Roll Call

Javier Gancedo goes into what makes Valencia Basket the favorite, not just in its series against Hapoel Tel Aviv but also overall.

Why Valencia Basket can win the EuroCup

Sometimes, things are meant to be and the best team takes home the trophy. It's as simple as that.

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) has consistently proved to be the best team in the BKT EuroCup this year. It comes into the semifinals with just two losses to its name, which came when the team was already on the right track to be first in its regular-season group. It has dominated the competition in style, playing great basketball. It has scored 100 points or more in 11 of its 19 games this season and even reached 127 points in the Spanish League this past weekend, a new club record. Good momentum is everything in a playoff series, and Valencia heads into the most decisive games of the season at full speed.  

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔥🇪 🇸🔥<br>🔥🇱 🇦🔥<br>🔥🇭 🇴 🇷 🇦🔥<br><br>Fonteta... ¿Estamos preparados para lo que viene? <br><br>🏆 P1 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🏡🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a><br>⌚ Martes-20:30h<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/MovistarPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MovistarPlus</a><br>🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <a href="https://t.co/QulWaHCXQM">pic.twitter.com/QulWaHCXQM</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1904226637962527006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sure, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has the star power and a two-time EuroLeague-winning coach like Dimitris Itoudis. It managed to bounce back from [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/)'s departure by bringing back homegrown hero [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), a former EuroLeague Rising Star award winner. Valencia has everything else in its favor: know-how, depth and home-court advantage.

This is Valencia's 10th EuroCup semifinal appearance and it is aiming to lift its fifth title. No other team has won the EuroCup more than twice. Every time Valencia played a semifinal under the current format, it went through: against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in 2017 and UNICS Kazan in 2019. Valencia means serious business when is this close to the goal.

Valencia has a really deep roster and the fact that I didn't mention any of its players until now is not a coincidence. Anyone can step up and contribute. As many as nine players average over 7.0 points per game, led by small forward [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) (12.8 ppg.). [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) have stepped up in recent games, but it could be just anyone. Hapoel has very well-defined scoring options and in that sense, coach Pedro Martinez's team is way more unpredictable... in a good way.

Semi Ojeleye of Valencia Basket averages 12.8 points so far in this 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Semi Ojeleye: Valencia's top scorer

Home-court advantage means a lot to Valencia as it has won 86.6% of all EuroCup games played at La Fonteta. Only four teams have ever beaten Valencia in postseason action: Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in the 2013 semifinals, Khimki Moscow Region in the 2015 quarterfinals, Unicaja Malaga in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals and Virtus Bologna in the 2022 semifinals. Valencia rarely loses at home, and it has an extra motivation. 

At the end of this season, the club will move to the bigger, brand-new Roig Arena. There is no better way to say goodbye to La Fonteta than winning the EuroCup and opening Roig Arena in the EuroLeague, the best stage possible.

Coach Martinez is looking to reach his third EuroCup Finals. In 2008, his Akasvayu Girona side lost against Joventut Badalona in Turin, Italy. In 2017, his Valencia squad had everything in their favor, leading by 13 points with 9 minutes left but ended up losing a do-or-die Game 3 against Unicaja Malaga. This is the kind of painful memory that never goes away, and I think Valencia can use it as an extra motivation, like it did in the 2019 Finals against ALBA Berlin. Given Valencia's strength at home, it is unlikely that it loses twice against any opponent this season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🗣️ Habla Pedro<br>&quot;𝘚𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘫𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘺 𝘭𝘢 𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪ó𝘯 𝘦𝘴 𝘮á𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘢. 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘫𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘳 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘴&quot;<br><br>🏆 P1 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🏡🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a> <br>⌚ Martes-20:30h<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/MovistarPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MovistarPlus</a> <br>🤝🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/pamesaceramica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pamesaceramica</a> <a href="https://t.co/sKKNYNNTSv">pic.twitter.com/sKKNYNNTSv</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1904134348607041814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If you want numbers, Valencia has them all. It leads the competition in scoring (96.5 ppg.), defensive rebounds (27.7 drpg.), assists (23.6 apg.), three-point shots attempted (34.6) and accuracy (39.1% 3FG). The faster Valencia plays the better chance it has to win, and with such depth and physicality, it will make sure to speed up the game tempo as often as possible.

Four excellent teams made it to the EuroCup Semifinals and any of them could lift the trophy at the end of the season. But, personally, I would be surprised if that team is not Valencia.

Game News

Javier Gancedo goes into what makes Valencia the favorite, not just in its series against Hapoel Tel Aviv but also overall

Why Valencia can win the EuroCup

Valencia Basket v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-03-25T19:30:00.000Z)

Frankie Sachs breaks down why he likes Hapoel’s chances to go all the way this season, starting with the semifinal series against top-ranked Valencia.

Why Hapoel Tel Aviv can win the EuroCup

Do you believe in destiny? Because the good folks at [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) do.

What do [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), [Noam Yaacov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noam-yaacov/011386/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) have in common? They all played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season – two of them even reached the Final Four – and they chose to take a proverbial step back to the BKT EuroCup and accept the challenge of making history with Hapoel. Add to them former EuroLeague champion head coach [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/itoudis-dimitris/) and [Ish Wainright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ishmail-carzell-wainright/013284/), who spent the last three seasons in the NBA, and you have a team determined to make noise regardless of the opponent.

Hapoel has certainly faced some ups and downs, including two players pegged for meaningful roles ([Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) and [Ben Bentil](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/benjamin-bentil/009818/)) being released during the season. But the team seems to be peaking at the right time, having now won eight straight games in all competitions.

Talk to the players on the team and they will tell you how the mid-season introduction of Coach Itoudis has made them better. The numbers will show you how the mid-season signing of Madar has made the offense better. Another late addition, [Marcus Bingham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-bingham/013506/), has made the team deeper and more dangerous on defense.

