Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has signed Latvian playmaker Arturs Zagars to a three-year contract, the club announced on Monday. Zagars (1.90 meters, 23 years old) will play the first season of that contract on loan at BC Wolves. He comes off an outstanding summer on the Latvian national team, which Zagars helped to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul signs Arturs Zagars, will join BC Wolves on loan

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has signed Latvian playmaker [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/arturs-zagars/008104/) to a three-year contract, the club announced on Monday. Zagars (1.90 meters, 23 years old) will play the first season of that contract on loan at Wolves Vilnius.

### Making a name at the FIBA World Cup

He comes off an outstanding summer on the Latvian national team, which Zagars helped to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He averaged 12.4 points on 41.7% three-point shooting and 7.4 assists over eight games. Zagars was named to the All-World Cup Second Team after he ranked fifth in assists and set a World Cup record with 17 assists – and 0 turnovers – in his final game against Lithuania.

Arturs Zagars's best plays in the EuroCup

### Zagars returns to the EuroCup

Zagars began his professional career with Joventut Badalona in Spain as a 17-year-old and spent parts of five seasons there – or on loan with other clubs. He played in 20 EuroCup games in that time, averaging 2.7 points and 1.8 assists in 10 fixtures in 2019-20, 1.0 point per night across seven games in 2020-21 and 5.7 points and 2.0 assists in three contests in 2021-22. 

Now, he returns to the competition with Wolves after earning more experience in domestic basketball with Braunschweig, where he saw out the 2021-22 campaign and posted 7.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 13 German League. Last season, Zagars joined Nevezis Kedainiai of the Lithuanian League and averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals over 22 games.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Kulübümüz, 2023 FIBA Dünya Kupası’nda harika bir performans göstererek turnuvanın en iyi ikinci beşine seçilen Letonyalı genç oyun kurucu Arturs Zagars ile üç yıllık anlaşmaya vardı. ✍️💛💙<br><br>Oyuncumuz, anlaşma kapsamında ilk sezonunu EuroCup’ta mücadele edecek Litvanya temsilcisi… <a href="https://t.co/FWu0n8jx62">pic.twitter.com/FWu0n8jx62</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1703673467827024344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A star for the future

 

Still just 23, Zagars will continue his development with Wolves, which is making its EuroCup debut in the 2023-24 season. Then, once the campaign is over, the talented point guard will head to Fenerbahce, where the hope is that he will be able to make a big impact on the 2024-25 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

BC Wolves News

Arturs Zagars, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's latest signing, in action for Joventut Badalona in the 2019-20 BKT EuroCup season.

Fenerbahce signs Arturs Zagars, will join Wolves on loan

After a dreamlike debut EuroCup season in which it reached the quarterfinals and trailed by a point in the last minute before bowing out, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv is back and looking to cement its status as a European force. Coach Danny Franco has the core of last season's squad back, including three starters, and together there is a healthy mix of talent, hunger and confidence needed for another special season. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

After a dreamlike debut EuroCup season in which it reached the quarterfinals and trailed by a point in the last minute before bowing out, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv is back and looking to cement its status as a European force. Coach Danny Franco has the core of last season's squad back, including three starters, and together there is a healthy mix of talent, hunger and confidence needed for another special season. 

### BACKCOURT

The starting backcourt of J'Covan Brown and Xavier Munford will resume their duties. Brown was named to the All-EuroCup Second Team after leading the competition with 6.7 assists per game. Munford ranked in the EuroCup top 10 in scoring with 15.1 points per game on outstanding percentages. The experienced duo play well together and are as good a guard tandem as one can find in the EuroCup. 

The best plays of Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv guard J'Covan Brown, one of the contenders to be named the 7DAYS EuroCup MVP.

J'Covan Brown | EuroCup MVP candidates

Bar Timor was the first guard off the bench last season and able to fit along seamlessly next to either Brown or Munford. Now entering his seventh EuroCup campaign, Timor will take big shots when needed and is a dependable ball handler. Gil Beni, 24, only played 8:32 minutes per game, but in them managed to frazzle opposing playmakers with his aggressive defense and used his speed to always push the pace. Yonatan Rabinowitz is a product of the Hapoel youth system and returns home this season after a year in Austria to carve out a role in the backcourt. 

