The EuroLeague & Friends cast, this week featuring Lisa Ramuschkat, Asta Zukaite, and Aleksandra Radivojevic, were joined by ALBA Berlin guard Matteo Spagnolo. 

Matteo Spagnolo joins Episode 5 of EuroLeague & Friends

This week, the EuroLeague & Friends cast were joined by [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) guard [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/). 

This fifth episode of the podcast saw regular contributors [Lisa Ramuschkat](https://www.instagram.com/lisa_ramuschkat/?hl=en) from Germany, [Asta Zukaite](https://www.instagram.com/asta_zukaite/?hl=en) from Lithuania, and [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/?hl=en) of Serbia discuss with Spagnolo their reactions to Paris Basketball's [TJ Shorts being named the MVP of the Month for November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-star-tj-shorts-selected-as-mvp-for-november/).

Episode No. 10 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast sees a change to the cast with Javier Gancedo away. So to fill in those big shoes, co-hosts Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 bring in Virtus Segafredo Bologna star and Olympic silver medalist Isaia Cordinier to talk EuroLeague and fantasy hoops.

Isaia Cordinier jumps aboard the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast

Episode No. 10 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast sees a change to the cast with [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) away. So to fill in those big shoes, co-hosts [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 bring in [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) star and Olympic silver medalist [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) to talk EuroLeague and fantasy hoops.

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of their [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feuroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net%2F10&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C0811b21f4e94405fce1908dd13030770%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638687625911097302%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XQi0EE05ooN0xNXXX1fCDXXtDgaCiAScCe3M98GEGc0%3D&reserved=0) teams, Cordinier talks about Virtus’s season; his former teammates Theo Maledon, Evan Fournier and Nico Mannion; November MVP TJ Shorts; and the advantages Virtus has heading into this week’s two rounds of games. Then it’s time to share his team and see how many of Cordinier's compatriots make it onto his fantasy roster. Finally, see whether Cordinier approves of the roster changes Frankie and Vasiliki made heading into Round 13.

Listen now for some thoughts and ideas that could help your team before Round 13, which tips off at 18:30 CET on Tuesday when Anadolu Efes Istanbul hosts FC Bayern Munich, and even later in the week when preparing for Round 14.

The Virtus star and Olympic medalist shares his team with Frankie Sachs and Vasiliki Karamouza

Fresh off a relatively high-scoring week for all three co-hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 bring you Episode 9 with plenty of optimism.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast: More high scores on the way?

Fresh off a relatively high-scoring week for all three co-hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 bring you Episode 9 with plenty of optimism.

And as always in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/10), there are topics of interest everywhere. Which November MVP candidates are hungriest this week? Why is the matchup between ALBA Berlin and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv noteworthy? How will Shavon Shields's expected return affect the rest of the EA7 Emporio Armani Milan roster? Which FC Barcelona guard will be most affected by the signing of Raul Neto?

The crew touched on those topics and more as they continue the quest to build the ultimate EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Watch this week's episode now to prepare your teams for Round 12. And make sure to get your lineups in before 19:00 CET on Thursday, when the round begins with the matchup between Lonnie Walker's Zalgiris Kaunas and Chima Moneke's Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.  

The podcast crew asks and answers questions of all kinds pertaining to the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-11-29T20:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid (2024-11-28T19:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v AS Monaco (2024-11-29T19:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-11-29T19:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-11-29T17:45:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-11-28T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-11-28T19:30:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-11-28T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-11-28T18:00:00.000Z)

With the end of November approaching, this latest episode of the EuroLeague & Friends podcast -- featuring Milena Martin from Spain, Giulia Cicchine from Italy, Deniz Aksoy of Turkiye, and Lona Jackson of France -- focuses on the upcoming MVP of the Month award, as well as several key topics around the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague & Friends: Monthly MVP candidates, Milan impressing, and more 

With the end of November approaching, this latest episode of the EuroLeague & Friends podcast focuses on the upcoming MVP of the Month award, as well as several key topics around the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

This time, the four-person panel is made up of [Milena Martin](https://www.instagram.com/milenagramm/?hl=en) from Spain, [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/?hl=en) from Italy, [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/?hl=en) of Turkiye, and [Lona Jackson](https://www.instagram.com/lonajackson_/?hl=en) of France.

