Zalgiris Kaunas announced that it has signed big man Brady Manek, who will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut this season with the Lithuanian champs. 

Zalgiris adds Brady Manek to frontline

Zalgiris Kaunas has announced that Brady Manek has joined the club on a one-year contract with an option for a second season. Manek (2.06 meters, 24 years old) arrives from Tofas Bursa, where he played the tail end of last season. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 13 Turkish League games. Manek began his professional career in Australia with the Perth Wildcats. He was worth 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 30 appearances in Australia, too. The American forward will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut in the 2023-24 season.

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### Making a name in college

Manek played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma and the University of North Carolina prior to turning professional. At Oklahoma, he became a star and impressed in all four of his years there. In the 2017-18 season, he posted 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games. He swelled those numbers to 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds across 34 appearances in 2018-19, before earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors in 2020 after averaging 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 31 contests. In his final year at Oklahoma, Manek averaged 10.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25 games.

In the summer of 2021, Manek took the decision to transfer to North Carolina. There, he had his best scoring season to date, averaging 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 39 appearances. In particular, he is remembered by North Carolina fans for his 28-point outing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Marquette University. North Carolina was eliminated in the second round, but in April 2022, Manek was named as the winner of the Riley Wallace Player of the Year Award, which is given to the top transfer player in college basketball.

Manek will be hoping to not only find a home at Zalgiris but remind the world what he is capable of as he embarks upon a new journey in the EuroLeague.

Zalgiris Kaunas news

Brady Manek, Zalgiris Kaunas's latest signing, in action for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League.

Zalgiris confirms the signing of Brady Manek

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has been rich historically in rivalries. While some are born out of geography, like the many derbies played out every season, there are many others whose roots come from repeated high-stakes contests. Here are some budding rivalries that have heated up over the last couple of years and are certain to bring excitement to the 2023-24 season. 

Calendar highlights: Budding rivalries

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has been rich historically in rivalries. While some are born out of geography, like the many derbies played out every season, there are many others whose roots come from repeated high-stakes contests. Here are some budding rivalries that have heated up over the last couple of years and are certain to bring excitement to the 2023-24 season. 

### Rounds 5 and 18: AS Monaco vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

This was one of three quarterfinals series that went the distance last season and the parties involved walked away with mutual respect. That said, Maccabi sill surely see Monaco as a team it must hurdle past as it looks to end a decade-long Final Four drought. Monaco, on the other hand, got the best of Maccabi in the playoffs, but little separated them during the regular season as the teams split their games and Monaco finished with just one win more. The battle of the Israel and French League champs should be exciting. 

Maccabi aim to seal a first Final Four appearance since 2014 with a decisive visit to Monaco, who are striving to reach European basketball's biggest event for the very first time. Who will be celebrating come the final buzzer and have their hopes of glory still intact?

AS Monaco vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

### Rounds 6 and 34: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Despite these teams being among the top teams in the EuroLeague over the last decade and facing off in the 2017 championship game, it would have been a stretch to call the games between them a rivalry. Then Fenerbahce went "Green" last season with Coach Itoudis and Nick Calathes coming aboard and then it signed Tyler Dorsey, who had previously been with the Reds. After all that, they went the distance in a thrilling five-game playoff series. What's next?

With the series equal after Fenerbahçe's impressive road win in Piraeus, the Turkish titans aim to utilise home-court advantage against an Olympiacos team bidding to bounce back and unleash the supreme talents of the season's leading scorer, Sasha Vezenkov.

Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul vs Olympiacos Piraeus - Playoffs Game 3 - Highlights

### Rounds 11 and 19: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. AS Monaco 

Monaco's last two seasons have come to an end at the hands of Olympiacos and fans in the principality must surely feel it could have been the other way. Monaco led by as many as 11 and was still ahead with less than 5 minutes to go in Game 5 of their 2022 playoff series and it had a 29-41 halftime advantage at last season's semifinals in Kaunas before the Reds took charge in the second half.  After playing each other 10 times over the past two years, it is safe to say that a rivalry is brewing. 

The action begins with Regular Season standings-leaders Olympiacos, who are gunning for a fourth EuroLeague title, taking on Final Four newcomers Monaco. Both had to go the distance in their respective playoff series, but who can offer one extra push to make the final?

