Dozens of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup players took the floor on four different continents on Friday, and were in main roles as they were trying to help their national teams get to a good start in the qualifiers, each with a goal of reaching final tournament.

Continental qualifiers roundup: Nelson's double-double led Great Britain

Dozens of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup players took the floor on four different continents on Friday, and were in main roles as they were trying to help their national teams get to a good start in the qualifiers, each with a goal of reaching final tournament.

### EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

In Group E, France with eight players coming from EuroLeague clubs, downed Croatia that featured three EuroLeague players. France protected its home court in Brest, winning 73-61 as [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne paced the winners with 15 points. [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) of AS Monaco scored 12, [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) of Real Madrid had 11 points and 5 rebounds, while [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had 10 points for France. One the other end, Real's [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) had 22 points leading Croatia, while [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade added 13 in defeat.

In the other game of Group E, Bosnia and Herzegovina cruised to a 66-99 road win against Cyprus. Real's [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) scored 16 of his 26 points in the first half, and also had 8 assists and 5 rebounds for the night. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica center [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) collected 13 points and 10 rebounds in a victory.

In Group F, Greece with its nine EuroLeague players downed Czech Republic 72-64 in Piraeus. [Konstantinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) of Panathinaikos led Greece with 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Olympiacos Piraeus duo of [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) and [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) each scored 16. Walkup flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 8 assists and 8 rebounds, and Papanikolaou also grabbing 8 rebounds as EuroLeague Legend Vassilis Spanoulis made his debut in a role of Greece national team head coach. for the visitors, [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/) of EuroCup side Prometey Slobozhanske had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while FC Barcelona's [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) collected 9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a loss.

In that same group, Great Britain held off the Netherlands 98-94 as London Lions point guard [Luke Nelson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/luke-nelson/004773/) orchestrated British offense with 12 assists, while also scoring 14 points. Joventut's [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) had 11 points in defeat.

In Group G, Serbia rallied to beat Finland 77-61. [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade led the way with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Partizan's [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) had 18 points. Olympiacos center [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) collected 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in a victory. [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) of EuroCup Playoff top seed Paris Basketball led all Finland's scorers with 11 points. In the other game of this group, [Denmark beat Georgia 75-69](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/iffe-lundberg-set-denmark-on-path-to-history/).

In Friday's only Group H game, Estonia went on the road to beat North Macedonia 69-74. [Maik Kotsar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maik-kotsar/004603/) of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz had 16 points in a victory. For the hosts, Dreaamland Gran Canaria big man [Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds. In the first game of this group, [Lithuania beat Poland on Thursday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/eurobasket-qualifiers-roundup-euroleague-players-star-in-big-wins/).

### AmeriCup 2025 qualifiers

Argentina held off Chile 90-78 to start off its Group A campaign. [Nicolas Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/), of last year's BKT EuroCup champion Dreamland Gran Canaria, led the way with 19 points. Real Madrid's [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) dominated, as Deck had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds while Campazzo had 15 points and 8 assists. FC Bayern Munich guard [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) had 7 points in a victory.

In Group D, United States beat Cuba 100-79, and the visitors had Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv center [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) collect 16 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds in a loss.

### AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Friday marked the start of the AfroBasket qualifiers. Cote d'Ivore opened Group C action with a 77-69 win over Madagascar in which [Alex Poythress](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alex-poythress/009960/) of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan dominated with 26 points, making 10 of 12 two-point shots, with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Joventut Badalona's [Shannon Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/shannon-evans/010677/) played all 40 minutes and had 26 points and 6 rebounds in Guinea's 76-70 road loss against Angola in Group E.

For the second night in a row, EuroLeague and EuroCup stars shined bright for their national teams. (PHOTO: Carol Moir/FIBA)

Predict how each stage of the postseason will go, with prizes up for grabs!

Take part in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge!

The BKT EuroCup Playoffs are set to get underway on March 5, so now is the perfect time for fans to fill out their postseason brackets. Not only can you challenge the community as you look to come out on top, but there are several prizes on offer, too.

And don’t worry, it’s very easy to play. The first thing you need to do is go to the [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://bracket.euroleague.net/en/v2/eurocup) and create a EuroLeague ID if you don't have one already.

From there, you will have to fill out your bracket by choosing which team will win each playoff series: eighthfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, all the way through to the crowning of a champion. The final score in the championship game – assuming you choose the right winner – will serve as a tiebreaker, as will the Finals MVP.

You will get 10 points for each eighthfinals winner, 15 in the quarterfinals, 20 in the semifinals and 50 if you guess the 2023-24 EuroCup champion! You'll get 25 extra points if you guess the exact point difference in the best-of-three finals, and 25 more for the Finals MVP.

