Name: Kalinic with the slam-dunk! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Kalinic with the slam-dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-02-27T19:00:00.000Z)

What a pass by Williams! Motorola Magic Moment

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-02-27T20:00:00.000Z)

Sorkin beats the buzzer! Motorola Magic Moment

Edwards goes coast to coast! Motorola Magic Moment

Theis opens his Monaco account with a slam! Motorola Magic Moment

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2025-02-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Cornelie posterizes Gillespie! Motorola Magic Moment

Gillespie stops Okobo! Motorola Magic Moment

Bolomboy on the alley-oop! Motorola Magic Moment

Blossomgame dunks off a James dish! Motorola Magic Moment

Will Dusan Alimpijevic add another playoff road triumph to his record when Beşiktaş takes on Cedevita Olimpija in the last 16 of the EuroCup?

Dusan Alimpijevic out to haunt Cedevita Olimpija in the playoffs… again 

It’s funny how things work in sports. An endless number of storylines are created each week, but often the best ones are those that include a bit of history, an opportunity for revenge.

For [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/), its last-16 meeting with [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/) in the 2025 BKT EuroCup Playoffs will see an old foe on the opposing sideline at Stozice Arena – [Dusan Alimpijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/alimpijevic-dusan/). For those who don’t know, the Serbian tactician has a bit of history against Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🗣️ DUSAN! DUSAN! <a href="https://t.co/oQclufCZPZ">pic.twitter.com/oQclufCZPZ</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1889767710017593582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Back on April 27, 2022, one of the most memorable EuroCup games in recent times took place between Cedevita and Alimpijevic’s Frutti Extra Bursaspor. Everything looked good for Bursaspor at the half of their quarterfinal clash, leading 36-50, but Cedevita had reduced the gap to three points (64-67) after 30 minutes to set up a thrilling fourth quarter.

An impressive road win for Bursaspor beckoned with 1:17 minutes remaining, up 78-85, though five straight points by Cedevita’s Yogi Ferrell cut the visitors lead to two points (83-85) with 27 seconds left. And then, with the final shot of the game, Jacob Pullen made a contested three-pointer off the glass… but he hadn’t got his shot off on time. There was ecstasy in the stands at Stozice Arena, followed by complete despair.

Meanwhile, Alimpijevic and his Bursaspor players celebrated like crazy. They knew that they’d got lucky. Very lucky. Still, Bursaspor went on to down MoraBanc Andorra in the semifinals – the third straight road game it had won in the playoffs – to seal a place in the final against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. The team’s fairy-tale run came to an end there, but a period of postseason austerity started for Cedevita that fateful night against Alimpijevic and co.

Bursaspor stuns Cedevita! | Quarterfinals, Highlights | 2022 EuroCup Playoffs

That certainly cannot be said of Alimpijevic, who has become a master at navigating playoff series. Last season, his first in charge of Besiktas, he guided the team to road victories at reigning champ Dreamland Gran Canaria and a strong Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, meaning Alimpijevic has been responsible for five of the 12 road wins in 38 single-elimination playoff games over the last three seasons. Impressive stuff.

One player who has been right alongside Alimpijevic for the past four seasons is 34-year-old guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/). The veteran American is completely in tune with his passionate, hard-nosed coach, and the results have been clear to see, taking Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Final before Besiktas’s run to the EuroCup Semifinals last season.

The best plays of Derek Needham over the last four years in the BKT EuroCup, which have come with coach Dusan Alimpijevic at Frutti Extra Bursaspor and Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Derek Needham's top plays under Coach Alimpijevic

Needham is one of six Americans on Besiktas’s roster, with five – including Needham – averaging 10.2 points or more. [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) (15.2 PPG) was integral to Besiktas’s semifinal finish last season and he has been just as good, if not better, this season. Slowing him down has to be the priority for Cedevita, but there are several other weapons to be wary of, notably [Kelan Martin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kelan-martin/013255/) (11.3 PPG), [Kyle Allman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-allman/011924/) (10.5 PPG), [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/) (10.2 PPG) and Canadian big man [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/) (9.2 PPG). The mid-season addition of [Uros Plavsic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/uros-plavsic/006240/) (7.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has made Besiktas stronger, too.

That is not to say that it will be easy. Besiktas has the Alimpijevic factor and a very talented roster, but Cedevita can feel good about its chances. After all, it has a head coach in [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan/) who lifted the EuroCup trophy with AS Monaco in 2021. On the floor, Cedevita can call upon the high-flying [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) (14.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), scoring guard [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) (14.7 PPG), ball handlers [DeVante' Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) (10.0 PPG, 3.9 APG) and [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (9.8 PPG, 3.6 APG), as well as young prospect [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) (4.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG). In short, there’s a lot of talent there, plus Cedevita will be playing on its home floor.

