Don’t be surprised to see Skylar Mays smiling on the court in the BKT EuroCup. After a number of tough years trying to make the highest stages of basketball, the Buducnost VOLI Podgorica guard is focused on something else – finding the love of the game he had when he was seven years old. 

Buducnost’s Mays looking to return to the joy of seven-year-old Skylar 

Don’t be surprised to see [Skylar Mays](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/skylar-mays/013396/) smiling on the court in the BKT EuroCup. After a number of tough years trying to make the highest stages of basketball, the [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/) guard is focused on something else – finding the love of the game he had when he was seven years old. 

Mays has helped Buducnost to a 4-2 record in Group B of the EuroCup with 12.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals. 

“We’re all interested in winning and in the sacrifice that comes with it. We’re continuing to learn to lean on our depth. We feel like we have strength in numbers – very strong 11 to 12 guys – and that’s going to benefit us throughout the ups and downs of the season and the everyday grind,” Mays told David Hein. 

Mays knows all too well about the everyday grind season over season and the uncertainty he has experienced the last few years trying to make the NBA. The Louisiana native was selected in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He spent four seasons bouncing back and forth between the NBA and the G-League, playing a total of 105 regular season games over the four years with three different NBA teams. 

“The hardest part is staying ready when you’re not playing much. You might go weeks without seeing the court, and when your chance comes, you have to be great. You’re always fighting to move up the depth chart. It’s one thing to make it to the NBA; it’s another to stick,” said the 28-year-old Mays, who averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 assists in 10 minutes per game across 105 NBA regular-season games. “There are a lot of talented guys who just don’t get the chance to show it. You have to stay mentally strong and be confident even when you’re sitting.”

The best plays of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica guard Skylar Mays through the first six rounds of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season.

Skylar Mays's top plays so far this season

Before the 2024-25 campaign, EuroLeague side [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) was interested in bringing in the 1.94-meter tall Mays. But he wanted to make the Minnesota Timberwolves through training camp. Things did not work out and he decided it was time to try the European market instead of a return to the G League. 

Within a week of being released by Minnesota in late October 2024, Mays was in Türkiye with [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/). He played just 14 games with the Turkish team, averaging 3.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10 minutes per game. Fenerbahce released Mays three months later at the end of January 2025 as his debut did not go as hoped.

“Last year was tough. Coming to a team like Fenerbahce, with a coach trying to win it all and so much talent, without a training camp, and trying to figure it out on the fly, it was difficult,” said Mays, who started two EuroLeague games. “I have a better understanding now of why Saras \[Jasikevicius\] didn’t have time to give me a longer leash. I have no regrets. I’m just happy to be playing basketball, learning and getting better.”

Mays wishes the circumstances had made it easier for Jasikevicius to get a fair assessment of his abilities. 

“I didn’t play many minutes. So I gave myself grace. I know I’m a better player than I was able to show there, and that’s a motivating factor for me this year,” he said. “It was a culture shock – new country, new system. And when I wasn’t getting playing time, it was hard because I was hungry to play.”

Mays decided it was best to go back to the United States and finish the season in the G League as he prepared for his next opportunity. He signed early on in the summer with Buducnost, doing so at the end of July, after a good conversation with head coach Andrej Zakelj.

“He had a vision for how he wanted to use me, help me learn the European game and coach me hard. That was the main thing. I just wanted a coach who’d be honest and push me every day. He’s done that, and I feel like I’ve grown because of it,” he said. “He calls me out on my mistakes. Holds me accountable in practice and games. He holds me to a standard of making winning plays every night.”

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The main thing for Mays was actually to have a training camp with a team and a chance to start the season with the team from day one.

“This is my sixth year as a pro, and this is my first year where I feel like I'm actually going to be able to get that,” he said. 

“I feel like I'm putting on the same jersey, seeing the same guys in the locker room, and that’s what every player wants. And it’s not the story of every player. But I feel like it’s such a big part of being consistent, having some type of routine. It helps to see the same guys every day and build a rapport and build rapport with a coach and to find out where you fit in a team.”