Make sure to check out the video above and enjoy listening about the EuroLeague from a different perspective.

The fifth episode of Euroleague Basketball's brand-new podcast has landed

Episode 4 of EuroLeague & Friends is out now. This time, Deniz Aksoy of Turkiye, Shani Blatt of Israel, Aleksandra Radivojevic of Serbia and Lona Jackson of France discuss what's going on in the EuroLeague and what to expect this week.

EuroLeague & Friends, ep. 4: The Belgrade derby, Paris's form and much more

Episode 4 of EuroLeague & Friends is out now. This time, [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/?hl=en) of Turkiye, [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/) of Israel, [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/?hl=en) of Serbia and [Lona Jackson](https://www.instagram.com/lonajackson_/?hl=en) of France discuss what's going on in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and what to expect this week.

The main topics discussed were [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/)'s six-game winning streak and how its unconventional playing style and overall energy has surprised the rest of the competition, and the upcoming Rivalry Series game between [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) on Thursday at 20:00 CET.

Other topics were [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/)'s current injury situation, [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/)'s impressive form, [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/)'s big road win in Madrid and which has been the biggest surprises of the season. 

Paris's fans singing Lona's name after a home game was also discussed, of course. Watch this EuroLeague discussion with a unique point of view and a different standpoint.

The four-person panel brought EuroLeague fans up to date with the latest goings-on in the league

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-11-21T19:00:00.000Z)

All three co-stars are back for Episode 8 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 dive into team rebuilding with unlimited trades allowed this week.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Time to rebuild

All three co-stars are back for Episode 8 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 dive into team rebuilding with unlimited trades allowed this week.

The main topic discussed when the episode was recorded – which was before the news was confirmed that friend of the podcast and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) star [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) would miss time – was how to best man the forward spots with [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) of [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) standing out as a strong candidate.

Other points of discussion include how to address this week’s three turns of games, who are the best high-priced players to own and where to find some bargains (hint: look in Berlin). Watch this week's episode now to prepare your teams ready before the first game in Round 11 between [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) and Fenerbahce tips on Wednesday at 20:30 CET.

The fantasy experts have ideas for your teams this week with unlimited trades allowed

The third episode of EuroLeague & Friends is now available to watch, with this week's episode featuring Giulia Cicchine from Italy, Milena Martin from Spain, Vasiliki Karamouza from Greece, and Asta Zukaite from Lithuania. 

EuroLeague & Friends episode 3: Greek derby, Real Madrid’s struggles and more

The third episode of EuroLeague & Friends, a podcast featuring a rotating cast of nine of the best female journalists in European basketball, is now available to watch.

In this week's episode, the four female journalists on the show are [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/?hl=en) from Italy, [Milena Martin](https://www.instagram.com/milenagramm/?hl=en) from Spain, [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://www.instagram.com/vasiliki_karamouza/?hl=en) from Greece, and [Asta Zukaite](https://www.instagram.com/asta_zukaite/?hl=en) from Lithuania. 

They touch on the Olympiacos Piraeus's win in the Greek derby, Round 8's Rivalry Series game, against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Real Madrid's inconsistent form, Zalgiris Kaunas's performances so far this season, and much more.

Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 offer their fantasy tips ahead of Rounds 9 and 10 in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast: Acting smart in the double-round week

With another double-round week in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague now upon us, fantasy experts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 take us through their recommended picks and talking points for Rounds 9 and 10 of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/).

Will [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) enjoy bounce-back performances? Are [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) worthwhile picks? Who are the surprise players to consider? Check out the episode and get your teams ready before the first game in Round 9 tips off at 18:45 CET:

Fantasy experts Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza try to help fantasy managers in episode seven

Olympiacos BC forward Sasha Vezenkov joined Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza on this latest edition of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast.

