter.com/xcTh6qGXqj</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1672545099723440128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### FRONTCOURT

Efes's new lineup should allow [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) to play at this natural position, small forward, more often. Right at the prime of his career, Clyburn can score against any defender due to his outstanding ballhandling, basketball IQ and all-around skills. If a game is on the line, Clyburn may be the team's first option. Newcomers [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/erkan-yilmaz-reunites-with-erdem-can-at-efes/) and [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-brings-in-power-forward-derek-willis/) should see playing time right away. Yilmaz is a versatile forward who can run the floor and attack the rim with great aggressiveness. Willis is a force of nature who can rebound well at both ends and pull the trigger from any angle. [Burak Can Yildizli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-power-forward-burak-can-yildizli/) and [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-young-big-man-ercan-osmani/) are well-rounded forwards give Coach Can even more depth and versatility. 

Few teams will be deeper at center, as Efes has three very different looks. [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-turkish-league-mvp-tyrique-jones/) can play above the rim and use his outstanding physicality to power the boards. [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/) is an unconventional yet very effective center who can score in many ways: jump hooks, catch-and-shoot three-pointers, dunks, you name it. [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) is a great rebounder who is always willing to attack the rim to either score or draw fouls. Young center [Efe Demirel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/efe-demirel/010876/) can learn a lot from all three Efes centers.

Derek Willis ranks fifth all-time in three-point shooting in the 7DAYS EuroCup, burying 60 of 125 attempts (48.0%). Here are some of his best three-pointers with Umana Reyer Venice in the 2022-23 season.

Derek Willis: elite three-point shooter

### PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes will be on Thompson, but Willis is a key addition, too. Willis is the kind of player who can contribute in many ways due to his high intensity and physicality. He is also a very accurate shooter: Willis ranked sixth in three-point shooting (47.5%) and fourth in free-throw accuracy (90.7%) in the 2022-23 EuroCup. He is fifth all-time in that competition in three-point shooting, having made 60 of 125 attempts (48.0%). The only thing missing is EuroLeague experience and how he will respond at this level. Willis, however, has played against EuroLeague teams in domestic competitions in Germany, Spain and Italy. Given his explosiveness, speed and shooting accuracy, Willis may surprise a lot of EuroLeague fans this season.

### OUTLOOK

After spending most of his career as an assistant coach, Can was chosen as the 2022-23 EuroCup Coach of the Year and is now making his debut as a head coach on this stage. Efes changed some key players but kept a core that has been together for a long time. Larkin, Beaubois and Pleiss are now the new locker room veterans. Thompson can put the ball anywhere on the court, and by adding Jones and Willis, Efes could be one of the most fun-to-watch teams in the competition, with a lot of players able to run the floor and finish strong. Consistency should be key for Efes, as it has everything it takes to challenge for a Final Four spot.

Erdem Coach is Anadolu Efes Istanbul's new coach

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Anadolu Efes Istanbul 

Rokas Jokubaitis starred early to set the stage for Lithuania in a 96-66 victory over Mexico on Sunday that secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The FC Barcelona guard erupted for 12 points and 4 assists in the first quarter as Lithuania surged to a 32-17 lead that it protected the rest of the way. 

Rokas Jokubaitis fueled Lithuania's fast start to KO Mexico

FC Barcelona guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) starred early to set the stage for Lithuania in a 96-66 victory over Mexico on Sunday that secured their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 22-year-old erupted for 12 points and 4 assists in the first quarter as Lithuania surged to a 32-17 lead that it protected the rest of the way.

He finished as the game's joint-leader in scoring with 15 points plus a game-high 7 assists. Jokubaitis, who knocked down 3 of his 4 three-point attempts, also had 3 rebounds and 1 steal in amassing a performance index rating of 18, which was third best on the team. He led all players in +/- with a +20 in 19:56 on the floor.

Jonas Valanciunas also scored 15 for the winners and contributed 12 rebounds, too. AS Monaco center [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) and Zalgiris Kaunas guard [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) contributed 10 points apiece. Gabriel Giron scored 13 points to pace Mexico.