Olympiacos Piraeus vs AS Monaco - Semi-Final - Highlights

### Rounds 12 and 20: Panathinaikos Athens vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul

The Ergin Ataman Show has left Istanbul and moved to Athens, but left behind at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall are no fewer than seven players from Coach Ataman's tenure, including five who celebrated winning the EuroLeague with him in 2022. After missing the playoffs together last season, the Efes players will want to rebound and would naturally rejoice at claiming victories at the expense of their old coach. The meetings between them this season should be spicy. 

Panathinaikos coach Christos Serelis targets a monumental triumph, and his first win in charge, at the expense of reigning-champs Efes, who aim for consecutive away triumphs for the first time since December 2022 to repair their faltering title-defence.

Panathinaikos Athens vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Round 26 - Highlights

### Rounds 16 and 21: Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona

Even though Sarunas Jasikevicius is no longer standing on the sidelines for Barça, the ties between these two teams remain with Rokas Jokubaitis and Rolands Smits set to face their former clubs. The real hunger for Zalgiris is the fact that it has lost its last four games against Barcelona, including a three-game sweep in the playoffs. Three of those losses were by double figures and the Lithuanian champs want to change things this season. 

Two defeats mean Žalgiris face the mountainous task of needing three consecutive victories over Barça. They can count on the backing of a sold-out crowd, but local hero Šarūnas Jasikevičius should have no mercy as his team seeks a quick return to Žalgirio Arena for the Final Four.

Žalgiris Kaunas vs FC Barcelona - Playoffs Game 3 - Highlights

### Rounds 16 and 27: Valencia Basket vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Valencia is the winningest team in EuroCup history. But its last game in that competition is one that still burns some Valencia fans. There was a feeling that it was headed to a fifth EuroCup crown in 2022 as it entered the playoffs tied for the best record in Group B. Two its 12 regular season wins came against Virtus, but when then met at La Fonteta in the semifinals, midseason additions Toko Shengelia and Daniel Hackett carried Virtus to victory. And the Valencia fans have not forgotten. 

Watch the Game Highlights from VALENCIA BASKET vs. Segafredo Virtus Bologna, 05/04/2022

Valencia Basket vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Highlights | Semifinals

### Rounds 16 and 31: Real Madrid vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

After their historic playoff series last season, every game between these two teams will have added meaning for some time. The players and coaches put aside any ill will caused by the on-court altercation in Madrid that caused Game 2 of the series to be abandoned, however, suspensions and injuries left both teams at less than full strength as Los Blancos won the last three games to overturn a 0-2 deficit. Their meetings this season should be drama-filled.

Real attempt to become the first team to ever recover from 0-2 down in a playoffs series by making it three straight wins against Partizan, who are significantly bolstered by the return of backcourt-leader Kevin Punter from a two-game suspension.

Real Madrid vs Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

Kemba Walker has officially joined Monaco Basket in one of the biggest transfers in EuroLeague history. Walker (1.83 meters, 33 years old) has signed a one-year deal with Monaco, following a glittering 12-season career in the NBA. Walker now brings his talents to the old continent as he prepares to play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career.

Monaco Basket signs four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has officially joined AS Monaco in one of the biggest transfers in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history. Walker (1.83 meters, 33 years old) has signed a one-year deal with Monaco, following a glittering 12-season career in the NBA. The American guard averaged 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals over 750 regular-season games in the NBA, while he posted 19.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 31 playoff games across four seasons. Walker, an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2019, now brings his talents to the old continent as he prepares to play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ᴋᴇᴍʙᴀ ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇʀ ᴇsᴛ ᴍᴏɴéɢᴀsǫᴜᴇ 🔴⚪️<br><br>✍️ L&#39;AS Monaco est heureuse d&#39;annoncer la signature pour la saison à venir du meneur américain 🇺🇸<br><br>4️⃣ fois All-Star 🌟 le meilleur marqueur de l&#39;histoire des Charlotte Hornets (12 009 points) a disputé 750 matchs en NBA 🔛<br><br>🚀… <a href="https://t.co/FYFX1ionHh">pic.twitter.com/FYFX1ionHh</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1682371254076973057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A four-time NBA All-Star

Ever since his arrival in the NBA in the 2011-12 season, having earned much acclaim in the United States for guiding the University of Connecticut to the 2011 NCAA title, Walker thrilled fans with his scoring in the league. The former ninth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft played a total of 616 games with the Charlotte Hornets between 2011 and 2019, averaging at least 17.0 points per game in seven of his eight seasons with the franchise. Walker also began to receive more acclaim from the NBA fans as a whole, being named as an NBA All-Star in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, with the last of those selections coming as a Boston Celtics player.

