Name: Top 10 Plays | October | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

These are the five players that compile the first edition of Eurohoops’ 2024-25 MVP Ladder, and none of them appeared on any of last season’s lists for one reason or another. Some other notable EuroLeague stars and usual MVP suspects are absent, but hey, it’s refreshing to see some new faces, isn’t it?

EuroLeague 2024-25 MVP Ladder by Eurohoops Vol. 1

The rookie, the underdog, the former king, the strong challenger and the champion. I’ll let you fill in the blanks as to who is who – it’s not that hard.

These are the five players that compile the first edition of Eurohoops’ 2024-25 MVP Ladder, and none of them appeared on any of last season’s lists for one reason or another. Some other notable EuroLeague stars and usual MVP suspects are absent, but hey, it’s refreshing to see some new faces, isn’t it?

As usual, the criteria used in the process of choosing the players and ranking them have to do with individual numbers, winning record, how each player influenced results, and quality of team performance overall.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1738377/euroleague-2024-25-mvp-ladder-by-eurohoops-vol-1/).

Countless highlights were produced during all the BKT EuroCup games played across the continent so far this October. Here's a look at the 10 best plays of October!

Top  10 Plays | October  |  2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

On Friday night, Panathinaikos BC and Olympiacos BC will go head to head in the EuroLeague's latest Rivalry Series game at OAKA.

It’s almost time: Panathinaikos vs. Olympiacos is days away!

Basketball fans right across the globe are all looking forward to one fixture this week: [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/?season=2024-25) versus [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25). The Greek derby – this week’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Rivalry Series game – is always must-watch television, and this latest edition has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Both the Greens and the Reds are on winning streaks, with Panathinaikos having won three straight while Olympiacos has emerged victorious from its last two.

Some big teams have been beaten by the Greek duo over that stretch, too, with Ergin Ataman’s men [defeating Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-roars-back-for-a-thrilling-76-81-win-at-fenerbahce/) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-claws-out-big-win-at-crvena-zvezda-77-81/) on the road in Rounds 5 and 7, respectively, and Georgios Bartzokas’s troops [downing Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-beats-real-madrid-79-69-in-rivalry-series-clash/) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-cruises-past-barcelona-95-74/) in last week’s double-round week.

All that is the perfect recipe for this 22nd edition of the Greek derby in the EuroLeague this century.

“It’s wild. You can’t describe it to people. You have to live it, you have to feel it, you have to see it,” explains Olympiacos forward [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/).

“One of the craziest games we’ll play all season,” adds Panathiniakos guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/).

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-_tbcsfWs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-_tbcsfWs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB-_tbcsfWs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@euroleague)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Both Vezenkov and Nunn have experienced the passion of this rivalry before, but is a newbie feeling ahead of derby day?

“Two teams who really don’t like each other and there’s a big history there, so now I get to experience it,” comments Olympiacos’s [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/), who joined the club after spending 12 seasons in the NBA.

“It has to change, it has to change,” declares new Panathinaikos forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), fresh off seven seasons in the NBA, after discovering that Olympiacos has won the last six EuroLeague derbies.

Greens coach Ergin Ataman remains stunned by the intensity shown whenever Panathinaikos and Olympiacos face off.

“I’ve never seen in my life that kind of passion for the game, for the team,” he says. “They are part of the team. They are like in the locker room.”

### How to watch the Greek derby

Make sure to tune in for the Greek derby pre-game and post-game shows [on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague), while you can catch the game itself [on EuroLeague TV](https://euroleague.tv/home) from 20:15 CET.

The Greek enemies face each other at OAKA on Friday night

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-11-08T19:15:00.000Z)

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup, and who might be missing in action.

Round 7: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Tuesday, November 5

### Trefl Sopot vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (19:00 CET)

**Tarik Phillip, Trefl Sopot guard**

"They're a very good team, they play hard. They shoot a lot of three-pointers, they get out and they run, and they're athletic. We've got to be on our game for them."

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Joventut Badalona (20:00 CET)

**Andrea Pecchia, Dolomiti Energia Trento guard**

"\[Sunday night's win against Milan\] was beautiful and I have to thank the fans because there was a wonderful atmosphere. A game like that gives you awareness that we are working in a certain way, but we know that we should not feel we have arrived because we beat Milan; the season is still long and we haven't done anything yet. Mentally, we are already thinking about Joventut because we know how important this game will be to try to reach the playoffs. They are a very physical team, but with the help of our fans we know we can do well."

**Dani Miret, Joventut Badalona head coach**

"Trento are the leaders of the Italian League, they just beat Milan by 34 points and that is a reflection of the great level that exists in this EuroCup group. We're playing against teams that are beating EuroLeague teams. They have two Americans with a differential talent, Jordan Fort and Anthony Lamb, who can score, and young players with a special physical level and intensity. We have to play a great game and continue to improve. They play with a defense that is difficult for us to attack and we have to prepare ourselves not to lose fluidity and play the game of rebounding and contact to have a chance of winning. Trento has some peculiarities that will require us to have clairvoyance and find solutions to these traps that await us".

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:00 CET)

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach** 

"One more tough game in between travels and many games. Regardless of the changes and the upsets, inside the team we are working hard to set new roles and find chemistry at the same moment we need to win. Bahcesehir are a very good team with the same targets as us. Once more our desire must overcome the problems and get out there and fight till the last ball and try to get the win."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shomo Tel Aviv forward**

"We're coming into tomorrow's game against Bahcesehir after a few important wins that have given us confidence and momentum. The recent period has been challenging for us, but we've managed to come together and play solid basketball through hard work and unity. Tomorrow is another test for us, and we know it won't be easy against a quality team like Bahcesehir. However, we're determined to keep up the momentum, play smart, and give everything we have."

## Wednesday, November 6

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (17:30 CET)

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"We will play against a team that has talented players. They are having the results they are looking for, but we know how competitive they can be. From our point of view, we want to win and continue playing well in the EuroCup. We hope to return home with a victory. It will not be easy, but we will fight to get a win."

**Karel Guzman, U-BT Cluj-Napoca forward**

"It will be a hard game. Both teams have the same record and it will be a serious fight for the victory. We are motivated. We came to Turkey two days before the game, just to prepare and rest. We are ready to give everything and I hope our fans will support us from home and send us their energy, like always."

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)

\--

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (18:30 CET)

**Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana forward**

"We are playing quite well in the EuroCup, at a high level. Every game is exciting because we face different teams from various countries who play at a top level. So far, we are playing well, and we want to keep winning to set a strong foundation for the rest of the season. A battle is ahead of us. We lost our last game in the EuroCup, so we want to get back to winning ways, and we’ll try to give our all and perform at a high level. JL Bourg is a tough opponent, and both teams have the same record of wins and losses. I’m looking forward to the game and hope our fans will join us in the arena."