Marcus Bingham: Hapoel's X-factor

Between Motley, Caboclo and Bingham, Hapoel has as deep a big-man rotation as any EuroCup side, including the dangerous Valencia trio of [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/), [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Amida Brimah](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/amida-brimah/012075/). Between [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/) and [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/), there is a lethal scorer on the floor at all times. With Madar, Wainright, [Guy Palatin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guy-palatin/013283/) and Bingham, there are stud defenders. And thanks to [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) and Madar, playing with multiple ball-handlers is always an option for Coach Itoudis.

Championships are naturally won on the court. But the amount of work off the court to get a team there cannot always be measured. And this Hapoel team has been putting in the work all season long, even when it wasn’t trying to.

Unable to play home games in front of its raucous crowd in Tel Aviv, Hapoel has been on the road all season. Its home games have been played in tiny Samokov, Bulgaria. So, in addition to road games in Spain, Serbia, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro and Germany, the players have boarded a flight to the Balkans 10 times. All of that time together on planes and buses has forged a chemistry that makes the team better on the court.

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Something to prove? You betcha! Hapoel management did an excellent job of convincing players to join the project, but Motley, Caboclo, Madar and Wainright all checked to see if there were better options before putting their names on the dotted line. Ragland, 35, wants to show everyone that he's still got it. Bingham and Yaacov want to prove that they have stardom in front of them, And Timor and [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/), like Madar, want to reward the Hapoel faithful.

I could go on with numbers to show how good Hapoel can be. But I don’t think numbers will make the difference against Valencia in the semifinals. I think Hapoel has the advantage in terms of chemistry, depth and, thanks to Coach Itoudis, defense and tactical acumen. And that should be enough.

All four teams still standing have good reasons to believe that they can capture EuroCup glory. Hapoel may just have more reasons.

Frankie Sachs breaks down why he likes Hapoel’s chances to go all the way this season, starting with the semifinal series against top-ranked Valencia

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals.

Semifinals, Game 1: Pregame quotes

## Tuesday, March 25: Game 1

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"Tomorrow we face Bahcesehir in Istanbul in the EuroCup Semifinals. We face this semifinal series with a lot of enthusiasm, ambition and desire to compete. We are playing against a team that is structured both in terms of budget and players, with the goal of winning the competition and qualifying for the EuroLeague. It is a team that is built with players of great quality, talent, experience and physicality in every position. It is a team that plays very consistently throughout the season, and it is no coincidence that they were first in our group in the regular season. We have a very difficult, physical and demanding series ahead of us."

**Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria center**

"It's a semifinal, so logically it's a super important game. They are a tough team, very physical. We've already fought them twice, so we know how good they are, but we're going to Turkiye to win. We want to reach the final, we want to win the title, so it's a very important game, but we'll be ready. The physical level will be very important. Being tough, playing our game... It's a semifinal, so obviously you have to score important shots, but defense and matching their physical intensity will be key."

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

**Valencia Basket head coach Pedro Martinez**

"It's a great moment, the semifinal of a European competition. It is very difficult to get here. We have worked for many months, we have gone through all kinds of moments. The motivation and our hopes are very big. We live to play these games. The players are motivated. We are privileged to play these games, to have this pressure that we have: the fear of defeat, excitement for victory. We have all that before this game. We are going to enjoy it, we are going to fight, and hopefully we can win. I'm expecting a very tight series, it's going to be tremendous. If you had told me in preseason, when you see how the teams are, I think we were one of the favorites. We are not hiding, nor are we afraid or embarrassed to say it. Valencia is a team that has been playing EuroLeague in the last few seasons and we are one of the favorites. But Hapoel Tel Aviv was the other big favorite in the competition. When they put together their roster, when you see the players they signed and then they have reinforced very well during the year with \[Marcus\] Bingham, with the change of coach, a legend like \[Dimitris\] Itoudis. It's a very big matchup. It could have been in the final, but it's in the semifinal. It doesn't matter, you have to play against everyone. Whoever wins this series is not going to immediately be crowned the champion. Whoever it is will have to play in the EuroCup Finals. But it's a big tie. We have to be prepared to play against a great team that will make it very difficult for us, and we have to be in good spirits to get through it."

**Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach Dimitris Itoudis**

"We take great pride in building, creating, and writing history for all Hapoel Tel Aviv fans, supporters, and, of course, the club itself. We know the challenge ahead won’t be easy, but we are here to embrace the tough moments. We will give everything we have on the court. Beating Valencia in a best-of-three series requires much more because they are an exceptional team. They excel at running the floor and scoring a variety of creative spot-up shots. Based on our analysis, they are the best team outside the NBA in terms of scoring, three-point shooting efficiency, and the ability to generate high-percentage three-point opportunities from their offensive play."

**Bar Timor, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"We are extremely excited and happy to have reached this stage. Both teams have different playing styles. Valencia plays at a very fast pace and tries to control the tempo, so we have a lot to focus on in that aspect. We will prepare well, come ready, stick to our game plan, and I believe it will work."

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-03-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the start of the BKT EuroCup Semifinals

Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the EuroCup Semifinals

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season is nearing its end, but there are still at least four rounds to be played in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11), which could rise to five or even six if any of the best-of-three playoff series goes to a third game. Player choice is now limited, so allow me to get straight to the point. I am recommending one player per team for Games 1 and 2 of the semifinals. Here they are.

### Jean Montero, Valencia Basket (11.8 credits)

The time has come for "El Problema" to showcase his talent. [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) has been unstoppable lately and the EuroCup Semifinals should be another opportunity for him. Montero had 12 points and a PIR of 12 in 14 minutes in the [quarterfinals against Cluj](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/) and has been unstoppable in Spanish League action. His matchup against [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) is a critical one in this series.

