Tautvydas Sabonis is the middle brother of basketball legend and Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis's three sons and now he is ready to make a name for himself as a head coach with the London Lions. 

Tautvydas Sabonis becomes the London Lions' head coach

The newest [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/london-lions/roster/lli/) head coach comes from basketball royalty. Tautvydas Sabonis is the middle brother of basketball legend and Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis's three sons and now he is ready to make a name for himself as a head coach with the London Lions.

Sabonis, 33, was born in Spain when his father played for Valladolid and played professionally in that country for Clinicas Rincon, Palma, Leyma Coruña and Amics Castello. He also played for Unicaja Malaga's youth teams and for Lithuania at the youth level. Upon his retirement from playing, Sabonis went right into coaching and has been an assistant on Zalgiris Kaunas's senior team since 2020. He will take the reins of his own team for the first time in London.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re proud to announce Tautvydas Sabonis as the new Head Coach of the London Lions for the 25/26 season. 🦁<br><br>At just 33 years old, Sabonis joins the Lions from Lithuanian giants Žalgiris Kaunas, where he quickly rose through the coaching ranks after a successful playing career… <a href="https://t.co/b11Q9x4rrV">pic.twitter.com/b11Q9x4rrV</a></p>&mdash; London Lions Basketball (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1947250594432819576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More London Lions news

Sabonis spent the last five seasons as a Zalgiris Kaunas assistant coach

An accomplished scorer, Hands returns to Greece


Panionios lands guard Jaylen Hands 

[Panionios Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/panionios-athens/roster/nio/) added firepower to its backcourt by signing guard Jaylen Hands, the club announced Monday.

Hands (1.91 meters, 27 years old) arrives from Itelyum Varese, with which he averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 30 Italian League games last season. He best game was a 42-point effort in a 95-82 win over Scafati. 

He played college basketball for UCLA before starting his professional career with the Long Island Nets in the G League. Hands also played for FMP Belgrade in Serbia, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany, Telenet Giants Antwerp in Belgium, PAOK Thessaloniki and Peristeri Athens in Greece, and Zunder Palencia in Spain. He has also been a member of the USA U16 national team. Hands is set to test his scoring skills in the BKT EuroCup for the first time next season.

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The accomplished scorer returns to Greece


He is set to make his BKT EuroCup debut 


Ulm brings in guard Mark Smith 

[ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/) announced on Monday that it has signed Mark Smith for the 2025-26 season. 

Smith (1.93 meters, 25 years old) arrives from Nagasaki Velca, where he averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 43 Japanese League games last season. He played college basketball in the University of Illinois, the University of Missouri and Kansas State University before starting his professional career with German side BG Goettingen. Smith averaged 16.5 points and 6.9 rebounds in 34 German League games during the 2022-23 campaign. He has also played for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Reboundstarker Rückkehrer in die BBL 🔝<br><br>Nach Stationen in Göttingen, Spanien und Japan verstärkt der athletische Guard jetzt ratiopharm ulm und bringt Energie, Vielseitigkeit und Führungsqualitäten mit.<br><br>Welcome to Ulm, Mark! 🥳<br><br>👉<a href="https://t.co/u16Gh5WQve">https://t.co/u16Gh5WQve</a><br><br>📷 Swen Pförtner <a href="https://t.co/Vc23pErkPS">pic.twitter.com/Vc23pErkPS</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1947197938477764639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


"When you look at Mark's style of play, it's naturally unusual how strong he is when it comes to rebounding. However, this is indicative of his overall performance. He plays with high intensity, is omnipresent defensively, and manages to create for his teammates offensively as well as act as a finisher," Ulm sports director Thorsten Leibenath said. "He is at his prime basketball age and should take a step further in his development with us."

London brings back forward Aaryn Rai 

The London Lions have reached an agreement with small forward Aaryn Rai to remain  together next season, the club announced Sunday. 

Rai (1.97 meters, 27 years old) started his professional basketball career after four seasons at Dartmouth College. He has also played for the Scarborough Shooting Stars and the Niagara River Lions in Canada, as well as for Hemel Storm and the Cheshire Phoenix in the United Kingdom. Rai helped the Phoenix win the British BBL trophy in 2024. He also won the CEBL championship with Niagara that year. Rai is set to make his BKT EuroCup debut with London.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaryn Rai will be part of the London Lions squad for the 25/26 season.<br><br>Last year’s SLB Molten MVP.<br>Let’s run it back. 🦁<br><br>🎟️ Buy early bird season tickets now via Ticketmaster<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LondonLions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LondonLions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreLondon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreLondon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AarynRai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AarynRai</a> <a href="https://t.co/zb3xKE7KsH">pic.twitter.com/zb3xKE7KsH</a></p>&mdash; London Lions Basketball (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1946889271773671837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


"I'm really excited to be coming back to London and wearing the Lions jersey again this season," Rai said after the agreement. "Looking forward to be badk playing at Copper Box in front of our amazing fans and getting some big wins for London, both domestically and in the EuroCup!” 