Swingman Braian Angola was close to signing with Hapoel's crosstown rival and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague side Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. Hapoel is thrilled to get this multi-faceted player, who should be a key player this season. He will share minutes at the small forward spot with John Holland, who has twice been to the EuroCup Finals. Holland played in the EuroLeague last season with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. He embodies toughness and energy, which – along with his fine shooting touch, could prove decisive at big moments. Teenager Eyal Harel will look to learn from the cast of players around him to prepare for a larger role in the future. 

### FRONTCOURT

One of the team leaders, power forward Tomer Ginat is an impact player at both ends of the floor. He can score close to the basket and from outside, is a fine passer from the post, is a very good rebounder and has averaged more than 1 steal per game over three EuroCup seasons. Despite only starting one game last season, Jaylen Hoard was twice the EuroCup MVP of the Round and he was second in the competition in PIR on a per-minute basis. The sky is the limit for Hoard in this go-around in the EuroCup. Gal Sternberg is another product of the Hapoel youth setup who has returned home more experienced to contribute as a reserve for his boyhood club. 

With a near-perfect 22 minutes off the bench in a rousing home win to end the regular season, forward Jaylen Hoard of Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv earned the second MVP of the Round honor of his first 7DAYS EuroCup season.

Jaylen Hoard  | Round 18 MVP | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

The last year has been an eventful one for Kyle Alexander, who made his EuroLeague debut with Valencia Basket and then won a bronze medal at the Basketball World Cup with the Canadian national team. The high-flyer should fit well with the attacking style of the Hapoel guards and be the beneficiary of many lob passes setting him up for alley-oop slams. Idan Zalmanson is more of an old-school center with a good mid-range jumper and a great nose for rebounds. He was the recipient of most of the backup center minutes last season, but the signing of Jeff Withey on a short-term deal with an option could change things. Very mobile for his 2.13-meter frame, Withey is a great rim protector and an efficient scorer in the paint. 

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Somewhat of a late bloomer, Columbian swingman Braian Angola did not start his professional career until he was 24. However, over the last few seasons in Europe, he has made quite a name for himself. Angola played briefly for Partizan Belgrade in his first season on the Old Continent and in the second led small Israeli club Ironi Nes Ziona on a Cinderella run to win the FIBA EuroCup Cup. In the two seasons since, Angola has been a true stat sheet stuffer who can score, defend, rebound and pass at a high level. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">אנגולה מוכן, <br>14:30 מתחילים בתיכונט, הכניסה חופשית על בסיס מקום פנוי. <a href=https://t.co/V42MEBre2E>pic.twitter.com/V42MEBre2E</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href=https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1700096670875124136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>September 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

Last season with Pinar Karsiyaka he had a 41-point game in the Basketball Champions League and averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the Turkish League. What could make Angola a perfect fit with Hapoel special is not just his well-rounded game, but the strengths of the players around him. Angola should both see more room to operate and more open looks on offense plus the ability to gamble for more steals on defense thanks to the players behind him. With all of that a possibility, Angola quickly becomes a player to watch. 

### OUTLOOK

On top of everything else, Hapoel starts the game with three straight home games and none of them are against any of last season's quarterfinalists. That opening stretch is quite promising for a team that went 9-1 at home last season and should help Coach Franco's men find their groove before their first road test at Veolia Towers Hamburg. This team was built with star power and experience in mind, 12 players have played in the EuroLeague, EuroCup or both in the past. And after reaching the quarterfinals last season, Hapoel will be aiming even higher in 2023-24.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has announced the signing of Jaka Klobucar for the coming season. Klobucar (1.98 meters, 36 years old) returns for a second spell with Cedevita, having played in the EuroLeague for the team in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Klobucar has played three seasons in the EuroLeague (2008-10 with Cedevita and 2010-11 with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade) and one campaign in the EuroCup (2018-19 with Galatasaray Istanbul). 