The victory ushered Lithuania, which is coached by Zalgiris bench boss Kazys Maksvytis into the second round. They will face Montenegro on Tuesday for first place in Group D.

It's been an exciting start to the tournament for fans of FC Barcelona after Willy Hernangomez, one of four Barça players on the Spanish national team, [dominated in Saturday's victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/willy-hernangomez-spain-fiba-world-cup-barca-barcelona/) over the Ivory Coast.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Run up the floor, receive the pass, jump and 𝙏𝙖-𝙙𝙖𝙨! 🪄 It&#39;s a dunk! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForLithuania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForLithuania</a> 🇱🇹 <a href="https://t.co/ooMAZZuyjc">pic.twitter.com/ooMAZZuyjc</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1695777947532099765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Several players over the years have turned into a different beast when playing for the Spanish national team, and new Barça Basket signing Willy Hernangomez is no different. Last summer he was named the EuroBasket 2022 MVP, and on Saturday he started the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a dominant performance in Spain's 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast.

Willy Hernangomez shines for Spain, gives Barça Basket fans reason to dream

Several players over the years have turned into a different beast when playing for the Spanish national team, and [new FC Barcelona signing Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fc-barcelona-signs-eurobasket-mvp-willy-hernangomez/) is no different. Last summer he was named the EuroBasket 2022 MVP after helping Spain become European champion, and on Saturday he started the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a dominant performance in *La Roja*'s 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The older Hernangomez brother got his work done in a hurry against the Ivory Coast, finishing with a game-high 22 points – in addition to 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal – in just over two-and-a-half quarters of play. In fact, Willy came out of the game with 2:24 minutes remaining in the third quarter, at which point Spain was ahead 71-44, and he was able to see out the rest of the game from the bench.

### Willy Hernangomez put Spain on his back

One of the main reasons why Hernangomez could afford to get some rest was because he had helped put Spain in a more comfortable position. When the 29-year-old came in for Usman Garuba with 6:59 minutes left in the second quarter, Spain's lead had been trimmed to 30-26. What happened next was a sign of the dominance we could witness in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague next season.

Hernangomez went on to score all 14 of Spain's points in a 14-2 run to make it a 44-28 contest, before *La Roja* went into halftime 53-34 ahead. After 20 minutes of play, the new Barcelona center's stat line read: 20 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

After the interval, Hernangomez and Spain did a good job of managing the lead before the big man withdrew from proceedings for good. Another day's work in the office was complete, meaning that Hernangomez could already start to think about Monday's test against Brazil.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Willy Hernangomez was too much to handle dropping 22 PTS on 75%FG, as the reigning World Cup Champs start off their campaign with a comfortable win! 🇪🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InspireGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InspireGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/F8j7mVWxrB">pic.twitter.com/F8j7mVWxrB</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1695462933105611086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Reasons for Barcelona fans to dream

Looking ahead to the new EuroLeague season, a new-look Barcelona team featuring Roger Grimau as head coach and new additions Hernangomez, Dario Brizuela and Joel Parra, all of whom are with Spain at the World Cup, should provide plenty of reason for optimism.

On Saturday against the Ivory Coast, Brizuela finished the game with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, whereas Parra had 3 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Both players will play important minutes for Spain at various points during this World Cup, which should provide them with good learning experiences ahead of their debut campaigns in the EuroLeague.

Hernangomez will have to compete with 2019 EuroLeague MVP Jan Vesely for the starting spot at center, with the Czech big man having posted 9.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in his first year at Palau Blaugrana, but a strong showing at the World Cup would help his case no end.

What's more, if Barca get the Spain version of Willy Hernangomez, another trip to the EuroLeague Final Four should not be out of the question.

More Barcelona News

New FC Barcelona signing Willy Hernangomez celebrates a made basket during Spain's 94-64 victory against the Ivory Coast at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.