Once the bracket is complete, click on the "Submit" button and you will be in the game!

The [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://bracket.euroleague.net/en/v2/eurocup) is now open! To be eligible for great prizes, make sure to submit your bracket before Tuesday, March 5 at 19:29 CET, just one minute before the playoffs officially get underway.

### The prizes

There are great prizes up for grabs! The grand prize winner will get four tickets for any BKT EuroCup game he/she/they chooses during the 2023-24 regular season! The owner of the second-best bracket will get a EuroLeague TV season pass for the 2024-25 season. And the owner of the third-best bracket will receive an official Spalding EuroCup basketball.

Simply register to play, fill out the bracket and compete for great prizes in the [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://bracket.euroleague.net/en/v2/eurocup)!

Besiktas's head coach and point guard are now enjoying their third season together. 

Gambling on each other has helped Needham, Alimpijevic succeed

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul’s success this season has relied heavily on how the team responds to both head coach Dusan Alimpijevic and point guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/). The duo are working in unison to help the Turkish team get back on the European map. And it’s a coach-point guard relationship that goes back to a gamble both made three off-seasons ago.

In 2021, Needham had been coming off his second season with Montenegro club Mornar Bar, where he averaged 7.7 points and 5.1 assists in the EuroCup while also helping the club reach the second group stage. He also guided Mornar to the semifinals of the ABA Adriatic League before losing to domestic rivals Buducnost VOLI Podgorica. 

Alimpijevic, in 2021, was about his start his second season with Frutti Extra Bursaspor - the 2020-21 campaign being the club’s second in Turkiye’s first flight after earning promotion in 2019. 

Bursaspor had just missed the playoffs in the Turkish League, finishing ninth; and was just one victory from advancing to the Top 16 in its first appearance in the EuroCup.

When looking for a point guard for 2021-22, Alimpijevic remembered the 2017-18 season in which he was head coach at Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. He recalled the five games Zvezda played against Mornar Bar - and how Derek Needham gave him fits.

Derek Needham's best plays 2023-24 BKT EuroCup regular season

Derek Needham's best plays from the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup regular season

The then 27-year-old playmaker averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 5.6 fouls drawn in those games. Two of them came in the Adriatic League regular season and the other three came in the semifinals, where Mornar Bar scored an 88-84 Game 2 victory behind 28 points and 5 assists from Needham, who also went for 15 points and 10 assists in their second regular-season meeting.

“Coach Alimpijevic and I knew each other from our time battling in the ABA league,” Needham said. “We talked before coming to Bursa how this move would be a big gamble for both of us but could potentially change both our careers if done right.”

And things certainly went right for Alimpijevic and Needham in 2021-22 with Bursaspor. The team snuck into the EuroCup playoffs as a 7 seed and then reeled off a trio of magical road victories: beating Partizan Belgrade, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and MoraBanc Andorra to reach the EuroCup final, where they lost to Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

“My favorite memory with Frutti Extra has to be the finals run we went on. We had a great group of guys and won some really tough road games,” said Needham, who was named to the All-EuroCup First Team for the season while Alimpijevic was crowned as Coach of the Year.

Bursaspor also reached the Turkish League playoffs for the first time as the eighth seed and took one game from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul before bowing out 2-1 in the first-round series.

Season two together in Bursaspor did not go quite as well - also because the club could not keep some of the key parts of the success from the previous year. 

Bursaspor finished the EuroCup regular season eighth in its group and then was bounced by eventual champion Gran Canaria in the eighthfinals. 

In the Turkish League, the club ranked fifth after the regular season but was then swept 2-0 in the quarterfinals by Pinar Karsiyaka. 

This off-season, the coach and point guard both decided to move from Bursaspor to Besiktas. 

“Reaching the EuroCup Playoffs was a big goal for us this season. We wanted to establish Besiktas back on the European market,” Needham said.

“We talked before coming to Bursa how this move would be a big gamble for both of us but could potentially change both our careers if done right.”

The 33-year-old Needham said he has a really good relationship with Alimpijevic.

“We both see the game in the same manner. It was exciting to see we can both start with a new club and keep some familiarity with each other. He is big on having a point guard that thinks like him,” Needham said.

The American veteran is impressed with his coach of the last two-plus seasons: “He is an amazing coach with a brilliant mind for the game. He really takes care of his craft along with the assistant coaches. His attention to detail in film and practice really sets him apart from the coaches of his age group. I believe he will be back in EuroLeague very soon,” Needham said.

Alimpijevic coached Zvezda to a 11-19 record in the EuroLeague in 2017-18 but he was fired after the season as the club lost in the Adriatic League finals to Buducnost to miss out on qualifying for the EuroLeague in 2018-19.

Needham said the fact that Alimpijevic is just 4 years older than him has no impact on their relationship.

