After ending a seven-game losing streak, Türk Telekom B.K. (2-8) faces the task of maintaining momentum with a trip to Buducnost VOLI (4-6), which has won two of its last three. 

Preview: Buducnost VOLI vs. Türk Telekom B.K.

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/109/) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ec2324-rs11-game-notes-facts-bud-ttk) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ec2324-rs11-prequotes-bud-ttk/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

New point guard [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) helped Buducnost gain a hard-earned victory over Lietkabelis last week, and now he'll look to maintain that positive influence in his home EuroCup debut. [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/) inspired Turk Telekom's victory over Cluj with a season-high 24 points, and Buducnost will also be well aware of [Steven Enoch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/steven-enoch/011239/)'s power after his double-double propelled Turk Telekom to a 79-77 win when the teams met in Round 2.

[Buducnost Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/statistics/bud/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Turk Telekom Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/statistics/ttk/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jacorey Williams vs. Steven Enoch: Two big men who can cause a lot of damage in the paint

Turk Telekom Ankara-Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

After ending a seven-game losing streak, Turk Telekom (2-8) faces the task of maintaining momentum with a trip to Buducnost (4-6), which has won two of its last three. 

Buducnost, Turk Telekom keen to halt each other's momentum

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-12-13T18:45:00.000Z)

Two direct rivals heading in opposite directions meet for a crunch clash as BC Prometey (5-5) hosts Beşiktaş Basketbol (6-4). 

Preview: BC Prometey vs. Beşiktaş Basketbol

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/101/) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ec2324-rs11-game-notes-facts-pmt-bes) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ec2324-rs11-prequotes-pmt-bes/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

The home team has propelled its playoffs hopes by winning three of its last four, including last week's solid 83-97 triumph at Hamburg behind 15 points from undisputed leader [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/), who has averaged 14 points and 9.3 rebounds in the last three games. After losing two in a row, Besiktas will look to end its slump by negating Balvin's power through [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/), who has claimed at least 8 rebounds in the last six games straight. A repeat of [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/)' 28 points in last week's loss to Joventut would be handy too.

[Prometey Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/prometey-slobozhanske/statistics/pmt/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Besiktas Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/statistics/bes/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Ondrey Balvin vs. Angel Delgado: There will be nothing easy in the paint when these two face off

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul-Prometey Slobozhanske | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Two direct rivals heading in opposite directions meet for a crunch clash as Prometey (5-5) hosts Besiktas (6-4). 

Rising Prometey comes up against falling Besiktas

Prometey Slobozhanske v Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (2023-12-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Ondrej Balvin, blog: 'Prometey is a team to count on'

Well, here I am again, EuroCup fans. So far, we have a 5-5 record in Group A. We wish that we had a little bit of a better record, I think it's the feeling in the team, especially when I count the loss against Joventut. That was a game we had the chance to win and would have given us that extra victory. And to be honest, I think we all know in the team that we could do a little bit better. And hopefully now for the second part of the season, this is something that we can focus on and prove that that last year wasn't just some random exception, but that Prometey is a team to count on.

We come off a good road victory in Hamburg. I was feeling good with my teammates. Game by game, I think we are getting better team chemistry and that is always really important if you want to succeed. You really have to have good team chemistry. For example, against Hamburg, I honestly don't think that I scored any points by myself, playing one-on-one. It was mostly that that my teammates were able to find me and assist me by just being in a good position. This also shows that there are no selfish players in our team and that we try to help each other.

"The club made sure that that we are going to have guys who are going to help the team."

We have some good news, too. Gian Clavell is back and D.J. Kennedy should join us soon, too. I think it is great that the club gave D.J. and Gian the chance to play again after their injuries. They are really good players who will just continue to work with us like they did last season. This is a bonus for us, and we also signed Rob Gray. I think he is a player who can really help us a lot on the offensive end. Against Hamburg, he was also hustling a lot on defense. So I think the club made sure that that we are going to have guys who are going to help the team.