Playoff games involving Alimpijevic are always worth tuning in for, and this contest is no different. Next Wednesday night (19:30 CET), we will find out if Alimpijevic can work his magic again or if Mitrovic’s experience will make the difference, with a quarterfinal matchup with Bahcesehir College Istanbul the prize for the winner.

Game News

The Serbian coach’s Besiktas squad are hoping for another deep postseason run

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

The February break is over and EuroLeague action finally resumes this Thursday, so here are five questions heading into the final eight rounds of the 2024-25 regular season.

Five questions ahead of the final lap of the regular season

The February break is over and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague action finally resumes this Thursday. With just eight rounds remaining in the regular season, the #EveryGameMatters motto will be truer than ever.

Everyone agrees that this is the tightest regular-season race they can remember, as every outcome for almost all scenarios in the standings is wide open.

Here are five questions for which we’ll be seeking – and getting – answers for in this last lap of the 2024-25 regular season.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1790735/five-questions-ahead-of-the-final-lap-of-the-regular-season/).

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

EuroCup Bracket Challenge: Predict the playoff series winners and win prizes!

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11/bracket) via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

The task is simple: create your bracket by picking the winner from each game until the EuroCup Finals, including the MVP. Once you submit your bracket, you will be eligible to win one of three incredible prizes, so long as your bracket ends up coming true.

### What are the EuroCup Bracket Challenge prizes?

- **Grand Prize:** Four EuroCup tickets for the 2025-26 regular season, for any game(s) selected by the winner.
- **Silver Prize:** One EuroLeague TV Annual Pass for the 2025-26 season.
- **Bronze Prize:** One EuroCup Spalding Basketball.

So, what are you waiting for? Predict the playoff series winners in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge and share your predictions on social media!

The postseason gets underway next week with the eighthfinals

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

The 38th Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the history of the EuroLeague will be unlike any of those before.

'El Clasico' like never before

The 38th *Clásico* in the history of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be unlike any of those before. When [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) and archrival [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) meet, the sporting world takes notice. It is always a game of immense prestige. And often – as has been the case five times at the Final Four and twice more in the playoffs – the opponent is standing in the way of achieving glory.

This time, neither team can yet think of glory. Both have their minds set on survival.

Never before have these teams met this late in the season under the modern format, with neither in the top eight in the standings. Real is 11th with a 13-13 record. We can split hairs and point out that Barcelona, which is ninth with a 14-12 record – the same as eighth-placed [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) – could theoretically be eighth since it won its only game against coach Zeljko Obradovic's men this season and apply that as a tiebreaker, but c'mon. Is that really the point?

No. The point is that for teams usually mapping out their road to home-court advantage in the playoffs, both Real and Barca are now worried about making sure they at least reach the Play-In Showdown. And the type of animalistic attitude needed to survive in the middle of the pack is much different than the regal perspective of a team seeking its place at the peak.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔜🏀 El Clásico | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/COdqSx1AqV">pic.twitter.com/COdqSx1AqV</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1894739466700349513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is more troubling news for both teams on the eve of this *Clásico*. Barcelona is dealing with injuries. Leading scorer [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcas-punter-sidelined-by-shoulder-injury/) will miss the game due to a shoulder injury, [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/juan-nunez-suffering-with-knee-injury-could-miss-rest-of-season/) is out with a knee injury and [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/), one of the team’s shining lights over the past month-plus, is questionable with an Achilles tendon problem. Meanwhile, the guard Real added mid-season to bolster the backcourt, [Dennis Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dennis-smith-jr/013666/), has left the team.

That sets the stage for *El Clásico* like never before.

So what can we expect to see? First of all, a hard-fought game where character matters more than ever before. Sure, both teams have talented stars who have fought through adversity to get where they are. But with the pressure heightened like we can expect at Movistar Arena this week, mental and physical toughness take on a new meaning.

For the visitors, figuring out who will step into Punter's shoes is critical. Will [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) enshrine himself in the history books with a majestic *Clásico*? Is [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) lying in wait for a big game? Can [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) carry the extra load with his backcourt mates down?