### Taking Charlotte to the playoffs

Walker first guided Charlotte to the playoffs in the 2013-14 season, posting 17.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season before averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals in the postseason as the Hornets fell 0-4 to the Miami Heat.

Then, in the 2015-16 campaign, Walker averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals, but he narrowly missed out on making the All-Star team. He did, however, guide Charlotte to the playoffs, with his team narrowly losing in a seven-game series against Miami.

### All-Star recognition

By that point, Walker was renowned inside the league for his ability to score the basketball, and he continued to average over 20 points per game over the next three seasons, posting 23.2 points in 2016-17, 22.1 points in 2017-18 and a career-high 25.6 points in 2018-19. As such, he earned three All-Star appearances in each of those three years.

Kemba Walker 2019 All-Star Starter | 2018-19 NBA Season

The summer of 2019 saw Walker leave for Boston in a sign and trade deal, following the exit of Kyrie Irving to the Brooklyn Nets. Walker retained his average of scoring at least 20 points per night, averaging 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his first year in Boston as he became an NBA All-Star for the fourth time in his career.

Kemba Walker 2020 All-Star Starter | 2019-20 NBA Season

### Back in the playoffs

The 33-year-old also returned to the playoffs with the Celtics and got past the first round for the first time in his career. Walker shined for Boston, averaging 19.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 17 games as the Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Following an injury-affected start to the 2020-21 campaign, Walker made his season debut in mid-January and went on to post 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 43 regular-season contests. In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, however, he could only play the first three games of Boston's series against Brooklyn due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Despite that ailment, he still averaged 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists between Games 1 and 3.

### The last two years

Walker decided to return to his hometown of New York to join the New York Knicks in the offseason of 2021, with the guard posting 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 37 regular-season games. Unfortunately for the Charlotte legend, he missed the second half of the campaign due to knee problems.

Kemba Walker's HISTORIC Knicks Christmas Day Triple-Double

Last season, Walker signed with the Dallas Mavericks in late November suited up for the franchise nine times, in which time he averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists off the bench.

### A European adventure

Before the signing deadline in the 2022-23 EuroLeague Regular Season, Walker had been rumored with a move to Italian side EA7 Emporio Armani Milan following his exit from Dallas in January 2023. Nothing came of it at the time, but now Walker can look ahead to his first taste of EuroLeague basketball in the upcoming campaign.

Monaco is coming off a season in which it reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in the club's history, and the French club is showing that it truly means business by signing a player of the caliber of Walker. Kemba, welcome to the EuroLeague, your new home.

Monaco News

Kemba Walker, the biggest signing in AS Monaco's history, in action for the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018-19 season, his final year with the franchise.

Monaco signs four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker

The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be full of interesting coaching matchups. Whether it is an emerging coach facing his former boss, legendary masterminds clashing or recently created coaching rivalries, the coaches will be part of the storylines on a weekly basis. In the EuroLeague, every game matters and coaches have plenty to do with each game's outcome. Here are some of the matchups to look forward to:

EuroLeague calendar highlights: Coaching showdowns

The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be full of interesting coaching matchups. Whether it is an emerging coach facing his former boss, legendary masterminds clashing or recently created coaching rivalries, the coaches will be part of the storylines on a weekly basis. In the EuroLeague, every game matters and coaches have plenty to do with each game's outcome. Here are some of the matchups to look forward to:

### Rounds 1 and 29: Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos Athens vs. Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus

Ataman and Bartzokas have had several great tactical basketball battles in the past, none bigger than the 2022 EuroLeague semifinal. Ataman took Efes to the championship game, downing Bartzokas's Olympiacos on a game-winning, iconic three-pointer by Vasilije Micic. This time, Ataman and Bartzokas are taking that rivalry up a notch, sharing the court in the Greek derby. Ataman joining Panathinaikos makes it even more interesting.