### Axel Bouteille, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (12.3 credits)

Bahcesehir has many hungry, experienced players ready to fight for the EuroCup title. [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) was close in 2023 when he reached the final with Turk Telekom Ankara. He is one of the best three-point shooters in competition history (44.6% on 377 attempts) and should step up against a tough team like Gran Canaria. Expect him to lead his team all series long.

Mike Tobey, Matt Costello, Jean Montero, Axel Bouteille and Marcus Foster are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: semifinals Games 1-2

### Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria (11.6 credits)

Speaking of EuroCup experience, [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) won the competition with Valencia in 2019 and is looking for his second crown. Gran Canaria needs his defensive skills to stop [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) down low. Tobey has been playing well, too, going for 14 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 21 in the [quarterfinals against Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-beats-hapoel-89-92-to-advance-to-semifinals/) and amassing a PIR of 23 in Spanish League action.

### Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12.2 credits)

All eyes will be on [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) and [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), but [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/) has been incredibly solid in recent games. Foster finished the regular season in style, averaging a PIR of 18.0 in the last three games. He did well in the [quarterfinals against Turk Telekom](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/), too, getting 21 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 15. If Hapoel advances, expect Foster to be a big part of that.

### Matt Costello, Valencia Basket (12.0 credits)

Valencia is looking for its fifth EuroCup championship and has the home-court advantage in all series. There is pressure, of course, and it needs its most experienced players to play a big role in the series against Hapoel. [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) already delivered [against Cluj](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/) with 10 points and 7 rebounds for a PIR of 15. This weekend, he had a PIR of 20 in 13 minutes in domestic action. His time is now.

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the start of the semifinals

The BKT EuroCup Semifinals begin on Tuesday, with the regular-season group winners hosting the openers of a three-game series. This is what we can look forward to.

Game Center: Who is ready for Game 1 of the semifinals?

The BKT EuroCup Semifinals begin on Tuesday, with the regular-season group winners hosting the openers of a three-game series. This is what we can look forward to.

## Tuesday, March 25

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

The first semifinal presents a rematch from the regular season as Group A winner Bahcesehir (14-4) attempts to extend its 100% home record with a visit from Gran Canaria (12-6), which finished third and has a strong 7-3 record on the road.

Both meetings earlier this season were low-scoring defensive battles won by the home team, with [Bahcesehir prevailing 73-65 in Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-beats-gran-canaria-73-65-to-take-control-in-group-a/) in December. Dejan Radonjic’s men will attempt to repeat the physical dominance they enjoyed in that contest through big men [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) and [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/), who combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds. But they face a tough battle for supremacy against Gran Canaria’s [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), who also showed his all-round class in that contest by combining 16 points with 6 boards and 5 assists.

In the backcourt, a key confrontation will see visiting defensive ace [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) attempt to limit the influence of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), who may feel he has a point to prove after only making 1 of his 10 field-goal attempts when the teams last met.

Smith is one of several players on both teams offering a threat from three-point territory, with Bahcesehir also hoping [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) will fire after averaging nearly two triples per game at 43.2%. For Gran Canaria, [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) showed his scoring potential with a trio of triples in the quarterfinal victory at Hapoel Jerusalem, while guard [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/) – a EuroCup winner last season with Paris – is becoming increasingly important after arriving mid-season to replace the injured [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carlos-alocen/010623/).

But ultimately the key will be defense. These two teams have allowed fewer points than anyone else, with Gran Canaria’s average of 76.7 points conceded per game only bettered by Bahcesehir (75.1), and which team better nullifies the opposition will take this series opener.

Semifinals Head-to-Head: Hazer vs. Thomasson

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Group B winner and four-time EuroCup champion Valencia (16-2) will attempt to make home-court advantage count with a visit from dangerous Group A runner-up Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12-6), which is searching for its first major honor since lifting the Israeli Cup in 1993.

Valencia has been the competition's dominant team throughout the season, boasting the best regular season record and again showing its power with [a comprehensive 98-74 quarterfinal victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/). That game saw eight different Valencia players register double digits in PIR to underline the Spanish team's depth, so Dimitris Itoudis's men will need to produce their very best as a collective unit to take a road win.

Perhaps the most important player for Hapoel to play the game its own way is center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game), who will attempt to dominate the paint against home team powerhouse [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) (9.7 points and 4.2 boards per night). The visiting team will also need the offensive output of [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/), who has scored in double digits in four consecutive games.

Hapoel showed its defensive strength with [a hard-fought 67-61 win over Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/) in the quarterfinals, and it will need a similar performance against a Valencia team orchestrated by the youthful brilliance of playmaker [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who has averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 assists in the last four games. He will have plenty of support from [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/), with Valencia’s weapons also coming from the wings through dangerous shooters [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/).

Valencia has won six straight, netting at least 96 points in five of those, and easily leads the competition in scoring with an average of 96.5 points per night. But with the expertise of Itoudis on the bench and a talented roster including the multiple talents of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), Hapoel has every chance of causing an upset.

Semifinals Head-to-Head: Lopez-Arostegui vs. Foster

Both semifinals get underway on Tuesday night

At a glance: Who is ready for Game 1 of the semifinals?

Stats review: What to look out for in the semifinals

The best-of-three BKT EuroCup Semifinals are here, with the four teams with the best regular-season records all advancing. After surviving the competitive quarterfinals, three teams from Group A remain alongside Group B and point differential leader, [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/).

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria

[Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) and [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) split their regular season series with both teams winning at home - Gran Canaria by 3 in early October and Bahcesehir by 8 in early December.