I missed "Clavelito" a lot because we could speak in Spanish. We were talking during the off-season before he returned to Riga. So it is nice to have somebody to talk to in Spanish and well, he's a funny guy. But the one thing I enjoyed in the locker room without him was being a little bit quieter before he came. Now, there's always him, Caleb Agada and Issuf Sanon talking to each other and sometimes it gets a little bit too noisy for my standards! :) But it's worth it, the team chemistry is better with him and I am all for it.

Ondrej Balvin Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: Ondrej Balvin, Prometey

Speaking of noise, Vanja Tkachenko usually plays music. He usually has the speaker with him, so I would say he is our DJ. Sometimes other players join him to play music. Mostly, we have a few songs that are always played in the locker room but also, a lot of guys, including me, are on our headphones, listening to our own music, to what we are used to. I have my own playlist that I created with the songs, mostly Czech rappers and one Slovakian group that I used to listen to when I was younger. So this is kind of my go-to music, I have listened to that for the last 4-5 years. I get this playlist going before the games; it is part of my pre-game routine when I am warming up.

Three of our next five games are at home and then we play in London and Paris. We have to focus on the task ahead. Every game matters and every victory that you can snatch on the road is a bonus that you need if you want to fight for glory. We are all professionals and understand how this business is conducted so, for us, we will go to those places on a business trip. And then if we maybe have some time the day after the game, we can maybe go sightseeing, ever go for a walk after the game. For instance, after playing in Hamburg, we were basically all day in the city because we had a direct flight to Riga at 19:30. Some guys used that time to see Hamburg, go downtown and walk around. In general, we understand that the game is our only priority.

"Every victory that you can snatch on the road is a bonus."

In general, even the small towns have their own magic, especially in the winter. I remember when I was with Gran Canaria a few years back, we played in Ulm during the winter. I am Czech, so I am used to winter with snow and it was snowing in Ulm. I remember going for a midnight walk after the game, just to see the lights in the city and how it looks because it was kind of giving me a home vibe. So, it kind of depends on each of us, but I enjoy going to smaller cities. Every place has its own magic.

As you probably know, this is our second season in the EuroCup. We are getting a bigger crowd for home games compared to last year, in which we had to build our fan base from zero. The club is doing a great job in terms of marketing the games and the competition. They are trying hard to bring more and more people to the arena and I think they are really succeeding. In road games, there are always a few people in the stands with Ukrainian flags, so they notice us and try to show us support. This is amazing, and we are trying to thank them by winning games.

This year, I am in a good mood for Christmas because my girlfriend is coming to visit me and spend the holiday season with me so after several years, I am going to have some sort of Christmas vibe. I am used not to really celebrating because many times you have games or practices around that time. This year, we have a game on the 23rd. For example, when I played in Japan, we had games on December 31 and January 1, so it was not easy. It always depends on the schedule and right now, it is pretty busy. So maybe we are going to have one day to enjoy a little bit of holidays, but we still have to be focused on the game because if I am not mistaken, we host Cedevita Olimpija on December 27. You really don't have much time to prepare in between games and we have to do our best if we want to continue winning.

Ondrej Balvin: 'Prometey is a team to count on'

### Tuesday, December 12 

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Slask Wroclaw ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/u-bt-cluj-napoca-slask-wroclaw/U2023/110/)

After last week's shock loss to Turk Telekom, Cluj (7-3) will look to get its playoffs challenge back on track with a visit from another lowly Group B rival, Slask (1-9). Cluj boasts one of the best defenses in the competition, with just 79.6 points per game allowed, while Slask is next to last in scoring, with an average of just 76.2 points. The Romanian team sneaked a narrow road win, 67-70, when the teams met in Round 2, as [DJ Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/) led the way with 24 points and 5 assists, but Cluj will be sure to respect the rim-protecting abilities of [Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) after he blocked 5 shots in that contest. 

