Matt Morgan discussed his rookie EuroCup season so far and also looked ahead to the London Lions' eighthfinals matchup with Turk Telekom Ankara.

Matt Morgan, London Lions: ‘We have a special group of guys’

The BKT EuroCup often acts as a platform for players and clubs to take a big step forward, and that has certainly been the case for London Lions guard [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/).

Playing in his rookie EuroCup campaign, the 26-year-old has proved himself to be one of the best scorers on the continent, with his ability to put the ball in the cup being a key factor in London going 12-6 and wrapping up third spot in Group A.

On Wednesday night, Morgan and London host Turk Telekom Ankara in the EuroCup Eighthfinals, a single-elimination game to see which team advances to the quarterfinals. It will be the Lions’ first playoff game at Copper Box Arena, having lost in the eighthfinals at Joventut Badalona last season in its debut year in the competition.

As Morgan explained to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham, London feels optimistic about its chances of doing something special this season – and the first-year guard will have a key part in just how far the Lions can go.

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#### **You finished the regular season as the fourth-leading scorer in the EuroCup at 17.3 points per game. How do you reflect on your first season in the EuroCup so far?**

“I think it’s been an up-and-down season. Obviously individually I’ve played really well, but just getting used to the different speeds, different playing styles. I’ve really just got to give a lot of credit to my coaching staff because they helped me through a lot of stuff. And then my teammates who have done this before, like Sam \[Dekker\], Jordan \[Taylor\], Tarik \[Phillip\], Luke \[Nelson\] – guys who I can talk to. Especially after my first game against \[Umana Reyer\] Venice where I didn’t play as well, they just kept telling me it’s a long season and we’ve got a lot of games, so a lot of credit goes to those guys for letting me be me and helping me get to where I am individually and as a team.”

#### **You didn’t take long to establish yourself as one of London’s leaders, scoring 20 or more points in four consecutive games – and double digits in nine straight – after a 9-point outing in Round 1 against Reyer. Did you like that sense of responsibility on the court?**

“I think I did because everyone knew what I was capable of, I just didn’t play well in that game. I got into some early foul trouble. I give a lot of that to \[Reyer guard\] Rayjon Tucker; I’ve been playing against him since we were little kids, so he definitely knows a lot of my moves. Just after that, I got comfortable with what the EuroCup is, the playing style, and I got comfortable being with my teammates. That was my first EuroCup game with them, so I was just trying to find myself in the offense, where I can attack and all that different stuff. It all came back to understanding who I was and understanding who we are as a team, and I just got rolling from there.”

#### **Is there a particular game that stood out for you during the regular season?**

“Man, there were a couple. I think individually, I would say the Cedevita \[Olimpia Ljubljana\] game in Slovenia. I think that was a big moment for me because I was able to impact the game in different ways without dominating the ball. I ended up taking one dribble to score 26 points or something like that, but also create a lot of offense by moving with and without the ball and putting people in good positions. As a team, I think our biggest game was the Besiktas \[Emlakjet Istanbul\] game at home. That was the one game all season where we just dominated from start to finish. Everyone contributed and did what we set out to do. I think that was by far our best game in the regular season.”

The London Lions defeated Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 85-92 on the road behind 26 points from Matt Morgan.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana-London Lions | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

#### **When I was doing the breakdown for London vs. Turk Telekom, I put that your battle with Tyrone Wallace will be one of the keys to the game. Do you agree, and what do you remember about facing him in France last year? (Morgan was playing for Le Mans, Wallace for Paris Basketball.)**

“I just remember he had such a great team around him and he was a threat from all areas of the court. I don’t think he was there yet the first time we played them in Paris, but the second time he had been on a roll for a minute. I just remember him being able to score when he wanted to but also distribute the ball really well. It was a good game from me just because we had a good game plan to figure out their triangle and the two offense, but I also just made a lot of tough shots to be honest… and we were at home, so that helped. Obviously \[Turk Telekom\] got off to a slow start this season, but he’s turned it on and jumped to another level to get them to where they are. It’s definitely going to be difficult to try to stop him, but I think we’ve got a good game plan and a good group of guys around so I think we’ll be able to throw some different matchups at him and hopefully slow him down.”