“I understand we are close in age, but I respect his craft and ability to lead. We have a strong bond because of our talks and success we have shared together through the last two years and are continually having this season. There is so much respect there that our age closeness doesn't matter,” Needham said.

“It is rare to see a player stay with a coach for a long time. So I'm very appreciative of our relationship after all this time.”

And that relationship is a big reason Besiktas has reached the EuroCup Playoffs in its first season in the competition since 2015-16. After placing sixth in Group A with a 9-9 record, Besiktas will visit reigning champion Dreamland Gran Canaria in their single-game eighthfinal on Wednesday, March 6.

Two of the youngest and most fun-to-watch teams in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup meet for the first time this season in the do-or-die eighthfinals when Joventut Badalona (10-8) visits ratiopharm Ulm (10-8). The winner will travel to the French capital to face Paris Basketball (17-1) in the quarterfinals.

Eighthfinals breakdown: Ulm vs. Joventut

Two of the youngest and most fun-to-watch teams in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup meet for the first time this season in the do-or-die eighthfinals when [Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/roster/jov/?season=2023-24) (10-8) visits [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/?season=2023-24) (10-8). The winner will travel to the French capital to face Paris Basketball (17-1) in the quarterfinals.

### Joventut: trying the hard way

Joventut has advanced past the group stage for the fourth consecutive season. It won the EuroCup in 2008 when it thrashed Akasvayu Girona 54-79 in the final in Turin, Italy. [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) was with the team back then and has a chance to win a third EuroCup crown, 16 years later. If he does, he will become the second player to lift the EuroCup trophy three times, joining Rafa Martinez. Joventut made it to the semifinals last season and previously reached this stage in the first-ever EuroCup season in 2003, but lost against Gran Canaria and Krka Novo Mesto, respectively.

The Lions triumphed in the reverse fixture behind 21 points from Gabe Olaseni, who grabbed his fifth double-double of the season in a victory over Hapoel. They host a Joventut outfit aiming to secure a playoff berth by grabbing a seventh straight success via the talents of veteran big man Ante Tomic.

London Lions-Joventut Badalona | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

This time, Joventut will not have the home-court advantage in its single-game elimination showdown against Ulm. It suffered three home losses this season in the first seven rounds, against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul, London Lions and Paris Basketball, but a six-game winning streak between Rounds 10 and 15 allowed Joventut to be in the driver's seat and seal its playoff ticket early. Joventut, however, enters the eighthfinals on a three-game losing streak and was 7-1 against non-playoff teams in Group A, but just 3-7 against teams that are still alive in the competition.

### Ulm: remembering 2022

In one of the biggest upsets in competition history, Ulm downed Joventut 73-79 in the 2022 EuroCup eighthfinals. Joventut came into the game with a 12-4 record and was 9-0 at home that season. Semaj Christon and Jaron Blossomgame each scored 21 points to lead Ulm. It was the teams' first-ever meeting. Last season, Joventut beat Ulm twice in regular season action, 54-68 at Ratiopharm Arena and 82-76 at Palau Olimpic De Badalona. Those 54 points were Ulm's lowest score ever in its 11 EuroCup seasons. These teams meet again in the eighthfinals, but the roles are reversed and Ulm has the home-court advantage.

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

Joventut Badalona vs ratiopharm Ulm  | Highlights | Eightfinals

Ulm has not been particularly good at home this season, where it has gone 5-4, but has been extremely efficient in close games. Ulm has played four overtime games and won them all, downing Slask Wroclaw 108-103 at home, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica 80-84 on the road, defending champion Dreamland Gran Canaria 103-99 at home and Aris Midea Thessaloniki 88-99 on the road. In all four games, however, its opponent was the last time to score in regulation or had a chance to win it before overtime. Ulm has been resilient and that experience of winning so many close games may be helpful against Joventut.

### Loads of young talent

Both teams have several Rising Star-eligible talents ready to showcase their skills in a high-pressure game. [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) has had an outstanding season, averaging 10.4 points and a PIR of 15.1 while ranking third in assists (5.8 apg.) and fifth in steals (1.9 spg.). He had back-to-back double-doubles against Buducnost and Aris, getting 6 rebounds in each game, too. Forward [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/) has also been strong for Ulm, coming off the bench to average 6.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 18 games. [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/) and [Tobias Jensen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tobias-jensen/010726/) have made the most of their playing time, averaging 2.7 and 3.2 points, respectively.

ratiopharm Ulm youngsters Noa Essengue, Tobias Jensen, Juan Nuñez and Pacome Dadiet are making the most of the significant playing time there are seeing in the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup.