[Wolves Vilnius vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/wolves-vilnius-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2023/103/)

Red-hot Hapoel (7-2) will look to maintain its excellent season by grabbing a fourth straight win at the expense of Wolves (4-5), which has slipped out of the all-important top six by losing three of the last four. Led by 17.3 points per game from [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/), Hapoel is the second-highest scorer in the competition, with an impressive 95.7 points per game. That's worrying news for Wolves, which has allowed an average of 91.6 points – second-worst in the league – and is coming off a 79-110 thrashing by Paris. The Lithuanian team will hope [Tre'Shawn Thurman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tre-shawn-thurman/012577/) will regain his usual shooting form after making just 3-of-10 field goal attempts in that defeat. 

Watch the Game Highlights from Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki, 10/10/2023

Lietkabelis Panevezys vs Aris Midea Thessaloniki - Game Highlights_13228977.mp4

[Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/108/)Two teams aiming to emerge from a slump go head-to-head as Aris (3-7) welcomes Lietkabelis (4-6). The Greek team has lost four straight and netted more than 67 points in only one of its last six games, so it's clear an offensive upturn is required. In particular, leading scorer [Roberto Gallinat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gallinat-roberto/012708/) (13.2 ppg.) has failed to reach double digits in his last three games, so his return to form would be very welcome. Lietkabelis has lost its last two despite [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/) continuing his outstanding season with 21 and 22 points against Cluj and Buducnost. The Lithuanian team must focus on defense after allowing 88.6 points per game, fourth-most in the competition. 

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/107/)

Unbeaten title holder Gran Canaria (10-0) faces one of its biggest tests yet with a trip to German champ Ulm (7-3). Everything points towards a high-scoring shootout between the fifth (88.7) and fourth (89.7) highest scorers in the competition. Gran Canaria certainly saw its offense working perfectly when the teams met in Round, defeating Ulm by 111-82 at home. [Ferran Bassas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ferran-bassas/001607/) top-scored with 21 points in that game – his only double-digits scoring night of the season, underlining the Spanish team's impressive depth. Ulm will look to establish physical dominance through the EuroCup's top rebounder, [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/), who recorded his seventh double-double of the season in last week's win over Trento and missed that Round 2 meeting between these teams. 

[Paris Basketball vs. Umana Reyer Venice ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/104/)

Rampant Paris's (9-1) title challenge continues with a visit from inconsistent but dangerous Reyer (4-6). Last week's win over Wolves saw the French team reach triple figures for the sixth time this season, as [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) – who ranks second in the league in PIR (21.9 per game) - again led the way with a double-double of 24 points and 11 assists. Reyer's fast style has yielded more average assists than Paris (19.8 vs. 19.2), and [Rayjon Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/rayjon-tucker/012591/) continued his great form with 20 points in last week's narrow loss to London. He has now recorded double-digit scoring in five straight games and perhaps poses the biggest threat to Paris's progress. 

Umana Reyer Venice-Paris Basketball | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

### Wednesday, December 13 

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul/U2023/101/)

Two direct rivals heading in opposite directions meet for a crunch clash as Prometey (5-5) hosts Besiktas (6-4). The home team has propelled its playoffs hopes by winning three of its last four, including last week's solid 83-97 triumph at Hamburg behind 15 points from undisputed leader [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/), who has averaged 14 points and 9.3 rebounds in the last three games. After losing two in a row, Besiktas will look to end its slump by negating Balvin's power through [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/), who has claimed at least 8 rebounds in the last six games straight. A repeat of [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/)' 28 points in last week's loss to Joventut would be handy too. 

[Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2023/106/)

Impressive Bourg (8-2) will aim to stretch its winning run to five straight games as it receives a visit from Trento (4-6), which has lost three of the last four. [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/isiaha-mike/011836/) was the author of Bourg's latest triumph, scoring 16 points on 6-for-8 field goal shooting at Slask last time out, while [Bryce Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bryce-brown/012628/) netted 4 three-pointers when the French team prevailed in the Round 2 meeting between these teams. Veteran big man [Paul Biligha](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paul-biligha/009903/) led Trento's resistance with 17 points on that occasion, and the Italian team will need his size and experience to pull out a shock road win this week. 

[Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Turk Telekom Ankara ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/109/)

After ending a seven-game losing streak, Turk Telekom (2-8) faces the task of maintaining momentum with a trip to Buducnost (4-6), which has won two of its last three. New point guard [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) helped Buducnost gain a hard-earned victory over Lietkabelis last week, and now he'll look to maintain that positive influence in his home EuroCup debut. [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/james-palmer-jr-/011834/) inspired Turk Telekom's victory over Cluj with a season-high 24 points, and Buducnost will also be well aware of [Steven Enoch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/steven-enoch/011239/)'s power after his double-double propelled Turk Telekom to a 79-77 win when the teams met in Round 2. 

[Joventut Badalona vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/joventut-badalona-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2023/102/)

Joventut (5-5) will aim to continue its recent resurgence with a visit from Cedevita (0-10), which is still waiting for its first win of the season. The Spanish side has reignited its playoffs hopes with two straight wins, and has been delighted to see its injury list shorten with the return of [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/). The veteran center started to regain his touch in the Round 10 win against Besiktas, providing 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Tomic will match up against fellow Croatian big man [Karlo Matkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karlo-matkovic/009395/), who also returned to action last week and delivered a strong performance in the defeat to Hapoel, netting a season-high 19 points on 8-for-12 two-point shooting. 

[London Lions vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/london-lions-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2023/105/)

Red-hot London (8-2) is gunning for a sixth straight win as it hosts Hamburg (1-9), which is seeing its lingering playoff hopes fade fast. London has blasted 101, 101 and 95 points in its last three games, with [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) draining 23 in last week's victory over Reyer. The Londoners will hope to deliver similar fireworks against a Hamburg team that  has the competition's worst defense, allowing 96.9 points per game. Indeed, London reached triple figures with a 94-100 road triumph when the teams met in Round 2, powered by 21 points from [Mathew Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) to start his ongoing streak of nine straight double-digit scoring games. 

Round 11 of the BKT EuroCup will see the reigning champs face a major road test amid several key matchups between direct rivals. Here's your guide to this week's games. 

Round 11: Clashes of consequence

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Slask Wroclaw (2023-12-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-12-12T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2023-12-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2023-12-13T18:30:00.000Z)

London Lions v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-12-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Umana Reyer Venice (2023-12-12T19:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Vilnius v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2023-12-12T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-12-13T19:15:00.000Z)

Scoring efficiency is up in the BKT EuroCup. While it may only be up marginally from last season, it is nonetheless as high as it has been in over a decade. 

Stats Review: High Marks for Efficiency

Scoring efficiency is up in the BKT EuroCup. While it may only be up marginally from last season, it is nonetheless as high as it has been in over a decade. At the root of that development are the teams and players at the top of the food chain offensively. Paris Basketball and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv are both on pace to comfortably break the EuroCup record for points scored per-possession while Dreamland Gran Canaria sits only a couple made shots behind the record.

It should come as no surprise, then, that players from those two teams take the top spots on this season's offensive efficiency leaderboards. Through the end of Round 10, Hapoel forward Jaylen Hoard is on pace for one of the most efficient offensive seasons in EuroCup history for a volume scorer. He stands alone among the 48 players who have used over 12 possessions per game so far this season thanks in large part to his 19 dunks and 76% shooting around the rim overall. Thriving in transition, scoring effectively both driving and rolling to the rim, and even making jump shots opportunistically, Hoard has been a revelation in a bigger role this season and a key reason Hapoel remains in the mix at the top of Group A.

The best scoring plays of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward Jaylen Hoard through the first 10 rounds of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Hoard's top scoring plays this season

Nadir Hifi has been a similarly pleasant surprise for Paris Basketball. In his first season competing on the international stage, the 21-year-old point guard has been dynamic on the offensive end. Scoring at a high level in pick-and-roll situations but thriving off the ball as well, he has converted 52% of his midrange jumpers, 39% of his pull-up three-point attempts, and 54% of his catch-and-shoot threes. His shot-making prowess has been key to Paris's tremendous start.