In their victory, Gran Canaria had an uneven showing offensively but had all the answers on the defensive end to compensate. While the main lineups scored 31 points over 30 possessions, Gran Canaria committed 20 turnovers as its bench struggled with mistakes. The team persevered by holding the visitors to 41% shooting in finishing situations in the half-court in what was ultimately one of Gran Canaria's best defensive performances of the year.

In the second meeting, Gran Canaria shot just 1-for-8 on pull-up threes and missed a season-high 10 open catch-and-shoot attempts as it went cold from beyond the arc. Bahcesehir shot 63% at the rim and took control of Group A with that win while finding an offensive rhythm that eluded both teams in the first matchup.

How those previous results translate in a three-game series will be fascinating as Bahcesehir looks to break through to the finals in its debut campaign, while Gran Canaria tries to boomerang back to the top of the EuroCup after [winning the championship two seasons ago](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2223-final-report-grancanaria-turktelekom/). Depth may tell the story as Bahcesehir relies as heavily on its starters for minutes and production as any team in the EuroCup, while Gran Canaria’s bench scored 46% of its points - the third-highest percentage this season. With both teams finishing in the top-four in defensive efficiency, which group can find a way to break through offensively playing contrasting styles will be a point of interest.

Hapoel has scored 1.08 points per possession since the mid-season acquisition of Yam Madar

### Valencia Basket vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) and [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) have no such history as the latter’s arrival in the EuroCup coincided with the prior’s departure to the EuroLeague. Sitting on different sides of the competition this year, they scored a matching 1.04 points per possession to lead all teams in offensive efficiency.

Taking very different routes to get there, Valencia attempted 100 more three-pointers than any other team this season and 199 more than Hapoel as it shot a league-best 39% from beyond the arc despite playing its bench more than its starters. Hapoel, in contrast, was this season’s lone team to shoot over 50% from the field as its consistency making midrange jumpers and floaters complemented extremely opportunistic scoring in transition. The acquisition of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) signaled a shift for the club mid-year as they scored 1.08 points per possession to close the gap on Valencia after his arrival.

That sets a compelling showdown between the EuroCup’s hottest team and its most dominant one. Valencia lost only [one game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/58/) in La Fonteta this season, but if any team is capable of matching the Herculean effort it took [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/roster/lkb/) to secure that victory, it is Hapoel.

How history repeats itself for these teams one way or another will make for compelling basketball as the hunt for the trophy barrels toward its conclusion.

Here's a breakdown of this season's two BKT EuroCup Semifinals based on the numbers

Valencia has been the competition's dominant team throughout the season, boasting the best regular season record and again showing its power with [a comprehensive 98-74 quarterfinal victory over U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-cruises-past-cluj-98-74-and-into-last-four/). That game saw eight different Valencia players register double digits in PIR to underline the Spanish team's depth, so Dimitris Itoudis's men will need to produce their very best as a collective unit to take a road win.

Perhaps the most important player for Hapoel to play the game its own way is center [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game), who will attempt to dominate the paint against home team powerhouse [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) (9.7 points and 4.2 boards per night). The visiting team will also need the offensive output of [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/), who has scored in double digits in four consecutive games.

Hapoel showed its defensive strength with [a hard-fought 67-61 win over Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-fights-off-turk-telekom-moves-into-semifinals/) in the quarterfinals, and it will need a similar performance against a Valencia team orchestrated by the youthful brilliance of playmaker [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who has averaged 14.0 points and 4.5 assists in the last four games. He will have plenty of support from [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/), with Valencia’s weapons also coming from the wings through dangerous shooters [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) and [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/).

Valencia has won six straight, netting at least 96 points in five of those, and easily leads the competition in scoring with an average of 96.5 points per night. But with the expertise of Itoudis on the bench and a talented roster including the multiple talents of [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), Hapoel has every chance of causing an upset.

GAME NOTES

\- This game will be the first ever meeting between these clubs in the EuroCup.

\- Valencia guard Chris Jones was a teammate of Hapoel forward Oz Blayzer during the 2020-21 season at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

\- Hapoel assistant coach Stefanos Dedas was the head coach at Israeli side Hapoel Holon when Nate Sestina played there at the tail end of the 2020-21 season.

Game Videos

GAME FACTS

### Valencia Basket

**Streaks**

Semi Ojeleye has made at least 1 three-pointer in 17 straight games.

Jean Montero has scored 11 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Montero has posted double-digit PIRs in five straight games.

Montero has made at least 1 three-point shot in nine straight games.

Montero has made multiple three-pointers in eight of his last nine games.

Montero has collected at least 1 steal in eight of his last games.

Brancou Badio has made at least 1 three-point shot in 16 straight games.

Josep Puerto has made at least 1 three-point shot in six straight and 16 of his last 17 games.

Nate Sestina has made at least 1 three-point shot in 10 straight games.

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui has scored at least 10 points in seven straight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Stefan Jovic is ranked sixth among qualified players with 5.3 assists per game. Jean Montero is seventh with 5.1 per game.

Jovic leads the EuroCup this season in assist-to-turnover ratio at 4.4.

Montero is third with 1.8 steals per game.

Nathan Reuvers is tied with Selom Mawugbe for fourth with 1.3 blocks per game.

Reuvers is fourth among qualified players in two-point accuracy at 72.0%.

Semi Ojeleye is tied with Fletcher Magee for 2.4 three-pointers made per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui is 11th on the all-time EuroCup charts in free-throw accuracy at 89.1%.

Stefan Jovic is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.1.

 

 

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

 

**Streaks**

Johnathan Motley has posted a PIR in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games.

Marcus Foster has made at least 1 three-pointer in 15 of his last 16 games.

Foster has scored in double figures and had PIRs in double figures in five of his last six games.

Yam Madar has had PIRs of at least 11 in 10 straight games.

Madar has scored in double figures in eight of his last nine games.