Ulm's young stars step up

Joventut has a reputation for producing young talents and giving them playing time at a young age. [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) has averaged 6.0 points on excellent shooting (73.2% 2FG, 55.6% 3FG) and 3.5 assists in 16 games as a part-time starter. [Michael Ruzic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/michael-ruzic/012349/) has scored in double digits four times, averaging 6.5 points on 70.0% two-point shooting and 48.1% three-point shooting in 14 games. [Miguel Allen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/miguel-allen/010166/) (3.2 ppg., 2.5 rpg.) helped the team early in the season and big man [Ruben Prey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ruben-prey/010708/) (2.5 ppg., 2.5 rpg.) offered a much-needed helping hand when Joventut's frontcourt was limited due to injuries and departures. [Jordi Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordi-rodriguez/010709/) (2.5 ppg.) has seen playing time in 10 games, too.

### Star matchup at center

Two of the best big men in the competition are set to go against each other. The fact there they are very different makes this matchup even more exciting. [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) is one of the best and most experienced centers in European basketball and, at age 37, is still going strong, averaging 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a PIR of 11.6 in around 21 minutes per night. His legendary post skills, highlighted by a deadly jump hook, high basketball IQ and outstanding court vision make him a nightmare matchup. If the game comes down to details, Tomic will make sure to have the ball in his hands in the final minutes.

Ante Tomic of Joventut Badalona is averaging 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a PIR of 11.6 in around 21 minutes per night.

Ante Tomic: Joventut's pass-first center

[Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/trevion-lamon-williams-/012604/) is having a fantastic EuroCup rookie season. At age 23, Williams is posting numbers rarely seen before for a player his age. He leads the EuroCup in rebounds (10.9 rpg.), ranks 12th in assists (4.4 apg.) despite being a center and is second in PIR (21.9), only trailing Paris star guard T.J. Shorts (22.6 PIR). Williams is the key to Ulm's free-flowing offense due to his ability to find an open teammate or attack the rim either in transition or in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations. How each team plays against the opponent's star center should be one of the biggest keys to this exciting eighthfinals showdown!

Eighthfinals breakdown: ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona

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

Some of the same strategies the big man employs on a chessboard have come in handy on the basketball hardwoods across Europe.

Gran Canarias's Ethan Happ uses lessons from chess to put opponents in checkmate

[Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/) is one of the most versatile low-post players in the BKT EuroCup with an all-around scoring attack and great passing skills. One of the reasons the Dreamland Gran Canaria center is so effective is the lessons he learned from playing chess.

Happ has made strong contributions to the reigning EuroCup champion, averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals (eighth best in the regular season) in 18:31 minutes per game. He finished the regular season particularly strong, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.8 steals for a PIR of 19.3 over his last four games.

The 27-year-old American is an avid reader who also enjoys playing chess when he has extra time.

"I enjoy chess because it's an easy way to do something competitive,” Happ said. 

The 2.08-meter big man said chess has helped him keep opponents on the hardwood guessing.

“Every chess game is different, no matter how many you play. And similarly to basketball, you have to predict what your opponent is thinking as well as misleading them with what you may be thinking,” he added.

Ethan Happ highlights_17080256.mp4

Happ joined Gran Canaria this off-season after debuting last season in the Spanish League with Breogan Lugo. The city in northwestern Spain in the state of Galicia is also the home to Pablo Lopez, one of the top youth players in the world in speed chess. 

Happ last season was surprised by a social media post made by the Brogan club and was able to face the then 17-year-old Lopez. 

“Pablo beat me in both games that were filmed as well as the three that weren’t,” Happ revealed. “It was really incredible to watch him re-do a game move for move from memory that we had just played to show where my error occurred. After playing him I ramped up my time on [Chess.com](http://Chess.com), but still won't come close to Pablo's level.”

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">😎 ¿Qué puede esperar un base en cuerpo de pívot, amante del ajedrez y con un club de 📚 cuando le citan a una &#39;entrevista con acb&#39;?<br><br>Seguro que lo que no imaginaba era que iba a enfrentarse a una de los 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗱𝗼𝘀 más duras de su vida...<a href=https://twitter.com/EthanHapp22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@EthanHapp22</a>, un jugador DIFERENTE <a href=https://t.co/TA6yhKZiIC>pic.twitter.com/TA6yhKZiIC</a></p>&mdash; #CopaACB (@ACBCOM) <a href=https://twitter.com/ACBCOM/status/1606333825860210700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>December 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

Happ said it will take some time before he tries to face Lopez again.

“We have each other's contact information but I still need more time before I'm ready to get beat again. I went to the local chess club in Lugo and that was challenging enough,” said Happ, who has not looked for a chess club in Las Palmas. 

Besides reading and chess, Happ is also trying to spend free time on the beach in Gran Canaria. 

