It's been a traditional practice of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clubs to strengthen their rosters by dipping into the pool of BKT EuroCup players. Such was the case this summer, which led to some of the best players from the last EuroCup season making the jump to the EuroLeague. No matter their experience or age, these guys are proven impact players. Here are some of the most interesting EuroLeague players who are coming from the EuroCup.
Top 10 EuroCup to EuroLeague moves
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Yilmaz is coming off his career-best season, in which he set career highs for points, rebounds, assists and steals in both the EuroCup and the Turkish League. The 25-year old forward now gets to test his talents in the EuroLeague after joining the two-time champs.
After winning the EuroCup twice in the past three years, the move to the EuroLeague was the only logical one for the French big man. The second-oldest player on this list at 28 years of age, Inglis has the muscle and the versatility, to make an impact in a Valencia uniform.
The young center is coming off a breakout season with Paris Basketball, having led EuroCup in blocked shots (1.5 bpg.) among other feats. Big, with his 2.11 meters, and athletic, Kamagate was an intimidating factor on EuroCup floors last season, and he hopes it will translate the same to the EuroLeague.
Guy is an offensive threat with his long range shooting and his playmaking abilities alike. He showcased the latter in the EuroCup Playoffs last year before going on a memorable three-point barrage in the Spanish League playoffs. Displaying either, or both, will go a long way in the Greek capital this season.
Diop, who has a single 7-minute EuroLeague appearance in his career, arrives in Vitoria-Gasteiz as a reigning EuroCup champ and a former EuroCup Rising Star. At just 21 years of age, Diop's presence brings toughness, athleticism and size to the Baskonia frontcourt.
One of the best young Spanish players, Parra made the short move from Badalona to Barcelona this summer to make the jump from the EuroCup to the EuroLeague. The 23-year old forward could be star-in-the-making with his combination of size, range and versatility.
With never-ending energy and the ability to play above the rim, Tyrique Jones quickly found many fans across the continent while helping Turk Telekom to the 2023 EuroCup Finals as an All-EuroCup Second Team selection. He now brings his good-natured attitude to Efes, where you can expect to see Jones on highlight reels often.
Dos Santos, a diminutive Brazilian point guard, took the entire European continent by storm last season displaying great imagination and creativity running ratiopharm Ulm's offense to EuroCup Quarterfinals and the German League crown. His passes will thrill Crvena Zvezda fans, while causing headaches for opposing EuroLeague defenses.
Balcerowski made his EuroLeague debut as a teenager in the 2018-19 season and has since won EuroCup Rising Star awards in 2021 and 2023. He just helped lead Gran Canaria to the EuroCup title. Quick, long and athletic, he gets to put those skills on display among Europe's elite.
It is only natural that the reigning EuroCup MVP tops this list. So far he had 26 limited EuroLeague appearances with Milan in 2021-22, but in his second go in the competition, Grant hopes to showcase the all-around skillset that made him the EuroCup's most valuable player a season ago.