Jaka Klobucar seals return to Cedevita Olimpija

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has announced the signing of [Jaka Klobucar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaka-klobucar/001235/) for the coming season. Klobucar (1.98 meters, 36 years old) returns for a second spell with Cedevita, having played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the team in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. The former Slovenian national team player most recently played in Hungary for Duna Aszfalt, averaging 10.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals in 29 domestic games. Klobucar has played three seasons in the EuroLeague (2008-09 and 2009-10 with Cedevita and 2010-11 with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade) and one campaign in the BKT EuroCup (2018-19 with Galatasaray Istanbul). Now, he brings his experience back to the EuroCup in a jersey that he is very familiar with; the famous strip of Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Jaka Klobučar is back among the Dragons!<br><br>Welcome to Cedevita Olimpija, Jaka! 💚🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevoSrce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevoSrce</a> <a href="https://t.co/m2Zkd2hXwA">pic.twitter.com/m2Zkd2hXwA</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1702273023854682420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Cedevita Olimpija News

Jaka Klobucar (right) has just returned to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

Jaka Klobucar seals return to Cedevita

Turk Telekom Ankara is coming off a season in which it reached the EuroCup Final, yet heading into the 2023-24 campaign, the squad looks rather different. In fact, just two players from last season's team are still on the roster, while Nenad Canak has replaced Erdem Can as head coach. Nevertheless, expectations remain high for Turk Telekom as it looks to reach the EuroLeague for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Turk Telekom Ankara

Turk Telekom Ankara is coming off a season in which it reached the BKT EuroCup Final, yet heading into the 2023-24 campaign, the squad looks rather different. In fact, just two players from last season's team are still on the roster, while [Nenad Canak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-makes-nenad-canak-its-new-head-coach/) has replaced new Anadolu Efes Istanbul tactician Erdem Can as head coach. Nevertheless, expectations remain high for Turk Telekom as it looks to reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

### BACKCOURT

In the hope of building on last year's successes, Turk Telekom has a backcourt pairing that should strike fear into the rest of Group B. [Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-versatility-with-guard-tyrone-wallace/) averaged 15.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his rookie EuroCup campaign with Paris Basketball in 2022-23, and he will be expected to take on a starring role for Turk Telekom next season. The play of Wallace will be complimented by a player who was competing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season: [Jalen Adams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/jalen-adams-heads-to-turk-telekom-ankara/). In a reserve role for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Adams posted 6.7 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per night before an injury brought his campaign to a premature end. Together, Wallace and Adams are likely to cause plenty of headaches for opposition head coaches next season.

The best plays of new Turk Telekom Ankara guard Jalen Adams in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Jalen Adams's top plays in 2022-23

Another new addition, [Ismail Cem Ulusoy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-tabs-point-guard-ismail-cem-ulusoy/), returns to the EuroCup after making 15 appearances off the bench between 2014 and 2016 for Banvit Bandirma. Now 26 years old, Ulusoy averaged 8.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 21 Turkish League games for Petkim Spor last season. He should provide a good level of competition behind expected starters Wallace and Adams. Then, the only two players from last season's roster that are still playing for Turk Telekom fill out the remaining spots in the backcourt: the 21-year-old [Boran Guler](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-inks-boran-guler-to-contract-extension/) and the 36-year-old [Mehmet Yagmur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-renews-veteran-mehmet-yagmur/).

### FRONTCOURT

Another player who shined in the 2022-23 edition of the EuroCup and will now be suiting up for Turk Telekom is [James Palmer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-gets-scorer-palmer/). In his first-ever EuroCup season, Palmer averaged 15.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals for Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. The American swingman will be tasked with bringing scoring to the "three" position. He will be backed up by fellow new signing [Okben Ulubay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-inks-former-champ-okben-ulubay/), who played 20 times in the EuroCup for Darussafaka in the 2017-18 season. Ulubay averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Besiktas Istanbul in the Turkish League last year.

