David Lighty is in his second spell with LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, having rejoined the club in 2017 after first playing for the team between 2014 and 2016, but when he looks back on the journey that has got him to this point, he couldn't have imagined going on to reach such heights.

David Lighty, ASVEL: 'Your dreams are coming true'

David Lighty is in his second spell with LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, having rejoined the club in 2017 after first playing for the team between 2014 and 2016, but when he looks back on the journey that has got him to this point, he couldn't have imagined going on to reach such heights.

A native of Cleveland in the United States, the 34-year-old opted not to leave the state of Ohio when it came to playing high school and college ball. Yet, Lighty's professional career has taken him far away from home, as he has spent two seasons in Italy (2011-12 and 2016-17) and 10 in France: two with Nanterre between 2012 and 2014, before his journey with ASVEL began.

"It's a long road. I think we always knew this, but it's always what you dreamt \[of\] and your dreams are coming true," said Lighty in the latest edition of 'A letter to my younger self'. "It's nothing but a blessing for yourself."

Lighty goes on to reveal the three important virtues that his mom taught him at a young age and how these continue to have an impact on him today. He may be 34 years old and the veteran in ASVEL's locker room, but Lighty's not done yet. He wants to continue enjoying the ride.

On Friday, February 24, get even closer to the action by using EuroLeague VR to watch Valencia Basket and Olympiacos Piraeus – two of the hottest teams in the EuroLeague – face off at La Fonteta.

Enjoy the best seats in the house for Valencia vs. Olympiacos with EuroLeague VR!

- **Select EuroLeague games to be available with virtual reality.**
- **VR games to be available to [EuroLeagueTV](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftv.euroleague.net%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qEvTOSFZCq8cfUGeBsmKVp5%2BzzqLcjTeVu5oaQFtUx4%3D&reserved=0) subscribers and on [XTADIUM](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xtadiumvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vK%2Bf6h210SRra22BQhdY6fLmXCTi6J%2FcEPsZL7PK96I%3D&reserved=0), the VR home of sports on Meta Quest headsets.**

 

Have you ever wanted to sit courtside at a top Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game but not leave the comfort of your own home? Well, now you can with [EuroLeague VR](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feuroleaguetv-vr.ybvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Wh5S067mdGaybT7kA4QZShS%2F2i%2FR5jTumC4SBsfd3no%3D&reserved=0)!

On Friday, February 24, get even closer to the action by using [EuroLeague VR](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feuroleaguetv-vr.ybvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Wh5S067mdGaybT7kA4QZShS%2F2i%2FR5jTumC4SBsfd3no%3D&reserved=0) to watch [Valencia Basket and Olympiacos Piraeus](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fgame-center%2F2022-23%2Fvalencia-basket-olympiacos-piraeus%2FE2022%2F223%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HFBM%2BuXuHItQG4r4mqh2%2BSGGK9s6RHerwED2kITJkoA%3D&reserved=0) – two of the hottest teams in the EuroLeague – face off at La Fonteta.

A few weeks ago, in Round 21, this season's first game with VR capability took place, as [Real Madrid hosted archrival FC Barcelona](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feuroleaguetv-vr.ybvr.com%2Fplayer%2F4882&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pnRMKuBLAECJKzmXbrcMrsOlhnOHF9LRakVKNSlL6cc%3D&reserved=0) at WiZink Center. Getting tickets for El Clásico is often a very difficult task, particularly if you want to sit courtside, but by using VR, fans were able to see the action up close and personal.

Thanks to the partnership between Euroleague Basketball and YBVR, a joint venture that first began at the Final Four events in [Cologne and Belgrade](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feuroleaguetv-vr.ybvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Wh5S067mdGaybT7kA4QZShS%2F2i%2FR5jTumC4SBsfd3no%3D&reserved=0), fans can enjoy the game from courtside thanks to the 180- and 360-degree cameras placed around the playing floor.

What's more, fans are able to tailor the experience to their own needs and desires because it is possible to seamlessly switch between different camera angles to find the angle that suits them best.