### Rounds 4 and 29: Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin vs. Sasa Obradovic, AS Monaco

It is always special when Sasa Obradovic faces ALBA Berlin. Obradovic led ALBA to its only continental title, the 1994-95 Korac Cup. He played a big role, too, averaging 23.0 points in the final against Milan. He also coached ALBA from 2012 to 2016, winning a German League and three German Cup titles. In two seasons with ALBA, Gonzalez led the team to a German League and Cup double in 2022. He is on his way into the history books.

### Rounds 7 and 20: Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

It is a well-known history. Obradovic and Itoudis worked together for 13 years, leading Panathinaikos to five EuroLeague crowns and many other domestic titles. Itoudis became a head coach and went on to win EuroLeague titles with CSKA Moscow in 2016 and 2018. Obradovic added a ninth EuroLeague trophy in 2017, and now Itoudis is with that team. The games between Obradovic and Itoudis are tactically rich as they put aside their great friendship to battle for the win.

### Rounds 7 and 25: Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade vs. Roger Grimau, FC Barcelona

Another case of a EuroLeague rookie coach going against one of his mentors. Grimau played for Ivanovic for the best part of three seasons. It was Ivanovic who made Grimau team captain in 2007, and that allowed him to have the privilege to lift the EuroLeague title with Barca in 2010. It has been a while, but Grimau and Ivanovic know each other very well and that makes this coaching matchup a must-follow one.

 

### Rounds 8 and 33: Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Sergio Scariolo, Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Milan and Virtus have been to each of the last three Italian League finals and have been the two Italian teams in the EuroLeague the last couple of years. Scariolo and Messina have had a lot to do with their team's success. Messina led Milan to back-to-back Italian League titles and the club's first EuroLeague Final Four appearance in 1992. Scariolo helped Virtus win the EuroCup and the club's first Italian championship in 20 years. Expect great tactical battles between two well-known, decorated coaches.

### Rounds 9 and 28: Roger Grimau, FC Barcelona vs. Alex Mumbru, Valencia Basket

Grimau and Mumbru have a lot in common: they started their careers with Joventut Badalona and played there together in their late teens, were also Bilbao Basket teammates for three seasons at the end of their playing careers and even played together in the Spanish national team in the 1998 U22 European Championships. It should be an exciting matchup for both of them: going against each other as head coaches in the EuroLeague!

 

### Rounds 10 and 27: Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Erdem Can, Anadolu Efes Istanbul

There are so many ways to connect Obradovic with other coaches. His matchup against Can is special because it is the first time they will face each other in the EuroLeague. Can worked for Obradovic as an assistant; together they won four Turkish championships and three Turkish Cups as well as helping Fenerbahce become the first Turkish team to win the EuroLeague. Can now get his shot to go against the EuroLeague coaching legend.

### Rounds 12 and 20: Erdem Can, Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos Athens

Ataman led Efes to new heights, allowing his former team to win back-to-back EuroLeague titles. After more than a decade as an assistant, Can comes off a successful season with Turk Telekom Ankara, earning EuroCup Coach of the Year honors after leading his team to the Finals. Can has replaced Ataman on Efes's bench, trying to keep the team's championship window open. Ataman opened that window for Efes and wants to do the same in Athens.

 

### Rounds 13 and 22: Joan Penarroya, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade

Penarroya comes off a fantastic first season with Baskonia, in which the team thrilled fans and experts alike with its fun-to-watch, aggressive basketball. He wants to be the next great Baskonia coach but has some big shoes to fill. Ivanovic led Baskonia to EuroLeague finals in 2001 and 2005 and won three Spanish championships and three Spanish Cups. Both are energetic coaches full of character, which makes their matchup even more interesting.

### Rounds 14 and 20: Chus Mateo, Real Madrid vs. Pablo Laso, FC Bayern Munich

Mateo worked for Laso from 2014 to 2022, helping Los Blancos win EuroLeague titles in 2015 to 2018. When Laso had to step down due to a medical problem, Real handed the team's reins to Mateo and he led it to a Spanish League title. Laso and Real parted ways, Mateo was promoted to the head coach spot and led the team to the EuroLeague crown last season. Laso is back in action with Bayern, and all eyes will be on them when their teams cross paths.