#### **What needs to go right for London to advance to the quarterfinals?**

“We’ve just got to play defense for 40 minutes – we’ve got to lock in on that side – and get out in transition. I think we’re one of the best transition teams in the EuroCup and I think that’s where we really thrive. Obviously slowing down Ty \[Wallace\] and James Palmer is definitely going to be a big thing for us. And then using the same energy that we have on the road, using that to our advantage at home and protecting home court. We’re going to have our fans out there. It’s a one-and-done game; if we win we move on, if we lose the EuroCup season is over for us. Being able to stay locked in for 40 minutes on both ends, everyone doing their jobs, don’t try to do too much and see what happens.”

#### **London is still a young franchise, but it has made really impressive progress in a short time. Is there optimism about what you guys could achieve this season?**

“From the beginning of the season, we realized we had a special group of guys. Obviously we had a really tough schedule with our British League schedule and our EuroCup schedule being combined at the beginning of the season, but we made it through a lot of injuries, a lot of guys resting due to a lot of games being played, so I think we’re in a good place now where we’re getting healthy at the right time. I think we haven’t played our best basketball yet, so hopefully the FIBA break gave us time to rest and recover. We went into our game \[against the Leicester Riders in the British League on\] Sunday and used that as a step in the right direction of how we want to play on Wednesday. Now we’ll go out on Wednesday and do what we do to hopefully make it to the second round and keep our season alive.”

The best plays of London Lions guard Matt Morgan in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Matt Morgan's top plays this season

#### **Sam Dekker featured for London on Sunday. Do you think he will be ready to play against Turk Telekom?**

“I hope he’ll be back. If I’m a betting man, I’m going to say Sam’s not going to miss that game. We had a good training camp in Portugal where he got some live action, some good reps. We know he’s the reigning MVP in our league here and a really good player in the EuroCup last year, so that’s a really big piece we’re getting back – especially his creativity on offense and his ability to score. If we get somebody like him back… Mo Soluade, another huge piece – defender, knock-down shooter. If we can get those guys back and have a full rotation of 12, 13 guys, it’s going to be a headache for people to have to scout that.”

#### **What have you made of Turk Telekom from afar? They were 1-8 in the first half of the season, then went 7-2 in the second half of the campaign.**

“They had a great turnaround. They made some changes early in the season. My guys Markus McDuffie, who I played against last year, and Jalen Adams, who I’ve known for a while, didn’t end up finishing the season with them, but James Palmer and Ty Wallace ended up stepping up big time. They changed their season around, starting at the bottom and then finishing where they did. They’re on a roll right now. I think they have a good sense of who they are as a team and their roles on the team, so we’ve just got to understand that and lock in to the scouting report. We know that James and Ty are the guys on the team, so we’re going to have to throw different things at them to slow them down. Credit to them for not giving up on the season because a lot of teams might have just packed it in when they were 1-8.

#### **Which Lions players do you expect to make the biggest impact in this game?**

“Sam coming back will make a big impact. He hasn’t played in a while and I think his size and his skillset will definitely be a big adjustment for us having him back, but also for other people having to deal with that type of player. I think Gabe Olaseni should be one of the frontrunners for the MVP this season – how dominant he is in the paint and how he’s able to control the glass, I think that’s going to be a big thing for us. You could say a lot of guys: Donte \[Grantham\], Conor \[Morgan\], Luke \[Nelson\], JT \[Jordan Taylor\]. There’s definitely going to be someone who is coming off the bench or starting who isn’t one of the main guys per se that’s going to make a huge impact, whether that’s scoring, rebounding, defense. One of those guys is definitely to have a big game and I’m excited to see which one of them it will be – hopefully all four of them, hopefully everybody – but we’ll see what happens. I think those guys are going to make a huge impact on the game. I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do, but hopefully outside of me we get a lot of contributions from other people.”

#### **The game against Turk Telekom will be London’s first-ever home playoff game in the EuroCup. What sort of atmosphere do you expect the fans to provide at Copper Box Arena?**

“Man, I’m expecting the same atmosphere we had when we played against Paris at home, the same atmosphere when we played Besiktas at home. Hopefully a sold-out crowd, if not close to it. I want our fans to be excited and recognize the moment that this is: first home playoff game. It’s going to be loud, hopefully it’ll be more our fans than their fans, but I expect it to be loud, noisy, and a very exciting atmosphere. Hopefully we step up to the challenge and give them a reason to celebrate after.”

More London Lions News

The American guard discussed his rookie season so far and also looked ahead to the eighthfinals matchup with Turk Telekom

Fantasy tips, eighthfinals: all killers, no fillers!