Mays is all about enjoying his space in the team – and regaining the love of the game he had a long time ago.

“It’s vital for me. I’m not even a guy that looks at stats anymore. I’m trying to get back to that purity of when I was seven years old, and I didn’t even know what a stat sheet was,” he said.

“When you try to keep basketball there, that’s brought me the most joy. And I’m really fighting for that joy right now, because I’ve dealt with a long stretch of not having a chance to play. When you go through years and years of that, you just appreciate the ability to just tie your shoes up and go run out there and just play and not deal with the stresses of numbers or efficiency.”

When asked how close he is to getting back to that seven-year-old Skylar, he said: “I’d say I’m on my way.”

You can see that when he breaks out in a smile on the court, enjoying the game again. 

More Buducnost News

After years of bouncing from team to team, the guard is finally comfortable with Buducnost

Fantasy tips, Round 7: The under-10-credits edition! 

It feels like yesterday when the BKT EuroCup season started, but the regular season is already heading into Round 7. From time to time, instead of focusing on the biggest stars in the competition, I like to suggest players worth less than 10.0 credits who can give you an edge in private leagues and in the overall standings, which are still led by my very own colleague, Frankie Sachs. And since Frankie wants to protect his leadership, it's me again, Javi Gancedo, making this week’s tips. Here are my recommendations heading into Round 7.

 

### Keron DeShields, Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (9.4 credits) 

I am not a fan of putting new players out there, but [Keron DeShields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/keron-deshields/014167/) was so impressive in his EuroCup debut that I had to make an exception. He posted 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals for a PIR of 14 against Turk Telekom Ankara. DeShields is a good scorer and Panionios visits a run-and-gun London team. He is one to keep an eye on!

 

### Noah Kirkwood, Slask Wroclaw (8.9 credits)

No team has allowed more points or PIR in the EuroCup this season than Veolia Towers Hamburg, so it’s always worth checking out its opposition. Slask swingman [Noah Kirkwood](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noah-kirkwood/013920/) has scored in double figures and posted double-digit PIRs in four of his six appearances this season, highlighted by a 22-point, 5-assist effort two weeks ago against Reyer. Could another big game be in the cards against Hamburg?

Slask swingman Noah Kirkwood has posted double-digit PIRs in four of his six appearances this season

### Nelson Weidemann, ratiopharm ulm (7.5 credits) 

He comes off a really big game in Round 6 with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for a PIR of 16 in a 1-point win over the London Lions. With a bigger role this season, [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nelson-weidemann/006245/) has averaged 11.2 points on 54.2% three-point shooting and 100% free throws for a PIR of 10.8. That’s good value at 7.5 credits. 

### Martin Breunig, Veolia Towers Hamburg (7.3 credits)

A recent addition to the Towers, big [Martin Breunig](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/martin-breunig/014165/) has already captured a big role. Only days after joining the team, Breunig posted 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks for a PIR of 8 in 18 minutes in the EuroCup. Then he went for 7 points, 8 boards and 1 block for a PIR of 14 in the German League. His role seems destined to grow and getting in on him at such a low cost would be a shrewd move.

Javier Gancedo gives you 4 under-the-radar players to consider for your EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team this week

The action is hotting up as teams across the continent get ready for Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup. This is what lies in store on Tuesday and Wednesday.

## Tuesday, November 11

### ratiopharm ulm vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

Group B leader Bourg (5-1) will attempt to retain that status with a tough trip to face joint-second Ulm (4-2). Both teams are coming off narrow victories, with Ulm ending a two-game losing streak by edging past London behind the long-range accuracy of Nelson Weidemann, who averages 11.2 points per game on 54.2% from deep. This week he is facing the competition leader in three-point shooting, Darius McGhee, who averages 3.2 triples per night. Bourg also returned to winning ways last week, edging out Chemnitz as big man Kevin Kokila grabbed his first double-double of the season, and he will again play a key role in a competition-best Bourg defense which has limited opponents to just 70.2 points per game.