Calendar highlights: Coaching showdowns

Monaco Basket has reached an agreement with center Donatas Motiejunas over a new two-year contract. Motiejunas (2.13 meters, 32 years old) is set to start his third season with Monaco, which he helped win the French league and cup double and reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four last season. In 38 EuroLeague games in the 2022-23 campaign, the Lithuanian big man averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and a 10.0 PIR.

Monaco Basket re-signs center Donatas Motiejunas

AS Monaco has reached an agreement with center [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) over a new two-year contract. Motiejunas (2.13 meters, 32 years old) is set to start his third season with Monaco, which he helped win the French league and cup double and reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four last season. In 38 EuroLeague games in the 2022-23 campaign, the Lithuanian big man averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and a 10.0 PIR.

Donatas Motiejunas helped AS Monaco reach the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

Donatas Motiejunas: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

### An ANGT star and a EuroLeague record

 

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Motiejunas joined Zalgiris Kaunas's youth program at a young age. He led Zalgiris to the 2007 ANGT title in Athens, Greece, averaging 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games to earn tournament MVP honors. He had 20 points and 9 rebounds in the championship game against FMP.

Motiejunas made his EuroLeague debut with Zalgiris in the 2007-08 season. He also played for Aisciai Kaunas of Lithuania and Benetton Treviso of Italy before returning to the EuroLeague with Polish side Asseco Prokom Gdynia. He averaged 12.5 points in 10 EuroLeague games with Prokom in the 2011-12 campaign, ranking second in rebounds (7.9 rpg.). Motiejunas set a record for most defensive rebounds in a EuroLeague game, grabbing 18 with Prokom against Union Olimpija Ljubljana on December 7, 2011 – a record that still stands to this day.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Donatas Motiejunas poursuit l&#39;aventure ! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Pour sa 3️⃣e saison consécutive avec la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a>, DMO continuera d&#39;apporter sa science du jeu et sa combativité 🛡 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillARocaBoy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StillARocaBoy</a> 🇲🇨<br><br>🗣 La réaction de Donatas Motiejunas 👇<a href="https://t.co/go5sDoqZwx">https://t.co/go5sDoqZwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/3lPuURdePB">pic.twitter.com/3lPuURdePB</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1682331065971531776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### All over the world

Motiejunas also played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League, the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, as well as the Shandong Golden Stars, the Shanghai Sharks and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China before joining Monaco in 2021.

He was chosen as the 2010-11 EuroCup Rising Star, averaging 10.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16 games with Treviso. Motiejunas helped Zalgiris win the Lithuanian League and the Baltic League titles in 2008, while he also lifted the Polish League trophy with Prokom in 2012.

He has been a member of the Lithuanian national team, helping it get a silver medal at the 2013 EuroBasket tournament. Motiejunas also collected respective silver medals in 2008 at the U18 and U20 European Championship. In 92 EuroLeague games with Zalgiris, Prokom and Monaco, Motiejunas has averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Donatas Motiejunas makes a signal during an AS Monaco game in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Monaco re-signs center Donatas Motiejunas

Olympiacos Piraeus has confirmed that shooting guard Giannoulis Larentzakis has signed a new three-year contract at the club. Larentzakis (1.96 meters, 29 years old) averaged 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and a 4.8 PIR in 41 bench appearances last season as Olympiacos reached the EuroLeague Championship Game. 

Giannoulis Larentzakis, Olympiacos finalize three-year contract extension

Olympiacos Piraeus has confirmed that shooting guard [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) has signed a new three-year contract at the club, with his new deal set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. Larentzakis (1.96 meters, 29 years old), who had one year left on his contract heading into the upcoming campaign, averaged 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and a 4.8 PIR in 41 bench appearances last season as Olympiacos reached the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. Particularly in the regular season, Larentzakis had his best campaign to date and proved to be a vital member of the Reds' bench unit.

The best plays of Olympiacos Piraeus shooting guard Giannoulis Larentzakis in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Giannoulis Larentzakis's top plays in 2022-23

### His best statistical season so far

In just under 16 minutes per night, Larentzakis posted 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a 6.0 PIR in the 2022-23 regular season, which was comfortably his best statistical campaign to date. He saw his numbers take a dip in the postseason right across the board, but Larentzakis was a key reason behind why Olympiacos secured the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs.