Sasha Vezenkov joins the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast!

There is no Frankie Sachs this week, but [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza are joined by Olympiacos Piraeus superstar [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) on the sixth episode this season of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/).

As someone who loves the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, Vezenkov shows that he has plenty of knowledge about the game as he offers his takes – the perspective of an elite Turkish Airlines EuroLeague player – during an enjoyable conversation with Javier and Vasiliki.

Fantasy experts Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza offer their thoughts, alongside the Olympiacos star

EuroLeague & Friends is back with its second episode of the season featuring Shani Blatt, Vasiliki Karamouza, Lona Jackson and Lisa Ramunschkat

EuroLeague & Friends: Episode 2 is here!

EuroLeague & Friends is back with its second episode of the season! A brand new podcast by Euroleague Basketball, EuroLeague & Friends is about nine contributors from nine different countries that host EuroLeague teams giving their audience a different perspective on the league and its community. This week on board we have four contributors to debate and share their insights on their respective countries and teams: [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/?hl=en), [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://www.instagram.com/vasiliki_karamouza/?hl=en), [Lona Jackson](https://www.instagram.com/lonajackson_/?hl=en) and [Lisa Ramuschkat](https://www.instagram.com/lisa_ramuschkat/?hl=en), all appearing in EuroLeague & Friends for the first time this season!

After the introductions, there was a first debate about Kevin Punter, the MVP of the Month. The episode was recorded at the time of the announcement, so Shani surprised her co-hosts with the final decision. Lona opened the debate about Paris Basketball's great start to the season and the vibe around the team, led by T.J. Shorts and Nadir Hifi. Shani introduced a new topic about Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Saben Lee's outstanding start of the season and how the team can improve when injured players return to the team.

Lisa opened the floor about FC Bayern Munich and its strong start, 5-2 overall and undefeated at SAP Arena. After finding out what's going on in Munich, Vasiliki spoke about the Rivalry Series Game of the Week, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Olympiacos Piraeus, asking the other contributors to share their points of view. The final topic of discussion was the most surprising players so far. Enjoy this fresh take on the EuroLeague from EuroLeague & Friends.

The first episode of the EuroLeague & Friends podcast, featuring Milena Martin, Giulia Cicchine, Deniz Aksoy and Aleksandra Radivojevic, is out now.

EuroLeague & Friends episode 1: The MVP race and much more

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we’ve got good news – there is a new podcast for you to enjoy, ‘EuroLeague & Friends’.

A rotating cast featuring nine of the best female journalists in European basketball offer a fresh perspective on the latest goings on in the EuroLeague, with this first episode featuring [Milena Martin](https://www.instagram.com/milenagramm/?hl=en) from Spain, [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/?hl=en) from Italy, [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/?hl=en) from Turkiye, and [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/?hl=en) from Serbia.

Over the course of 25 minutes, they discuss the early candidates to win the EuroLeague MVP award, a couple of under-pressure teams, and why FC Barcelona needs to be looking for a new player, among many other topics. Make sure to check it out via the video link above!

Fantasy experts Frankie Sachs, Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza offer their advice ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast: Tips for another double-round week

The fifth episode from season two of the EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast has landed, with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) duo [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and Sport 24’s [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) offering their advice for fantasy managers ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Which players should you specifically target this week? Which players should you drop? Find out more by checking out the video above.

Fresh off this season’s first two-round week, Euroleague.net's Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo, as well as Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza, share their tips and insights on the best bargains and must-own players in the fifth round of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast: Back with unlimited trades

Fresh off this season’s first two-round week, we have the opportunity to make roster corrections with unlimited trades in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. That means EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) will share their tips and insights on the best bargains and must-own players as we look ahead to Round 5 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season – and beyond.

How does the Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna game on Wednesday affect things? Isaac Bonga – yea or nay? Theo Maledon or Mike James- or both? Does the gang agree on the best options at center? Listen now to best prepare yourself for this week’s action.