### Aris Thessaloniki Betsson vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

Group leader Bahcesehir (5-1) will look to get back to winning ways with a testing trip to Aris (3-3). The Greek team snapped a three-game losing streak by overcoming Slask at home last week, and will look for guard Bryce Jones to again show his ability to draw fouls after he netted a remarkable 17 free throws in that victory. Bahcesehir lost its perfect record with a home defeat to Hapoel last time out, and needs to recover its usual defensive meanness after allowing 90 points. The Turkish team will lean on the physical presence of Trevion Williams (13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game), while Aris will hope Arnoldas Kulboka can stay hot from deep after netting 4 triples last week.

### Slask Wroclaw vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (19:00 CET)

Two strugglers at the bottom of Group A are seeking a turnaround in fortunes as Slask (2-4) receive a visit from Hamburg (0-6). The Polish team has lost three consecutive games after continuing to struggle inside the arc, converting just 48.1% of two-point shots despite Kadre Grey averaging 15.8 points over the last four games. He will hope to profit against a Hamburg team that the league’s worst defensive record, allowing 97.7 points per night. The German team also desperately struggled offensively last time out, scoring just 55 points against Reyer despite 17 points from Carlos Stewart, who will try to win the backcourt battle with Noah Kirkwood (13 points and 3.8 assists per game).

### Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem vs. Neptunas Kleipeda (20:30 CET)

Two teams targeting a fourth straight win go head-to-head as Hapoel (4-2) welcome direct rival Neptunas (3-3). The Lithuanian team has turned on the offensive style by averaging 97 points during a three-game winning run, sparked by the EuroCup’s runaway assists leader Arnas Velickas (9.2 per game). His offensive mastery will definitely be required against a Hapoel team which has also won three in a row, most recently ending Bahcesehir’s unbeaten start behind 27 points from Jared Harper. That game also featured a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) from Austin Wiley, and Neptunas needs to counter him through a strong game from center James Karnik (12 points and 7 rebounds per game).

## Wednesday, November 12

### Besiktas GAIN Istanbul vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CET)

A big battle in Group B will see Besiktas (4-2) attempt to pull two games clear of Trento (3-3). The Turkish team has a 100% home record, scoring at least 90 points in each of those wins, and boasts the competition’s third-best three-point shooting conversion rate (38.2%) – helped by Anthony Brown averaging 12 points per game on 40% from beyond the arc. Trento gained its second straight win by narrowly downing Lietkabelis last week, and will hope that forward Peyton Aldridge can continue to lead the physical fight after he grabbed 10 rebounds in that game. The Italian team also needs another big night from Devante Jones, who has scored 21 and 20 points in the last two games.

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. BAXI Manresa (18:00 CET)

Two teams tied in the middle of Group A will battle for supremacy in a key matchup as Cluj (3-3) welcomes Manresa (3-3). Manresa will look to recover its usual defensive toughness after allowing 100 points in last week’s loss at Neptunas, while Hugo Benitez will attempt to continue to provide offensive fireworks after a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists in that game. Cluj is also looking to bounce back and make a defensive improvement after a home loss against Cedevita, and will hope competition PIR leader Fatts Russell (24 points, 6.7 assists and 25 PIR per game) will win his backcourt battle with Benitez.

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice (18:30 CET)

Another crucial Group A matchup between direct rivals will see Cedevita (4-2) defending its homecourt with a visit from Reyer (3-3). Cedevita snapped a two-game losing streak by overcoming Cluj last week behind the routine excellence of guard Umoja Gibson (15 points and 5.3 assists per night), who faces a good battle with Reyer backcourt leader RJ Cole (11.8 points and 5.2 assists per game). The Italian team has won three of its last four games and will hope to dominate its significant physical advantage over the host: Cedevita ranks last in the competition in rebounding (31.3 per game) while Reyer is top of the class in that category (39.7 rpg).

### Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (18:45 CET)

Two teams heading in different directions go head-to-head with Lietkabelis (1-5) hosting Turk Telekom (4-2). The home team hasn’t won since the season opener, while Turk Telekom has reeled off four consecutive wins mostly thanks to the second-best defense in the competition (76.7 points per game allowed). A key offensive weapon for the visitor is Jaylen Smith (14 points per game), who netted six triples in last week’s win over Panionios. To counter him, Lietkabelis needs Michael Flowers to maintain his magnificent form after netting 20 and 22 points in the last two games – a return to form by Kristian Kullamae would also be welcome after he went scoreless in last week’s loss to Trento.

### NINERS Chemnitz vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (19:00 CET)

Inconsistent Chemnitz (2-4) will look to climb towards the all-important top six at the expense of in-form Buducnost (4-2). The German team can look for leadership from Corey Davis, who averages 17.7 points and 6.2 assists. But he will have to overcome a confident Rasheed Sulaimon, who helped stretch Buducnost’s winning run to three games by pouring in 20 points against Besiktas last week. Chemnitz ranks second in the competition in two-point conversion rate (62.4%), partly thanks to Yordan Minchev averaging 9.5 points per game on 67.9% from inside the arc, so Buducnost will have to rely on another big game from Juwan Morgan, who averaged 14.5 and 5.5 boards in the last two games.

### London Lions vs. Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (20:30 CET)

The week’s final game gives two struggling teams the chance to climb the Group B standings as London (2-4) hosts Panionios (1-5). The English team has lost two straight while Panionios is on an even worse stretch, losing five in a row. London is the competition’s lowest scorer (75 points per game) despite the consistency of Kameron McGusty (16 points per game), and particularly needs to take better care of the basketball after averaging a EuroCup-high 17.7 turnovers per game. The visitor is ranked last in two-point shooting percentage (48%), but can hope to build on a solid debut from Keron Deshields, who scored 17 points in last week’s loss at Turk Telekom.

With no more unbeaten teams, the 2025-26 EuroCup campaign continues to heat up

At a glance: Tricky road games for the two group leaders

London Lions v Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens (2025-11-12T19:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-11-11T19:30:00.000Z)

NINERS Chemnitz v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-11-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Lietkabelis Panevezys v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-11-12T17:45:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-11-12T17:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas GAIN Istanbul v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v BAXI Manresa (2025-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm ulm v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-11-11T18:00:00.000Z)

One third of the BKT EuroCup Regular Season is in the books and scoring is up thanks to a jump in pace from last season.  Efficiency remains in lockstep with last season overall, but the top of the leaderboard is a bit more crowded than usual, with more teams scoring at a high level than the last several years. The team that cluster of teams is chasing is 4-2 Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem, which has scored at an impressive rate to this point on par with the performance of Paris Basketball during their record-setting championship run. 

Stats review: Jerusalem's Big Three keep doing the business

One third of the BKT EuroCup Regular Season is in the books and scoring is up thanks to a jump in pace from last season.  Efficiency remains in lockstep with last season overall, but the top of the leaderboard is a bit more crowded than usual, with more teams scoring at a high level than the last several years. The team that cluster of teams is chasing is 4-2 [Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-midtown-jerusalem/jer/), which has scored at an impressive rate to this point on par with the performance of Paris Basketball during their record-setting championship run. 

Digging a little deeper, Jerusalem can trace its early success to one of the most efficient trios in league history. Historically, there’s often a one or two teams that put two players among the most efficient volume scorers in the EuroCup in any given year. With an average of four players per team using more than 10 possessions per game over the last several seasons, that is not entirely surprising. However, what Jerusalem is doing by placing three players using over 12 possessions per game in the top six in efficiency is unprecedented. During its championship run last season, Hapoel Tel Aviv placed three players in the top 10, but only one of those three played in every game and none of them used over 12 possessions per game on the year overall. No other team this decade has come close to a similar feat, with no teams landing multiple players on the individual leaderboards in several seasons.