Ish Wainright has at least 1 steal in seven of his last eight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Johnathan Motley is fifth among qualified players in performance index rating with 19.1 per game.

Motley is sixth in scoring with 16.3 per game.

Motley leads the EuroCup in two-pointers made with 6.0 per game.

Motley is third in fouls drawn with 6.3 per game.

Motley is 10th in free throws made with 4.1 per game.

Joe Ragland is third among qualified players in assist-to-turnover ratio with 3.6.

Bar Timor is seventh among qualified players in assist-to-turnover ratio with 3.1.

Group B winner and four-time EuroCup champion Valencia (16-2) will attempt to make home-court advantage count with a visit from dangerous Group A runner-up Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12-6), which is searching for its first major honor since lifting the Israeli Cup in 1993.

Game Notes and Facts: Valencia vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv

Both meetings earlier this season were low-scoring defensive battles won by the home team, with [Bahcesehir prevailing 73-65 in Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-beats-gran-canaria-73-65-to-take-control-in-group-a/) in December. Dejan Radonjic’s men will attempt to repeat the physical dominance they enjoyed in that contest through big men [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) and [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/), who combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds. But they face a tough battle for supremacy against Gran Canaria’s [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), who also showed his all-round class in that contest by combining 16 points with 6 boards and 5 assists.

In the backcourt, a key confrontation will see visiting defensive ace [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) attempt to limit the influence of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), who may feel he has a point to prove after only making 1 of his 10 field-goal attempts when the teams last met.

Smith is one of several players on both teams offering a threat from three-point territory, with Bahcesehir also hoping [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) will fire after averaging nearly two triples per game at 43.2%. For Gran Canaria, [Joe Thomasson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-thomasson/012095/) showed his scoring potential with a trio of triples in the quarterfinal victory at Hapoel Jerusalem, while guard [Mehdy Ngouama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mehdy-ngouama/009556/) – a EuroCup winner last season with Paris – is becoming increasingly important after arriving mid-season to replace the injured [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carlos-alocen/010623/).

But ultimately the key will be defense. These two teams have allowed fewer points than anyone else, with Gran Canaria’s average of 76.7 points conceded per game only bettered by Bahcesehir (75.1), and which team better nullifies the opposition will take this series opener.

GAME NOTES

\- Gran Canaria outlasted Bahcesehir 66-63 when they met in Round 3 in what was the first-ever game between the sides. Nicolas Brussino led the way with a season-high 17 points.

\- Bahcesehir was a 73-65 winner in Round 12 behind 16 points from Tai Odiase and a Tyler Cavanaugh double-double.

\- Gran Canaria center Mike Tobey was a teammate of Bahcesehir players Tai Odiase and Mateusz Ponitka at Canarias Tenerife during the 2017-18 season.

\- Tobey grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds against Bahcesehir when they met in Round 3.

\- Gran Canaria guard Andrew Albicy was a teammate of Bahcesehir forward Mateusz Ponitka at Zenit St Petersburg during the 2019-20 season.

\- Bahcesehir center Marko Simonovic matched his season-high with 14 points against Gran Canaria in Round 3.

GAME FACTS

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Jaleen Smith has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight games.

Smith has made 11 consecutive free throws,

Smith has posted PIRs in double figures is six of the last seven games.

Tai Odiase had PIRs of at least 10 in eight of his last nine games.

Odiase has scored 10 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Odiase has at least 1 block in six of his last seven games.

CJ Massinburg has made at least 1 three-point shot in seven straight games.

Tyler Cavanaugh has had PIRs in double figures in 10 of his last 11 games.

Cavanaugh has had 5 or more rebounds in 13 of his last 14 games.

Cavanaugh has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight and 15 of his last 16 games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Tyler Cavanaugh is tied for fifth among qualified players this season with 6.3 rebounds per game.

Cavanaugh is eighth among qualified players in three-point shooting with 46.2% per game.

Tai Odiase is ranked fifth among qualified players this season with 2.4 offensive rebounds per game.

Odiase is ranked ninth among qualified players with 1.0 blocks per game.

Odiase is ranked seventh among qualified players with 4.8 two-pointers per game.

Jaleen Smith is ranked fourth among qualified players with 5.6 assists per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Axel Bouteille is 15th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 168 three-pointers in his career. Jaka Blazic and Todor Stoykov are tied for 13th with 171.

 

 

### Dreamland Gran Canaria

 

**Streaks**

Caleb Homesley has made at least 1 three-pointer in 11 of his last 12 games.

Andrew Albicy has recorded at least 1 steal in 14 straight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Andrew Albicy leads the EuroCup is steals this season with 2.1 per game.

Pierre Pelos is tied for third among qualified players this season in three-point accuracy at 50%.

Mike Tobey is tied for 11th among qualified players this season with 5.8 rebounds per game.

 

**All-time Rankings**

Andrew Albicy is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 674 assists for his career. Stefan Markovic is the all-time leader with 698.

Albicy is ranked second with 209 career steals. Stefan Markovic is the all-time leader with 214.

Albicy is ranked fourth with 1,600 index rating points for his career. Errick McCollum is third with 1,634.

Albicy is tied with Pau Ribas for ninth with 182 three-pointers. John Shurna is eight with 195.

Albicy is tied with Bojan Dubljevic for seventh with 138 game played.

John Shurna is ranked ninth with 1,258 points scored. E.J. Rowland is eight with 1,275.

Shurna is seventh on the all-time charts with 515 rebounds. Axel Hervelle is sixth with 519.

Shurna is eighth on the all-time charts with 195 three-pointers. Marko Popovic is seventh with 207.

John Shurna is tied with AJ Slaughter for fourth on the all-time charts with 143 games played. Rafa Martinez is third with 144.

