Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the start of the semifinals
Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the EuroCup Semifinals
Fantasy Challenge
8 Mins read
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, 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 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 and has been unstoppable in Spanish League action. His matchup against Yam Madar 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 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, Dreamland Gran Canaria (11.6 credits)
Speaking of EuroCup experience, Mike Tobey won the competition with Valencia in 2019 and is looking for his second crown. Gran Canaria needs his defensive skills to stop Johnathan Motley 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 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 and Yam Madar, but Marcus Foster 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, 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 already delivered against Cluj 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.