“I try and get to the beach as much as possible. It's calming to be outside in nature but especially on the sand. From the time COVID locked down the country, I started reading more than ever trying to spend all the newfound free time wisely, and it has stuck,” he said.

All those off-court activities also help Happ focus on the big task at hand on the court - winning the EuroCup. 

“My reasons for picking Gran Canaria were many but really came down to wanting to play on a higher level team, looking to compete for a championship,” he said.

And Happ knows it will not be easy.

“It will be difficult for the team to repeat the championship as it is in any sport. We have the right coaches and players to get it done but a bit of luck is involved in the playoffs as well so time will tell where we end the EuroCup season. Part of my reason for joining Gran Canaria was the possibility to compete for a championship. It would be my first and obviously, it would feel very rewarding.”

Happ hopes those lessons he’s learned from chess will give him that little extra advantage.

### France: Paris wins Leaders Cup

Paris Basketball won the first trophy in club history by defeating Nanterre 90-85 in the Leaders Cup final in Saint-Chamond. T.J. Shorts was named tournament MVP after scoring 26 points in the final. Nadar Hifi added 20 points and Mikael Jantunen tallied 12 points and 8 rebounds. Justin Bibbins led Nanterre with 20 points, Desi Rodriguez scored 15 and Benjamin Sene 12.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ON RAMÈNE LA COUPE À LA MAISON <br><br>PARIS POUR PARIS 🖤❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/cRy1cq2CJD">pic.twitter.com/cRy1cq2CJD</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1759303454667780374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Cluj repeats as Romanian Cup winner

U-BT Cluj-Napoca successfully defended its Romanian Cup with an 84-70 victory over CS Rapid Bucuresti in the final on Sunday. It marked the seventh time the club has won the cup. Jarell Eddie shined with 23 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting plus 6 rebounds for the winners. Emanuel Cate added 13 points and 8 rebounds and Andrija Stipanovic had 13 and 6. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick led Rapid with 14 points and Tudor Somacescu scored 13.

Fitzpatrick’s triple at the end of the first quarter gave Rapid a 22-23 lead before Cluj opened the second on a 15-3 tear to take control for good. Eddie scored the last 6 points in that run. The margin was 48-37 at halftime. Rapid closed to within 62-54 after three quarters and 70-64 early in the fourth quarter, but Cluj regrouped to close out the victory.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We. Are. The. Champions. Of. Romania! 🙌🏆🇷🇴👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#basketball</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cluj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cluj</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaideU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaideU</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UBTCluj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UBTCluj</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaiU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaiU</a><a href="https://twitter.com/zMareks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zmareks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vitaminDseeley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vitaminDseeley</a> <a href="https://t.co/gj53qSSsLG">pic.twitter.com/gj53qSSsLG</a></p>&mdash; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1759319120460517553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Paris Basketball and U-BT Cluj-Napoca took home their respective cups on Sunday.  

Domestic cups: Paris and Cluj celebrate

### Paris advances to Leaders Cup final 

Paris Basketball reached the French Leaders Cup final by downing AS Monaco 93-98 in Saint-Etienne. T.J. Shorts led the winners with 25 points. Nadir Hifi added 14, Justin Simon 13 and Mehdy Ngouama 10 for Paris. Mike James led Monaco with 18 points. Elie Okobo added 15, Alpha Diallo 13, Yakuba Ouattara 11 and Donta Hall 10. Monaco led 24-21 after 10 minutes and extended its margin to 43-33 on Hall's dunk. Simon and Ngouama rescued Paris, then Sebastian Herrera struck from downtown to fic the halftime score at 54-53. Diallo and Mam Jaiteh allowed Monaco to regain a 77-68 lead late in the third quarter. Shorts and Simon gave Paris hope, 83-81, with over 7 minutes left. Hall dunked again, then Shorts and Ngouama fueled a 2-13 run that Hifi capped wih a three-pointer that gave Paris a 87-94 margin. Shorts and Herrera took care of business in crunch time. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ON RENTRE PAS CE SOIR ‼️😤<br><br>On l’a fait. On a battu la Roca Team pour la première fois. Quand on vous dit que Paris a du caractère 👊<br><br>Job not done, one more☝️<br><br>On retrouve Nanterre demain pour un derby explosif 💥 <a href="https://t.co/ldBt92QINq">pic.twitter.com/ldBt92QINq</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1758979798720790986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Cluj gives Constanta no chance

U-BT Cluj-Napoca earned the right to fight for its sixth Romanian Cup title in nine years by beating CSM Constanta 92-67 in the semifinals. Cluj-Napoca is set to face CS Rapid Bucharest in tomorrow's final. Adam Mokoka led the winners with 15 points. D.J. Seeley and Bruce Jones each added 14, Andrija Stipanovic 13 and Patrick Richard 12 for Cluj. An early 11-0 run that Mokoka capped with an alley-oop dunk allowed Cluj to get a 14-4 lead. Cluj kept a 27-21 lead after 10 minutes, then Jones and Seeley allowed their team to extend its margin to 52-36 at halftime. Cluj kept full control of the game throughout the second half, keeping a 65-49 margin after 30 minutes and extended it to 77-55 to seal the victory. 

