Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 6 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season
Pregame quotes, Round 6: 'Efes's guard play is one of the best in Europe'
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Friday, October 24
Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (19:30 CEST)
Igor Kokoskov, Efes head coach
"Fenerbahçe Beko is a team which improved a lot in the last couple of years, playing really well. And they are one of the best teams in the EuroLeague. They are dealing with some injuries, they have some new names on the roster. They are a very unique team and are very well coached. They have established a system with the same coach for the last three years. I think they are very precise in what they are doing. So we are going to work on our preparation. We are very aware of the strengths, we know what the strengths are. Tough schedule is coming in the next days, we are going to try to regroup. We have four games in seven days. We will have fatigue and may be a little bit tired but we understand how the importance of this game psychologically. It is still early in the season, every game matters, every game counts in the EuroLeague."
PJ Dozier, Efes guard
"We are really looking forward to our match up against the defending champs. It is always a big motivation playing the team who held the trophy last year and we are motivated to protect our house."
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach
"We need to continue improving our basketball. We need to be ready to guard a very talented offensive team. Their guard play is one of the best in Europe, especially with [Shane] Larkin, of course, who is in great shape. Obviously, everybody has pretty clear roles and everybody understands how they support their main players."
Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce forward
"We need to keep carrying our winning identity in the EuroLeague. We’ll be facing a team that’s in great form. We must build on what we did right in the Bayern Munich game, adapt those strengths to our opponent’s game plan, and stay focused both defensively and offensively."
Virtus Bologna vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:00 CEST)
Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach
"Tomorrow we will play against maybe the best team in this EuroLeague. I think that right now what we need to do is focus on ourselves and our identity; that is to say, we need to focus on how to play defense and offense, how to move the ball with rhythm and how to stay positive so that we can play our best."
Derrick Alston Jr., Virtus forward
"Tomorrow will be a tough match against Pana, one of the best teams in Europe. They have great players in every role and positions. We have to believe and keep telling ourselves that we can win, because I'm sure our fans will give us the boost we need to give our all. For us, giving our all means being precise in our execution and playing hard, to the best of our skills."
Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach
"It's a dangerous game, a difficult game. They played very well in their home-court games, winning against Real Madrid and Monaco. Now we will face an aggressive team. We need to be very focused offensively and defensively. During the long season, you will have some injured players who cannot participate in the important games. Of course, [Richaun] Holmes has given a good contribution in the last two games, we will miss him."
Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos center
"I think it will be a challenge, like every EuroLeague game. I think we have better weapons overall that we can utilize. It's just about us locking in on defense and offense. If we get the job done on defense, I think that's going to translate as well in our transitions and on offense. We have an offense that is pretty scary. I think we're more than prepared."
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Paris Basketball (20:30 CEST)
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach
"The atmosphere within the team is good, and everyone is aware of the situation we’re in. We know we’re missing two players, and on top of that, [Miika] Muurinen took a hit and hasn’t practiced in the last two days. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. Regardless of that, we’ve worked the only way possible, to prepare ourselves as best as we can and give our maximum against a team that plays very similarly to last season, despite changes in their roster and coaching staff. They play aggressively, pressing all over the court, often double-teaming, and in offense, their two point guards are the key pieces of the team. They play at a high pace and are very strong on the offensive glass. We went through all of that during practices and video sessions. The game plan is clear, and whether we’ll be able to execute it successfully, we’ll see tomorrow."
Aleksej Pokusevski, Partizan forward
"They’re similar to last year — they play fast and finish their possessions quickly, which has already become their trademark. Defensively, they’re aggressive and often double-team. We have to stay focused and be ready for those things that await us."
FC Bayern Munich vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:45 CEST)
Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach
"Olympiacos is one of the top teams year after year in the EuroLeague. The big thing will be us being able to match their physicality, rebound the ball, and really be able to create some opportunities off our defense; score off our defense, create easy opportunities off our defense. Olympiacos is an extremely good half-court team, both offensively and defensively."
Justus Hollatz, Bayern guard
"Olympiacos is a very experienced opponent whose team knows exactly how to play in order to win. Their core has been playing together for a long time, and this year [Tyler] Dorsey is performing exceptionally well. They have plenty of options. We need to be ready to match their physicality on defense and play fast on offense ourselves. If they hit a few tough shots, we can’t let that throw us off. We have to stick to our game.
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach
"Our 12-man roster includes three changes compared to the game against Maccabi. But sometimes that can mean a lot — or nothing at all. We have to play well. Last year we lost in Munich. Bayern is a team that has quite a few differences compared to last season. They play good defense, and based on their roster, you have to be completely ready to face them. Obviously, last year with Napier and Edwards they were a different team. However, this year they have bigger bodies on the perimeter, they switch a lot on defense for long stretches, and we must be ready to respond to that."