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"It is a club with EuroCup experience. Ljubljana is having a good start to the season, they are an aggressive team that likes to set the pace, so this will be another big game in perspective. We move there with determination and the desire to bounce back."

**Kevin Kokila, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse center**

"It’s an important game to get us back into the competition. After two defeats, the team is keen to start a positive dynamic with a victory against a great team. It's going to be complicated, but we're focused and ready to give everything." 

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Valencia Basket (19:00 CET)

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach**

"Our opponent tomorrow is one of the best teams in the competition. This is a team whose roster, staffing, and style of play are very close to the EuroLeague level. They have great depth and experienced players. It’s certainly a big challenge for us, and we already stand to gain a lot regardless of the final result. We’re managing several issues; DeJulius recently left, and we’re dealing with Nolly's injury as well. In any case, as we always do, especially in front of our fans, we need to give 100% and see what we can achieve."

**Nate Laszewski, Aris Midea Thessaloniki center**

"Valencia is a very strong team. We need to stay focused on what we have to do to secure the win. Everyone supported me after my surgery and throughout my recovery. Now, I need to get back on the court, find my rhythm, and build chemistry with the rest of the team."

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket head coach**

"The group is very affected, like everyone else, by what we are seeing. We all have someone close to us who has loved ones going through a hard time these days, so all our solidarity and affection go out to them. Now we have to get back to playing, and of course we would have preferred to do it under different circumstances, but we also believe it can be a good way to bring visibility to the name of Valencia everywhere, and to highlight the huge problem and the enormous work ahead. This won’t be solved in two weeks or a month; it’s going to require a lot of effort from many people. So, if we can help by playing the games we are asked to, to make the great problem we face more visible, and to try to adapt in whatever way we can, like the club is doing, then that’s what we’ll do. It affected us deeply to see, in the first few days, people who were affected and had taken shelter in L'Alqueria, now with soldiers. In some way, we have to try to see what each of us can do from our small space, so that this situation is made visible, and the help reaches where it needs to as soon as possible and in the most effective way."

**Valencia injury report:** Chris Jones (out, hand), Goran Filipovic (out, back), Ethan Happ (out, foot).

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Umana Reyer Venice (19:00 CET)

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach**

"Venice is an excellent team with many tools. We have a very limited roster, missing Harper, Nimrod Levi, Wiley, and Justin Smith. We'll need to give our best to make the most out of it, like we did last week, and hope for the best."

**Yovel Zoosman, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem forward**

"Everyone needs to do their best. It's no secret that we have a short roster, but that's no excuse. We need to work hard and try to win, doing everything possible under these circumstances. Some players are playing in positions that aren't theirs, but we're adapting to it. The most important thing right now is to keep winning and we want to continue the momentum we've built."

**Injury report, Hapoel:** Jared Harper is unavailable due to an eye injury.

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"Every game is important. Both teams will be missing key players. It will be challenging because they are a strong team, but we want to go to Samokov with confidence and try to win. We aim to play better than we did in the game against Cluj-Napoca, with more focus and quality. Every victory helps to build confidence and group chemistry. Winning the way we did in Naples means a lot: we came back from 15 points down, just as Cluj-Napoca did to us, which shows we’ve learned a lot recently."

**Rodney McGruder, Umana Reyer Venice guard**

"We’re excited to head to Samokov to compete in an important game. We need to be ready since we're playing away against a strong team. I’m happy for the team that my last shot went in at Naples. We have a good group, and this win gives us even more confidence."

**Injury report, Reyer:** Xavier Munford (out, knee surgery), Tyler Ennis (out, knee sprain).

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:45 CET)

\--

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (21:00 CET)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves head coach**

"We are ready for the game. It will be a very long trip to get there, but we are ready to play one of the best teams in the EuroCup. They won the trophy a few seasons ago but decided to stay in the tournament. They have a great coach, great players, and experienced veterans, but we are ready to face it. It's very exciting every time to try to check the level of our preparation and where we are in our journey when we face such a big team like Gran Canaria."

**Vaidas Kariniauskas, Wolves guard**

"We expect a very physical game with a lot of fast offense from the hosts. We’ll need to stop their attacks, play smart on defense, and avoid mistakes on offense as well. It’s also very important to keep their fans quiet because when they get going, it becomes extremely challenging for any team that plays there."

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-11-06T20:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-11-06T18:45:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Valencia Basket (2024-11-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-11-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-11-06T17:30:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-11-06T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-11-06T16:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Joventut Badalona (2024-11-05T19:00:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-11-05T18:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-11-05T19:00:00.000Z)

CB Gran Canaria guard Andrew Albicy spoke with Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net to discuss his EuroCup season so far.

Andrew Albicy: 'I want to finish my career at Gran Canaria’

This is a special season for [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) point guard [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/). 

A BKT EuroCup champion in 2023, Albicy is in his sixth season with the club and getting closer and closer to a couple of EuroCup records. Albicy ranks second all-time in assists (631) and steals (183), behind only Stefan Markovic (698 assists, 214 steals). 

If Albicy plays the way he did in Round 6 against Joventut Badalona, he will not have to wait long to reach the top spot.

Albicy led Gran Canaria to a 76-78 overtime road victory last week with 11 points, 7 assists and 4 steals for a PIR of 22. He has helped Gran Canaria to a strong start, with five wins out of six games in Group A. Albicy is aware and excited about claiming his place in history, as he expressed to Javier Gancedo in this week's EuroCup interview.

"We are showing character and not giving up and I think this is why we are winning these types of games."

**Congratulations on beating Joventut in Badalona. Another overtime win! You've been winning a lot of close games this season. What is the secret?**

"Thanks. I would say it is just the character of the team. I feel like we are not where we want to be, everybody can be better, but we are winning and that is a good thing for the future. When everybody knows more about their role, we will do even better in the competition. But we are showing character and not giving up and I think this is why we are winning these types of games."

**You had 7 assists and 4 steals. You know where this is going, right?**

"Yeah, I know. Go ahead."

**You are second all-time in both steals and assists, behind Stefan Markovic. I know you keep track of that. How much do you want that to happen, to lead one of these all-time standings or both?**

"It is one of my goals this year, for sure. I want to get that first spot because it would be a big achievement and I know that beating me after that will be very hard and it could take a long time, so it would be something amazing. It is something I can tell my kids, too! Steals will be harder, but the assists record, I think I can do it this year."