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A0ssic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClàssic</a> <a href="https://t.co/gDAmEBO4Ky">pic.twitter.com/gDAmEBO4Ky</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1894819721461277019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Real Madrid has lost its last three games in the EuroLeague and faltered in the Spanish Cup final. The issue there is not talent; Real is one of only two teams this season to have not lost a game by more than 15 points (the other is top-ranked [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/)). That is just one of many underlying stats showing how good the team is.

So what is the problem? Is it a lack of focus? Just bad luck? And will the last week and a half – in which [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), [Hugo Gonzalez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hugo-gonzalez/011649/) and [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/) were among those who played well for their national teams – be enough to get *Los Blancos* on track to win this game and make a climb in the standings?

Who knows? What I can tell you is that because of – and despite – these teams' records and spots in the standings, this *El Clásico* will be like never before. And for true fans of the game, that makes it must-see basketball.

The historic rivalry between the top two teams in Spanish sports continues on Thursday in Madrid with a different feel 

El Clásico like never before

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2025-02-27T19:45:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus addressed its banged-up backcourt by signing guard Saben Lee just before Wednesday's EuroLeague signing deadline

Olympiacos pens deal with Saben Lee 

Olympiacos Piraeus addressed its banged-up backcourt by signing guard [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) just before Wednesday's EuroLeague signing deadline. Lee (1.88 meters, 25 years old) joins a EuroLeague club for the second-time this season after averaging 12.0 points and 2.5 assists in eight games with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. Saben started the season in Turkiye with Manisa Basket and after his stint with Maccabi returned there until now.

He was second in the Turkish League in scoring with 18.7 points per game and tied for second in assists with 6.0 per game. Lee was worth 24.8 points, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals in the Basketball Champions League with Manisa, including tying the competition's scoring record with a 43-point showing in his second-ever game.

Saben Lee's best plays with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Lee started his professional career with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, where he played 85 games between 2020 and 2022. He also played two games for the Philadelphia 76ers and 47 for the Phoenix Suns. His NBA career averages stand at 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 134 appearances. In addition to his time in the NBA, Lee spent time in the G League with the Motor City Cruise, Delaware Blue Coats and Raptors 905. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt University.

The latest on Olympiacos

The guard played in the EuroLeague earlier this season with Maccabi

ALBA Berlin announced that it has finalized the signing of big man Robert Baker only hours before the deadline for registering players this season

ALBA Berlin registers Robert Baker before deadline

ALBA Berlin announced that it has finalized the signing of big man [Robert Baker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/robert-baker-ii-/013774/) only hours before the deadline for registering players this season. Baker (2.11 meters, 26 years old) arrives from the Osceola Magic of the G-League, where he averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 17 games this season. He has spent a total of four seasons in the G-League, during which he also played for the Stickton Kings and College Park Skyhawks. Baker has previous experience outside the United States with stints in Slovakia, Puerto Rico and Japan. He played college basketball at Harvard University.

The latest on ALBA Berlin

The big man is set to make his EuroLeague with the German side

Zalgiris Kaunas added a weapon to its backcourt as it prepares to mount a charge on a postseason berth by signing combo-guard Isaiah Wong for the remainder of the season

Zalgiris adds scoring punch with Isaiah Wong

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) added a weapon to its backcourt as it prepares to mount a charge on a postseason berth by signing combo-guard [Isaiah Wong](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-wong/013775/) for the remainder of the season. Wong (1.91 meters, 24 years old) will step into the role vacated by [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/lonnie-walker-departs-zalgiris-kaunas/), who averaged 13.6 points in 19 games before leaving Lithuania to sign for the Philadelphia 76ers last week. Wong arrives from the NBA, where he appeared in 20 games for the Charlotte Hornets this season before he was waived after the trade deadline.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">American guard Isaiah Wong joins the Zalgiris team until the end of the 2024-2025 season. ✍️<br><br>Welcome to the green-and-whites, Isaiah! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/axKWfWLmWV">pic.twitter.com/axKWfWLmWV</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1894775061875196012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wong averaged 6.0 points on 39.4% three-point shooting, 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 13.3 minutes per game with Charlotte. He also played one game in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers the season before. Wong scored a career-high 17 points in 24 minutes in his second-to-last game with the Hornets. He also averaged 14.9 points, 3.9 boards and 3.3 assists over the last two seasons in the G-League with the Indiana Mad Ants and Greensboro Swarm.

The Athletic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 2023, Wong played four seasons of college basketball at the University of Miami. He helped the Hurricanes reach their first-ever NCAA Final Four during his senior year.

The latest from Zalgiris Kaunas

The guard steps into the role vacated by Lonnie Walker 

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four has once again demonstrated its status as one of the most highly anticipated basketball events, as all general public tickets for the 2025 edition have officially sold out.