Thomas Walkup, Olympiacos guard
"I feel very good. I had time to recover, I practiced this week, and I’m ready to help the team. Bayern is a good team, and we’ll need to be 100% focused in order to succeed."
Thursday, October 23
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Dubai Basketball (19:30 CEST)
Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach
"It will be a very tough game. ASVEL has very talented young players and very good experienced players. They have shown until now that they can play very good basketball. For us, it is very important to stop their transitions, to stop their main weapons offensively. Defensively, we need to run. We need to use our qualities, try to move the ball and try to get as many easy baskets as possible.
McKinley Wright, Dubai guard
"Obviously they have a lot of talent on their team. They're playing at home, they've got nothing to lose. We're trying to get as many wins as possible right now. We know it's not going to be easy, and they have a lot of talent on their roster. We've been watching film the last couple of days on their guys and we have to defend, get out in transition, and run, as well as slow their guards down.
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco (20:05 CEST)
Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach
"We’re playing against a team that has established itself as a EuroLeague contender, with the Final Four appearance just last season. This is a team built to go all the way – to win championships. They have an excellent roster with experienced players, and they play a high-quality brand of basketball. Our task will be very challenging, but we are eager and highly motivated to face it."
Vassilis Spanoulis, Monaco head coach
"Hapoel is a very talented team, well coached, with size, shooting ability, and offensive firepower. We have to play our game, which is physical and athletic, and counter their strengths by responding with our own qualities. To be more consistent, we need to work on our mentality. The team has character and chemistry, but we still need to take a mental step forward to be more solid and consistent."
Kevarrius Hayes, Monaco center
"Hapoel Tel Aviv is a team that has just arrived in the EuroLeague. They are highly motivated, have very good players, and are focused on offense. For us, this game will be decided by defense. Since the start of the season, we've been looking for consistency. We need to be more consistent throughout games, and even within the same game. We often have one quarter that's below the others, and we need to fix that."
FC Barcelona vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)
Joan Penarroya, Barcelona head coach
"Zalgiris has made an important change, being more ambitious, and that is reflected on its budget, bringing in important players while being able to keep a player like Francisco, which was wanted by many teams. Williams-Goss, Maodo Lo and Wright arrived to the team, which added to what they had already, they turned the team into one with higher level than in previous seasons. They are playing very good basketball. It is true that last week, with the EuroLeague's double round, they lost both games but they had won the previous three. The Williams-Goss-Francisco duo is very important for them because of what they generate, both for the team and for them as an individual level. They help each other really well on defense and with these two players, they have the ability to run the floor really well. Our roster is what it is and with Juan [Nunez] out long term, we have fewer players. I am taking playing time into account because it is a long season but the two players that play the most are on the floor for 24 minutes on average, in all competitions. Unless I am mistaken, Toko [Shengelia] and Will [Clyburn] play 24.3 minutes on average. All EuroLeague teams have players averaging that playing time or more. So far, we are doing well in that sense but we are worried about our injuries in such a long competition as this is. Zalgiris is a solid project, basketball is the number one sport in Lithuania and since they opened Zalgirio Arena, they are finding more financial resources. It is a solid project and it is incredible to play there, with that incredible support. Like I said, it is obvious that they took a step forward, financially speaking, to good players and add new ones. It is a deep, well-built team that is doing things well. The EuroLeague is fantastic, with great playing level and many teams able to win anybody."
Juani Marcos, Barcelona guard
"We knew the type of team Zalgiris is. They started the season with three consecutive wins and now had back-to-back losses, but they still are an intense, physical team with great players. They have been playing really well and we have to be ready, because we know how tough our opponent is. We have important absences [Laprovittola, Brizuela], backcourt players that give a lot to the team due to their talent and experience. It is on me to step up on their absences, so I will try to give my best and take more responsibilities, which is something that it is good for me in order to gain confidence and see more playing time in such a long season. What has surprised me the most about the EuroLeague is its playing level. This season, any team which anywhere against any opponent, it is being a very competitive league. We go against high-level teams with high-level players and great physical, tactical and technical preparation. This is one of the highest basketball levels in the world, and the best in Europe."
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Valencia Basket (20:30 CEST)
Ettore Messina, Milan head coach
"We face a team that likes to keep the tempo as high as possible, a high scoring team because of their offensive organization. A balanced offense and transition defense will be the pillars we have to build the game over. We will have the chance to add one player because Nate Sestina will try to help us win the game, despite being able to practice with the team only twice."
