CB Gran Canaria forward Miquel Salvo spoke with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo ahead of the team's EuroCup Finals series with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC.

Miquel Salvo: 'We are ready for this challenge'

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) has reached the BKT EuroCup Finals for the third time and has a chance to win its second title, after going all the way in 2023. Do-it-all power forward [Miquel Salvo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miquel-salvo/005005/) is one of five players that remains on Gran Canaria's roster from that championship-winning team.

Salvo has a reputation for doing a little bit of everything on the court and has the numbers to prove it, averaging 5.2 points on 85.0% free throws, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a PIR of 7.4. He ranks third all-time in two-point shooting. Salvo has hit 137 of 207 shots inside the arc (66.2% 2FG), only trailing 2009-10 EuroCup MVP Marko Banic (68.0% 2FG) and Ivan Zoroski (66.5%). 

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 EuroCup Finals, Salvo spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo about the season so far and what lies ahead against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

Miquel Salvo is looking for his second BKT EuroCup title.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Miquel Salvo, Gran Canaria

**Hello, Miquel. First of all, congratulations on reaching another EuroCup Finals. Let's talk about Game 3 of the semifinals against Bahcesehir. You were very solid and didn't lose control when you were trailing. Was that consistency the biggest key to this game?**

"Thanks a lot. Yes, we were expecting a game like this. We were aware that it would be a long game, a game where we couldn't make many mistakes. I think that we already approached Game 2 really well. We prepared against their switching defense really well and how to attack it. I think that in Game 3, we played close to perfection for 40 minutes."

**In Game 2, Caleb Homesley literally kept Gran Canaria in the competition with a game-winning three-point play. What do you remember about it?**

"Well, I had no doubt about the and-one free throw. I trust Caleb a lot. As for the play, it is one that we have done many times since Jaka arrived, in practice and some games. When I saw he was drawing the play I thought, 'Look, here comes this play again!'. After the game, I had former teammates texting me, AJ Slaughter and some others, saying, 'Wow, he tried that play!'. In the end, when you repeat it so many times in recent years, it sticks in our minds, and it worked in the best moment, in the best scenario. It is a very good play, you make the opponent focus on something else and what happens is completely opposite."

Caleb Homesley kept Dreamland Gran Canaria in the EuroCup with his backdoor play. Check it out!

Lakovic's backdoor play

**You are one of five Gran Canaria players who won the EuroCup title in 2023, plus Coach Lakovic. How that experience a factor, even when the format is a bit different?**

"Exactly. As you say, the format is different. It has changed. It looks like a new competition. It has nothing to do with the single-game quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The experience that we have reaching this far in the competition should be useful for us. It can give us a plus of tranquility, not just to us but also to the rest of the teammates who have not been in a similar situation."

**You lost twice against Hapoel this season. Is that a factor? Can you get something positive out of it in this situation?**

"It can go both ways. I hope they are a little bit overconfident after beating us twice and can do it again easily. That way, we would have a bigger chance. On the other hand, we can watch the games that we lost against them and try to improve. We know what to expect from them, they are a team that plays a little different from the rest, with a lot of physicality. It's important to have the right focus, like we did against Bahcesehir, to play two good games, three if needed."

**You have won a lot of close games both in the EuroCup and the Spanish League. In the EuroCup, you won the last six games decided by five points ot less. What makes you so solid in the last minutes?**

"You have to believe until the end. There have been games that have been difficult for us, in which the other team took a three- or four-point lead in the final minutes. Another team would give up but we didn't. I would say that's it, we have not stopped believing at any time. That's what we did in the quarterfinals and semifinals, playing on the road. We have been able to turn it around and won in very difficult fields. Like you said, we also won close games in the ACB. We know how to fight until the end and had some incredible game finishes, with winning shots in the last second. I think we got to the finals in the best moment of the season, both physically and mentally, and we are ready for this challenge."

**Credit to Coach Lakovic, then. How is Jaka as a coach?**

"He is very demanding. He doesn't let us relax at any time. He is demanding until the end. He talked to us after Game 3 against Bahcesehir or after our last home win against Unicaja \[in the Spanish League\] and said he is so demanding because he believes so much in us, and that he lives for these moments. The way he is, how he talks about it and all the basketball that he has inside made all these years with him so good. If you look at his time here as a whole, it has been great."

**The core of the teams has been together for many years: you, Nico Brussino, John Shurna and Andrew Albicy. You have been to a thousand battles, winning some and losing some. How important is it and how much of an advantage it is in a situation like this?**

"It is very important to have a core of players, like we do. We have seen a lot of teams that have been successful keeping the same core of players for many years. It is not only important for us, because we understand each other by just looking at each other, but for those players who arrive to the team. We have share this club's values, how we work and how we are, how things are done in Gran Canaria. They cannot just come here and do whatever they want: we are here guide them a little bit and have that responsibility to help new players adjust as soon as possible."