The Greece international has gone from strength to strength since joining Olympiacos in the summer of 2020. In his rookie EuroLeague season in 2020-21, the Reds' guard averaged 4.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and a 3.5 PIR across 21 appearances. Then, the following campaign, 2021-22, saw Larentzakis average 4.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 2.6 PIR as Olympiacos made it all the way to the Final Four, falling in the semifinals to Anadolu Efes Istanbul and then to FC Barcelona in the third-place game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">✍️🏽 Η ΚΑΕ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΣ ανακοινώνει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον Γιαννούλη Λαρεντζάκη έως το 2026. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a><a href="https://t.co/8nn13YKtm3">https://t.co/8nn13YKtm3</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1682314626334093312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A charismatic player

Larentzakis, who has previously played for Aigaleo (2010-11), Ikaros Kallitheas (2011-13), Aris Thessaloniki (2013-14), Kolossos Rodou (2014-16), AEK Athens (2016-19) and UCAM Murcia (2019-20), has become a real fans' favorite among Olympiacos fans since joining the club. He is never afraid to start trash talking opposition players, while there are few players in the EuroLeague who can catch fire as quickly as him. Now, the Reds' supporters can continue to watch Larentzakis for another three years.

Olympiacos News

Giannoulis Larentzakis celebrates a made basket for Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

FC Bayern Munich has signed Carsen Edwards. Edwards (1.80 meters, 25 years old) becomes the first signing of the Pablo Laso era at Bayern. After a turbulent debut season in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, in which he averaged 8.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 4.9 PIR in 15:21 on the floor, Edwards now heads to Germany with the hope of establishing himself as one of the competition's best guards.

Bayern Munich lands point guard Carsen Edwards

FC Bayern Munich has signed [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) on a one-year deal, the club confirmed on Friday. Edwards (1.80 meters, 25 years old) becomes the first signing of the Pablo Laso era at Bayern. After a turbulent debut season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, in which he averaged 8.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 4.9 PIR in 15:21 on the floor, Edwards now heads to Germany with the hope of establishing himself as one of the competition's best guards.

The best plays of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul guard Carsen Edwards during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Carsen Edwards's top plays in 2022-23

### Getting to know the EuroLeague

Edwards made a total of 34 appearances in his first EuroLeague campaign, starting just twice, and he showed plenty of signs of the player that he could be. During the regular season, the American hit double figures for points in 12 out of 29 appearances. His season high came in Round 21 when he scored 22 points against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, while his best stretch of performances came between Rounds 12 and 14 as he netted at least 10 points in three straight games. Edwards twice chained back-to-back games with a double-digit number of points in Rounds 8 and 9 and Rounds 23 and 24, too.

In the postseason, Edwards erupted for 16 points in Game 2 of Fenerbahce's playoff matchup against Olympiacos Piraeus, which ensured that the series returned to Istanbul with the score at 1-1. In the decisive do-or-die Game 5, he scored 10 points, but it came in a losing effort as Fenerbahce failed to make it to the EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👋 Welcome to Munich, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cboogie_3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cboogie_3</a>! We sign the former <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> standout for the upcoming season! More info ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPainter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachPainter</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1682314722060775425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A chance to shine

At Bayern, Edwards will be given an opportunity to display his talents on a more consistent basis. Following a season that saw the ex-Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons guard come in and out of Fenerbahce's rotation, with head coach Dimitris Itoudis often preferring the likes of Nick Calathes, Scottie Wilbekin and Tyler Dorsey, Coach Laso is expected to provide the 25-year-old with more minutes and a more defined role on the court. Heading into next season, Bayern fans will hope that Edwards can now fulfil his clear potential and become a star in Munich.

Bayern Munich News

New FC Bayern Munich signing Carsen Edwards in action for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Bayern lands point guard Carsen Edwards

After Real Madrid captured the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season, much was said and written about Los Blancos' old guard. The likes of Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez and Fabien Causeur all played key roles in the march to the championship. And while that quartet will be back this season, their influence will only diminish with time. 

Real Madrid's new 'old guard' begins with Facu Campazzo 

After Real Madrid captured the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season, much was said and written about *Los Blancos*' old guard. The likes of Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez and Fabien Causeur all played key roles in the march to the championship. And while that quartet will be back this season, their influence will only diminish with time.