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dk2GMtJn3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dk2GMtJn3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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### Williams takes Ulm to German Cup final 

ratiopharm Ulm reached the German Cup final by downing ALBA Berlin 79-87 in Munich on Saturday. Ulm has a chance to win its first-ever German Cup title after losing back-to-back finald against ALBA in 2013 and 2014. Trevion Williams led the winners with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Tommy Klepeisz added 12 points, Karim Jallow had 11 while L.J. Figueroa and Georginho de Paula each got 10 for Ulm. Gabriele Procida and Matteo Spagnolo led ALBA with 14 points apiece. Williams and Nunez gave Ulm a 13-19 lead but Malte Delow and Justin Bean fueled a 6-0 run that tied the game, 19-19, early in the second quarter. Phillip Kerkenhoff's tip-in gave Ulm a 40-42 edge at halftime. ALBA got a 68-60 lead with 8 minutes left but Tommy Klepeisz and Georginho De Paula combined for all points in a 4-17 run that restored a 72-77 Ulm lead. Williams scored his team's last 10 points to put the victory on ice. Ulm faces FC Bayern Munich in tomorrow's final. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">FINALE OOH OOH!! 🗣🧡<br><br>Morgen um 14 Uhr treffen wir im Finale auf den Gastgeber und Titelverteidiger FC Bayern Basketball 😤🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uuulmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareone</a> <a href="https://t.co/GbQXcoMzsR">pic.twitter.com/GbQXcoMzsR</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1758926019732312369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Gagic leads Lietkabelis to Lithuanian final

7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys made it to King Mindaugas Cup final for the third time in four years by edging Rytas Vilnius 86-94 in one of the semifinals on Saturday. It will look for its first title after losses in te 2017, 2021 and 2022 finals, all of them against Zalgiris Kaunas. Djordje Gagic led the winners with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Deividas Sirvydis added 18, Gediminas Orelik had 13 and Dovis Bickauskis 11 for Lietkabelis, which trailed 71-70 midway through the fourth quarter. Bickauskis, Sirvydis and Orelik each struck from downtown in crunch time, as Lietkabelis got a 76-86 margin in the next-to-last minute and never looked back. Lietkabelis faces Zalgiris in tomorrow's final. 

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dE-5oM0Tq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dE-5oM0Tq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dE-5oM0Tq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC „7bet-Lietkabelis” (@bclietkabelis)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></center>

### Panathinaikos stops Aris

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens reached the Greek Cup final by topping Aris Egalia Thessaloniki 76-65 behind 20 points from Kendrick Nunn. Jerian Grant and Dinos Mitoglou each added 10 for the Greens. Vassilis Toliopolulos led Aris with 21 points while Ronnell Harrell added 11. Toliopoulos had 7 quick points to give Aris a 5-9 lead. Kostas Sloukas and an unstoppable Nunn made Panathinaikos get a 19-16 edge after 10 minutes. Mathias Lessort took over early in the second quarter and Mitoglou soon made it a double-digit game, 32-22. Panathinaikos boosted its margin to 44-28 but Kris Bankston and Jonathan Stark gave Aris within 44-33 at halftime. Panathinaikos kept a safe margin throughout the second half and Kostas Antetokoumpo's back-to-back dunks sealed the outcome, 68-53, midway through the fourth quarter. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final Score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARISBCgr</a> 76-65<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPAP_Final8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPAP_Final8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CupMenHellas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CupMenHellas</a> <a href="https://t.co/vw0IWqs1TR">pic.twitter.com/vw0IWqs1TR</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1758914948606906536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Milan eliminates Reyer in semis 

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan made it to the Italian Cup final by thrashing Umana Reyer Venice 100-77 in Turin, Italy. Shavon Shields led the way with 28 points. Shabazz Napier added 17 while Diego Flaccadori had 13 for Milan. Mfiondu Kabengele led Reyer with 18 points. Rayjon Tucker had 15, Marco Spissu added 14 and Aamir Simms 10. Amedeo Tessitori gave Reyer a 2-6 lead. Milan started rolling right after that, using a 13-2 run that Shields capped with a three-pointer to take the lead for good, 15-8. Milan boosted its margin to 31-20 after 10 minutes and then again to 60-37 at halftime, enough to keep full control of the game throughout the second half. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">La nostra Coppa Italia si conclude in semifinale. <a href="https://t.co/TPgvA9fZUF">pic.twitter.com/TPgvA9fZUF</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1758925936479596806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### Bourg loses in French semis