Anyone watching on [XTADIUM](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xtadiumvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vK%2Bf6h210SRra22BQhdY6fLmXCTi6J%2FcEPsZL7PK96I%3D&reserved=0) also has the ability to see the statistics in real time – a function that can be toggled on or off – and create private watch parties to take in the game with friends and family.

It is possible to watch these selected EuroLeague games in VR as part of the [EuroLeague TV](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftv.euroleague.net%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qEvTOSFZCq8cfUGeBsmKVp5%2BzzqLcjTeVu5oaQFtUx4%3D&reserved=0) subscription package, while fans in the United States can use this technology via [XTADIUM](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xtadiumvr.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cedu.roca%40euroleague.net%7C757aeea020c24c00145308db14b0b03c%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638126521324209943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vK%2Bf6h210SRra22BQhdY6fLmXCTi6J%2FcEPsZL7PK96I%3D&reserved=0), the VR app created by YBVR that is available to download at the Meta Quest Store.

Subscribe to EuroLeague TV VR today!

Valencia Basket v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-02-24T19:30:00.000Z)

After the traditional week-long Turkish Airlines EuroLeague break due to domestic cups action, Round 25 brings two clashes with massive playoffs and home-court implications among the teams lined up between the third and sixth places in the standings.

Playoffs picture: Two high-impact Round 25 clashes

After the traditional week-long Turkish Airlines EuroLeague break due to domestic cups action, Round 25 brings two clashes with massive playoffs and home-court implications among the teams lined up between the third and sixth places in the standings.

The first one lands on Thursday, with sixth-place Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (13-11) hosting fifth-place Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (14-9) before Friday's meeting between third-place FC Barcelona (16-8) and fourth-place AS Monaco (15-9).

### [Partizan vs. Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2022/219/)

Despite having the worst record of the four, Partizan is the hottest team in the league, having won nine of its last 11 games. It has also won five in a row at home, including the last three at Stark Arena by 18 points or more. During that same stretch, Fenerbahce is 4-7 overall and 1-4 on the road.

The winning run has lifted head coach Zeljko Obradovic's men to a 13-11 record and within just one win of Fenerbahce. If Partizan manages to add to that and beat Fenerbahce in Round 25, the Serbian side would not only re-affirm its place among the playoffs contenders, but also join the other race – the one for playoff home-court advantage.

A Partizan win would mean that these two teams would find themselves even on wins in the standings, with Fenerbahce having a game at hand, but Partizan would be holding a sweep in their season series thanks to its dramatic 72-73 win in Istanbul in Round 15.

In a clash full of subplots, Dimitris Itoudis looks to spoil an emotional homecoming for his former boss, and Partizan head coach, Željko Obradović. Kostas Antetokounmpo could make his debut for the league-leaders, whilst the Serbians seek to build on a thrilling victory over Efes.

Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul vs Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade - Round 15 - Highlights

On the other hand, a win in one of the toughest road venues on the continent would do wonders for Fenerbahce.

Whenever Fenerbahce played Partizan, Barcelona or Monaco this season, the games ended in drama. Fenerbahce lost by a single point, too, against Barcelona, albeit on the road but owns a sweep against Monaco, with a 93-96 win in the principality and a 98-94 overtime win at home.

### [Barcelona vs. Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/fc-barcelona-as-monaco/E2022/225/)

Monaco, meanwhile, has not fared well against these three rivals above and below it in the standings. The Roca Team is 0-4 so far against Partizan, Fenerbahce and Barcelona. That includes a 20-point loss in Belgrade and a 63-69 home defeat against Barcelona.

Barcelona and Monaco have played each other three times, starting with their first-ever meeting last season, and Barcelona has won each one of those games by a margin of between 4 and 6 points. When they played in Round 13, Barcelona led by as many as 18 points late in the third quarter before Monaco trimmed the deficit.

And while another loss would drop Monaco to a combined 0-5 against Barcelona, Fenerbahce and Partizan this season, it would also make Barcelona 4-0 in games against those same opponents. For Barcelona, which finished the last two regular seasons in first place, victory on Friday would give it the inside track to secure playoff home-court advantage once again.