The best plays of new Turk Telekom Ankara forward James Palmer in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

James Palmer's top plays in 2022-23

At power forward, [Markis McDuffie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-forward-mcduffie/) will make his EuroCup debut after posting 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals for Dijon in the French League last season. McDuffie, another American, is likely to get the nod as a starter at the "four". [Yigitcan Saybir](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-more-size-with-saybir/), who averaged 6.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in a bench role for Frutti Extra Bursaspor last year's EuroCup campaign, will be pushing McDuffie as they fight for minutes. Another player in this battle for game time will be [Troy Selim Sav](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-tabs-turkish-big-man-sav/), who can play at the "four" or the "five". Sav made his EuroCup debut with Darussafaka in the 2019-20 season, and he comes off a season in which he impressed with Turkish side Manisa, posting 7.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.

The center position is set to be occupied by [Steven Enoch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-tabs-steven-enoch/), who – like Adams – has brought his talents from the EuroLeague to the EuroCup. Enoch found himself in a reserve role last season after an impressive EuroLeague debut campaign in 2021-22, and he will be keen to get back on track in a Turk Telekom jersey. The big man posted 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds for Baskonia in the EuroLeague last season, but expect to see those numbers swell for Turk Telekom in the EuroCup. Enoch will be supported by [Metehan Akyel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-center-akyel/), who is set to act as the American's backup next season.

The best plays of new Turk Telekom Ankara center Steven Enoch in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons.

Steven Enoch's top plays in 2021-22 and 2022-23

### PLAYER TO WATCH

There are a few good options here, but Tyrone Wallace just edges it. The former Paris guard was a very consistent performer last season, reaching double figures for points in 13 of his 15 appearances, as the French side made it to the EuroCup Quarterfinals in its debut season in the competition. Given the departure of Jerian Grant, the 2022-23 EuroCup MVP, Wallace arrives at Turk Telekom with plenty of responsibility on his shoulders.

It is often difficult to find chemistry when there have been so many changes to a team's roster, but it will be Wallace's job to make sure that everyone is involved, in addition to scoring the ball himself. Hopes are high for Turk Telekom, and Wallace's performances will be a good indicator of just how far the Turkish side can go.

The best plays of new Turk Telekom Ankara guard Tyrone Wallace in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

Tyrone Wallace's top plays in 2022-23

### OUTLOOK

As intimated above, changing almost the entire roster and also the head coach could lead to a bit of instability in the early weeks of the EuroCup season. Yet, Coach Canak has plenty of experience under his belt and some incredibly talented players to work with, so there's no reason to think that Turk Telekom will not be one of the teams fighting for the title come the end of the season.

A lot will depend on how the players acclimatize to the methods of Coach Canak, but with the likes of Wallace, Adams, Palmer and Enoch all set to play leading roles next season, Turk Telekom seems set for an impressive campaign in 2023-24.

More Turk Telekom News

BC Wolves have confirmed the signing of Vaidas Kariniauskas, who has penned a two-year deal with the team. Kariniauskas (1.98 meters, 29 years old) split last season between Brose Bamberg of Germany and CS Rapid Bucuresti of Romania. Kariniauskas, a Lithuanian international, has plenty of experience under his belt, having represented 16 teams in his career. He previously played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2014-15 season.

BC Wolves bring in Vaidas Kariniauskas

Wolves Vilnius have confirmed the signing of [Vaidas Kariniauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vaidas-kariniauskas/003212/), who has penned a two-year deal with the team. Kariniauskas (1.98 meters, 29 years old) split last season between Brose Bamberg of Germany and CS Rapid Bucuresti of Romania. In six German League games, the point guard averaged 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steal. Then, in 20 Romanian League fixtures, Kariniauskas posted 12.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Kariniauskas, a Lithuanian international, has plenty of experience under his belt, having represented 16 teams in his career. He previously played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2014-15 season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">29-year-old Vaidas Kariniauskas has joined the team! The point guard of Lithuanian national team has signed a two-year deal. Welcome to the pack! 💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreWolves?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreWolves</a> <a href="https://t.co/J0y7uXJJNK">pic.twitter.com/J0y7uXJJNK</a></p>&mdash; BC WOLVES (@wolves_bc) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolves_bc/status/1702242399223775329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Wolves News

New Wolves Vilnius signing Vaidas Kariniauskas in action for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2014-15 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Wolves bring in Vaidas Kariniauskas

After falling short of the playoffs in its first BKT EuroCup season, Romanian champion U-BT Cluj-Napoca has replaced roughly half its roster in attempts to reach the same goal despite a new format that makes it harder. The presence of four key contributors from last season and the addition of an experienced EuroCup floor general should help Cluj strike a better balance between offense and defense than in its first EuroCup campaign. Getting out of competitive Group B of the regular season will require that much, and more.