Need help rebuilding your team this week? We have the answers in Episode 4!

The third episode of this season's Fantasy Challenge Podcast is now available, with fantasy experts Frankie Sachs, Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza all offering their thoughts ahead of Rounds 3 and 4 in the 2024-25 EuroLeague campaign.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Prepare for this season’s first two-round week

The gang returns for the latest edition of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) are joined by Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) to debate the best strategies and players ahead for Round 3 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season – and how it pertains to Round 4.

Among the topics they discussed are why it is important to have FC Barcelona and/or AS Monaco players, whether Vasiliki is a genius or a maniac for her unorthodox thinking about the centers on her team, and, of course, which players they have their eyes on.  

Time is of the essence, so listen now to best prepare yourself for this week’s action. And you just may be able to win a special prize! The details are in the episode.

Too expensive? Should we keep Ataman? I EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast 2024-25

Episode 3 is here to help fantasy managers in what should be a fascinating week fantasy-wise 

Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo is back on the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, joining Euroleague.net colleague Frankie Sachs and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza.

Episode 2 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is here!

The news that everybody had been waiting for has finally arrived: [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo is back on the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! 

Alongside [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) colleague Frankie Sachs and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza, the three fantasy experts offer their advice to fantasy managers as we head into Round 2 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

One of the main talking points surrounds the success that Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard Tamir Blatt last week as he achieved 39.6 fantasy points, more than anybody else. 

The three fantasy gurus also discuss the importance of this three-turn week, with fantasy managers encouraged to listen to the advice of Javier, Frankie and Vasiliki in order to maximize their potential points tally across the games on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Time to get rid of the MVP? Sasha Vezenkov debate | EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast 2024-25

This week, Javier Gancedo returns alongside Frankie Sachs and Vasiliki Karamouza to discuss the hottest topics in fantasy

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2 with production upgrades and a new co-host! Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 in Greece will join Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net as a regular host to share her insights on everyone’s favorite EuroLeague companion contest.

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2!

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is back for Season 2 with production upgrades and a new co-host! [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 in Greece will join [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) as a regular host to share her insights on everyone’s favorite Turkish Airlines EuroLeague companion contest.

Vasiliki and Frankie share the mic in Episode 1 to detail the new rule changes this season, reveal how to join the podcast’s private fantasy league and, of course, give some tips on how to build your rosters. What obstacle is Frankie facing in Round 1? Who are Vasiliki’s must-have players? Get the answers to these questions and more by listening to the podcast now.

Several notable improvements have been made to the show

Konstantinos Mitoglou’s first season of his second stint with Panathinaikos BC was a year he will never forget. And he shared what it meant to him with Joe Arlauckas on the championship edition of The Crossover.

Konstantinos Mitoglou speaks in championship edition of The Crossover

[Konstantinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/)’s first season of his second stint with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was a year he will never forget. From the confidence coach Ergin Ataman boasted in their first practice together to the three-pointer he sank to help seal the championship game victory over Real Madrid, it was a wild ride for Mitoglou with the Greens. And he shared what it meant to him with Joe Arlauckas on the championship edition of The Crossover.

After some small talk where they chat about Mitoglou’s college teammate Codi Miller-McIntyre and the host and guest's connection to Aris Thessaloniki, Arlauckas asks Mitoglou about his famous family. With a father and brother who played professional football, how did Konstantinos wind up in basketball?

Aside from his height, Mitoglou relayed the following story:

(7:40) “When I was 11-12 years old, we had a tournament in the Netherlands and we played Ajax. And you know, Ajax the 11-12 years old were very big, strong, fast, especially compared to Greek kids,” Mitoglou shared. “And Coach benched me. And we came back and I said, ‘Dad, I’m not playing football again.’ And he said, ‘Why? I will make you a goalkeeper. I will make you a football player. We’ll find something else.’  I said I’m done with football. I don’t want to play football anymore. And that’s how I started playing basketball.”