**We will be watching. You just scored your 1,000th career point. Only 32 players have reached that mark. How does it feel?**

"I really didn't know that because I really never look to score. For me, it is secondary, I prefer to see my teammates score, but it is good. It is very good to know that!"

**Another member of the 1,000-point club is John Shurna. You have played with him for the last six years and won the EuroCup together in 2023. How great has that journey been for you?**

"John is the greatest teammate I ever had. He is a very good person, too. I think we understand basketball the same way, so it is easier to find each other on the court. And as a point guard, it is great for me to play with him. It is perfect to play with guys like John because he's allowed me to get a lot of assists!"

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr0yHOPtyM2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr0yHOPtyM2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr0yHOPtyM2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Andrew Albicy (@andrewalbicy)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

**The last time we spoke was after the EuroCup Finals in 2023. It's been a year and a half already. Looking back, how much of an achievement was it for you to become a EuroCup champion?**

"It is amazing because it is something every player wants, to have this trophy, especially me or John, for example. We played a lot of years in this competition so, for sure, it was a big goal for me, for my career and especially for the club, because they have always been in a good spot to win it, but they never did before. I have been here for a long time and we made club history, which is something big, especially for me because I want to finish my career here. So it was perfect to make history in this club."

**This is your fifth season with Gran Canaria. That's a lot of traveling around Europe. How do you entertain yourself?**

"Right now, it's sleeping more than anything else, because my daughter was born two months ago, so I am waking up at night all the time. So when I travel, I try to sleep as much as possible to have more energy for the games and also when I come back home. If not, most of the time I am watching TV shows because I love them."

"When we won two years ago, it was because we protected our home court."

**Your next game is at home against Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius, a good team with experienced players. How difficult is it going to be against the Wolves?**

"They are in a really good moment. They just beat two big teams. Like I said, we will try to keep building the team and keep protecting our house. When we won two years ago, it was because we protected our home court, so we will try to do the game this year. That's it, we will play as hard as we usually play at home and get energy from our fans."

**I wanted to ask you about T.J. Shorts, last season's EuroCup MVP, now in the EuroLeague. How is it that he is playing so well and also, how good is it for Paris to have a EuroLeague team this season?**

"It was funny because we were talking about that, small point guards, with a French journalist. We can see a lot of small point guards dominate the EuroLeague: Shane Larkin, T.J. Shorts, Mike James, Sylvain Francisco... All short players who can do so many things on the court, who are so different. People think they have an advantage against them and we step up to show it doesn't make any difference and that we can play well in any team, which is great. Seeing Shorts do so well in the EuroLeague after his great last season with Paris is amazing because he keeps doing the same stuff in the EuroLeague, and we can see how he worked to be in that position. As for Paris, of course, it is also great to have them in the EuroLeague. It is great for French basketball, for the future, to see more young people playing at this level. I am from Paris, so it is amazing for me to see Paris Basketball in the EuroLeague and the way they developed year after year."

Dreamland Gran Canaria playmaker Andrew Albicy ranks second in assists (631) and steals (183), only behind Stefan Markovic (698 assists, 214 steals)

Andrew Albicy: assists and steals specialist

**Other than Gran Canaria, which other teams do you see as top candidates to win the title?**

"For sure, Hapoel Tel Aviv with the roster that they have, and of course Valencia Basket. I think these two teams want to win the EuroCup and have the roster to win it."

**You won the silver medal with France at the Olympic Games in your own city. Can that experience inspire you to have an even better season?**

"Like everybody saw, we started badly in the first round and were criticized a lot by journalists and fans, but we just kept working and stayed together. That was the most important thing: we fought, talked to each other and fought together, this is why we won the silver medal. We always stayed together and everybody worked for the same goal. Now, I hope we don't start the same way, but I hope we can have the same spirit. It is something that I hope we can get and I think we will have it because we could have lost some more games already but stayed together. We talked and were much better than in the previous game and this is something very important: trying to be better and helping each other to be better as a team, too."

The French guard spoke with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo about his season so far

Round 8 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is headlined by a must-watch Greek derby, while the surprise early-season league leader will look for a sixth straight win. Here’s your guide to all the action.

At a glance: The Greek derby headlines an exciting Round 8

Round 8 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is headlined by a must-watch Greek derby, while the surprise early-season league leader will look for a sixth straight win. Here’s your guide to all the action.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. ALBA Berlin

Two teams on a four-game losing streak go head to head as Zvezda (3-4) hosts last-placed ALBA (1-6). Long-range accuracy could be crucial: Zvezda has the league’s best three-point shooting percentage (42.4%), led by [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) (11.1 points per game) sinking 56% of his attempts and making multiple triples in four straight games. [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) is also a threat, making 6 of his 7 deep strikes in last week’s loss to Panathinaikos. ALBA, conversely, ranks last in that category with only 27.7% of three-pointers made, despite [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) shooting at 50% from beyond the arc (15.7 points per game on 11-of-22 three-pointers). So the German team needs others to step up from deep, while also needing players like ever-present [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/) to defend diligently on the perimeter.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Real Madrid

Real (3-4) is aiming for its first road win as it travels to a Milan team (2-5) hoping to use last week's Italian derby triumph as a springboard to start climbing the standings. [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) excelled in the win over Virtus with 18 points and 6 boards and will now look to punish his former team, but Milan will have to cope without injured-again big man [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/). Real also has more injury problems with [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) absent, so will need fellow forward Mario Hezonja to maintain his hot streak after scoring 15 and 18 points in the last two games. Real will hope [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game) can dominate the paint, but he will be tested by the dynamic energy of [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (13.3 ppg).

### Paris Basketball vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Partizan (2-5) will look to end a three-game losing slide with a trip to face a Paris team (4-3) which has shown it can win in different ways. The French club edged a defensive battle with Baskonia last week despite nobody scoring more than [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/)’s 9 points, but it is still the league’s fifth most potent offense with 84.0 points per game. Partizan needs to improve its perimeter defense after allowing 19 three-pointers at Fenerbahce last time out, and that frailty will be tested by Paris forward [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), who has made at least three triples in four straight games. Offensively, the Serbian team will hope for more leadership from [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/), whose aggressive attacks to the basket saw him score 14 points in Istanbul last week.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Shorts vs. Jones

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:45 CET)

After moving clear at the top of the standings by grinding out two narrow home wins last week, Zalgiris (6-1) will aim to keep on rolling with a tough trip to Bayern (5-2), which has won four in a row and remains perfect in Munich. The Lithuanian team's outstanding defense will be tested by [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), who has scored at least 10 points in five straight games, while [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) rediscovered his shot with 3-of-4 triples in last week’s win at ASVEL. Zalgiris’s team ethic was illustrated by [Arnas Butkevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/) top scoring in the Round 6 thrilling triumph over Monaco with his first double-digit performance of the season (13 points), and the ability of former Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team to negotiate tight finishes could be crucial.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Weiler-Babb vs. Sirvydis