 2023-24 Roster Rundown: U-BT Cluj-Napoca 

After falling short of the playoffs in its first BKT EuroCup season, Romanian champion U-BT Cluj-Napoca has replaced roughly half its roster in attempts to reach the same goal despite a new format that makes it harder. The presence of four key contributors from last season and the addition of an experienced EuroCup floor general should help Cluj strike a better balance between offense and defense than in its first EuroCup campaign. Getting out of competitive Group B of the regular season will require that much, and more.

### BACKCOURT

Cluj has tapped on of the most experienced EuroCup point guards it could find by bringing in [D. J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-seals-deal-for-veteran-combo-guard-d-j-seeley/), an accomplished veteran who can score, distribute and defend. He will share ballhandling duties with another newcomer, [Bryce Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-tabs-point-guard-bryce-jones/), who has also been a proven scorer and assist-maker in France and the Basketball Champions League. Their ability to slow opposing point guards ball will be necessary if Cluj, which ranked eighth in scoring last season, is to improve on the defensive end, where it allowed almost 90 points per game. Seeley and Jones will have plenty of capable targets for their passes, beginning with returning swingman [Patrick Richard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-extends-guard-richard-for-3-more-years/) and incoming small forward [Jarell Eddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-adds-three-point-threat-eddie/). Richard is an all-around threat who scored the second-most points and dished the most assists for Cluj in the EuroCup last season. Eddie is a three-point marksman who will keep defenses honest and open up space for his teammates. Returning guard [Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-extends-guzman-until-2025/) ensure plenty of depth after he averaged 9.3 points as a part-time starter last season. The same goes for new national signing [Mihai Maciuca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-makes-maciuca-its-first-addition/), who will make his EuroCup debut, while teenage point man [David Lapuste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-extends-talented-guard-lapuste/) will continue his development.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Getting ready for the next season! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HaideU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HaideU</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cluj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cluj</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eurocup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eurocup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#basketball</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/CmChlfeNme">https://t.co/CmChlfeNme</a></p>&mdash; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1692578035621413232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>`

### FRONTCOURT

Cluj's top returning per-game scorer is crafty veteran [Andrija Stipanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-and-veteran-center-andrija-stipanovic-stay-together/), who combined 12.1 points with 2.9 assists – a high average for a center – last season. He will share time with solid homegrown big man [Emanuel Cate](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-re-signs-center-cate/), who grew up in Real Madrid's youth system and turned pro in the Spanish League before returning home last season, when he put up 9.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. A key to Cluj's defensive aspiration will be new power forward [Mareks Mejeris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-adds-defensive-ace-mareks-mejeris/), who returns to the EuroCup for the first time since his deput with Riga in his native Latvia back in 2014-15. He has since filled the role of frontcourt defensive stopper in five countries, last with Hapoel Jerusalem of Israel. Young big man [Eduard Roschnafsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/eduard-roschnafsky/011907/) will be waiting in the wings for opportunities to break into the frontcourt rotation.

Patrick Richard, Andrija Stipanovic Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

2022-23 EuroCup highlights Andrija Stipanovic and Patrick Richard U-BT Cluj-Napoca

### PLAYER TO WATCH

With nearly 150 games over nine seasons of EuroCup and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague experience, it's safe to say that [D. J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/cluj-seals-deal-for-veteran-combo-guard-d-j-seeley/) will fill a major role as Cluj's on-court leader. Seeley has been a trusted point man for major clubs in both competitions, most recently spending the last two seasons with FC Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he will be relied on for his competence as a scorer and passer, but mostly for his ability to direct a team on both ends of the floor. Cluj's problem last season was defense, and that starts on the ball, where Seeley's dedication and extra height as a 1.93-meter point guard can prove invaluable. Seeley's steady hand at pacing the game and making sure all his teammates are involved, though no flashy, may well prove essential to Cluj's hopes of reaching the playoffs.