Basketball has worked out pretty nicely for Mitoglou. He came through the Aris system to reach their first team and became a regular on the Greek junior national teams. At age 18, he traveled overseas to play college basketball at Wake Forest University. Upon his return, both of the giants of Greek basketball, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, were interested in his services. Mitoglou chose green.

His first stint in Athens went well as he helped the Greens to four Greek championships, two Greek cups and a host of individual honors. At age 25, he was recruited to play for Ettore Messina at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Last summer, Mitoglou returned to Greece for a second time and this time with a new head coach in charge, Ergin Ataman. And the standards were set high from Day 1.

(20:50) “From the first time, the first day, in the preseason, in the preparation. We were gathering altogether. Half the team was with their national teams,” Mitoglou recalled. “Coach gathers us all around and says, ‘Listen, we are not here to play. We are here to win EuroLeague and the championship. I am not here to play games and we will win.’”

Ataman’s leadership and a star-studded roster saw Panathinaikos overcome a rough start to the regular season to finish second in the standings. After overcoming a stiff challenge from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the playoffs and overcoming Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the semifinals, the Greens allowed 36 points and fell behind early in the championship game against Real Madrid.

(33:45) “We went into the game with specific tactics, how were we going to defend, how we were going to make the offense. And what did we do? Exactly the opposite happened!” Mitoglou said. “So Coach needed to adjust the game. He did amazing. He made the right subs. They went in. We changed the whole game.  Especially the second half is something I will never forget.”

Mitoglou will go down in history as the man who made the decisive shot in that game, a three-pointer that made it 76-86 with 2:29 remaining, which Arlauckas called “The Dagger.”

(38:40) “When I took the ball and I faked (the pass), as you said very correctly, you have 3-4 seconds before you shoot it, look good at the rim for 1-2 seconds. And then after I made it, everything went black,” Mitoglou said.

With a one-hour format of exclusive one-on-one interviews, The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas goes well beyond the playing court with each podcast to delve into the life experiences that have made his guests protagonists and legends of the EuroLeague. The Crossover debuted in 2018 and has featured such current stars as [Mike James](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fmike-james-opens-up-at-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294496687%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FN4mwCAbjn0eulCH7ZmlzhSlIu6hXhH9YXohhNHl3XE%3D&reserved=0), [Lorenzo Brown](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Florenzo-brown-hops-aboard-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294503637%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FJ4ZxrX7IxtSRS6rsMQvfEGHbpuVLZVCCwV0CDbbNGY%3D&reserved=0) and [Mario Hezonja](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fmario-hezonja-stops-by-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294509695%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FOGQKKC8aoCmhKvT%2Bdc7hRfzuLNNjbGCuq4nxPuz%2F0g%3D&reserved=0); coaching greats such as [Georgios Bartzokas](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fhear-from-coach-bartzokas-on-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294515741%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6FnbG2r4jILYn4gU39sXpYOJoP7DJtJqNBPTrToPYwo%3D&reserved=0), [Dimitris Itoudis](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fthe-crossover-opens-its-season-with-dimitris-itoudis&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294521858%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EfX1rkKQffiCPh3bM0Y%2F70uiGbJhIuX5ghpWmuCK%2FM8%3D&reserved=0), and Zeljko Obradovic, and legends like Theo Papaloukas, Nikola Vujcic and [Mike Batiste](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpanathinaikos-legend-mike-batiste-visits-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294527769%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jDmNnNhY3PgrJvi0hhHmLVl2WM4wQsA5jv7iQ9DUlD8%3D&reserved=0), among others. Mitoglou is the final guest of the season that previously featured [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fseason-6-of-the-crossover-opens-with-nigel-hayes-davis&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294534609%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=95EQJvPFamcOeLwd0gxbFXLyWIcckBeK8TpXumVOpZ8%3D&reserved=0), [Kemba Walker](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fkemba-walker-visits-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294540476%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zCrYVE9MW1OOSgL1XS15Xpq%2FvGLqWuJJA4JIk0x6zhw%3D&reserved=0), [James Nunnally](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fjames-nunnally-opens-up-at-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294546250%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qcCGhO9Iqg0E3S1v8TJwIY0p3%2FGlUj7BEtaCGEex8wQ%3D&reserved=0), [Chima Moneke](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Fen%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fchima-moneke-joins-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294552010%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gixymSqGOiuwbai%2FEZM5utH4f6mOdL9bPM4LYM0H8TE%3D&reserved=0) and [Serge Ibaka](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Fen%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fserge-ibaka-visits-the-crossover&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294557728%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zHCjqzWapQjbX8%2BBUixpO5NWguDHMkWGpuBQOFXYLAU%3D&reserved=0).