Rai returns after earning the British SLB MVP honors last season 


ratiopharm Ulm made another move with a focus on the future by signing a three-year deal with Meissa Faye

Ulm invests in future with talented Meissa Faye

[ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/roster/ulm/) made another move with a focus on the future by signing a three-year deal with [Meissa Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/players/meissa-faye/013064/), the club announced Sunday. 

Faye (1.99 meters, 17 years old) arrives from INSEP in France, where he played in the French lower divisions and for its U18 team at the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague tournaments.

The teenage forward posted 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds at the NextGen tournament in Belgrade, and then was INSEP’s third best scorer at the NextGen Finals in Abu Dhabi where he averaged 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

During the course of the last season, playing for Pole France Paris in the French third division, he averaged 9.1 points and 2.6 rebounds.

Ulm announced he will be gaining experience at the Orange Academy in Germany’s third division and will also play on a dual license with Ulm.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Talent aus Frankreich mit Doppellizenz 🇫🇷 <br><br>Der Jugendnationalspieler wird zu Beginn seines Dreijahresvertrags mit einer Doppellizenz für OrangeAcademy und ratiopharm ulm ausgestattet. 🚀<br><br>Bienvenue á Ulm, Meissa! 🥳<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/4AlbsMk13T">https://t.co/4AlbsMk13T</a><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/Ty2jHVVo3B">pic.twitter.com/Ty2jHVVo3B</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1946850402198065548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from ratiopharm Ulm

The teenage forward will play for both Ulm and its Orange Academy team



Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana added a key offensive weapon to its backcourt for the 2025–26 BKT EuroCup season by signing Joseph Girard

Cedevita Olimpija captures Lithuanian League scoring leader Joseph Girard

[Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/roster/lju/) added a key offensive weapon to its backcourt for the 2025–26 BKT EuroCup season by signing Joseph Girard, the club announced Sunday.

Girard (1.85 meters, 24 years old) arrives from Nevezis Kedainiai, with which he led the Lithuanian League in scoring with 21.0 points per game last season. A prolific shooter with deep range and a fearless approach, Girard also averaged 3.0 assists. He was a 50-40-90 shooters, making 54.5% of his two-point baskets, shooting 41.5% from deep and 90.8% on free throws.

“I’m coming to Ljubljana for challenges and to win,” Girard said. “I’m excited to join a club like Cedevita Olimpija, which has a winning tradition, great fans, and a clear vision. I want to help the team get back to the top and compete hard every night.”

Girard did all of that in his first season as a professional. After setting the New York State high school record for scoring, Girard played four seasons for Syracuse University and one with Clemson University in the NCAA. He left college as one of the top 20 scorers in ACC history with 2,196 career points and ranks third in Syracuse history for three-pointers made (297).

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top scorer of the Lithuanian League, Joseph Girard III, is coming to Ljubljana! The 24-year-old, 185 cm tall American sharpshooter has signed a one-year contract with Cedevita Olimpija.<br><br>Welcome to Ljubljana, <a href="https://twitter.com/JG3_____?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JG3_____</a>! 💚🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/k1IGNw99kc">pic.twitter.com/k1IGNw99kc</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1946919791828009087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Cedevita Olimpija

He poured in 21.0 points per game in his first professional season with Nevezis  

U-BT Cluj-Napoca has signed center Nathan Mensah for the 2025-26 season

Cluj calls on defensive dynamo Nathan Mensah

[U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/roster/clu/) has signed center [Nathan Mensah](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nathan-mensah/013514/) for the 2025-26 season, the club announced on Sunday.

Mensah (2.10 meters, 27 years old) arrives from Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, which he joined late last season, but never played for. Before that he signed with Olympiacos Piraeus and made his EuroLeague debut. Mensah appeared in two EuroLeague games and started the 2024-25 season with the Austin Spurs in the G League, where he averaged 5.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 12 games.