After rising to second via a triumphant evening at Real Madrid, Monaco pursue further ascendancy when they challenge a Barça outfit in seek of reprieve since a shock loss to LDLC ASVEL, one which triggered public criticism from head coach Šaras Jasikevičius.

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona - Round 13 - Highlights

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco (2023-02-24T19:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-02-24T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-02-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v ALBA Berlin (2023-02-24T18:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-02-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-02-23T20:00:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Panathinaikos Athens (2023-02-23T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v FC Bayern Munich (2023-02-23T19:05:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens has confirmed the appointment of Christos Serelis as the team's head coach for the team's upcoming Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The 48-year-old arrives from Lavrio of Greece, where he returned after spending the final part of the 2021-22 season as assistant to Panathinaikos's interim head coach at the time, Georgios Vovoras. Serelis replaces Dejan Radonjic, and this is his first job as a head coach in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Panathinaikos appoints Christos Serelis as head coach

Panathinaikos Athens has confirmed the appointment of Christos Serelis as the team's head coach for its upcoming Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The 48-year-old arrives from Lavrio of Greece, where he returned after spending the final part of the 2021-22 season as assistant to Panathinaikos's interim head coach at the time, Georgios Vovoras. Serelis replaces Dejan Radonjic, and this is his first job as a head coach in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

"Panathinaikos BC announces the appointment of Christos Serelis, who will lead our team in the upcoming game against Armani Milan. Vassilis Simtsak returned to our coaching staff," the Greens confirmed in a statement.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός ανακοινώνει την πρόσληψη του Χρήστου Σερέλη, ο οποίος θα καθοδηγήσει την ομάδα μας στο προσεχές παιχνίδι με την Αρμάνι Μιλάνο. Στο προπονητικό μας επιτελείο επέστρεψε ο Βασίλης Σίμτσακ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/51MH1kd9b5">https://t.co/51MH1kd9b5</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1628090314383667201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Although Serelis's spell as an assistant at Panathinaikos lasted just a couple of months, he earned his reputation in Greece for the terrific job he did with Lavrio. After being promoted from his role as assistant in 2005, Serelis remained the head coach for the next 17 years, guiding Lavrio from the Greek fourth division to an unprecedented Greek League Finals appearance in 2021.

 

Serelis was unable to guide Lavrio to the playoffs in 2022, so he decided to accept Panathinaikos's offer in April 2022 to become Vovoras's assistant until the end of the season. The coach then returned to Lavrio following the close of the 2022-23 campaign, but he has once again been lured to OAKA, this time to take on the role of head coach.

Panathinaikos Athens has announced its decision to terminate the contract of head coach Dejan Radonjic. The 53-year-old, who was appointed by Panathinaikos in the summer of 2022, led the Greens to an 8-16 record in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and a 13-2 record in the Greek League.

Panathinaikos dismisses head coach Dejan Radonjic 

Panathinaikos Athens has announced its decision to terminate the contract of head coach [Dejan Radonjic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-athens/pan/radonjic-dejan/?season=E2022). The 53-year-old, who was appointed by Panathinaikos in the summer of 2022, led the Greens to an 8-16 record in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and a 13-2 record in the Greek League.

 

This week, Panathinaikos lost to archrival Olympiacos Piraeus in the Greek Cup semifinals, 81-65, in Irakleio. That was the Greens' fourth loss against Olympiacos this season, following previous defeats in the Greek Super Cup final, the Greek League and the EuroLeague.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός ανακοινώνει τη λύση της συνεργασίας της με τον Ντέγιαν Ράντονιτς και του εύχεται καλή συνέχεια στη ζωή και την καριέρα του. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/9vXSEGJJfy">pic.twitter.com/9vXSEGJJfy</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1628079707441836039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Panathinaikos BC announces the termination of its contractual relationship with Dejan Radonjic and wishes him good luck in his life and career," the Greens wrote in a tweet.

The 2022-23 campaign was Radonjic's ninth season in the EuroLeague. He previously coached Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade for six EuroLeague seasons, while he also led FC Bayern Munich from 2018 to 2020.