The signing of Facu Campazzo, who begins his third stint with the club, offers Real Madrid someone to serve as the face of the new “old guard". At the age of 32, Campazzo brings everything needed to step into a leadership position in the Spanish capital.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACUISBACK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACUISBACK</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/qnK8mbKXPN">pic.twitter.com/qnK8mbKXPN</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1681367039091302400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Campazzo has a wealth of EuroLeague experience, which includes five seasons and two EuroLeague championships with Real. Last season, he learned what it meant to be a team's go-to player when he joined Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade mid-season and tried to lead it to a playoff berth. Campazzo also felt what it meant to be at the heart of controversy when sanctions imposed on Zvezda forced him to sit on the sidelines until Round 26. Before that, Campazzo played two and a half seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.

"I feel good physically. I consider myself to be a better player since I left and now I have to show it on a day-to-day basis," Campazzo told Real Madrid's official media earlier this week. "You have to work hard, keep trying to achieve your goals, fight for titles, be part of this team that always tries to achieve everything."

In a nutshell, that comment shows what Real Madrid is getting in Campazzo this time around. His tough on-ball defense, crafty playmaking, speed in transition, creative finishing and clutch shot-making have been Campazzo's calling card throughout his career. The road he has traveled since leaving Real in November 2020 has seen him grow as a player and a leader, on and off the court, too. 

Facundo Campazzo | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines Euroleague

After playing all over the world, the native of Argentina is at home in Madrid.

"It means a lot to both me and my family to return to what I feel is my home. I always had good times here. They gave me the opportunity to show me the player that I am and I will always be grateful," Campazzo said.

"People with whom I am in contact with since I left until this day, such as the president, the management, friends, players, staff, people from the club… I have kept in touch with many people. The relationships that I have left here, friends and colleagues, are the ones that I missed the most and that has also pushed me to return. My family loves Madrid, the team, my daughter was born here and the comfort of the family was very important to be calm and they are happy."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">HERMANOS <a href="https://t.co/OnwsqVXv0u">pic.twitter.com/OnwsqVXv0u</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1681299091194793984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All of that helps explain why Campazzo penned a four-year deal, meaning at the end of it he will be similar in age to Real's current old guard. For now, he arrives to stand front and center alongside current stars Walter Tavares, Dzanan Musa, Mario Hezonja and countryman Gabriel Deck, who is also committed to the club on a long-term contract, as Real seeks to defend its EuroLeague title.

"Whenever you talk about Madrid, you talk about titles and with each opportunity for a title, you have to try to achieve it. We are going to work every day throughout the season to win each title that comes our way, we are going to try to give everything in each game so that we can fight for the important things again and we are going to give everything for that goal," Campazzo summed up.

And perhaps in 2027, when Campazzo’s deal is nearing its end, he and Deck will be part of Real's next old guard who brings the magic for the next generation that Llull, Chacho, Causier and Rudy have for theirs.

Real Madrid News

Facundo Campazzo celebrates with Sergio Llull (right), Walter Tavares (center) and Fabien Causeur (left) during his first stint at Real Madrid. 

Now that the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season calendar is public, fans will immediately start looking for the big games. And what is bigger than a derby? There are seven such matchups in the cards this season and here is a look at each of them. 

Calendar highlights: The derbies

**Now that the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season calendar is public, fans will immediately start looking for the big games. And what is bigger than a derby? There are seven such matchups in the cards this season and here is a look at each of them.** 

#### Rounds 1 and 29: The Derby of eternal rivals

No matter how these teams are doing, and both [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2023-24) and [Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2023-24) have had their share of great success and low points over the years, meetings between the Reds and the Greens are the talk of the basketball world whenever they happen. For all the good and the bad that their Greek derbies bring, there is nothing sweeter for each of these clubs than to beat its archrival in the arena packed with passionate home fans. That passion is also exactly how these games are played, and that's why these games go into the category that no basketball fan wants to miss.

Olympiacos are to prepare for the playoffs in the best possible style by testing themselves against fast-improving, but already-disqualified Panathinaikos, who can be solely motivated by securing the bragging rights and disrupting the momentum of their rivals.