The center has one season of NBA experience under his belt, having suited up 25 times for the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023-24 campaign and posting 1.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in just over 12 minutes per night. A native of Ghana, Mensah moved to the United Stated to play basketball in high school and was a two-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year at San Diego State University before starting his professional career in 2023.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nathan Mensah is our new big man 🔝🔥 <a href="https://t.co/ypvUh59WWd">pic.twitter.com/ypvUh59WWd</a></p>&mdash; U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@UBTCluj) <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj/status/1946862909897761121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Cluj news

The center made his EuroLeague debut with Olympiacos last season

Slask Wroclaw took another step in building a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season by signing Serbian big man Stefan Djordjevic

Slask adds Polish League's top rebounder, Stefan Djordjevic 

[Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/roster/wro/) took another step in building a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season by signing big man [Stefan Djordjevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/stefan-dordevic/006977/), the club announced Sunday.

Djordjevic (2.06 meters, 26 years old) comes off a monster season with Polish League rival AMW Arka Gdynia. He led the league with 8.9 rebounds and was second in scoring with 19.0 points per game. Djordjevic shot 68.5% from the field and topped the PIR charts with 24.2 per game.

A product of the Crvena Zvezda Belgrade youth system, Djordjevic played for Zvezda in the NextGen EuroLeague and then began his career with FMP and KK Vrsac. In 2021 he joined Igokea, with which he won back-to-back Bosnian League and Cup doubles. After one season in Spain with Basquet Girona, Djordjevic moved to Poland last season and posted monster numbers. The Serbian international is now set to make his EuroCup debut with Slask.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">To teraz już oficjalnie! 🤩<br><br>Stefan Djordjević w Śląsku Wrocław! ✍️<br><br>Więcej informacji ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/4TKZCreU5F">https://t.co/4TKZCreU5F</a><br><br>Dobrodošli u Wrocław Stefan! 👋<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hej%C5%9Al%C4%85sk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HejŚląsk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoweOtwarcie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoweOtwarcie</a> <a href="https://t.co/U5gvAXm5uQ">pic.twitter.com/U5gvAXm5uQ</a></p>&mdash; WKS Śląsk Wrocław - koszykówka (@WKS_SlaskBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WKS_SlaskBasket/status/1946858102281703574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Slask Wroclaw news

Djordjevic also led the league in PIR last season

Vote for the best All-EuroCup First Team in history: 2021 vs. 2023

Each season, five standout players earn their place among the competition’s elite as members of the All-EuroCup First Team. Over the years, these selections have featured rising stars, future EuroLeague legends, and unforgettable EuroCup heroes who left their mark on the competition.

Now, it's time to see which lineup stands above the rest.

Our expert panel has seeded the All-EuroCup First Teams into a bracket, and each matchup will be decided by you, the fans! Several times a week, we’ll reveal a new battle on the official **EuroCup Instagram account**, where you can vote for the team that you believe deserves to advance.

Here on [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com), we’ll break down each matchup, compare the rosters, and offer our take on who has the edge.

This time it's **2021 vs. 2023**. Two incredible squads. One spot in the next round.

Let the debate begin – and may the best team win!

2021

- [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), Virtus
- [Jamar Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jamar-smith/005002/), UNICS
- [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), Nanterre
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), Monaco
- [Willie Reed](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/willie-reed/009946/), Buducnost

2023

- [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jerian-grant/011204/), Turk Telekom
- [D.J. Stephens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stephens/005982/), Prometey
- [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/), Turk Telekom
- [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/), Gran Canaria
- [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/profile/002507/), Joventut

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Let’s break these teams down. In 2021 you have Teodosic, who though past his prime, remained a master passer and came up big in big games; he averaged 21.0 points in the three-game semifinals. On the wings were Jamar Smith, one of the great shooters in EuroCup history, and a young Cordinier, whose athleticism and defensive toughness would lead him to stardom in years to come. In the paint, Reed was a force of nature and made 70% of his two-pointers that season, while Lessort was just scratching the surface of the All-EuroLeague big man he would become. 

The 2023 leader would be that season’s MVP, Grant, whose healthy dose of scoring, playmaking and defense is perfect for this exercise. Stephens’s explosiveness and Bouteille multi-level scoring makes for a great pairing on the perimeter.  Shurna could serve as a model for a streth-4; he made 48.5% of his threes that season! And Tomic anchors the 2023 frontcourt with his size and secondary playmaking ability.

The 2021 team is stronger at overall defense, on the glass and at protecting the rim. The 2023 team has better shooting and more offensive balance. But in a straight-up matchup, the power inside of the 2021 team – whether scoring or putting back misses – could be too much for Shurna and Tomic. And with Teodosic's majestic passes and Cordinier slashing while Smith stretches the floor, it seems that the earlier team has more than enough, with all due respect the 2023 version. That’s how I see it… Tell us what you think on Instagram!    

Join us on our journey to crown the greatest All-EuroCup First Team of all time! 