The book on Freddie Gillespie when FC Bayern Munich signed him was that he was a smart and physically gifted big man who might need some time to figure things out at the highest level of European basketball. And to date, that has been the case; he has flashed moments of brilliance – particularly on defense and rebounding. 

Freddie Gillespie, Bayern: 'Anything that happens in life is an opportunity'

The book on [Freddie Gillespie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/freddie-gillespie/011941/) when FC Bayern Munich signed him was that he was a smart and physically gifted big man who might need some time to figure things out at the highest level of European basketball. And to date, that has been the case; he has flashed moments of brilliance – particularly on defense and rebounding. 

Bayern fans would be wise to show patience with Gillespie because, as his track record shows, he loves basketball and will not let anyone or anything stop him from becoming a more complete player. 

As a child, Gillespie's first love was American football, which he played through 11th grade, though his mother had him sample many different after-school activities. 

"I did like Spanish club, I did debate in high school, speech. A lot of things like that: track, basketball, rope course; I played football," he recalled. "She put me in tennis during the summer one time." 

Gillespie took to basketball in eighth grade and planned to play as a high school freshman, but he broke his ankle during tryouts. 

"I wasn't crazy in love with basketball at that point, so it was like, 'Oh, you know, bad luck. I just won't play that year,'" Gillespie recounted. "I wasn't going to play my 10th-grade year, but the coach came by and he said, 'I really want you to play. I think you'll be really good.' So I chose to play and I fell in love with it… It's about a decade later now and I still don't want to stop playing."

The best of Freddie Gillespie with Bayern

Injuries continued to plague Gillespie. He tore his ACL in 11th grade, and even though he returned to action for 12th grade, did not attract any high-level college interest. So, he opted to stay close to home in Minnesota and study computer science at Carleton College, a Division III school. Pro basketball was the furthest thing from his mind.

Carleton did have a basketball team where Gillespie was able to play, but despite his natural talent, the coaching staff did not believe in him at first. "I only played 16 minutes as a freshman. How? I don't know," Gillespie said.

To deal with his frustration, Gillespie doubled down with hard work.

"During that time that I was not playing, I was always in the gym, going to the gym at night, going in the morning, going after class, working on what I could work on to improve my game, and that's what I did most of the time. 

"In my opinion, anything that happens in life is an opportunity… so I wasn't playing I said, 'Okay, cool. I'm not playing, but I could still get better.' And when I was playing, it was an opportunity to show how I could compete against other people. So, I just trying to forge my own path forward."

As Gillespie realized more and more just how much he loved basketball, he resolved to fight for the opportunity to play more.

"Deep, deep down, playing basketball still brings me happiness and makes me feel fulfilled in life. So, when you know that that's what you ultimately want to do and that's what makes you the happiest, it's tough to walk away, even when you're going through rehab and not playing. You know that's the thing that makes life worth living," he said.

Gillespie flourished in his sophomore season as a starter and was named to the all-conference second team. While watching some of the top college teams in America on television, he decided he wanted that challenge. 

"Deep, deep down, playing basketball still brings me happiness and makes me feel fulfilled in life."

Word reached Baylor University head coach Scott Drew, who was convinced to give him a shot. However, there were still hurdles. Gillespie did not receive an athletic scholarship. Moreover, as a transfer student, according to the NCAA rules at the time, he would need to sit out a season before becoming eligible to suit up for the Bears.

The adjustments Gillespie made and the hard work he put in, along with the coaching he got at Baylor, catapulted him forward as a player that year, despite not being able to play.

"It was a lot of work, a lot of it was just learning the game. The jump from Division III to Division I, the athletes were just way better, so that was an adjustment," Gillespie said. "The bodies and the length, the size and the strength were worlds different. They were so much better. The quickness, the pace of play, the way they played the game, the skill level… all that was just a huge adjustment."

How much did Gillespie improve? Enough that he became a rotation player as a junior and then received a scholarship and became a starter as a senior for one of the best college programs in the country.

"My senior year was a fun year before COVID hit," he noted. "We got to be the No. 1 team in the country \[in the weekly polls\], we got to go on one of the longest win streaks in the Big 12. I got to play against some great players."