The 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season is over, so here come the elimination rounds! It all starts with the eighthfinals, in which eight teams will play in a single-game, do-or-die format. The four winners will join Paris Basketball, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Mincidelice JL Bourg Bresse and U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the quarterfinals. We will not beat around the bush with our recommendations. With only eight teams available in [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://eurocupfantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home), it's all superstars.

[Angel Delgado, Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (16.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/)

Arguably the best center available in EuroCup Fantasy Challenge right now. Delgado had a PIR of 23 or higher in five of his team's last seven games. He averages 11.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 19.3. A must-have player right now, so don't hesitate!

[Matt Morgan, London Lions (15.5 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/)

London has the home-court advantage in its game against Turk Telekom and relies on Morgan to make the difference. He had a double-digit PIR in his last seven games, getting 25 or more in four of those. Morgan is averaging 17.3 points and 4.1 assists in his first EuroCup season.

Trevion Williams, Angel Delgado, Matt Morgan, Nico Brussino and Tyrone Wallace are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup tips; eighthfinals

[Nico Brussino, Dreamland Gran Canaria (13.0 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/)

Gran Canaria knows what it takes to go all the way. Head coach Jaka Lakovic knows to run his team's offense through his players in best shape, and that's where Brussino stands out. He has averaged 16.8 points and a PIR of 19.3 in his last six games in the competition.

[Tyrone Wallace, Turk Telekom Ankara (16.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/)

Turk Telekom started the season with a 1-8 record and is 7-2 after that. Wallace had to do a lot with it, averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a PIR of 16.9 this season. He reached the 30-point mark three times in the last seven games, so sign him in case he catches fire!

[Trevion Williams, ratiopharm Ulm (16.0 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/)

The best rebounder in the competition and a true all-around player. Williams has been sensational all season long, averaging 14.5 points, a league-best 10.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a PIR of 21.9. Ulm plays at home in the eighthfinals, so what's not to like about Williams? Sign him now!

The EuroCup Playoffs are finally here! It has been a long season and we have had a couple of ups and downs, but we are happy to have the home-court advantage. That was our goal and we are happy that it's finally coming to the very important part of the season. That's where everybody wants to play and we manage to do so, and even managed to have this game at home so we are all looking forward to it.

We will play against this amazing team, Joventut Badalona. It's always great to have a chance to play and compete against teams like this. That's why when I wasn't playing in the EuroCup, as a basketball player, you always look at those international games and you would be like, "damn, I want to play against like Spanish top teams" and now,  I can do this. Joventut is definitely one of the teams that is always in the playoffs in Spain. And that's why you always want to compete against those guys. They have a couple of legends on their roster and it's fun to compete against the best.

The truth is we have crossed paths several times in the last three seasons. Two years ago, there was an amazing upset. Nobody expected this to happen. It was also, I think, the first time that we played in this format with the first against the eighth seed from the two different groups. We managed to catch them off guard and surprise them in this one do-or-die game at home \[in the 2022 EuroCup eighthfinals\]. And I think that hurt them a lot. We would have loved to advance to the next round too, because we also had a solid chance in Bologna, but we didn't make it. And then last year we played them twice: at home they beat us pretty tough. At their place, we were up I think by by 15 or maybe even 20, double digits for sure, and then they came back and beat us. So we lost twice to them last season, I remember. We will see this time. 

"It's definitely going to be close and I think both teams are similar."

We took part in the German Cup and reached the final and Joventut didn't qualify for the Spanish Copa del Rey. It's interesting because now it's definitely good for us because we have been in the situation of a do-or-die game two weeks ago. We played one solid game, a really good game against ALBA Berlin. In the final, we looked a little bit tired, but we had at least two times the situation of a do-or-die which I think we managed pretty well. On the other hand, they had more time to rest, so it's going to be hard to tell which one is the better one now, but definitely interesting.

The home-court advantage definitely helps. It's always special to have a do-or-die game, and it's special to have it in front of your own crowd, your home crowd. But like we saw two years ago, upsets always happen, and now I wouldn't even speak of a huge upset because we played fourth against fifth in each group. Both teams are really close together and we just have the luck to be at home and not have to travel. It's definitely going to be close and I think both teams are similar, so it is going to be very interesting. 

Tommy Klepeisz hopes to lead ratiopgharm Ulm past Joventut Badalona in the BKT EuroCup eighthfinals!