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**Mike Tobey also won the EuroCup with Valencia and Mehdy Ngouama lifted the trophy with Paris. That's seven players that know what it feels like to be a EuroCup champion. It has to be a huge motivation to win it again, right?**

"Obviously. Whether it is the EuroCup or any competition, when you lift a trophy and the emotions you feel, it is like a recognition to all the work behind, to the effort you made all season, all the work that the staff did, even our families. We are very far from everywhere and spend many days away from our families. They are here alone for a long time, so it is a reward to all the work we do. Lifting a trophy is like the ultimate recognition to a great season."

**Hapoel has changed a lot throughout the season. Which are the main strengths right now?**

"Patrick Beverley left and another great player like Yam Madar arrived. We cannot highlight one player in particular. It is a very deep squad, they have 10 players with incredible talent. We have to watch their games carefully because they do have some new players even when they play very similar. Since Itoudis arrived, they play really good basketball and he has succeeded at improving their defense, too. We will see what kind of defense they play. I don't think they will switch as much as they did at the beginning of the season, or like Bahcesehir did in the semifinals, but the way that they play, it stops you from playing our own basketball style, play at our usual pace."

**Speaking about your playing style, what do you have to do well to win the EuroCup?**

"It all starts with good defense, stop them and control the rebounds. I think we have to run, play at a high pace. We have done this very well against Bahcesehir, and I think it is the way to go. When we run, we create mismatches, disadvantages on their defense, and that's when we feel comfortable. We have been sharing the ball well in this final part of the season. That will be crucial, too."

Game News

Javier Gancedo spoke to the Gran Canaria forward in the leadup to the EuroCup Finals

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-04-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals.

EuroCup Finals, Game 1: Pregame quotes

## Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (tonight, 19:00 CEST)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are excited because we play the final. We are excited because we played against a great team like Valencia and we managed to win in the series of three. It was not easy to win against Valencia. They were dominant in the regular season. They proved that they had quality, but now it's a new reality for us. We are getting to the final against another Spanish and very quality team that has been together \[for several years+. They made certain accomplishments all these years. They have won the EuroCup in 2023 and are always there, so another difficult task. I like the fact that they are a team. They have a lot of good synergy because they have been together with their coaches over there for many years. Jaka \[Lakovic\] is doing a great job with his coaching staff and they have a lot of automatisms, meaning that they have a good chemistry. They are sized, can run the floor and can play well also five on five. They have scorers. They have big guys that they can shoot, they can spread, can go big ball, small ball, whatever it is. They can do several things well.

"There is not one key, a if it was one key, I would not say to you, I would not share it. But there is not just one key. There are a lot of things. It's an accumulation of small things that there has to be done in order to win. And we take it: this is a series of three games and we play against, as I said, a very serious team that knows what to do and what wants to do on the court. The fact that we play them twice is irrelevant. It's relevant up to one certain point because the teams have played together, but both teams were missing significant players. So you get some kind of a good feeling of what they are capable of doing but right now it's a different story. Right now it's a final. So we approach the first game very seriously."

**Ish Wainright, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"Gran Canaria is like Valencia in a way, probably a little bit more bigger than Valencia. They are aggressive, too, but we played against them twice. We know what they can do. I'm pretty sure they are going to change up a few things like they did against us, but I know they are looking forward to this. This is the Finals and everyone wants to play them, everybody wants to get here and win. I know they are going to come here with a chip on their shoulder, especially because we beat them twice in the regular season. So I'm pretty sure they have a chip on their shoulders, for sure. They have a great core but also a great bench, with guys coming off the bench that take care of business. We have to lock in on our game plan and play defense. That's one thing that we are going to really have: to lock in defense. Our offense is going to come, get out in transition and play. We also have to make sure that we run our plays, that we know that we can score. And of course, take care of the ball."

**Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"This is what we've been talking about all season. Individually, for my career, I never thought I'd be in a game like this, so of course I'm excited. Ready to play. With the team we built, I think we can never really, truly be an underdog with the people we have on our team. But you know, it's basketball at the end of the day, so you have to show up and play your best basketball in order to win. They are very talented and can do many different things. They have an inside presence. They also shoot the ball very well. And when they play in the ACB, they have seen all type of competition, all types of lineups, so it helps them prepare for moments like this. So I think they are very well coached team and they have very talented players. I'm excited to play in front of our fans. I'm just thankful that all the fans come here and they show up for us and hopefully we wull give them a good game."