Devin Booker, Milan center
"They are a talented team that goes up and down the court. They really like to run the floor, so we will have to face them by using all the energy we can find, trusting ourselves for 40 minutes."
Pedro Martinez, Valencia head coach
"[Monaco is] a good team, defensively they are very strong. They have a very solid defense, they play at a slightly different pace to us, but with smart players, a very well-trained team. One of the toughest we can face right now. Obviously, I'm happier on the days we win and less happy on the days we don't, but I think the team is continuing to perform well. Now we have to get [Jean] Montero involved in the game. He practically didn't do any preseason training, then when he came back from his national team, he trained for five days and had to have surgery. Today he had his third training session since he came back, so that's what we're focused on, getting these players who have been out involved. Then we'll do the same with Yankuba [Sima] later on, and obviously all these things are incidents that slow us down as a team. They also change the players' roles, because you get used to playing without a player, but then you know we're going to need him. That means you have to make decisions that affect the whole group. We try to take it calmly and naturally, but obviously these are not easy situations."
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (21:00 CEST)
Sasa Obradovic, Crvena Zvezda head coach
"They have quality, speed, a style of play that doesn’t suit Zvezda, so… Teams like them – like, for example, the game against Paris during the preseason – show that there are certain difficulties when facing that kind of defense. In that sense, it's important that we stay focused for the full 40 minutes – no letting up. They won’t stray from their style, they play very fast, and they have a lot of athleticism at every position. It’s important that we focus on ourselves and keep the hype surrounding the court under control. That’s not easy. There are always different approaches from the coach’s side as well. Still, losing is not an option here. And the only way to handle it is to start thinking like an underdog. We have to respect the opponent more than usual, no matter what their name is."
Semi Ojeleye, Crvena Zvezda forward
"We have to play defense. We have to bring energy. They are very talented. They want to play fast. If we manage to follow through on that, we have a chance to win. I mean, they changed some players in the team. Of course, they have Marcus and the rest of the crew. They can change the course of the game. They always play very well. They jump very well. So we have to take away their easy points and make them work for every basket."
Wednesday, October 22
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv vs. Real Madrid (20:05 CEST)
Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach
"Real Madrid is a lot like Olympiacos. I think they’re healthier than the Greeks and have a deeper roster. It’ll be a tougher and more intense game. The Spaniards are an excellent defensive team. They don’t have many weaknesses — their size and dominance inside have been tough for us since the start of the season. We’ll have to deal with that collectively, and it’ll require a lot of aggression.
"The last loss was painful mainly because of how it happened. But that’s part of the job. It’s not going to be easy — we’re not the favorites — but of course, we really want to win. It’s still early in the season; even if we lose, the league won’t slip away. It’s a very competitive and long league, but regardless, we want to win."
Roman Sorkin, Maccabi forward
"A tough game awaits us. Real Madrid is a very good team with a high-quality roster. We’re coming off two very painful losses where we could’ve done better. We learned from those mistakes and now we’re coming to win."
Jeff Dowtin Jr., Maccabi guard
"Real Madrid is a great team — it’s exciting to play against them. We prepared well; we watched a lot of their videos. They have very experienced players like Campazzo, great guards overall, and excellent big men. We have to execute properly on defense, stay focused the whole time, and stick to the game plan."
Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach
"We finally had a couple of days to practice with contact and energy. We had not been able to do it for some time and I think that helped the team to have a good performance. I think we are ready to play an efficient, solid game against an opponent that has a lot of scoring and that also gets a lot of steals. In that sense, we have to be very careful with turnovers. Maccabi has players with top-level NBA talent like Lonnie Walker or Jeff Dowtin, who have a main role in the team, but also has a very open playing style, with five players with a lot of mobility and other useful players like Hoard, Sorkin, Blatt... After losing all of its home games, this team won't be willing to lose again so we have to be ready because it will be a really demanding game."
Gabriel Deck, Real Madrid forward
"We are surely facing a difficult game, as every road game. We will try to do things right on the road to fight for the victory. Maccabi has the need to get home wins and all of its players will give 100%, so we expect a very tough game. We have to do our things well, get better game by game and try to win on the road. A win against Maccabi would give us a lot of confidence in the world we have been doing. We hope to live up to our standards tomorrow and be focused for 40 minutes. We have a lot of good things and have very good moments in our games, offensively and defensively, but also ups and downs that we will surely fix throughout the season, as games go by. I think we are in the right track. We have a good test tomorrow to see if we can do things well on the road."