Hapoel's Xavier Munford has been just as effective as Hifi from the perimeter while Justin Cobbs of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana remains one of this level's most reliable scorers. The 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys duo Deividas Sirvydis and Gediminas Orelik have kept their team competitive amid some defensive struggles, and Tre'Shawn Thurman of Wolves Vilnius has been very effective playing off the ball. Thurman would rank quite towards the top of this list if it weren't for some bad bounces when has tried to finish offensive rebounds.

The best scoring plays of 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys forward Gediminas Orelik through the first 10 rounds of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Orelik's top scoring plays this season

Thurman has been a valuable secondary option alongside Rasheed Sulaimon, who narrowly missed this list despite playing the largest offensive role in the EuroCup this season. When he comes back from the injury that has kept him out since Round 6, Sulaimon's return could have significant ramifications in Group A.

Like Thurman, Gabriel Olaseni is one of several players from the London Lions within striking distance of the bottom of this list. Matthew Morgan, Conor Morgan, Sam Dekker, and Donte Grantham have all scored more than 1.02 points per possession on over 10 possessions per game.

The best scoring plays of London Lions center Gabe Olaseni through the first 10 rounds of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup Regular Season.

Olaseni's top scoring plays this season

No matter how teams are looking to get the job done, whether it be through their stars or by committee, the bar is rising in the EuroCup.

The top teams in the BKT EuroCup are leading a mini revolution in scoring efficiency.

Stats review: High marks for scoring efficiency

Faces with tough choices at an early age in his native Colombia, the EuroCup newcomer followed his basketball star.

Hapoel's Angola used basketball to beat the odds

[Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/) has faced his share of challenges in his first full season in the BKT EuroCup. But they are entirely different to those that the Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward encountered growing up and using basketball to avoid being recruited into war.

Angola has risen to the challenge of playing with Hapoel as he is the club's fourth-leading scorer and one of the main reasons the Israeli side is a serious contender for the EuroCup title. 

"We need to play with each other and for each other. We want to win the championship and be in the EuroLeague next year," said Angola, who is averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and a 17th-ranked 16.7 PIR through eight games. 

Not too bad for someone from Colombia who didn't start in basketball until age 12. Just two years later, at age 14, Angola moved about 1,000 kilometers away from his family in Villanueva, a town of 25,000, to Villavicencio, a city with a population of about 500,000. The goal was to learn basketball, but also distance himself from turmoil at home, where political rebels were recruiting local kids his age.

"Back then it was different to how it is now with the rebels," Angola recalled. "A lot of people were getting recruited to fight with the rebels against the government and I didn't want to be in that situation. I talked to my mom to leave and move to a different city and play basketball and take advantage of the talent that I had.

"That was a tough decision to make. I decided to leave to help my family, too. I come from a poor family and not a good situation, but I was able to move and get out of there. It was tough, but when you have motivation, you always have a little extra push."

Angola's parents both played basketball and understood the need for him to get better training, even if that was so far away from home.

Angola improved greatly in Villavicencio, becoming one of the country's top young players. He was Colombia's second leading scorer – and ranked fifth overall – at the FIBA U17 South American Championship 2011, where the team finished third and qualified for the FIBA U18 Americas Championship for the first and only time. At the FIBA U18 Americas tournament, Angola averaged 13.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. 

Those two performances helped him receive a scholarship to attend high school in the United States at age 18 – even though he couldn't speak the language.

Braian Angola Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

Top plays, Braian Angola, Hapoel Tel Aviv

"I didn't speak any English, which was very tough. All my school work was in English, which was tough. But I had the extra motivation of being a kid from Colombia and there were not that many players from Colombia," Angola said, looking back on his move to the outskirts of Las Vegas in 2012. "That made it easier for me to stay motivated and focused on school, and work harder. It was tough for me because I was just in the corner learning English, but I got through it.