Olympiacos Piraeus vs Panathinaikos Athens - Round 32 - Highlights

#### Rounds 1 and 22: The German Derby

[ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/roster/ber/?season=2023-24), Germany's winningest basketball team, has had its share of domestic rivals over the years and over the last decade it has been [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2023-24) that has successfully played the part. ALBA and Bayern have taken this rivalry a step further and made this the first German derby in the EuroLeague. Their games never disappoint, the road team has won five of seven games these two teams have played in the EuroLeague to date. Expect nothing less this season, too.

A German derby awaits on the continental stage with Bayern out to reform defensively after conceding over a century to Olympiacos, whereas rock-bottom ALBA go in search of respite from a troublesome campaign and amend a concerning sequence of a solitary win in ten EuroLeague outings.

FC Bayern Munich vs ALBA Berlin - Round 29 - Highlights

#### Rounds 5 and 18: El Clasico

For two consecutive seasons, we have been treated to [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/roster/mad/?season=2023-24) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2023-24) playing each other three times on EuroLeague floors. In both of the last two campaigns, Barcelona was the better side in the regular season and held a lead against Real Madrid in the Final Four semifinal matchups, only for Los Blancos to be the team playing the championship games two days later. Such outcomes in recent years, where one team has an upper hand in the regular season but the other ends up being more successful at season's end, have added even more meaning to these EuroLeague clashes.

One of European basketball's fiercest rivalries reignites for another instalment of el clásico, one that sees the foes collide as co-leaders of the standings. Can Barça continue to reign in Spain or will Los Blancos soar to a statement of intent here?

Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona - Round 21 - Highlights

#### Rounds 5 and 19: Serbia's eternal derby

The two regular season battles between [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2023-24) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2023-24) last season were the first times ever that these two teams from the Serbian capital faced off outside their domestic competitions. The derbies had all one could have expected: big emotions, tensions, incredible atmospheres and thrilling game endings. Each of the two clashes also had something that we might not have expected – slim victories by the visiting teams. A EuroLeague encore of this amazing rivalry is eagerly awaited. 

A rivalry renews for a unique chapter as the Belgrade derby arrives on the EuroLeague stage for a first occassion. Partizan aim to arrest a run of three defeats, while Zvezda are 4-0 under new head coach Duško Ivanović. Who can snatch the bragging-rights in Serbia?

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - Round 12 - Highlights

#### Rounds 7 and 32: The French League Derby

The rivalry between [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/roster/asv/?season=2023-24) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2023-24) might be the freshest on this list, but it has plenty of zest. The two sides never played each other in the EuroLeague before 2021, when Monaco made its competition debut, and had not even played domestically for decades with Monaco playing in the French lower divisions until 2015. Historically, ASVEL has had the upper hand, but the tables have turned the past two years with Monaco reaching the EuroLeague Playoffs in 2022 and then last season becoming the first French League team to reach the Final Four since ASVEL in 1997. 

Focus turns to France for a derby between two familiar-foes. ASVEL are enduring a troublesome crusade in Europe and are winless in their last five attempts, whereas Monaco are on course to repeat the feat of the previous season and cement their playoff-place.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs AS Monaco - Round 11 - Highlights

#### Rounds 8 and 33: The Derby of Italy

For the first time this century, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2023-24) and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ax-armani-exchange-milan/roster/mil/?season=2023-24), the two most decorated Italian basketball clubs, faced off against one another in the EuroLeague last season. The Derby d'Italia has it all, including history that dates back to the 1940s when this rivalry started. What makes these clashes between Milan and Virtus so specific is that for more than a decade these two teams were not been the most dominant forces in Italy, but have now restored their roar. How can one not like a derby that is so vintage, but also kind of new?

Two Italian stallions of European basketball collide for an intriguing derby to close out their respective seasons. Progress to the knockout phases isn't possible for either, yet expect plenty of devotion and pride on display in this tussle for bragging rights.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs EA7 Emporio Armani Milan - Round 34 - Highlights

#### Rounds 17 and 33: Battles on the Bosphorus

The past decade has been the golden age of the Turkish basketball and [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/?season=2023-24) and [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2023-24) are at the front and center of it all. Since 2017, the EuroLeague has been won by one of these two clubs in half the seasons. Fenerbahce took the trophy to the Asian side of Istanbul in 2017, while Efes made history by winning back-to-back crowns in 2021 and 2022. That has elevated the importance of the games between these two teams to another level, and winning these Turkish derbies carries extra weight for each team.