Miquel Salvo is ranked second on the all-time charts with in two-point accuracy at 66.5%.

The first semifinal presents a rematch from the regular season as Group A winner Bahcesehir (14-4) attempts to extend its 100% home record with a visit from Gran Canaria (12-6), which finished third and has a strong 7-3 record on the road.

Game Notes and Facts: Bahcesehir vs. Gran Canaria

CB Gran Canaria forward Caleb Homesley fancies his team's chances of advancing past Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the EuroCup Semifinals.

Caleb Homesley aims to become EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria, potentially in all-Spanish Finals

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) is dreaming big. The Las Palmas-based side is one of the four teams that will compete in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and, therefore, one of the last survivors of arguably the toughest edition of the competition in recent memory.

On a stage it knows well, Gran Canaria has paved its way to this point with its undeniable style. The fusion of its joyful and effective game, the enthusiasm of the young players and the experience of the veterans has helped the new players who have arrived to fit in and create a core that will be difficult for any team to stop in the EuroCup.

With a 12-6 record in the regular season, and displaying a dominance that recent weeks have not done justice to, Jaka Lakovic's team has learned its lesson. Gran Canaria finished third in Group A, behind Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (two of the other three semifinalists), but the Spanish side knows better than anyone how to perform in the latter stages and how to approach the most crucial games of the season so far.

Leaving behind rivals of the caliber of Umana Reyer Venice in the eighthfinals and a strong Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem squad that made things difficult in the quarterfinals, Gran Canaria's morale is sky-high as it hopes to repeat the joy of lifting the EuroLeague trophy, just like it did in 2023.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1800249/caleb-homesley-aims-to-become-eurocup-champion-with-gran-canaria-potentially-in-all-spanish-finals/).

The 28-year-old fancies his team’s chances ahead of a semifinal series with Bahcesehir

Hapoel Tel Aviv star Tomer Ginat spoke to Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net ahead of the 2025 EuroCup Semifinals.

Tomer Ginat: 'This is where Hapoel Tel Aviv needs to be'

The 20th of June, 2022 was a turning point for [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/). Because that is the day that [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) returned to the club. 

He had already spent four seasons with Hapoel, which Ginat first joined when he was 21 years old, and was twice named to the All-Israeli League First Team before deciding to test himself abroad. 

Ginat helped French side Boulogne Metropolitans 92 reach the EuroCup Quarterfinals twice in as many seasons before rejoining Hapoel. At the time, Hapoel was a sleeping giant that had never played in the EuroCup before. 

Now, falling in the quarterfinals twice more, Hapoel and Ginat are semifinalists for the first time and they head into their best-of-three series against [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) with confidence, as the 30-year-old told Frankie Sachs of the official EuroCup website.

Best of Tomer Ginat: 2024-25 regular season

**It’s been a very eventful season for Hapoel. Do you feel that the team is entering the semifinals in its best shape?**

"It's been a very long season because we aren't playing home games at home and we are hosting games in Bulgaria. We've had to fly every week. We've been traveling a lot. I think we're reaching the semifinals in great shape. We've won seven straight games in all competitions. We have another league game on Saturday night, but we're heading into the semifinals very determined. Reaching the EuroCup Semifinals is a great achievement for us, and we aren't planning to stop there. We're arriving in good shape and with the team we have and the talent we have, we can do anything."

**Valencia has been the strongest team in the EuroCup this season. What impresses you the most about their game?**

"I think Valencia may be the strongest team in the EuroCup and they proved it all season. They play a very pretty brand of basketball. They play together. They shoot a lot of three-pointers. They've made the most threes in the competition for sure. They play fast, a high pace, and they score a lot of points. We will have to know how to be there to stop that. We have to play at our pace. We all have to be very aggressive on defense, rebound, and play our game."

**There seems to be a belief that pace will be decisive in this series and that if Valencia is able to run, it will be hard for Hapoel to keep up. Do you agree and feel that it will be important for you to slow the game down?**

"Absolutely. I think the pace they play at is very special and it characterizes them. They punish almost every mistake. They have a lot of offensive tools and we will have to slow the game down to play our style and that will be one of the keys to the series."

Tomer Ginat: 'Valencia is a very deep team, but I think we are also a very deep team.'

**Hapoel showed how deep it is in the quarterfinals against Turk Telekom with Oz Blayzer and Guy Palatin – two players not well known outside of Israel – seeing meaningful fourth-quarter minutes. How important is that depth at this part of the season?**

"Valencia is a very deep team, but I think we are also a very deep team. We have a lot of talented players, foreign players and Israelis. Every day we can lean on a different player, and every day a different player can have a meaningful role such as the names you mentioned or any other player. Throughout the season, some have played more and some have played less, but we have a lot of tools and we come to this series with a lot of confidence and our depth is something that I believe will help us. In every game, we have 12 players who can contribute and be the X-factor in a game."

**You have known Yam Madar since he was 17 years old. After playing for three EuroLeague clubs, he returned to Hapoel this season to become a lead guard. In what ways has he grown as a player from his time abroad?**

"I think Yam was an amazing player and with great potential already when he was 17. I played with him, I saw the potential and I knew what could become. The things he did at Partizan, at Fenerbahce, at Bayern Munich were amazing. He learned a lot from great coaches. I think the biggest difference in the Yam that I remember from age 17 to today is in terms of leadership. He is someone who you can always count on, he's never afraid to take the ball at the end of a game, he always wants to be there in the decisive moments and to carry the team with him and he is totally one of our leaders."

**What has it been like playing for coach Dimitris Itoudis?**

"First of all, it's a great honor. Dimitris is one of the best coaches in Europe. To be able to learn from him every day is a great privilege. The things that he demands and the way that he demands them never allow you to rest. He is always there to be critical when necessary, to compliment when necessary. It’s a privilege to learn from such a coach and it's our privilege that he is our coach."