## Friday, November 8

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. AS Monaco (18:00 CET)

Two teams currently tied for sixth place meet in Istanbul with Efes (4-3) hosting Monaco (4-3). Veteran shooter [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) is in fine form for Efes with 8 three-pointers in his last three games, and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) has compensated for the loss of injured star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) by averaging 14 points and 7 assists over the last three games. Monaco has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over the last five games, and needs to improve its three-point shooting after only making 2 triples on 19 attempts in last week’s loss at Zalgiris. That game featured a breakout performance from the previously struggling from [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), who will look to stay hot after scoring 18 points in Kaunas.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Oturu vs. Motiejunas

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:00 CET)

ASVEL (2-5) will attempt to end a three-game losing run with a visit from high-flying Fenerbahce (5-2). ASVEL playmaker [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) warmed up for his reunion with his former club by recording 19 points and 7 assists in last week’s loss against Bayern, while another ex-Fener star, big man [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), should be fit for action after missing the last three games. The Turkish team will hope that [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) continues his strong form after netting 20 and 24 points in last week's two victories, and [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) is in great form from long range with an average of 3.8 triples per game across his last four appearances. ASVEL must focus on improving its defense, after allowing at least 84 points in each of the last three.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:15 CET)

The latest chapter of one of sport's most passionate derbies will see Panathinaikos (5-2) host Olympiacos (4-3). Both teams are confident after gaining a pair of triumphs in the double-round week, with the Reds seeing off both Real Madrid and Barcelona behind a strong pair of performances by [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (23 and 18 points). Round 7 saw the Greens show great character to launch a fourth-quarter comeback at Zvezda partly thanks to a pair of clutch triples from former Red [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), with the strong form of [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) – 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds this season – adding to the weapons at Ergin Ataman’s disposal. Olympiacos has won the last six EuroLeague meetings between the teams, so the reigning champ will believe it’s high time to end that streak.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Sloukas vs. Walkup

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Virtus (1-6) will make its latest attempt for a first home win with a visit from a Maccabi team (3-4) lifted by last week’s win over Real Madrid. The leadership of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) was crucial to that success with 17 points and 7 assists. Virtus can also offer plenty of backcourt threat with the directness of [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (14.1 points per game) and the sharp shooting of [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), who emerged from a slump in form to fire 21 points on 5-of-8 from deep in last week’s loss at Milan. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) will attempt to impose himself in the paint for the host after scoring 21 and 25 points in the last two games, but he’ll be confronted by [Will Rayman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/william-rayman/013381/), who grabbed 14 boards in the win over Real.

### FC Barcelona vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CET)

To conclude Round 8, Barcelona (5-2), one of the four teams currently tied for second place, will seek a return to winning ways with a visit from Spanish rival Baskonia (4-3). The hosts were thrashed by Olympiacos in Round 7 and needs to improve its long-range shooting after only making 4-of-17 three-pointers in Piraeus. [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) is in good touch, scoring 21 and 12 points with 5-of-8 triples over last week’s two games. Baskonia has not yet won on the road because of offensive problems, averaging only 68.3 points on its travels. Changing that stat will need a good night from the dangerous but erratic [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who averages 13.0 points this season but made just 1 of his 11 three-point attempts in last week’s loss at Paris.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Metu vs. Hall

There are several mouth-watering games this week

Paris Basketball v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-11-07T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-11-07T19:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2024-11-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v ALBA Berlin (2024-11-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v AS Monaco (2024-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-11-08T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Nico Mannion has officially signed for Olimpia Milano after an impressive spell with Pallacanestro Varese.

Olimpia Milano signs Nico Mannion

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has announced the signing of [Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/profile/011064/) on a two-year deal, which includes an option for a third year.

Mannion (1.90 meters, 23 years old) joins Milan after emerging as one of Europe's most promising young guards with his performances at Varese.

Last season, the Italian averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 18 Italian League games for Varese, while he has posted 26.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists in his first three games of the 2024-25 Italian League campaign.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Nico Mannion a Milano: &quot;Orgoglioso e motivato&quot;<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo pluriennale con il playmaker Niccolò Mannion, 1,90, nato a Siena il 14 marzo 2001, proveniente dalla Openjobmetis Varese.<br><br>🇮🇹 Comunicato ufficiale 👉🏻… <a href="https://t.co/fpY1bFw7NX">pic.twitter.com/fpY1bFw7NX</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1853471015537463317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mannion has 27 games of experience in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, having made 19 appearances for Virtus Segafredo Bologna in 2022-23 and played eight times for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2023-24 before departing the team and heading back to Italy with Varese.

Through those 27 games, of which three have come as a starter, Mannion's EuroLeague averages stand at 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 13:31 on the court.

During his first year at Virtus, in 2021-22, the Italian was part of the squad that helped the Bologna outfit win the BKT EuroCup and secure the club's return to the EuroLeague for the first time since 2008.

Nico Mannion highlights

However, an intestinal infection at the start of that 2021-22 season meant that Mannion was always playing catch-up after losing a lot of weight, plus he found himself behind legendary point [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) in the rotation.

Mannion, who started his professional career with the Golden State Warriors in 2020-21, joins Milan at a time when he is playing the best basketball of his young career, having rediscovered his confidence at Varese. Now, he will hope to show EuroLeague fans what he can do among the continent's elite.

More Milan News

The Italian side has bolstered its options at the point guard position

Milan signs Nico Mannion

There are some guys in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague who can simply fly! Check out some of their high-flying heroics with the 10 best dunks from the month of October! 

 Top 10 Dunks | October | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season is rapidly approaching its halfway mark, but there are still some bargains up for grabs in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

In this week's article, I will recommend three players under 10.0 credits – one slightly over that mark and one of the best players in the competition. All that should give you an edge in private leagues and make you improve in the overall standings.

Here are my recommendations for Round 7.

Jordan Bayehe, Ante Tomic, Kur Kuath, Alfonso Plummer and Xavier Castaneda are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 7

### Ante Tomic, Joventut Badalona (15.2 credits)

[Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) is my superstar choice of the week and my top candidate to amass the highest PIR in this round. First, Joventut is 2-4 and needs to start winning right away. Second, Tomic has been rock solid in the last three games, averaging 15.3 points on 20-of-33 two-pointers, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a PIR of 24.7. What's not to like?