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse could not make it to the French Leaders Cup final due to a 95-100 loss against Nanterre 92. Ibrahima Fall-Faye led Nanterre with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Isiaha Mike led Bourg with 23 points, Zaccharie Risacher added 16 and Bodian Massa 14. Bourg led 77-65 late in the third quarter but a 0-16 run allowed Nanterre to get the lead for good, 77-81. Bourg got within 95-98 in the final minute but Massa and Jeremy Morgan each missed from downtown and Joel Ayayi sealed the outcome with a dunk. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🌟 Demi-finale Leaders Cup<br>𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘🌟🌟🌟🌟<br><br>JL Bourg 95 ⚡️100 Nanterre 92<br><br>Élimination de la JL Bourg en demi-finale de la Leaders Cup ❌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/7LjKSr9fIX">pic.twitter.com/7LjKSr9fIX</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1758940817610178646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Paris Basketball, 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, U-BT Cluj-Napoca and ratiopharm Ulm are set to battle for domestic cup titles tomorrow!  

Domestic cups: Paris, Cluj, Lietkabelis, Ulm to the final! 

### Cedevita Olimpija is cup champion!

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana had to suffer until the end but it managed to lift its 23rd Slovenian Cup trophy on Friday by beating Krka, 86-87. Big man Alen Omic was named MVP of the final. Nikola Radicevic and Jaka Blazic led the champs with 17 points, Omic added 16 points plus 8 rebounds, and Zoran Dragic contributed 12. This was Cedevita's third cup title in a row. The champions were almost depleted as they could not count on Justin Cobbs, DJ Stewart, Jaka Klobucar, Vukasin Todorovic and Luka Scuuka, all of them injured. Krka started dominating the first quarter, and even if things got closer in the second period, Krka still dominated at the break, 51-45. Cedevita found its winning edge during the third period, in which it won 16-25. It all came down to the final stretch. With two minutes to go, Gregor Glas nailed a three that made it 81-86 for Cedevita, but Krka used free throws to get close, 84-86. Blazic made only one of two free throws for 84-87 and 13 seconds to go. Krka looked for the three-point shot, but Marko Radovanovic missed it and Miha Skedelj's put-back could only leave Krka one point below as Cedevita players celebrated the 23rd cup title for the club.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PokalSpar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PokalSpar</a> je še 23-ič v rokah Zmajev! 🐲🐲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/PSM8Wx2HiQ">pic.twitter.com/PSM8Wx2HiQ</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1758603213131931794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris advances to the French Cup semis

Paris Basketball continues with its hallmark season. On Friday night, it defeated Saint-Quentin, 71-67, in the French Cup quarterfinals and will not meet As Monaco in the Saturday semifinals. TJ Shorts and Tyson Ward led Paris with 15 points apiece, Mikael Jantunen added 14 and Sebastian Herrera posted 11. Saint-Quentin started on a roll as it was already leading 17-23 after 10 minutes. Paris came back for real in the second and third quarters and managed to turn things around, but never could break the game open. In the last period, both teams tied at 17-17 and Paris made good use of the 4-point lead it had gotten at the end of the third period despite losing the overall rebounds battle, 37-38.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On s’est fait peur 🥵<br><br>Mais winning feelinggggg 🖤❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/Bs0Qxc2ePW">pic.twitter.com/Bs0Qxc2ePW</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1758614658674503721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse is the first team to reach the semifinals of the French Cup after swatting aside SLUC Nancy Basket, 109-79. Frederic Fauthoux saw six of his players hit double digits in points, led by Maksim Salash with 23. Jeremy Morgan added 15, Bodian Massa, Isiaha Mike and Bryce Brown had 14 apiece, and Zaccharie Risacher chipped in with 10. Bourg came flying out of the blocks with a 33-point first quarter, as it led 33-20 after the first 10 minutes. The BKT EuroCup side kept its foot on the gas and erupted for 29 points in the second, compared to 23 for Nancy, making it 62-49 at the break. Bourg continued to outscore Nancy in the third and fourth quarters, winning those periods 24-19 and 23-17, respectively, en route to its 109-79 triumph.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 🌟🌟🌟🌟<a href="https://twitter.com/SLUCbasketNancy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLUCbasketNancy</a> 79 ⚡️109 JL Bourg<br><br>OUIIIIIII ! La JL Bourg s&#39;impose face à Nancy et se qualifie pour les demi-finales de la Leaders Cup 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/LwuFjvPkei">pic.twitter.com/LwuFjvPkei</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1758487833788985469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Besiktas falls in semis to Fenerbahce