That puts an interesting spin on Jerusalem’s prospects moving forward as not only have [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/), [Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/) and [Khadeen Carrington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/khadeen-carrington/008912/) been uniquely impactful this season, but all of them played for Jerusalem last year too. They scored a combined 52 points in Round 6 to land the biggest win of the season thus far in Group A as they [handed Bahcesehir College Istanbul its first loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-holds-firm-to-stop-bahcesehirs-perfect-run-82-90/).

This is nothing new for Harper, who shredded defenses with his ability to score out of pick and rolls throughout last season, but Smith has shown real growth as a finisher in his second season as his teammate and solidifying himself as the most prolific roll man in the EuroCup thus far. Carrington is in his fourth season with Jerusalem but is having by far his most efficient scorer season as a pro. Like Smith, he’s found a different gear offensively, rooted largely in his sudden rise as a consistent spot up weapon to complement what he brings as a secondary ball handler.

Jerusalem’s offense has been a well-oiled machine to this point as they hold a significant edge in efficiency over [Besiktas GAIN Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-gain-istanbul/bes/) and [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/), who are off to impressive starts of their own to tie for the second-best offense in the EuroCup early on. That duo has relied on more of a platoon effort in the early going, with only [Skylar Mays](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/skylar-mays/013396/) represented above between the two rosters.

[Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) and [Mitch Creek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mitchell-creek/013927/) are the only other duo on the current list, forming a potent inside-outside combination for [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/). Their skillsets have meshed nicely up front, helping give this season’s leading scorer [Fatts Russell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/daron-russell/013943/) room to operate and dangerous threats to look for off the ball to form a big three of their own.

While Jerusalem has put themselves on a unique trajectory on the offensive end, separation has still been hard to come by in the EuroCup thus far—they sit in second place in Group A with only the league’s sixth best point-differential. How things shake out for them and the rest of the players above will be fascinating to watch as the season continues to heat up.

They form one of the most efficient trios in EuroCup history

Turk Telekom Ankara added another weapon to its backcourt by signing Serbian sharpshooter Uros Trifunovic

Uros Trifunovic returns to Turkiye with Turk Telekom

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/roster/ttk/) added another weapon to its backcourt by signing Serbian sharpshooter [Uros Trifunovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/uros-trifunovic/007673/), the club announced. Trifunovic (1.98 meters, 24 years old) started the season with [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/), but made only one appearance with the club in the EuroLeague and was released on Saturday.

He returns to Turkiye after starring for Tofas Bursa last season. Trifunovic averaged 11.3 points on 40.7% three-point shooting and 2.2 rebounds over 32 Turkish League games with Bursa.

A product of Partizan Belgrade’s youth system, Trifunovic played two full EuroLeague seasons with the Serbian powerhouse from 2022 to 2024, gaining valuable experience at the highest level. He also took part in three EuroCup campaigns with Partizan in which he totaled 36 appearances in the competition. Trifunovic was just 18 years old when he debuted in the EuroCup.  

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Uros Trifunovic Türk Telekom’da! ✍👏<br><br>Uros Trifunovic’i kiralık olarak takımımıza kattık. Welcome to the family, Uros Trifunovic! 🎉💙🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngbbp6afWU">pic.twitter.com/ngbbp6afWU</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1987430323567698368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Serbian sharpshooter began the season in the EuroLeague with Maccabi

Look back at all the action in Round 6 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 6

Look back at all the action from Round 6 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem claimed its seventh Winner Cup with an 89–84 victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a thrilling final at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital on Saturday night. Jerusalem added another trophy to its collection just weeks after lifting the Israeli Super Cup.

Jerusalem wins Israel's Winner Cup for the seventh time

Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem claimed its seventh Winner Cup with an 89–84 victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a thrilling final at Pais Arena in the Israeli capital on Saturday night. Jerusalem added another trophy to its collection just weeks after lifting the Israeli Super Cup.

Jared Harper was named MVP of the finals after starring for the winners with 33 points and 5 assists. His performance echoed last season’s playoff heroics, when his buzzer-beater eliminated Tel Aviv in the semifinals. Harper's backcourt mate, Khadeen Carrington, added 15 points, Roi Huber followed with 12 and Yovel Zoosman 10. Antonio Blakeney paced Tel Aviv with 19 points, Elijah Bryant scored 18 and Vasa Micic tallied 14 points and 6 assists.