Dennis Seeley Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Dennis Seeley Top Plays of the 2022-23 EuroLeague

### OUTLOOK

A second EuroCup season under long-time head coach [Mihai Silvasan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/silvasan-mihai/?season=U2023) is another opportunity for Cluj to keep Romanian basketball relevant at the highest echelons in Europe. The challenges are many. Cluj must protect its home court, first and foremost, but its league-low 1-8 road record last season needs to get better. The coach and his players will have to be mentally ready to walk into any arena believing not only that they belong, but are there to win. Many teams have stepped up in their second EuroCup season and Cluj will no doubt be poised to make its learning experience from last season count in this one.

U-BT Cluj-Napoca 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: U-BT Cluj-Napoca

Slask Wroclaw adds swingman Mateusz Zebski

Slask Wroclaw has confirmed the signing of Mateusz Zebski, who has joined the club on a one-year deal. Zebski (1.90 meters, 31 years old) spent last season with Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski, where he averaged 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal in 30 Polish League fixtures. He is the sixth new addition to Slask's roster ahead of the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season. Next season, Zebski will make his EuroCup debut. He has spent his entire career playing in Poland, of which the last five have been in the Polish top flight.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Już oficjalnie ✍️ Mateusz Zębski będzie naszym zawodnikiem w sezonie 2023/24 ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://t.co/E0aimBeT8N">pic.twitter.com/E0aimBeT8N</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1701576156456030209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Slask Wroclaw News

New Slask Wroclaw signing Mateusz Zebski celebrates a made basket for Enea Abramczyk Astoria Bydgoszcz in the 2021-22 season.

Slask adds swingman Mateusz Zebski

After a 2022-23 season that ended in disappointment and another elimination in the EuroCup Eighthfinals, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica thoroughly re-shaped its roster over the summer. Buducnost kept its head coach Petar Mijovic, who took over late last season, along with only four players from a season ago, while adding nine new faces that the club hopes will help the perennial Montenegrin champion go, at least, a step further in the EuroCup. Here's a look at the new Buducnost roster.

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

After a [2022-23 season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/games/bud/?season=2022-23) that ended in disappointment and another elimination in the EuroCup Eighthfinals, [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2022-23) thoroughly re-shaped its roster over the summer. Buducnost kept its head coach [Petar Mijovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/mijovic--petar/?season=U2023), who took over late last season, along with only four players from a season ago, while adding nine new faces that the club hopes will help the perennial Montenegrin champion go, at least, a step further in the EuroCup. Here's a look at the new Buducnost roster.

### BACKCOURT

Buducnost will have a brand new backcourt run by a pair of young and explosive point guards, [Colbey Ross](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-brings-in-italian-league-mvp-colbey-ross/) and [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-signs-playmaker-mckinley-wright/), who are poised to make immediate impacts in their respective EuroCup debuts. While Wright arrives from the NBA, where he spent part of last season playing alongside Luka Doncic, Ross is coming off a fantastic season in which he was named Italian League MVP. The two players should make Buducnost fun to watch and will also have plenty of dangerous weapons around them.

Allerik Freeman Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season

Allerik Freeman: 2022-23 EuroCup highlights

The most prolific scorer on the squad is certainly [Allerik Freeman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/allerik-freeman/010389/), who has career averages of 14.0 points and 2.2 triples made on 42.2% three-point shooting in the EuroCup. The only backcourt player who returns from last season is 27-year-old shooting guard [Petar Popovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/petar-popovic/007398/) who will be entering his eighth season with the team.

Popovic will also be joined on the perimeter by [Vladimir Mihailovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vladimir-mihailovic/002740/), another proven scoring guard and a Montenegrin national team player who comes back to the club after a decade away. Rounding out this bunch is [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-inks-sharpshooter-fletcher-magee/), a pure shooter who until recently held the NCAA career record with 509 three-pointers made, providing Buducnost with tremendous perimeter range and depth.