2023-24 EuroCup highlights Tommy Klepeisz, Ulm

Prometey beat Joventut, rallying in the fourth quarter of the final regular season game to change the playoff bracket. It's amazing. This is why we all love the game. You can't rest and lean back for 5 minutes because in 5 minutes, you might mess up your whole season in a bad moment. So you really have to be focused and have to play at your best at all times. In the EuroCup Playoffs, being at home and having home-court advantage sometimes depends on one good quarter or 5 good minutes. And that's why we love this competition, because teams are very close together and there's a lot of head-to-head decisions. So you need to be sharp throughout the whole season to have a good place at the end for the postseason.

The winner will play against Paris Basketball in the quarterfinals but it is not something we can focus on right now because we have our hands full with Joventut and we have to focus on this game. It's a very important game and they have enough talent and quality to focus on them, so we can even think of what's happening after this game. I always loved do-or-die games. Even when I was really young, I got to appreciate them. But also on the other side, you understand that the number of those games in your career isn't countless, so maybe you kind of appreciate them more because of this. And you have a little smile sometimes when you think about this more than all the pressure and focus. You also sometimes can zoom a little bit out and be like: "Man, I'm glad, I'm happy to be in this position to play do-or-die games".

"What more can you ask for in basketball? A do-or-die with the season on the line."

I guess a lot of people will be checking out how Trevion Williams plays against Ante Tomic. We are talking about two of the best passing centers in Europe. We have seen Ante Tomic throw his behind-the-head passes for 15 years now, probably. And now we see Trevion do this. We love that he has a very high basketball IQ, and it's fun to play with Trevion. It is always hard to compete against Ante because he knows what he is doing and sees the whole court, so we have to be aware of that all the time.

In Germany, it's always different during the week to get fans into the buildings but if you understand basketball and you are really someone who enjoys basketball, you want to see this game. It's a do-or-die game. It's a Spanish powerhouse against a German powerhouse. What more can you ask for in basketball? A do-or-die with the season on the line. I hope the crowd will be there for us on Tuesday night. I assume Ulm fans understand what's at stake, so they will come and support us! 

Tommy Klepeisz, Ulm: 'I always loved do-or-die games'

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

With two knockout rounds to start the postseason – a BKT EuroCup format changed this season – Joventut Badalona will have to prove its contender status on the road.

Trademarks: Joventut pride to be tested in BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals opener

The EuroCup has never been easy, but for years Spanish teams have proven their superiority time and time again. Dreamland Gran Canaria may be the defending champion, Spain’s eighth in 20 editions of the EuroCup, but there’s another club with a big legacy, big names on the roster, and the pride to get the job done on the road from the get-go.

That’s the path Joventut Badalona has to take to compete for this season’s trophy. Joventut won the EuroCup back in 2008. Since then, a lot changed, but not some facts about the Catalans.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1638448/joventut-badalona-2023-2024-bkt-eurocup-playoffs-trademarks/)

It's do-or-die time in the BKT EuroCup as eight teams go head to head for the right to advance to the quarterfinals. Here's your guide to the action.

This week: The BKT EuroCup eighthfinals have arrived!

### Tuesday, March 5

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-joventut-badalona/U2023/182/)

Two teams who struggled towards the end of the regular season, both ending with 10-8 records, will look to recover their form as Ulm hosts Joventut. The Spanish side lost three straight to slide to fifth place, while Ulm suffered three consecutive home losses to sow seeds of doubt ahead of this knockout showdown. A key battle will take place in the backcourt, where the host's precocious talent Juan Nuñez (5.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game) will look to use his creativity to overcome the more direct style of Andres Feliz (5.0 assists, 2.1 steals). Inside the paint, the brutally consistent Trevion Williams (14.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, including double-digits scoring in all 17 regular season appearances) will try to overcome Joventut's wily veteran Ante Tomic (9.4 points, 5.6 boards and 2.6 assists per game).

Watch the Game Highlights from Joventut Badalona vs. ratiopharm Ulm, 04/19/2022

Joventut Badalona vs ratiopharm Ulm  | Highlights | Eightfinals

### Wednesday, March 5

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2023/184/)

Two teams high in confidence will battle for a quarterfinal berth as Prometey welcomes Aris. The host won three of its last four regular season games to finish with a 10-8 record, while Aris squeezed into the playoffs by winning its last two games for a 9-9 finish. The likely pattern of the game is plain to see: Aris ranked dead last in scoring during the regular season (74.6 points per game), but boasted the best defensive record by allowing an average of just 75.1 points. The task of trying to unlock the Greek team's tight defense will fall to Prometey big man Ondrey Balvin, who allows his team to control the rhythm with his average of 9.1 rebounds. For Aris, the main offensive weapon is Vassilis Toliopoulos, who led his team in both scoring (14.4 per night) and assists (3.5 per game).