The matchup delivered everything expected from two of Israel’s biggest clubs. Jerusalem entered the game looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the season, highlighted by a recent EuroCup win over Besiktas Gain Istanbul. Tel Aviv, meanwhile, sought to end a 32-year drought in domestic trophies despite its rise to EuroLeague status following last season’s BKT EuroCup triumph.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מניפים 😉 <a href="https://t.co/lZvy7yHSb5">pic.twitter.com/lZvy7yHSb5</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1987243912189100476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The game opened at a high tempo, with Jerusalem taking a 29–24 lead after the first quarter thanks to sharp shooting from Harper. Tel Aviv fought back in the second quarter, closing the gap to 52–50 at halftime behind contributions from Micic and Bryant.

The third quarter proved decisive. Harper ignited Jerusalem with a deep three-pointer and added more baskets during a 7–0 run, while Carrington and Zoosman chipped in to push the lead to 76–64. Tel Aviv responded in the fourth quarter with a surge led by Blakeney, trimming the margin to just 4 points. However, Austin Wiley’s dunk and Harper’s steady free throws kept Jerusalem in control, sealing the 89–84 win and sparking celebrations in the capital.

More Hapoel Jerusalem news

Jared Harper starred in a narrow victory over Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens announced on Saturday that swingman Stedmon Lemon has signed for the remainder of the season. 

Panionios tabs athletic swingman Stedmon Lemon 

Panionios Cosmorama Travel Athens announced on Saturday that swingman Stedmon Lemon has signed for the remainder of the season. Lemon (1.98 meters, 32 years old) arrives from Lebanon, where he began the 2024–25 campaign with Champville and averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 assists per game.

The athletic forward has spent most of his professional career in South American and Asia, with stops in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. After playing college basketball at Johnson C. Smith University, Lemon began his career in the G League. His only previous stint in Europe came in the Israeli second division with Hapoel Ramat Gan and Maccabi Haifa during the 2022-23 season.

Lemon now is due to make his EuroCup debut with Panionios.

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Aris Thessaloniki Betsson has confirmed the signing of Amine Noua, who has penned a contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Amine Noua lands at Aris

[Aris Thessaloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) has confirmed the signing of [Amine Noua](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/amine-noua/006068/), who has penned a contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Noua (2.02 meters, 28 years old) arrives with plenty of top-level experience, having spent four seasons in the EuroLeague and three campaigns in the BKT EuroCup. 

Last season, Noua suited up for Granada in the Spanish League, averaging 16.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 block per game across 33 appearances.

He joins an Aris side that is 3-3 through the first six rounds of the 2025-26 EuroCup season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">‼️ Η ΚΑΕ ΑΡΗΣ Betsson ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του Amine Noua για το υπόλοιπο της αγωνιστικής περιόδου 2025-26.<br><br>Read More 👉 <a href="https://t.co/0uTV8rNymX">https://t.co/0uTV8rNymX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArisBetssonBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArisBetssonBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArisFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArisFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelTheFlame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelTheFlame</a> <a href="https://t.co/oVdFxXUeSf">pic.twitter.com/oVdFxXUeSf</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1986720898963980629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In 95 EuroLeague games between 2019 and 2024, Noua has posted career averages of 5.4 points and 2.6 rebounds.

The Frenchman has made 43 career appearances in the EuroCup, coming between 2017 and 2022, averaging 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds for his career.

Noua came through at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, making his first-team debut in 2015-16, and remained there until 2021. He spent one year with MoraBanc Andorra in 2021-22, playing in the EuroCup with the Spanish team that season. He then returned to ASVEL in 2022-23 and later went on to represent Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in 2023-24.

With ASVEL, he spent three seasons in the EuroLeague (2019-20, 2020-21; 2022-23) and two in the EuroCup (2017-18, 2018-19).

More Aris News

The Frenchman brings a wealth of experience to the Greek side