"I just had a bigger goal, and that was to play basketball and be able to finish school. I was just using my iPad to try to learn English and was playing basketball. But if I didn't learn English then I couldn't play basketball. So that gave me extra motivation too to try to learn the language and try to be the best student I could be."

Angola turned that motivation into the kind of perseverance that he still models in his game.

"Even if I didn't speak English, I was still the first one in class and the first one in practice," he recalled. "I really didn't have many friends or people around me, even to help me. It took me about eight months to learn the language, but at the end of the day I did it."

And Angola was doing it at one of the best youth basketball programs in the United Stats. Findlay Prep in 2012 was coming off its third U.S. high school national championship when Angola arrived. For his one season, in 2012-13, Angola played with Christian Wood, Nigel Williams-Goss and Allerik Freeman.

"Findlay was the number one team in the country at that time and for me being able to play there – coming from Colombia, where basketball was not the number one sport – was really, really fun for me," he said. "It was a great experience. I was playing with a really good group of guys, unbelievable guys – Nigel, Chris, Allerik. There was a lot a lot of talent in that group and it was amazing to play with that kind of talent and those kinds of people. To this day we still have a good relationship. I was really happy to be able to do that."

Angola ended up graduating from Florida State University in 2018. Going from Belgium to Serbia, Israel, Greece and Turkey and now back to Israel, the Colombian knows that he can get through any challenges hands him. That makes tough challenges of succeeding in the EuroCup that much easier.

More Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv news

Look back at all the action in the Regular Season Round 10 by checking out the best photos of the week!

Top 10 photos of Round 10

Here we salute five players who stepped their games up a notch in Round 10 of the BKT EuroCup. 

Roll Call, Regular Season Round 10

### Figueroa was key for Ulm

ratiopharm Ulm held on for an 83-85 win over Dolomiti Energia Trento to take another step towards a playoff berth and [LJ Figuero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/lj-figueroa/012603/)a was one of the key contributors in a tight victory. He was the team's top scorer with 20 points - including 6 points in the final 5 minutes of the game, among them the basket that made it 76-81 with 70 seconds to go in the game. Figueroa finished with 7-of-8 two-point shooting and made all 6 of his free throws, while also collecting 5 rebounds and delivering 2 blocked shots for his best performances in his first year in the competition.

Lj Figueroa (20 points) Highlights vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento, 12/06/2023

Figueroa was key for Ulm

### 21-year old Prkacin paced defending champs

This was not the first time that Dreamland Gran Canaria's versatile big men [Roko Prkacin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/roko-prkacin/007644/) has deserved a roll call, but this time he was the best player in his team's 28-point win that improved Gran Canaria's record to 10-0. Prkacin did just about everything, scoring, rebounding, creating for others, stealing balls and also getting to the foul line. He was Gran Canaria's top scorer (13) and rebounder (8), and also had 3 assists, 2 steals and drew 6 fouls without committing a single one. In his 28:43 minutes on the floor, Gran Canaria was +21, a team best mark in this game. A couple weeks removed from turning 21 years of age, Prkacin has been making more and more impact for the defending champions.

Roko Prkacin (13 points) Highlights vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki, 12/06/2023

21-year old Prkacin paced defending champs

### Slask's Miletic produced, again, in a loss

[Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) has been one of the EuroCup's most productive players this season and the Slask Wroclaw big man produced once again this week. Miletic's performance was not enough for Slask to pull out a win, as the team fell to a 63-72 defeat against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse, but Miletic did his best to keep Slask competitive. He finished with 20 points, making 8-of-9 two-pointers and 1-of-2 threes. Interestingly, this is the third time this season Miletic has made 8 two-point shots on 9 attempts. In this game he also pulled down 5 rebounds, and during Miletic's 23 minutes on the floor Slask outscored Bourg by 2 points, giving even more meaning to his performance.