### Kur Kuath, Veolia Towers Hamburg (8.1 credits)

Hambirg recorded its first win and [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) had a starring role, posting 15 points on 6-of-8 two-pointers, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks and a PIR of 27. In the last two games, since he came back from injury, Kuath has averaged 13.5 points on 11-of-15 two-pointers, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and a PIR of 21.5. At this price, he is a must-buy player.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBuJtbiubew/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBuJtbiubew/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBuJtbiubew/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BKT EuroCup (@eurocup)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Alfonso Plummer, ratiopharm Ulm (9.4 credits)

Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue are getting all the attention at Ulm, but [Alfonso Plummer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/plummer-alfonso/012077/) has been playing really well all season long, scoring 12 points or more in each of the five games he has played so far. He did even better in the last two showdowns, averaging 19.5 points on 9-of-19 three-pointers, 2.0 assists and a PIR of 16.0: He’s available for less than 10 credits!

### Xavier Castaneda, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (10.4 credits)

[Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/) is a good option at a very reasonable price, plus he plays for a great team like Bourg. He has scored in double digits in every game so far and has done really well in recent weeks. In the last three games, Castaneda averages 14.7 points, 4.3 assists and a PIR of 13.3. He is in his first EuroCup season and should do even better from now on.

### Jordan Bayehe, Dolomiti Energia Trento (7.0 credits)

There are not many bargains at center, but [Jordan Bayehe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-bayehe/006724/) is definitely one of them based on his last two performances. In his last EuroCup game, Bayehe had 6 points, 5 rebounds and a PIR of 11. He did even better in the Italian League, getting 12 points, 9 rebounds and a PIR of 22. Bayehe seems a perfect choice for the backup center role.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo offers his selections ahead of the latest round of the EuroCup

Fantasy tips, Round 7: Many budget options

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC announced that it has signed point guard David DeJulius from Aris BC on a two-year contract.

Maccabi signs guard David DeJulius away from Aris

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) announced that it has signed point guard [David DeJulius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-de-julius/013250/) on a two-year deal.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔏<a href="https://twitter.com/DavidDejulius?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidDejulius</a> <a href="https://t.co/zZt2m4YL8f">pic.twitter.com/zZt2m4YL8f</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1853444658862375024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DeJulius (1.83 meters, 25 years old) arrives from [Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-midea-thessaloniki/ari/), where he made his BKT EuroCup debut this season. He averaged 14.3 points and 2.7 assists in six games.

So far this season, DeJulius has scored in double figures in every game, including a [personal-best 30](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-rallies-back-to-beat-aris-68-78/) against Maccabi rival Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Round 4. He made 54.2% of his two-pointers and 41.7% of his threes in compiling a PIR of 14.2.

David DeJulius highlights with Aris

After playing college basketball at the University of Michigan and the University of Cincinnati, the Detroit native made his professional debut in 2023 in Greece with Lavrio where he produced 14.4 points and 3.6 assists in 13 games. DeJulius finished that season in Germany with club BG Goettingen, where he averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists in 20 games. He was 10th in the league in assists.

More Maccabi news

The guard made his EuroCup debut this season 

Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup season will deliver a series of big matchups across the continent, culminating with a group leader facing a challenge from a red-hot visitor. Here’s your overview of the action.

At a glance: Things are starting to heat up

Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup season will deliver a series of big matchups across the continent, culminating with a group leader facing a challenge from a red-hot visitor. Here’s your overview of the action.

## Tuesday, November 5

### Trefl Sopot vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (19:00 CET)

The competition’s last remaining winless team, Trefl (0-6), will attempt to get on the board with a visit from the ambitious Besiktas (3-3). The Turkish team needs defensive improvement after allowing 93 points in last week’s loss at Wolves, and will hope that offensive leader Derek Needham continues his return to form after netting 19 points on 5 three-pointers in that game. Trefl is one of the EuroCup’s least efficient three-point shooting teams, making just 31.3% of its attempts from long range, but will hope that free-shooting guard Jakub Schenk maintains his hot hand after going 3 of 5 from beyond the arc last week at Bahcesehir.

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Joventut Badalona (20:00 CET)

Two teams requiring an upturn in form meet as Trento (2-4) hosts Joventut (2-4). The Italian team will look for forward Eigiras Zuskauskas to lead the way after he netted 17 points in last week’s narrow loss to Ulm, which also saw key man Anthony Lamb net 17 to make it five straight games with double digits in scoring. Joventut has now lost three in a row after being edged out by Gran Canaria in overtime, and needs to take better care of the basketball after committing 19 turnovers in that game. Ante Tomic ranks second in the league in PIR (23.8), but the veteran big man needs more consistency around him to reignite Joventut’s campaign.

Round 7 Head-to-Head: Lamb vs. Hanga

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:00 CET)

In a key battle at the top of Group A, co-leader Bahcesehir (5-1) will look for a fourth straight win with a visit from third-placed Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-2). Bahcesehir owed its victory over Trefl last week mostly to defense, along with another strong contribution from offensive guard Jaleen Smith, who has scored 20 and 22 points in his last two games. Hapoel also has confidence after a resounding win over Buducnost in Round 6, powered by 30 points from big man Johnathan Motley, whose future at the club has been the subject of speculation. The visiting team can also call upon the scoring of Marcus Foster, who netted 5-of-6 triples last time out.

Round 7 Head-to-Head: Odiase vs. Motley

## Wednesday, November 6

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (17:30 CET)

Two teams tied but heading in different directions meet in Ankara, with Turk Telekom (3-3) desperate to end a three-game losing run while Cluj (3-3) is looking for a fourth straight victory. The Turkish team needs to recover its defensive toughness after allowing 101 and 89 points in the last two games, while Braian Angola has quickly become an offensive star after netting 23 and 21 points in his first two games for the team. Cluj is clicking at both ends of the floor, with its most recent win over Reyer last week propelled by another strong display from in-form Karel Guzman, whose all-round threat typifies the good balance shown by his team.

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)

Boosted by its first win of the season, Hamburg (1-5) will look to build more momentum as it travels to face a Lietkabelis team (1-4) whose Round 6 meeting with Valencia was postponed. Big man Kur Kuath will look to play another instrumental role for Hamburg after recording 15 points and 9 rebounds to overcome Turk Telekom last week, and this time around he faces a good confrontation with Lietkabelis powerhouse Marko Pecarski, who averages 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. But Lietkabelis has the worst offense in the league, averaging just 74.0 points per game, so needs to find more overall rhythm.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (18:30 CET)

A tie for second place in Group B will be broken as Cedevita (4-2) welcomes Bourg (4-2). Cedevita is looking to bounce back from a poor performance in last week’s home loss to Hapoel Jerusalem, despite young French center Joan Beringer further enhancing his growing reputation with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Bourg also suffered a home loss last week, with 15 points from guard Mehdy Ngouama not enough to prevent defeat against Aris. And after both teams allowed more than 90 points in those respective Round 6 losses, this game could be decided by whoever can most improve its team defense.