[London Lions vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/181/)

After stuttering into the knockout phase with two defeats in the last four games, London hosts a Turk Telekom team with a directly opposite trajectory. Last season's runner-up rescued an awful start to the campaign by winning five of its last six games to finish 8-10 and will have no fear despite London's superior 12-6 regular season record. The English team ranked third in the league in scoring (90.3 points per game), partly thanks to the potency of guard Matthew Morgan, who averaged 20.2 points over the last four games. He will be challenged by Turk Telekom's dynamo Tyrone Wallace, his team's scoring leader with 17.5 points per game. And another key will be a ferocious battle for inside dominance between London's Gabe Olaseni (15.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game) and visiting Steven Enoch (12.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg).

[Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/183/)

Reigning champ Gran Canaria will attempt to overcome a poor end to the regular season by overcoming Besiktas. Both teams are struggling for form, with the Spanish team losing three of its last four regular season games to finish at 12-6, while the visitor limped into the knockout stages with three straight defeats and a 9-9 record. Besiktas is the competition leader in offensive rebounding with 13.3 per game, while Gran Canaria ranks fourth-worst in protecting its backboard with 23.3 defensive boards per night. So the Turkish team's powerhouse center Angel Delgado (4.0 offensive rebounds per game) could be a key figure, and his battle with Ethan Happ (9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game) will be crucial. In the backcourt, Andrew Albicy will look to drive a Gran Canaria team that leads the league in assists (23.1 per game) to overcome a Besiktas which bases its game plan on strong defense.

This week: The eighthfinals have arrived!

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2024-03-06T20:00:00.000Z)

London Lions v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-03-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-03-06T17:00:00.000Z)

The BKT EuroCup regular season is over and the eight teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals are set. Here's how they did in one key statistical measurement until now.

 Stats review: EuroCup Eighthfinals primer 

The table below looks at how those teams fared during the regular season in terms of offensive and defensive efficiency. In recent seasons under the EuroCup's current regular season format, we learned that which group a team is in tends to play a role in their differentials, but this gives us a fairly accurate picture of how these teams have stacked up on both ends of the floor this season.

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-joventut-badalona/U2023/182/)

With an average effective age of 25.2 years, Ulm is the youngest team in the EuroCup by a considerable margin and their season has often reflected as much. Ulm beat everyone in Group B outside of U-BT Cluj-Napoca at least once and lost five of their last seven games despite going a staggering 4-0 in overtime games. Ulm's x-factor was often pick-and-roll defense. Now, the German champs will face a Joventut team that finished second in pick-and-roll efficiency behind only Paris Basketball. With both [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) and [Shannon Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/shannon-evans/010677/) creating at a high level, Ulm's ball-screen defenders may face 40 minutes of pressure on Tuesday.

Ulm is the youngest team in the EuroCup

[London Lions vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/181/)

This matchup is fascinating on paper since the London Lions went 8-1 on the road but just 4-5 at home and are set to host a Turk Telekom Ankara team that surged late to claim the last playoff spot in Group B. The absence of [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) complicated things for London, but they nonetheless finished among the top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The question is how that holds up against an Ankara team that scored just 0.87 points per possession over the first half of the season, but 1.03 to close the year. That's roughly the difference between ranking as the worst offense in the league by far or third behind the two teams that eclipsed the EuroCup record for efficiency. Several injuries precipitated roster changes for last season's runners-up, and this group came out the other side playing like a contender. How London handles [Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/) and [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/) on Wednesday will be a point of interest as that duo raised their level of play significantly in the second half of the regular season.

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2023/184/)

In what looks on paper to be the closest of these do-or-die matchups, Prometey will test their top 10-ranked offense against Aris's second-ranked defense on Wednesday. Leading the EuroCup in defensive turnover rate while defending the three-point line consistently, Aris has been able to lean on its ability to get stops all season. Prometey will test Aris's interior defense after finishing the regular season ranked first in total dunks and total points scored on put-backs.