2025 EuroLeague Final Four Abu Dhabi general public tickets sell out

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four has once again demonstrated its status as one of the most highly anticipated basketball events, as all general public tickets for the 2025 edition have officially sold out. The tickets, which went on sale on Wednesday, February 26, at 09:00 CET, were snapped up in less than 7 hours, following an overwhelming demand from fans worldwide.

This marks a historic moment as the EuroLeague Final Four makes its debut in Abu Dhabi, a global destination renowned for hosting world-class sporting events. The city’s passionate basketball fanbase, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and vibrant cultural attractions have made it an unmissable opportunity for fans to witness top-tier basketball action in one of the most sought-after destinations.

For those who missed out on securing general public tickets, there is still a chance to be part of this electrifying event. A limited number of ticket + hotel bundles are available at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com). Additionally, each qualified team will receive an allocation of approximately 600 tickets across various categories, which will be distributed through their own channels.

The 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena, located on the city’s entertainment hub of Yas Island, from May 23 to 25. The semifinals will tip off on Friday, May 23, at 19:00 and 22:00 local time. The action will continue on Sunday, May 25, with the EuroLeague Third-Place Game at 18:00 local time, followed by the EuroLeague Championship Game at 21:00 local time, where one team will be crowned the 2024-25 EuroLeague Champion.

General public tickets sold out in less than 7 hours

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting Turk Telekom Ankara against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

Turk Telekom, history-seeking Buducnost clash in the eighthfinals

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/). These two teams have met in the recent past, but their head-to-head history might not be of much importance in this one.

Turk Telekom has won all four of its previous games against Buducnost, dating back to December 2022, but the only thing that Turk Telekom team has in common with this season’s team is head coach Erdem Can. Buducnost brings back head coach Andrej Zakelj on the bench and three important players from last season ago – the backcourt trio of [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/) and [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/) - while big man [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) is now in Turk Telekom colors.

And while those four Turk Telekom wins could be irrelevant when the ball is tipped off for this contest on Wednesday, what might matter is the location where this game is played – the Ankara Spor Salonu – where Turk Telekom will certainly try to capitalize on its home-floor advantage.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Save the date 📆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bkteurocup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bkteurocup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dy3yC8hopC">pic.twitter.com/Dy3yC8hopC</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1887871810370179457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only three teams had better home records during the regular season than the team from the Turkish capital, which has won seven of nine home games, including each of the last four. Meanwhile, Buducnost has won only three times away from home this season and averaged 79.7 points per game on the road, way below its fantastic home-court average of 94.6 ppg. Turk Telekom averages 84.3 points on home court, exactly 9 points more than it has averaged on the road.

To use the position Turk Telekom earned by placing third in Group B, the home fans will certainly hope to see big games from their favorite team’s biggest stars. First and foremost, [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) who is Turk Telekom’s top scorer with 18.3 points per game on 46.7% three-point shooting, along with [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/) who is posting 16.8 points. The two also combine for 7.3 boards per game, a department where high-flying big men [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) and the aforementioned Makoundou star.

Alexander has averaged 7.1 boards, including 2.6 on the offensive glass, along with 8.9 points per game, while Makoundou is worth 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">BKT EuroCup&#39;ta Play-Off Heyecanı Başlıyor!🏀<br><br>BKT EuroCup’ta Play-Off eşleşmeleri belli oldu. Grubu 3. sırada tamamlayarak adımızı Play-Off&#39;a yazdırdık! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVRbymTb57">pic.twitter.com/VVRbymTb57</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1887822609955332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the other end, Buducnost's centers are far less athletic, but equally productive with [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) averaging 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while veteran [Alen Omic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alen-omic/004222/) grabs 4.3 boards per contest. Meanwhile, Buducnost’s backcourt features three double-digit scorers in [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) (13.6 ppg.), Ferrell (12.4 ppg.) and one of the EuroCup’s most dangerous sharpshooters in Magee (11.2 ppg., 45.6% 3FG).

All of them will have to show up if Buducnost wants to pull off an upset and win its first time against Turk Telekom. It would be a historic success, marking the first time Buducnost advances in a EuroCup elimination game, as it has failed the previous six times it reached the playoffs.

Turk Telekom and Coach Can, on the other hand, will try to use both the experience of reaching the EuroCup Finals in 2023, and a home-court advantage, to extend their EuroCup journey this season. It certainly sets the stage for a memorable night in Ankara.

These two teams have met four times in just over two years, but never with the stakes this high