Cameron Reynolds: 2022-23 EuroCup highlights

### FRONTCOURT

The most prominent new piece for Buducnost in the paint is big man [JaCorey Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jacorey-williams/010432/), who uses his muscle and athleticism to make his presence felt inside. Williams could be a great beneficiary of passes coming from Ross and Wright. New center [Marvin Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marvin-jones/010248/) is another newcomer with previous EuroCup experience, although a brief one three years ago. He is a good rebounder and a rim protector.

Buducnost will have plenty of size next to these two. [Marko Jagodic-Kuridza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-jagodic-kuridza/004397/) is reliable at crashing the glass, a returnee to the team who brings a much-needed veteran presence and smarts. Small forward [Cameron Reynolds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/cameron-reynolds/011042/) is another solid rebounder and a man who can score in bunches, having knocked down at least 35 three-pointers in each of his two previous seasons in the competition, good for 2.2 triples made on average.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can’t get none of this, we’re running this<br>Well taker, earth shaker, 3 point gunning this 🤘<br><br>Grbović was on fire last night, 5/6 for 3 PTS 👌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thefuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thefuture</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ML6MkCldG">pic.twitter.com/0ML6MkCldG</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1696449630265803128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Alongside them, Buducnost has three athletic forwards who are all capable of contributing, the 24-year-old [Andrija Slavkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrija-slavkovic/006566/), teenager [Andrija Grbovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrija-grbovic/009214/), as well as [Aleksa Ilic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksa-ilic/006561/), a veteran of five EuroCup seasons and 40 appearances under his belt.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Coming into the competition with the pedigree of an Italian League MVP automatically draws attention, and point guard [Colbey Ross](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/buducnost-brings-in-italian-league-mvp-colbey-ross/) will surely be in the spotlight all season. In only his second professional season, Ross had a fantastic campaign with Pallacanestro Varese, where he averaged 17.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.1 steals. Ross has a knack for scoring the basketball and especially thrives attacking the basket, but also has deep shooting range; he knocked down 38.8% of his shots from behind the three-point arc a season ago. Now, this 1.85-meter danger is poised to drive opposing defenses crazy at the next level in his premier EuroCup season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Ross: Želim da napredujemo iz dana u dan 🔵⚪️<br><br>Colbey Ross je stigao u Podgoricu iz Sjedinjenih Američkih Država i za naš sajt pričao o iskustvu u Italiji i šta očekuje od naredne sezone.<a href="https://t.co/8t4XDulNk3">https://t.co/8t4XDulNk3</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFuture</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQQgeivefR">pic.twitter.com/oQQgeivefR</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1690999265462558720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### OUTLOOK

Many things might have not worked as planned for Buducnost last season, so the team enters 2023-24 with a revamped roster. Buducnost has playmakers, shooters, rebounding aces and athletic dunkers on its roster. With a mix of veterans and fresh faces eager to prove themselves at this level, Buducnost has an intriguing roster, which might be its deepest in several years. For such a squad, it might take time for all things to click, but it is no secret that the bar is set high in the Montenegrin capital, and the three-time EuroCup quarterfinalist is aiming for a long run.

Umana Reyer Venice enters its fifth consecutive season in the EuroCup and it has reached the knockout stages in three of the previous four. The club underwent a roster turnover over the summer with seven new faces coming in. However, several of them have previous EuroCup experience, which should be helpful in trying to get off to a strong start. Here's a rundown of the dozen players at the disposal of former EuroCup-winning head coach Neven Spahija for the 2023-24 campaign. 

2023-24 Roster Rundown: Umana Reyer Venice 

[Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/games/vnc/?season=2023-24) enters its fifth consecutive season in the EuroCup and it has reached the knockout stages in three of the previous four. The club underwent a roster turnover over the summer with seven new faces coming in. However, several of them have previous EuroCup experience, which should be helpful in trying to get off to a strong start. Here's a rundown of the dozen players at the disposal of former EuroCup-winning head coach [Neven Spahija](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/spahija-neven/?season=U2023) for the 2023-24 campaign.