Round 7 Head-to-Head: Robinson vs. Nelson

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Valencia Basket (19:00 CET)

After sitting out last week following the tragic flooding in its region, Valencia (5-0) will look to maintain its 100% record with a trip to newly confident Aris (2-4). The Greek team prevailed at Bourg last week – ending a two-game losing run – behind another strong shooting performance from free-scoring guard Vassilis Toliopoulos, who averages 4.5 triples over the last four games. But attempting to outgun Valencia is a dangerous game: the Spanish team leads the competition with 99.2 points per game, propelled by impressive young guard Jean Montero averaging 11.5 points and 6.8 points per game.

Round 7 Head-to-Head: Nolley vs.Ojeleye

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Umana Reyer Venice (19:00 CET)

Struggling Reyer (2-4) will be eager to take advantage of its trip to face Hapoel Jerusalem (4-2) to get back on track, with the hosts missing star guard Jared Harper. The runaway league leader in PIR (28.5 per game) and leading marksman (22.0 ppg.). To counter Harper, Reyer will look for inside dominance from big man Mfiondu Kabengele, who averages 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. But the Italian team also needs a more controlled game, after making 19 turnovers during last week’s loss at Cluj.

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:45 CET)

Buducnost (2-4) will attempt to boost its playoff hopes and end a two-game losing run by overcoming Ulm (4-2), which reignited its campaign with a tough win over Trento in Round 6. A breakout performance from big man Marcio Santos, with 23 points and 11 rebounds, was key to that triumph for the German team, and this week he will have a tough battle with Buducnost center Kenan Kamenjas, who averages 9.5 points and 6.3 boards per game. The home team will be emphasizing improved defense after allowing 92 points in each of its last two games, while Ulm hopes Alfonso Plummer continues his run of scoring in double digits in every game.

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (21:00 CET)

Two form teams collide as Group A co-leader Gran Canaria (5-1) faces a Wolves team looking for a fourth straight victory. Marek Blazevic was key to the Lithuanian team’s latest triumph with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to help overcome Besiktas, and he faces a big battle in the paint with Gran Canaria veteran Mike Tobey, who also had a double-double last week with 12 points and 10 boards to overcome Joventut. Wolves is the fourth-most accurate two-point shooting team in the league (58.1%), while Gran Canaria is fourth best from long range (38.1%), so the areas for defensive focus are clear.

Round 7 Head-to-Head: Brussino vs. Andrews

There are three games on Tuesday and seven on Wednesday

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his latest recommendations in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge heading into Round 8.

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Players on the rise

This time, I will stay away from the Rivalry Series game, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens against Olympiacos Piraeus, as both teams know each other way too well.

Instead, I will recommend some players who have been on the rise lately, including a former MVP who is playing at a very good level. Here are my recommendations for this upcoming round.

Darius Thompson, Mikael Jantunen, Shabazz Napier, Nikola Mirotic and Saben Lee are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 8

### Nikola Mirotic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (16.2 credits)

Milan comes off a big victory in last week’s Rivalry Series game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, a triumph that saw [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) do a little bit of everything: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 6 fouls drawn and a PIR of 28. In other words, he was his usual, dominant self, and that's great news for fantasy managers. He has scored 21 points or more in each of the last three games, too.

### Shabazz Napier, FC Bayern Munich (13.7 credits)

It looks like a lot of players are doing great at Bayern at the moment and it is no surprise that coach Gordie Herbert's team is 5-2. [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) has been simply outstanding all season long and did even better in the last two games, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 5.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 19.5. A solid choice at the guard position.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBwMfVEpwG6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBwMfVEpwG6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBwMfVEpwG6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ❤️ (@shabazznap13r)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Mikael Jantunen, Paris Basketball (10.5 credits)

Paris has adjusted really well to the competition, bringing its unconventional, fun-to-watch basketball to the very elite of European basketball. [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) is a key player in coach Tiago Splitter’s system and is showing his worth, averaging 11.3 points on 10-of-23 three-pointers, 8.3 points and a PIR of 15.8 in the last four games. He’s available for less than 11 credits – a bargain!

### Saben Lee, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (13.4 credits)

[Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) keeps providing highlight moments in his young EuroLeague career. His first-ever EuroLeague basket was a huge dunk and last time out, he hit a game-winning shot against Real Madrid. His self-confidence is off the charts and Lee is primed to improve on his already great numbers this season of 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and a PIR of 17.4. He is just getting started!

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzZm8ItRbi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzZm8ItRbi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBzZm8ItRbi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@euroleague)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Darius Thompson, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (12.3 credits)

[Shane Larkin remains sidelined](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-out-for-3-4-weeks-with-ankle-sprain/), so other players have had to step up. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) is one player who has taken his game up a notch of late, averaging 14.0 points on 90.9% two-point shooting (!), 7.0 assists and a PIR of 21.3 over the last three games. Expect Thompson to keep performing well and running Efes's offense for the foreseeable future.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo is back with his weekly recommendations

Kevin Punter of FC Barcelona has earned MVP of the Month honors in the EuroLeague for October 2024.

Barcelona's Kevin Punter named October MVP

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/?season=2024-25)’s signing of [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) over the summer has paid immediate dividends, with the guard offering scorching-hot shooting to put his team within one win of the top of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings. The club authored a five-game winning streak between Rounds 2 and 6 to temporarily enter into a tie for the best record in the season, and Punter was at the heart of his team’s success. Punter’s efficient and outstanding scoring numbers to put his club into the top quartet of teams in the standings led to his selection as Euroleague Basketball’s MVP for October.

Through October’s seven games, Punter averaged 18.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals. He made 62.2% of his two-pointers, 47.5% of his threes and 95.8% of his free throws for a performance index rating of 19.9. Those numbers rank Punter second in the league in scoring and sixth in PIR. No player ranked among the top 10 scorers has been more efficient than Punter, who ranks 20th in the league in true shooting percentage (71.0%), but first among players with at least 10 shots attempted per game.

Kevin Punter | October MVP |2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Punter wins monthly MVP for first time

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. The award for October covered the seven games played by all teams between Thursday, October 3, and Friday, November 1.