Dusan Miletic (20 points) Highlights vs. JL Bourg en Bresse, 12/05/2023

Miletic produces, again, in a loss

### Zalmanson boosted Hapoel off the bench

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv was clicking on offense as it beat Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 80-95, but among Hapoel's usual suspects who led the team to a victory was big man [Idan Zalmanson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/idan-zalmanson/003533/) who also stood out on Wednesday night. Zalmanson played less than 14 minutes on the floor, to give the starting center Kyle Alexander a breather under the rims, but Zalmanson used it to significantly contribute to a win. He had a career-high 13 points, making a career-best 6 two-pointers on 7 attempts. Zalmanson also grabbed 4 rebounds, finishing with a PIR of 16, just one shy of a career-best.

Idan Zalmanson (13 points) Highlights vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, 12/06/2023

Zalmanson boosts Hapoel off the bench

### Mathews flirted with Besiktas record

Some potent scorers have worn Besiktas Istanbul jerseys in the EuroCup over the years, including Mire Chatman, Chris Lofton, Ryan Broekhoff and, yes, Allen Iverson, and on Wednesday night [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) entered the conversation after one of the best shooting performances in club history in the competition. Mathews scored 28 points, a team season-high and more than any other player in Round 10, with 11 of those coming in the final 8 minutes of the fourth quarter as Besiktas nearly erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit. Mathews was 6-of-13 from three-point range, becoming just the third man to hit that many triples in 107 games that club has played in the EuroCup. Mathews was one three-pointer shy of the club-record, set by Lofton in October 2014.

Jonah Mathews (28 points) Highlights vs. Joventut Badalona, 12/06/2023

Mathews flirted with Besiktas club record

Roll call: Plenty of key Round 10 contributors

The leaders of high-flying teams in Paris and London shared the BKT EuroCup's weekly MVP honor.

BKT EuroCup Round 10 co-MVPs: Gabe Olaseni, London and TJ Shorts, Paris

Two veterans in their first BKT EuroCup seasons, [Gabe Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/) of London Lions and [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) of Paris Basketball, showcased dominant performances to lead their teams to away victories and, with performance index ratings of 32 apiece, become co-MVPs for Round 10. Olaseni led London to [a 91-95 road win at Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/umana-reyer-venice-london-lions/U2023/92/), while Shorts paced Paris to [a blowout 79-110 win at Wolves Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/wolves-vilnius-paris-basketball/U2023/93/). 

The London big man scored 23 points, making 8 of 12 two-pointers and 7 of 11 free throws, and pulled down 12 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Olaseni had 5 offensive boards, dished 2 assists, made 1 steal and drew 7 fouls. This is the first such award for Olaseni, but third this season and second consecutively for London. 

Shorts poured in 24 points for Paris on 7-for-12 two-point, 2-for-4 three-point and 4-for-6 free-throw shooting. He dished a personal-best 11 assists, and also had a steal and 7 drawn fouls, earning him his second MVP nod of the season.

Two veterans in their first BKT EuroCup seasons, Gabe Olaseni of London Lions and TJ Shorts of Paris Basketball, showcased dominant performances to lead their teams to away victories and, with performance index ratings of 32 apiece, become co-MVPs for Round 10. Olaseni led London to a 91-95 road win at Umana Reyer Venice, while Shorts paced Paris to a blowout 79-110 win at Wolves Vilnius.

Gabi Olaseni & TJ Shorts | Round 10 co-MVPs | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

The next-best PIR, 27, belonged to both Prometey Slobozhanske center [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) and Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul guard [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/). In an 83-97 road win over Veolia Towers Hamburg, Balvin was busy collecting 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in 22 minutes on the floor. Mathews had 28 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in an 81-85 home loss against Joventut Badalona. 

Rounding out the list of this week's top performances are Joventut's [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) and Slask Wroclaw center [Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/), each with a 26 PIR. Feliz had 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals against Besiktas, while Miletic collected 20 points, 5 rebounds in a 63-72 home loss against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse.

The leaders of high-flying teams in Paris and London shared the EuroCup's weekly MVP honor.

Round 10 co-MVPs: Gabe Olaseni, London and TJ Shorts, Paris

Wolves Vilnius v Paris Basketball (2023-12-06T17:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v London Lions (2023-12-05T19:00:00.000Z)