The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is available on [YouTube](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2rYpAbSLlCc&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294563463%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5xYL4njUmVUyJidb1eZUzzp8ktI0LMoTUEMK43888EI%3D&reserved=0), [iTunes](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas%2Fid1440034922&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294569093%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NLuHGiEMolDZm6KwT02sIgRwUOT6tG84AK17qcM7YBw%3D&reserved=0), [Audioboom](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faudioboom.com%2Fchannel%2Fthe-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294574854%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=D1zJWB482WyK2ujIV1FguEWOKuptBsMNi1ixQXp%2Bk40%3D&reserved=0), [Spotify](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F6T1SYvGSpzyrYZpG9z2wjR&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294580652%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=M6PV%2FjVQkaUdWiqaRV%2FcrQxrnII8Kmqtad6qEu6n%2Bqk%3D&reserved=0), [Deezer](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deezer.com%2Ffr%2Fshow%2F65962&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294586490%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c0VVdEYzxiTQpEoD%2FJ8B%2Bgrs8HumUevUmwvqev6uOTo%3D&reserved=0), [RadioPublic](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fradiopublic.com%2Fthe-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas-6NkdjJ&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294592163%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BwcGJSDlHSts0H4%2FIpzowAiG9GUZwzyCTbEqW%2FTflzE%3D&reserved=0), [Google Podcasts](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.google.com%2Ffeed%2FaHR0cHM6Ly9hdWRpb2Jvb20uY29tL2NoYW5uZWxzLzQ4ODM3OTkucnNz%3Fsa%3DX%26ved%3D0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiYzr_b78XtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294597926%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LAgWah3cln1JGOg8UkrajnpqppqJWPXVECsVM66MQiE%3D&reserved=0), [TuneIn](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftunein.com%2Fpodcasts%2FSports--Recreation-Podcasts%2FThe-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-p1174586&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294603908%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gByHDKNaP6MVqIT5Adb5EAYnjsoMDaTuztIPRvjzgRA%3D&reserved=0), [Stitcher](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stitcher.com%2Fshow%2Fthe-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294609706%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eAkIo8K4oj3zJNgW7RDYiJsv7bSS%2BYIQjOrjcrOjPWQ%3D&reserved=0), [CastBox](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcastbox.fm%2Fchannel%2FThe-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-id1467328%3Fcountry%3Dgb&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294616669%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zNdLpEfeiFkHn937pgNzQ%2BDyBon0SBEN3zPhBFFuiJw%3D&reserved=0), [iVoox](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ivoox.com%2Fpodcast-the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas_sq_f1629856_1.html&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C2d2ed8a242a6470c8fd208dc9797fed2%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638551926294623475%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Zz9pQZi0R9eHBm3zU%2FsH50beKzReqD5nnQPw%2FQCWF8U%3D&reserved=0) and other platforms.

The author of “The Dagger” three-point shot that clinched Panathinaikos’s championship game victory talks about his childhood and the race to the crown this season under Coach Ataman

The Crossover live with Joe Arlauckas and special guests 

After the thrilling semifinals, Joe Arlauckas sits down again for a live episode of The Crossover with Coach Panagiotis Giannakis, former champ David Rivers and BEIN Sports' presenter Ismail Senol to analyze to review Friday's action and analyze what can we expect from the championship game.