Highlights of Aris's second-ranked defense

[Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dreamland-gran-canaria-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/183/)

Going undefeated over the first half of the season but losing six of their last eight games, Gran Canaria has had a lopsided year. Posting the best point differential in Group B but falling out of the top two, the reigning EuroCup champions' shot at redemption will start on the defensive end. After allowing just 0.89 points per possession over the first half of the season, Gran Canaria allowed 1.02 points per possession to close the year as the defense suddenly lacked answers guarding pick-and-rolls. Besiktas's campaign followed largely the same path and hinged on the same issues. Guard play figures to be key for both teams on Wednesday as each looks to leverage the scouting reports on the other since things shifted in December.  

The BKT EuroCup regular season is over and the eight teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals are set. Here's how they did in one key statistical measurement until now.



Stats review: Eighthfinals primer

The Lions' star center is enjoying playing in his hometown for the first time in his career.

London's Gabe Olaseni is loving finally playing in front of friends and family

Playing for London Lions and representing the English club in the BKT EuroCup means quite a lot to [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/). Not only did he grow up just a few minutes from the team’s home arena, but he also is lining up for an English club for the first time in his career - something he didn’t think would be a possibility.

Olaseni has thoroughly enjoyed competing in the EuroCup for the first time this season and it has been extra special to play in front of family and friends at the Copper Box arena.

“It’s been amazing so far,” said Olaseni, who has returned to his home nation for the first time to play as a pro.

“I’ve just missed friends and family. It’s still unreal that I can look into the stands and see the people I care about. I won’t take that for granted. Playing in front of them definitely gives me extra motivation when I step on the court.”

It had been a long time for Olaseni away from England. He attended high school and college for six years in the United States and then played professionally in Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the last four years in Turkey. 

Gabe Olaseni: 2023-24 EuroCup Regular Season highlights

Olaseni, who hails from Plaistow in East London, said the London Lions’ recent improvement was a major reason for him to finally come home. 

“I think the biggest factor was to be a part of growing something in my hometown. Playing back home was always a dream of mine and until recently I didn’t think it was going to be possible. Usually, I see my family for a few weeks a year but now I’m back and can see them much more so I’m enjoying that also,” said Olaseni, who did return to England often to play for the Great Britain national team. 

The London Lions have become a force domestically, winning the British League in 2018-19 and 2022-23 while taking second place in 2020-21 and third in 2021-22. London also debuted in the EuroCup last season and went 8-10 in the regular season before bowing out in the Round of 16 against Joventut. 

That made it more a possibility for Olaseni to play for London.

“Over the past few years I’ve seen the league grow so it’s exciting to be back when I think it’s better than ever,” he said. 

“I only started thinking about \[coming back\] this past summer. I spoke to some of the returning players over the course of last season and they had positive things to say. When the summer came there was interest on both sides and I’m happy things worked out.” 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/agolaseni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@agolaseni</a> for being recognised as @basketballengland National Player of the Year! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://t.co/w9JoVwkisk">https://t.co/w9JoVwkisk</a></p>&mdash; London Lions (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1749502171127726188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another big factor was the chance to play with Great Britain national team teammates Luke Nelson, Tarik Phillip and Mo Soluade.

“Knowing those guys off the court and already having chemistry having played together for a few years was another factor that helped me make the decision. They made the transition here a whole lot easier,” Olaseni admitted.

And Olaseni being a Londoner himself just makes it that much more meaningful when the Lions go to great cities like Paris, Badalona, Vilnius, Istanbul and Ljubljana among others.

“Growing up a few minutes from our arena, I know what sort of opportunity that we have to create something that will last. Going on the road against organizations with rich history you see how the game of basketball is huge and we want the same thing in London,” Olaseni said.

And the goal for the club is simple: win the EuroCup.

"It would mean everything to us. It would show that we can compete against some of the best in Europe and also achieve this goal with several domestic players contributing to the overall success of the team. Not only would it be great in the moment but would create a lasting impact for basketball in the country.”

And Olaseni would do it all at home with his home city club.

Their next step in the chase for EuroCup glory will see London host Turk Telekom Ankara in the single-game EuroCup Eighthfinals on Wednesday, March 6. 

The promising guard will be out for 4 months with a broken foot.

Aris loses Georgios Fillios for season

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced on Tuesday that promising guard [Georgios Fillios](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/georgios-fillios/012616/) will miss four months with a broken right foot. The 22-year-old has been diagnosed with a fractured fifth metatarsal, which will sideline him for four months. Aris will face Prometey Slobozhanske in the single-game EuroCup Eighthfinals on Wednesday, March 6.