It will be the quintessential Turkish basketball derby in the Turkish Cup as Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Anadolu Efes Istanbul will be playing for the title on Sunday. In the second semifinal, Fenerbahce routed Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul by 99-68 on Friday night. Johnathan Motley led the winners with 23 points, Sertac Sanli and Tarik Biberovic posted 13 apiede and Marko Guduric had 11. For Besiktas, Marko Simonovic led the way with 19 points and Jonah Mathews had 10. The game was broken open already from the first quarter, which Fenerbahce took by storm for a 32-8 after 10 minutes. Besiktas had a hard time to come back after that, even more so when Fenerbahce also won the second quarter and made it 61-28 at the break. The second half was a mere formality as Fenerbahce got ready to face Efes in the Sunday final.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">ING Türkiye Kupası Yarı Finali<br><br>Fenerbahçe Beko 99-68 Beşiktaş Emlakjet | Maç Sonucu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Potan%C4%B1nKartallar%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PotanınKartalları</a> <a href="https://t.co/SuZXxoFb8n">pic.twitter.com/SuZXxoFb8n</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Emlakjet (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1758580554558042319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cedevita Olimpija survived Krka, 86-87, to win the title in dramatic fashion. Alen Omic was chosen MVP.

Domestic cups: Cedevita wins its 23rd cup title!

Born in Nigeria and raised in Canada, Agada has made contributing to both a staple of his offseasons.

Prometey's Agada values basketball summers in Canada and Nigeria

Canada and Nigeria are a major part of [Caleb Agada](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/caleb-agada/011944/)’s background and still play a major role in his summers. The Prometey Slobozhanske forward enjoys playing hoops back in Canada, does charity work for both countries and thanks his African roots for one of his greatest basketball experiences.

Agada has made a name for himself in Europe with Prometey. After averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season in taking the club to the EuroCup semifinals, the guard has helped the club return to the postseason with 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

“EuroCup is the highest level basketball I’ve ever played. It’s very competitive and very fun. When I started playing basketball I didn’t know how far the journey would lead me, but I’m grateful it brought me here,” the 29-year-old said. 

Caleb Agada highlights from the 2023-24 regular season

Agada was born in Lafia, Nigeria, and moved to Canada when he was 6 years old. He was raised in Burlington, just outside of the basketball hotbed Toronto. 

He attended the University of Ottawa and helped the Gee-Gees reach the championship game of the Canadian U Sports tournament in both 2014 and 2015. Both times Agada and his team lost to arc-rivals Carleton - the other major university in the city of Ottawa - who were led by the brothers Philip and Thomas Scrubb. 

Agada remained close to the basketball scene in Canada and regularly returned there in summer, often playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). 

“The CEBL is still a relatively new league, however, it’s a great league and is growing every year. I enjoy playing in it as it gives me an opportunity to play at home. And it gives opportunities to aspiring and current professionals to either begin their journey at home or play at home. It is very compatible and the level is increasing every year,” said Agada, who made brief appearances in the league in 2019 and 2020. 

In the summer of 2021, Agada did not play in the CEBL because he represented Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics, where the Africans ended up losing all three games.

“It was a great experience, it was very difficult making that team, but I always believed in myself and was able to do so,” said Agada, who scored 17 points in a 90-87 preparation victory for Nigeria over the United States before the Olympics. 

“Not too many people get that kind of opportunity so, despite the results, I’m grateful to have been able to experience it.”

Agada was back in the CEBL in 2022 and helped his local team, the Hamilton Honey Badgers, to the title.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All-CEBL First Team ✅ <br>All-CEBL Canadian Team ✅<br>CEBL Canadian Player of the Year ✅<br>CEBL Defensive Player of the Year ✅<br>2022 CEBL Champion ✅<br><br>What a year for Caleb Agada! 🏆🏀🙌🏾<br><br>@AgadaBall <a href=https://t.co/9NOKcq1ZXS>pic.twitter.com/9NOKcq1ZXS</a></p>&mdash; Brampton Honey Badgers (@HoneyBadgersCAN) <a href=https://twitter.com/HoneyBadgersCAN/status/1567544899238596610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>September 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

"It was a great experience, something I wanted to be a part of as a professional. We had a great group of players and coaches, we were connected the whole year and winning that championship wasn’t too difficult, but was very fun and rewarding,” Agada said. 

Agada has begun to use his popularity in basketball to start giving back to the community - both in Canada and Nigeria. He holds an annual AgadaBall camp in Burlington and also has the Agada Ball Charity and AgadaBall Classic to help kids in Nigeria.

“I just wanted to give back to the communities that raised me. I help the youth basketball community in Otukpo, Nigeria, and in the Burlington and Hamilton region in Canada. I have more projects coming in 2024,” Agada promised.

Agada continues to show how much Canada and Nigeria mean to him.