Gillespie was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, as well as the Big 12 All-Defensive team, and he eventually signed a professional contract with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. He also played for the Orlando Magic in the NBA, in addition to Memphis in the G League, before moving to Germany this summer. 

After a turbulent journey to get to this point, everything is lined up for Gillespie to take the next step in his career and become a player who regularly makes an impact in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

### Billy Baron, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2-0)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan could complete a perfect month with a home win over Panathinaikos Athens on Thursday and the man leading the charge so far has been [Billy Baron](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/billy-baron/005775/). The veteran guard has averaged 13,0 points and 3.5 assists, while shooting with his usual excellent accuracy. Baron made all 5 two-point shots and 4 free throws. He has also knocked down 4 of 12 three-pointers. It has added up to an average PIR of 18.5. Now in his fourth EuroLeague campaign, Baron seeks to become the first MVP of the Month from Milan since Sergio Rodriguez in October 2019. 

Billy Baron of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is one of the top candidates to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for February.

February MVP candidate: Billy Baron, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

### Dante Exum, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (3-0)

[Dante Exum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dante-exum/011302/) has been a silent assassin for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade during its strong start to February. While not necessarily shining in the box scores, Exum has come off the bench to offer impactful contributions at both ends of the floor in minimum time. He has averaged 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for an average PIR of 16.0 in just 21:29 minutes. Exum made 9 of 12 two-point shots in that stretch and was always there to stifle the opposition's top scorers, which helped Partizan win its last three games by double-digit margins. If Exum becomes the MVP, he would be the first Australian-born MVP of the month since Aleks Maric, who also won it with Partizan in December 2009. 

Dante Liman Exum Top Plays from 01/30/2023 to 02/21/2023

February MVP candidate Dante Exum Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade_9422163.mp4

Despite having had a turbulent first season at Real Madrid, [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) took his game to another level in Rounds 22 and 23. Los Blancos did not play in Round 24 due to the tragic events in Turkiye, but before that, Hezonja had a solid 14-point night in a convincing 83-68 win against Panathinaikos and then a career night with 30 points on 6 made three-pointers, 6 assists and a 34 PIR – all of which are career highs – in a 91-95 victory at AS Monaco. Over these two games, Hezonja averaged 22.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a 23.0 PIR, with his averages for points and PIR being the highest among any player on Real's roster in that period. 

Mario Hezonja of Real Madrid is one of the top candidates to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for February.

February MVP candidate: Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid

The reigning EuroLeague Rising Star Award winner, [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) has it his stride lately as Barcelona sixth man. He's been FC Barcelona's most consistent performer in February, during which he averaged 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and just 0.7 turnovers per game. Jokubaitis made 6 of 9 three-pointers this month and his average PIR in February, 14.3, is the highest on the team. If Jokubaitis is chosen as MVP of the month, he would become the first reigning EuroLeague Rising Star to do so since Luka Doncic in October 2017. 

Rokas Jokubaitis of FC Barcelona is one of the top candidates to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for February.

February MVP candidate: Rokas Jokubaitis, FC Barcelona

### Kevin Punter, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (3-0)

When it comes to the deadliest players in the EuroLeague, [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) is one of the first players that comes to mind. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has won each of its last three games, bringing its winning streak to four, and the 29-year-old has played a vital role in its triumphs against LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (92-71), Zalgiris Kaunas (74-88) and FC Bayern Munich (71-82), averaging 18.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and an 18.3 PIR. The consistent play of Punter on offense has been one of the keys to Partizan's success of late, and should he end up winning the MVP of the Month award, he will be the club's first recipient of the prize since Aleks Maric back in the 2009-10 season.

Kevin Punter of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade is one of the top candidates to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for February.

February MVP candidate: Kevin Punter, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

### Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus (3-0)

Olympiacos Piraeus won three straight games between Rounds 22 and 24 to extend its winning streak to six, with [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) shining in particular. The forward has averaged 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and a 25.7 PIR in that time, with his last outing – a dominant 60-93 win at ALBA Berlin – seeing him set his season-high mark for points with 28. In the first two games in this period, Vezenkov had a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double in a 73-93 victory at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul before following that up with a 23-point night in a 76-70 triumph over Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Vezenkov, November's MVP of the Month, is a big reason why Olympiacos is currently the hottest team in the EuroLeague.

Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus is one of the top candidates to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for February.

February MVP candidate: Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus

Four rounds – Rounds 22, 23, 24 and 25 – have been taken into consideration for February's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP of the Month award, with the last set of eligible games set to take place this coming Thursday and Friday. By the end of this week, the 18 teams will have played either three or four games this month, with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Real Madrid and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan having played a game less due to the tragic events in Turkiye. The MVP will be named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performance during the month. In alphabetical order, here are some of the top candidates – all from teams with unbeaten records – heading into the last eligible games of the month.

February MVP ladder: The top candidates

Generally speaking, stopping Walter Tavares is one of the biggest keys to giving Real Madrid trouble. Zalgiris Kaunas has done a good job at that over the years, and in fact has been more competitive against Los Blancos since he joined the team. Whether or not Zalgiris can limit Tavares again should be one of the keys to their Round 25 showdown at WiZink Center. 

Zalgiris on a mission to limit Real's Tavares

Generally speaking, stopping [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) is one of the biggest keys to giving Real Madrid trouble. Zalgiris Kaunas has done a good job at that over the years, and in fact has been more competitive against Los Blancos since he joined the team. Whether or not Zalgiris can limit Tavares again should be one of the keys to [their Round 25 showdown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/real-madrid-zalgiris-kaunas/E2022/220/) at WiZink Center. 

Tavares has been virtually unstoppable since joining Los Blancos in the 2017-18 season, earning All-EuroLeague honors three times and making it to the First Team in each of the last two seasons. 

Tavares, however, seems to have Zalgiris as his Achilles heel, as both he and Real have found it difficult to beat this particular opponent in the last five seasons. 

Real has a 24-11 record against Zalgiris in European competitions. Before Tavares joined the team, Zalgiris had lost 18 of its previous 19 games against Los Blancos from 1999 to 2018. Since Tavares joined the team, however, Real is 6-4 against Zalgiris, losing three times in Kaunas and once in Madrid after nine consecutive victories against the Lithuanian side. 

That road win Zalgiris grabbed in the Spanish capital in 2019 allowed the team, coached back then by Sarunas Jasikevicius, to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Last season, Zalgiris downed Real [68-47](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2021-22/zalgiris-kaunas-real-madrid/E2021/236/) at home. In 544 EuroLeague games this century, Real has never been held to fewer points. Its previous lowest score was 49 points against Spirou Charleroi on November 17, 2010. 

When it comes to Tavares, Zalgiris has done a good job at slowing him down. In his four losses against Zalgiris, Tavares has averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and a PIR of 15.8. In 185 EuroLeague career games, Tavares only had a negative PIR once. On October 17, 2019, Zalgiris beat Real [86-73](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2019-20/zalgiris-kaunas-real-madrid/E2019/20/) and Tavares went scoreless, finishing that game with a PIR of -1. 

In five wins against Zalgiris, Tavares has averaged 9.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and a PIR of 14.3. Earlier this season, Zalgiris limited Tavares to 8 points on 2-for-8 two-point shooting (25%), 7 rebounds and a PIR of 12. Tavares has hit 65.1% of his two-point shots this season. 

Tavares, however, had two dominant games against Zalgiris. In that home loss in 2019 which allowed Zalgiris to reach the playoffs in come-from-behind fashion, Tavares had 22 points on 10-for-10 two-pointers, 7 rebounds and a PIR of 32. On November 6, 2020, Tavares led Real to a [90-93](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2020-21/zalgiris-kaunas-real-madrid/E2020/60/) road win with 22 points on 9-for-9 two-pointers, 12 rebounds and a PIR of 34 in 21 minutes. 

His matchup against either Laurynas Birutis and Kevarrius Hayes should be one of the biggest keys to this exciting showdown.

- Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €2,500 for the throwing of objects on to the playing court by its fans, on occasion of its team’s away game against FC Bayern Munich under Article 29.2.h) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 24 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.