### BACKCOURT

Reyer should have an aggressive look as two of its lead ball-handlers are also talented scorers. [Marco Spissu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marco-spissu/004381/) comes off a very strong first season in the EuroCup in which he led the club in assists and steals. He is also an outstanding three-point shooter. Newcomer [Barry Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/barry-brown-jr-heads-to-reyer-venezia/) was fourth in the Australian League in scoring last season and was selected as the league's best sixth man. He could be a force in Venice. [Andrea Di Nicolao](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrea-de-nicolao/000968/), 32, is the only pure point guard on the roster and the most experienced of the bunch with 101 career EuroCup games over eight seasons with four clubs under his belt.

[Rayjon Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/reyer-adds-scoring-punch-with-rayjon-tucker/) will play on the Old Continent for the first time and all signs point to him generating plenty of offense for Reyer. Last season, Tucker was sixth in the Australian League in scoring. One-time youth sensation, [Davide Casarin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/davide-casarin/009400/) returned to Venice this summer with more experience after two seasons away. The 20-year-old, whose father Federico is the club president, will seek to earn a bigger role in the rotation.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elevation 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://t.co/p16gqWqx0a">pic.twitter.com/p16gqWqx0a</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1696764692293722567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### FRONTCOURT

The "three" spot is expected to be shared by [Jordan Parks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jordan-parks/011909/) and [Alex O'Connell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/reyer-venezia-signs-explosive-swingman-alex-oconnell/). Parks acquitted himself well as a do-it-all contributor and part-time starter last season, his first in the competition. O'Connell enjoyed an impressive college career and made his professional debut in the G-League last season. Now he comes to Italy and will debut in the EuroCup. Between them, Coach Spahija will have a pair of difference makers at small forward.

Another up-and-comer on the Reyer roster is [Aamir Simms](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aamir-simms/011928/), who made quite a debut last season with Paris Basketball. Simms showed himself as a great shooter and a top-notch rebounder. His skills lend themselves to exploiting all sorts of mismatches. Veteran [Jeff Brooks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeff-brooks/004117/), 34, left his mark off the bench last season with more contributions than can be seen in the stat sheet. Mostly known for his defense and hustle, [Giga Janelidze](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/reyer-tabs-forward-giga-janelidze/) should be a valuable asset off the bench.

Bruno Caboclo Top Plays of the 2022-23 Regular Season and of the 2022-23 Playoffs

Bruno Caboclo 2022-23 EuroCup highlights

[Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) joined ratiopharm Ulm midway through last season and helped turn the team's season around. He was named to the All-EuroCup Second Team, despite only playing 11 games, as he led the team to the quarterfinals. Now he gets a full season to shine with Reyer. A EuroCup champion the season before with Virtus Segafredo Bologna, [Amedeo Tessitori](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/amedeo-tessitori/003759/) was an important reserve for Reyer last season thanks to his shot-making and shot-blocking and he will continue to fill that role in 2023-24.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

[Aamir Simms](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aamir-simms/011928/)'s career has been on a constant rise. He steadily improved over four seasons of college basketball at Clemson University. Then made his pro debut in the G-League. Last season, Simms's second as a professional, saw him put up some monster offensive numbers with Paris Basketball in the EuroCup: 12.9 points on 61.8% two-point shooting and 40.3% three-point shooting plus 4.6 rebounds over 15 games. He was even on pace for a 50-40-90 shooting season before he missed 2 free throws in the EuroCup Eighthfinals.

Aamir Simms stood out in his BKT EuroCup debut season with Paris Basketball.

Aamir Simms: 2022-23 EuroCup highlights

The move to Reyer will naturally bring more expectations, but Simms will not be expected to carry the load offensively. He will be able to take advantage of the weapons around him to find the right shots. If Simms continues his year-to-year growth, he could be in for an even bigger season. And that would mean big things for Reyer, too.

### OUTLOOK

Reyer has a nice mix of all the things one looks for when building a contender. It has veteran leaders in Brooks and Di Nicolao. There is a star at the peak of his powers in Caboclo. A former champ in Tessitori. A rising star in Simms. Players in their primes in Spissu and Parks. And promising newcomers in Brown, O'Connell and Tucker. It won't be easy as Reyer starts the season in London before three straight games against teams that reached the quarterfinals last season. If Coach Spahija's men can weather the storm and grow during that stretch, they could be in the running to advance to the knockout stages once again.