**What has Coach Itoudis brought to your game?**

"From the moment he arrived, he put an emphasis on our defensive game as a team and on my individual defense. Under him, I have learned how much it takes to play for a coach like him and to put more emphasis on the defensive end than on offense. And I think that the way he demands from you to play has caused me to play smarter, better and be more aware." 

Tomer Ginat: 'I returned here because I saw the direction that the club wanted to go in.'

**Three years ago, when you came back from France and turned down an offer from Maccabi in order to return to Hapoel, were you able to imagine the team in the EuroCup Semifinals and fighting for a spot in the EuroLeague?**

"Totally, yes. I returned here because I saw the direction that the club wanted to go in. In the last two seasons, we lost in the quarterfinals in two close games, first at Badalona on the road and last year against Besiktas in a game where we led by a lot and at the end it got away from us. So it closes a circle for the club to finally reach the semifinal after two years where we failed in the quarterfinals. And this is where Hapoel Tel Aviv needs to be. Hapoel Tel Aviv strives for even higher than that and we are doing everything that we can to be there."

**Hapoel has an incredible fan base, which has crisscrossed Europe these past two seasons to support the team. Even though they don’t show up in the same numbers as they would in Tel Aviv, what does their support mean to the team?**

"It’s inconceivable. For 18 weeks, we flew to play almost everywhere in Europe and there was not a single game that we were without a group of our fans. It's a great honor to play for a club that has such a large community standing behind it, supporting it. What we saw in our last game, the quarterfinal game in Bulgaria, was amazing. They created a home-court atmosphere. And as I said, it is a great privilege to play for such a club and it completely helps us and brings energy and desire to make them happy.

"Over the last two years, we've been talking about it quite a bit since the war started on October 7 \[2023\], basketball has taken on a much greater meaning, because our country has been going through something very sad. The Hapoel Tel Aviv community is a community that was very much affected by the October 7 attack. There are a lot of our fans who were killed, who were taken hostage. And now playing basketball to represent this community, this country, is a huge privilege. If we manage to make people who have been through these things happy, then we've done our part, and I hope that we'll be able to do it next week in the semifinals."

**The other semifinal series features two teams you played in the regular season, Dreamland Gran Canaria against Bahcesehir. Who do you expect will win and reach the finals?**

"We are trying to focus on ourselves. The second semifinal is between two excellent teams, that like you said, we played against them. What's most important to us is to do our job. We have a very, very big challenge next week with two games in the series against Valencia. And we will need to be at our best to win this series. I really hope that we will be able to do it, rise to the challenge and reach the finals against whoever it will be, Gran Canaria or Bahcesehir."

The Israeli forward spoke with Frankie Sachs ahead of the EuroCup Semifinals

Valencia Basket forward Xabi Lopez-Arostegui spoke with Javier Gancedo of the EuroCup's official website to discuss the club's upcoming semifinal series with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC.

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia: 'We have to focus on ourselves'

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) will play in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals next week for the first time since 2022 when it faces [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) in a three-game playoff series. One of the players who remains on the team that lost to Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the single-game semifinal in 2022 is [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/), who has been one of the team's pillars this season. 

In 17 EuroCup games, Lopez-Arostegui has averaged 11.4 points with great shooting (60.0% 2FG, 39.2% 3FG, 87.3% FT), 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 14.6. He helped Valencia finish the regular season with the best overall record, which gives his team the home-court advantage in all potential playoff scenarios. Lopez-Arostegui told Javier Gancedo of the official EuroCup website that Game 1 of the series is the time to prove why having the home-court advantage is so important.

**Congratulations on a great season in the EuroCup. Not only personally, but also as a team. You have won 17 games and despite having injuries, you have been very consistent. What has allowed you to have that consistency throughout the season?**

"I think it's a bit of a team job from the beginning of the season with the goal of competing in all games. And as a result of that work and that mentality of going game by game, focusing on each game as the most important, we have achieved that goal. As you said, we have had injuries in some games, guards, centers... but I think the great thing about this year is that we have a very complete team, without any dependence on any player. Because whenever there was an injury, there was another player who played in that position and covered it for the rest of the team, and we got through it. So I think that speaks very well of the whole team, players and staff, that they have been able to prepare the games. The players have a good adaptability to different scenarios and situations. And well, we have been trying to win as many games as possible, and now we want to finish the season well, improve and use the home-court advantage in the playoffs. So far, we are happy."

In 17 BKT EuroCup games so far this season, Lopez-Arostegui averages 11.4 points on really solid shooting (60.0% 2FG, 39.2% 3FG, 87.3% FT), 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 fouls drawn and a PIR of 14.6.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia

**In fact, you scored 100 points or more in 11 games out of 19 so far. There is no precedent for that in the EuroCup. How much fun is it to be a part of this team?**

"It's fun, without a doubt. That's the good thing. In the same way that we don't depend on anyone, the game we have is very busy, the ball is moving a lot, there is a lot of intensity, there are more possessions, more opportunities for everyone to feel involved in the game on offense. And the truth is that in the end, that also helps everyone to have more fluidity, more confidence and everything comes out a little easier.

 

**This is your second time in the EuroCup Semifinals. You lost against Virtus in 2022 and also against the same team with Joventut in the 2021 quarterfinals. Do you have more motivation after those losses?**

"Yes, without a doubt. I have played in the EuroCup for several seasons and as you said, I had the opportunity to play in the quarterfinals with Joventut and then that semifinal game at La Fonteta in my first season with Valencia. It was a painful loss and I will try to be as well prepared as possible. I am looking forward to a series against a strong rival, and let's see if we do a good job."