A native of Thessaloniki, this is Fillios’s second season with Aris and his first in the EuroCup, He averaged 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.7 steals in 8:39 minutes off the bench in nine games this season. His defense and hustle led to Fillios cracking the rotation and playing at least 11 minutes in five games between Rounds 6 and 11.

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After a long road to get there, big man Silvio De Sousa is leaving a mark with Aris. 

Aris's De Sousa is leaving his mark

Don’t be surprised if you see a smile on the face of [Silvio De Sousa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/silvio-de-sousa/012702/). The big man from Aris Midea Thessaloniki loves being able to play the game after a topsy-turvy college basketball career.

The 25-year-old De Sousa is a big reason the club reached the BKT EuroCup playoffs. He has averaged 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in his first season in the competition. 

“The competition has been great, exactly what I expected: Competitive and a very high quality and level of basketball,” said de Sousa.

He is spending his second season in Europe after debuting with Chorale de Roanne Basket in France last year. 

“I think even though it has been tough adjusting to the Greek league, it’s basketball and I am doing the best I can for my team,” said De Sousa, who averaged 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds for Roanne last season.

Silvio De Sousa's best plays, 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season

Silvio De Sousa's best plays 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season

The season before that the big man was playing for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He blossomed there, averaging 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in helping the college reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. 

It was a fresh start after a turbulent time at the University of Kansas. A highly sought-after recruit out of high school, De Sousa's name was dragged into an NCAA corruption case that ultimately caused him to miss the entire 2018-19 season. After he returned, De Sousa was suspended for an on-court incident in January 2020 for the rest of the collegiate season.  He then elected to sit out the entire 2020-21 season. 

De Sousa came to Kansas in 2017 with high expectations after having already debuted the summer before with the Angola senior national team in Olympic qualifiers at just 17 years of age. He also helped Angola win the titles at the FIBA U16 African Championship 2013 and FIBA U18 African Championship 2016 in addition to playing at the U17 Basketball World Cup 2014 and Basketball World Cup 2017. 

“The biggest challenge would be having confidence in the work I put in during those two years that I missed the game. I think adjusting my mental aspect between basketball and life itself has been the hardest part of it all,” De Sousa said. 

After being found not guilty in August 2021 of the early 2020 case, De Sousa sought a fresh start by transferring to Chattanooga. 

“Chattanooga was a lovely place for me. Especially as a basketball player, when I think about a fresh start, Chattanooga was the best place to start from. The love, the support and the unforgettable experience and memories I have made there, no greater feeling. Loved it,” he recalled.

Last season, De Sousa went through a good learning experience as well with Roanne. With eight games left in the season, the team was in the playoff zone in eighth place but then grabbed just one win in the last eight games to finish two games behind the final playoff position.

“The biggest thing I learned from France was really just the maturity of the game, and take things more seriously when it comes to basketball and your team,” he said. 

In addition to his move from France to Greece, this summer had two major highlights. First, he got married to his long-time girlfriend Morgan in Kansas. 

“My wife has been my biggest supporter and inspiration for me on and off court. My maturity wouldn’t be at its peak without her,” he said.

Later in the summer, he played for Angola at the Basketball World Cup - returning to the national team for the first time since 2017.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don Quixote would lose his battle against this windmill, no doubt 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForAngola?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForAngola</a> 🇦🇴 <a href="https://t.co/ksvPPFP5tX">pic.twitter.com/ksvPPFP5tX</a></p>&mdash; FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1696480157828338078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It was a great feeling playing for my country, Angola, the most excited I have been to play the game since I started playing because my family, mom, wife and sisters got to finally watch me play in person for the first time in the biggest stage there is. A feeling I will never forget and which I will always be grateful for,” said De Sousa, who averaged 11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds at the World Cup. 

Despite being only 25 years old, De Sousa was one of the leaders of the young Angolan team. And he helped the country qualify for this summer’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. 

“The biggest takeaway from that experience was the experience itself, and how important it is to have a great relationship with your team in order to achieve bigger things in this game,” he said.

The summer also saw De Sousa get back home to Angola for the first time since 2018 - when he was just 20. 

“It is always a great feeling and pleasure to go back home. I missed my family, I missed the food my mom makes and just the warm welcoming feeling from everything about my home country,” he recalled.

All in all, things are just going great for Silvio De Sousa.