This marks the first time that Punter has snagged monthly MVP honors and it is the 14th time it has gone to a Barcelona player, which is third most in competition history behind only CSKA Moscow (18) and Real Madrid (15). He is the first Barcelona winner since [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) was the MVP for December 2021.

### A magnificent opening salvo with Barcelona

Punter has settled into Barcelona better than anyone could have expected. The 31-year-old scorer has reached double figures in scoring and made at least 1 three-pointer in every game he has played. He has been particularly lethal in Barcelona’s victories. Punter has averaged 20.2 points on 14-of-29 three-point shooting (48.3%), 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals for a PIR of 21.8 in his team’s five wins.

After a bumpy start, Punter hit his stride by Round 3. He opened the season with an 11-point output in [an opening-night loss at Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-powers-past-barcelona-74-67/). He wasn’t needed much as Barcelona bounced back to [beat ALBA Berlin by 15 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-goes-up-a-gear-to-beat-alba-88-73/) in Round 2. Punter contributed 14 points to that effort. He then scored at least 20 in each of the next four games; Punter netted 21 in [an 86-71 victory over AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-breezes-past-monaco-86-71/), 26 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting in [a 94-98 overtime win at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/punter-barcelona-edge-crvena-zvezda-94-98-in-ot-classic/), 20 in [a 90-83 triumph over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-edges-asvel-90-83-to-notch-fourth-straight-win/); and 20 in [an 88-97 road win at Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-beats-efes-to-stay-top-of-the-standings-88-97/). In Barcelona’s final game of the month, [a 95-74 road loss at Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-cruises-past-barcelona-95-74/), Punter again led Barcelona in scoring with 18 points.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAnWCrZINmO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAnWCrZINmO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAnWCrZINmO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by KP (@kpjunior_)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### One of the best scorers on the continent

This is Punter’s fifth EuroLeague campaign with as many different clubs. He debuted with Olympiacos in 2019 before a mid-season move to Zvezda. After reaching the 2021 Final Four with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Punter joined coach Zeljko Obradovic at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade for three years – the first of which was in the BKT EuroCup. There, Punter became a superstar, earning All-EuroCup honors for the 2021-22 campaign before being named to the 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team.

After starring at the University of Tennessee, Punter began his career in Greece and also played in Belgium and Poland before making a name for himself by winning the Basketball Champions League in back-to-back seasons with AEK Athens (2018) and Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2019). And ever since, he has been one of the most dangerous scorers at the highest levels of European basketball. Punter is only 75 points shy of another milestone – 2,000 career points in the EuroLeague, which only 67 players have ever reached. 

More Kevin Punter News

Punter's lethal shooting lifted Barcelona to the upper echelons of the standings and made him Euroleague Basketball's choice as MVP for October

The hosts were thrashed by Olympiacos in Round 7 and needs to improve its long-range shooting after only making 4-of-17 three-pointers in Piraeus. [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) is in good touch, scoring 21 and 12 points with 5-of-8 triples over last week’s two games. Baskonia has not yet won on the road because of offensive problems, averaging only 68.3 points on its travels. Changing that stat will need a good night from the dangerous but erratic [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who averages 13.0 points this season but made just 1 of his 11 three-point attempts in last week’s loss at Paris.

### FC Barcelona

 

Streaks

 

Jabari Parker has made at least 1 three-point shot in 11 of his last 12 games.

Kevin Punter has scored at least 11 points and had a PIR of 11 or more in 12 straight games.

Punter has made at least 1 three-point shot in his last seven games.

Punter had at least 1 steal in five of his last six games.

Nico Laprovittola has made at least 1 three-point shot in 19 straight games.

Season rankings

 

Kevin Punter ranks sixth in average index rating with 19.9 per game.

Punter ranks second in scoring with 18.6 per game.

Punter is tied for sixth in average three-pointers made with 2.4 per game.

Punter is tied for fifth in steals with 1.4 per game.

Tomas Satoransky is tied for 10th in steals with 1.3 per game.

Nicolas Laprovittola ranks fourth in assists with 6.3 per game.

Laprovittola ranks eighth in three-pointers shooting at 53.8%.

Barcelona leads the league in assists with 21.0 per game.

Barcelona leads the league in steals with 8.7 per game.

Barcelona's defense has forced a league-high 14.3 turnovers per game.

 

Records/Milestones

 

Tomas Satoransky ranks fourth all-time with a 2.8-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jan Vesely is the all-time leader in two-pointers made with 1,515.

Vesely ranks third all-time with 636 offensive rebounds. Felipe Reyes is second with 705.

Vesely ranks fourth all-time with 1,721 rebounds. Felipe Reyes is third with 1,799.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 209 blocks. Georgios Papagiannis of AS Monaco is seventh with 221 and counting.

Vesely is sixth all-time with 3,901 points scored. Sergio Llull of Real Madrid is fifth with 3,988 and counting.

Vesely ranks second all-time with 4,942 index rating points. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is the all-time leader with 5,124 and counting.

Vesely ranks fourth all-time with 349 steals. Rudy Fernandez is third with 367 steals.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 775 free throws made. Juan Carlos Navarro is seventh with 853.

Kevin Punter ranks 11th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 89.8%.

Youssoupha Fall ranks 15th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.5%.

Nico Laprovittola needs 3 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

Tomas Satoransky needs 11 rebounds to reach 500 for his career.

Game Videos

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

 

**Streaks**

 

Markus Howard has made at least 1 three-pointer in 19 straight and 42 of his last 43 games.

Howard has made 20 consecutive free throws.

Chima Moneke has scored more than 10 points in six of his last seven games.

Moneke has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in five of his last six games.

**Season rankings**

 

Chima Moneke is tied for 10th in average index rating with 17.6 per game.

Moneke ranks 10th in rebounding with 6.1 per game.

Moneke and Khalifa Diop are tied for eighth in offensive rebounding with 2.4 per game.

Donta Hall is tied for fourth in blocks with 1.0 per game.

Markus Howard ranks third in average three-pointers made with 2.7 per game.

Baskonia ranks third in free-throw shooting at 84.0%.

Baskonia ranks first in total rebounds with 39.7 per game.

Baskonia ranks first in defensive rebounds with 26.9 per game.

Baskonia ranks second in offensive rebounds with 12.9 per game.

Baskonia has limited its opponents to 73.6 points per game, second lowest in the league.

Baskonia has allowed 9.9 offensive rebounds per game, the third fewest in the league.

Baskonia has held opponents to 47.8% two-point shooting, the third lowest this season.

 

**Records/Milestones**

 

Markus Howard made 148 triples last season to set the all-time single-season record.

Donta Hall leads the all-time charts in two-point accuracy at 74.7%.

Tadas Sedekerskis ranks eighth all-time in two-point accuracy at 66.2%.