 

**You have had a strong season. You've rebounded very well and scored many important shots, playing as well as ever. How important has self-confidence been for you this season?**

"I spoke to Pedro \[Valencia head coach Pedro Martinez\] at the beginning of the year, I told him that I also wanted to bring back this more aggressive version of myself, attacking the rim more often because I had been in a position for a few years in which I had wait a little longer for the ball. We had to play the style of play we had, we didn't have many opportunities, and I wanted to try to recover that aspect of my game, because I also wanted to help the team. So, I have been working on it since the preseason, with that mentality. I also have very good teammates, competing with them helps me to improve in that area. It is something that I think I have discovered again. I am happy about it and enjoying it. In the end, when you are loose on the court and play with confidence, I think everything goes full circle. I am happy to have been able to enjoy it and I hope to be able to enjoy in the playoffs."

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui: "When you are loose on the court and play with confidence, I think everything goes full circle."

**We have to talk about Hapoel, which also had a great season. What do you like about the team?**

"I think that since Itoudis arrived, he gave them a lot of knowledge and solidity. I think that in the last 12 or 13 games they have won 10 or 11, I think it's something like that. They have a lot of experience at that level. They also have a lot of first-level players, not just in EuroCup, but also at the EuroLeague level. They have powerful centers and they could be stronger than our bigs, but we also want to focus on ourselves, to be loyal to our style, and we also know that if we play at a high pace, they won't feel as comfortable as we do. So, we want to try to implement our style, and as I said before, try to make up for the weaknesses we may have. We have to focus on ourselves and do things well so that they don't feel comfortable."

 

**As you mentioned, the game pace seems to be one of the biggest keys to the series. They seem to be more comfortable playing half-court basketball. Is that the case?**

"Yes, I think that, because of the style of their players, they look for more half-court situations. They run when they see a situation in which they can punish you. They don't have an automatic way to always run after defending and rebounding or even after scoring, which is what we do. I think that's something very important, doing that not just for a few minutes, but for all 40 minutes. During the season, there have been teams that have held us off for 10, 15, 20, 25 minutes, but when you get to the last quarter, and you are not used to playing at this rhythm, that can affect you. You can lose concentration and stop taking care of details on defense, and that's when we can go on a run. We have to know that it is a 40-minute game and be calm in that sense, because there will be good moments, bad moments. We have to stick to our playing style."

 

**I wanted to ask you about the two youngest players in the team. Jean Montero and Sergio De Larrea. From your point of view, how do you see their potential?**

"I think they are both very good players. Jean has been playing for a few years at the highest level in the ACB. In Europe, I think this is his first EuroCup season and he has shown that he has a very good level, even though he's young. And De Larrea also had his good moments, dominating the game, being calm on the court, being a high-level player, capable of generating and scoring. I'm very happy to see him grow, because he has been practicing with the squad for a year now, and seeing that progression also makes us happy. They are two very important players for us, different, but very important, and I'm happy to have them on the team, because they are very talented players, and I'm sure they will have an important weight this season and in the future."

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui: ""If we play at a high pace, they won't feel as comfortable as we do."

**We have been told that your first official game when you were little was against your brother. Can you tell us a little bit about how it went?**

"I started playing basketball at school because of him. When I lived in Bilbao, I would watch him play. He was three years older than me and I would go to see his practices and games. I really liked it and I always played with them. And it turns out that once, in the school league, it wasn't very serious, but the opponent was missing a player to fill the scoresheet, I don't know if the minimum were seven or eight players. They put me to play against my brother's team and that's when I played my first game when I was little. I remember that my brother didn't want to defend me when we were playing against each other, so it was funny, really."

 

**This is Valencia's last season at La Fonteta, the most historic court in EuroCup history. Now that the end of the season gets closer, how much would you like to leave the building with some memorable wins?**

"Well, a lot, really. I think people, as you said, have been enjoying La Fonteta for many years, many magical nights, very good games, and we also know the value of the arena, of La Fonteta, of our fans, when there are important moments, of how they focus and how they push us to try to achieve the maximum goals. So I'm happy to be here as a player, and now we have a great end of the season ahead of us, so let's see if we can enjoy it and push hard so that we have historic nights."

 

**You've worked hard all season to get the home-court advantage. Is it that important in these situations?**

"It always is. We have earned the advantage of playing at home, and I think we have to be aware of it, us and our fans, because we can try to turn La Fonteta into a fortress so that Hapoel doesn't feel comfortable. We also have to play on the road, of course, and before that, make the most out of that first game at home. I think it's important to just focus on Game 1, which is the only important thing right now, and then we will think about the future, but we have to try to get that first victory, be the team that strikes first, and go for the series."

The Valencia swingman spoke to the EuroCup's Javier Gancedo ahead of the semifinal showdown with Hapoel

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui: 'We have to focus on ourselves'

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

Vote for your 2024-25 All-EuroCup Team!

As another exciting BKT EuroCup season enters the final stretch, it is time to consider which stars are most deserving of end-of-season honors. And the fans will of course have their voices heard!

The voting for the All-EuroCup Team will be open from Monday, March 10 and will run through Thursday, April 3, the day after the semifinals conclude.

This season the votes of head coaches and team captains will each account for 35 percent of the total, while media members will make up another 20% and the fan vote will be worth 10%. Upon completion of all voting, the player with the most votes will become this season's BKT EuroCup MVP. He and the next four top vote-getters will comprise the All-EuroCup First Team and the next five will make up the All-EuroCup Second Team.

To make sure your vote is counted, go to <https://alleurocupteam.eurocupbasketball.com> to register your vote for the most deserving players from the 2024-25 season! Please base your selections on each player's performances for the entirety of the EuroCup Regular Season and knock-out phases.

The player with the most votes will become this season's EuroCup MVP

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