Ognjen Jaramaz needs 17 points to reach 500 for his career.

Game News

To conclude Round 8, Barcelona (5-2), one of the four teams currently tied for second place, will seek a return to winning ways with a visit from Spanish rival Baskonia (4-3). 

Game Facts: Barcelona vs. Baskonia

The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this October. Check out the best assists for October!

Top 10 Assists | October | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

\- Home teams have won eight of the last 10 games between these two teams, including Barcelona's 89-85 win last January when Joel Parra posted his career high in points (13) and PIR (18).

\- The first EuroLeague meeting between these teams this century was the third-place game at the 2006 Final Four, with Baskonia taking an 87-82 win.

\- Barcelona ousted Baskonia 3-2 in the 2009 EuroLeague Playoffs.

\- Barcelona head coach Joan Penarroya coached Baskonia in the 2022-23 season and at the start of the 2023-24 season.

\- Barcelona center Youssoupha Fall played for Baskonia from 2019 to 2021 and made his EuroLeague debut there.

\- Barcelona guard Nicolas Laprovittola spent the second part of the 2016-17 season playing for Baskonia.

\- Three Barcelona players, Willy Hernangomez, Juan Nunez and Laprovittola, played under current Baskonia head coach Pablo Laso at Real Madrid. Hernangomez played under Laso in the 2012-13 and 2015-16 seasons, Nunez from 2020 to 2022, while Laprovittola did so from 2019 to 2021.

\- Baskonia's Ognjen Jaramaz and Barcelona guard Kevin Punter were teammates at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade last season.

\- Punter dished a career-high 6 assists playing for Partizan against Baskonia last March.

\- Youssoupha Fall and Baksonia forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot were teammates at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne last season.

\- Baskonia's Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot made a career-high 5 three-pointers in Round 11 against Barcelona.

\- Barcelona guard Tomas Satoransky scored a career-best 20 points against Baskonia in March 2016.

\- Satoransky posted his career high with 3 blocks against Baskonia in January 2016.

\- Barcelona swingman Alex Abrines tied his career-high with a performance index rating of 28 in a loss against Baskonia in January 2016.

\- Barcelona center Willy Hernangomez blocked a career-high 3 shots playing for Real Madrid against Baskonia in February 2016.

Game Notes: Barcelona vs. Baskonia

The leadership of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) was crucial to that success with 17 points and 7 assists. Virtus can also offer plenty of backcourt threat with the directness of [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (14.1 points per game) and the sharp shooting of [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), who emerged from a slump in form to fire 21 points on 5-of-8 from deep in last week’s loss at Milan. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) will attempt to impose himself in the paint for the host after scoring 21 and 25 points in the last two games, but he’ll be confronted by [Will Rayman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/william-rayman/013381/), who grabbed 14 boards in the win over Real.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

**Streaks**

 

Isaia Cordinier has scored 10 points or more in seven of his last eight games.

Cordinier has made at least 1 steal in four of his last five games.

Cordinier has made 9 consecutive free throws.

Matt Morgan has made at least 1 three-pointer in six of his last seven games.

Tornike Shengelia has PIRs of 13 or more in five of his last six games.

Shengelia has scored more than 10 points in four of his last five games.

 

**Season rankings**

 

Achille Polonara is tied for fourth in blocks with 1.0 per game. 

Virtus ranks first in free-throw shooting at 86.8%.

 

**Records/Milestones**

 

Ante Zizic ranks 16th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.4%.

Tornike Shengelia ranks 17th all-time in scoring with 3,172 points. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is 16th with 3,179 and counting.

Will Clyburn ranks 18th all-time in scoring with 3,084 points.

Shengelia ranks 11th all-time with 712 free throws made. Paulius Jankunas is 10th with 748.

Daniel Hackett ranks 16th all-time in assists with 915. Thomas Walkup of Olympiacos Piraeus ranks 15th with 939 assists.

Hackett needs 4 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

Will Clyburn needs 8 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

Alessandro Pajola is the all-time leader with a 3.0-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio. 

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

 

**Streaks**

 

John DiBartolomeo has made 68 consecutive free throws, which is the second-longest streak in competition history. The longest streak belongs to Kevin Punter of FC Barcelona with 69 consecutive made free throws.

Tamir Blatt has made at least 1 three-point shot in 13 of his last 14 games. He has made multiple threes in six straight games.

Jasiel Rivero has scored at least 10 points in each of his first seven games this season.

Rivero has a PIR of at least 15 in six of his last seven games.

Jaylen Hoard has had a PIR of at least 10 in six of his last seven games.

 

**Season rankings**

 

Tamir Blatt leads the EuroLeague in assists with 9.0 per game.

Blatt ranks eighth in average index rating with 19.0 per game.

Blatt ranks second in average three-pointers made with 2.8 per game.

Saben Lee ranks ninth in scoring with 15.4 per game.

Lee ranks eighth in steals with 1.4 per game.

Jasiel Rivero is tied for eighth in offensive rebounding with 2.4 per game.

Rokas Jokubaitis ranks ninth in assists with 5.0 per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

 

John DiBartolomeo is 13th all-time with a 2.5-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Rokas Jokubaitis needs 31 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Jake Cohen needs 5 points to reach 500 for his career.

Virtus (1-6) will make its latest attempt for a first home win with a visit from a Maccabi team (3-4) lifted by last week’s win over Real Madrid.

Game Facts: Virtus vs. Maccabi

\- Virtus and Maccabi have played six times this century and the home teams have won the last five games.

\- The last time they met, Maccabi's 95-78 win in Belgrade last January, Virtus sharpshooter Marco Belinelli hit a new club record with a career-high 7 triples.

\- Last season in Bologna, Virtus beat Maccabi 100-90 as Tornike Shengelia scored 27 points, making a career-high 10 two-point shots.

\- When Maccabi thrashed Virtus 110-80 in Tel Aviv in March 2023, Maccabi dished 38 assists to set a EuroLeague record.

\- Maccabi won the 1981 EuroLeague championship, the second in club history, with an 80-79 win over Virtus in Strasbourg, France.

\- Virtus center Ante Zizic spent two seasons with Maccabi, from 2020 to 2022. He helped the team make the 2022 EuroLeague Playoffs.

\- Virtus forward Achille Polonara posted career-highs of 6 assists and 5 blocks playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Maccabi in December 2020.

\- Shengelia set his career-high with 6 three-pointers made playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Maccabi in November 2019.

Virtus (1-6) will make its latest attempt for a first home win with a visit from a Maccabi team (3-4) lifted by last week’s win over Real Madrid. 