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"I think the team feels good. I think we are in a good place, in a good moment, with good confidence and mentality to face this final series against Hapoel Tel Aviv. I think it's a team with extreme physical talent. Of course, it's a team that has invested a lot of money in their roster, full of players with top-level experience. I think they play very good basketball, different from us, because they have talent, they have the ability to play the way they play. We have to be prepared, prepare well for what we are going to face in this series. I think it's an advantage \[to have seven winning players in Gran Canaria's roster\] above all because of the experience. We know what we can expect but apart from that, it's a new final series. It's a new game against a team that we have already faced in the regular season. We have to face them in a different way. It is a new series in which everything starts from scratch. We have confidence and hope to compete well and have our options."

**Andrew Albicy, Dreamland Gran Canaria guard**

"We are very focused. We are looking very focused, we can't wait to start the final. They are a very talented player with strong individualities. They are good on every spot, so we need to be ready. First of all, we have to be very focused and smart, because there is a lot of pressure. But that pressure can give us energy, so it's good to take like that energy and use against the pressure. And just like I always say, defense wins championships, so we have to be very focused to play strong defense, as a team. After that, on offense, we have to share the ball, read what they want to do and take what our defense will give us. It was a different moment of the season. I think we are in a very good moment right now. We are confident about what we can do and like I say, it's the final, so the mentality is completely different. Maybe after these two losses against them, we will have an advantage. Maybe they won't respect as much as they are supposed to do but again, it's a final. Each team will give everything to win."

**Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria center**

"We have been doing a good job lately, it is great timing to have good moment and I think we are definitely in one of our best moments of the season, if not the best. So good time for it to happen. Hapoel s a really talented team. This summer they made a lot of noise with a lot of big signings. They have a great coach as well, and are a complete team with a lot of talent that plays really physical. They are in the EuroCup for a reason, they have definitely been one of the best teams this whole season. Anytime you have an experience, that is always something good to have on your side, so having seven guys that have done it before is great. I have been in this position, we all can feed off of that experience but at the same time, every championship run is different and unique. It's good that we have been here. We have got that experience but know that this one's going to be different for us as well. We won some close games lately. It gives us confidence that if the game is close or even if we are down towards the end, we still have a chance to win it. We won two games recently with like last-second shots, which is always an exciting thing to have happened. But it also gives us the confidence to know that we have been in that position, especially even really recently. So if we are in that position again, to just be confident and know that we can win in that spot. Physicality is a big thing in this series, and defense is going to be huge. We know .how offensively talented they are and how they want to play on defense."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals

Euroleague.net's Geoff Gillingham offers his fantasy recommendations for the BKT EuroCup Finals series between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Gran Canaria.

Geoff Gillingham’s fantasy tips for the EuroCup Finals

With Javier Gancedo already out in Bulgaria ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals, it’s me, Geoff Gillingham, back in the hot seat for this week’s tips in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Last week I had a 50% success rate with my picks, with the severity of Chris Jones’s knee injury really shooting me in the foot as he was a DNP. Still, I hope some of you followed my advice and picked Antonio Blakeney as he had 33.0 fantasy points in Game 3. Caleb Homesley also did well with 16.5 fantasy points, but Marko Simonovic let me down with just 3.0 fantasy points.

Looking ahead to the EuroCup Finals, these five players are all in my EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team and I feel pretty good that they will perform through the first two games of the series.

### Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (17.3 credits)

For me, [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) is the best player in this series and has the chance to absolutely dominate on the offensive end. He’s expensive, I know, but picking him is going to be worth it. Trust me.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DG4KQs-iUzT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Johnathan Motley (@moneymot5)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Antonio Blakeney, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (12.2 credits)

I had to stick with [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/), right? He showed out in Game 3 of the semifinals and seems to have hit top gear at the perfect time. Even though he won’t have it easy against defensive pest Andrew Albicy, Blakeney is capable of going off in these finals.

### Caleb Homesley, Dreamland Gran Canaria (10.1 credits)

Another familiar face from last week. [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) is Gran Canaria’s leading scorer this season and he’ll be one of the team’s go-to men when it comes to putting points on the board. That should spell good news for fantasy managers.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DII1NFmpMIt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dreamland Gran Canaria (@grancanariacb)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### John Shurna, Dreamland Gran Canaria (8.1 credits)

Let’s not forget that [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) was the EuroCup Final MVP just two years ago. That was a one-legged final, but his experience and know-how will be crucial for Gran Canaria in this series. If Shurna gets the green light, he can cause damage in these finals.

### Bar Timor, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (7.6 credits)

Often overshadowed by his teammates but an important piece nonetheless, [Bar Timor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bar-timor/004846/) plays an important role for Hapoel off the bench. His playmaking makes him a key player and a high-upside player in fantasy.

Euroleague.net's Geoff Gillingham offers his recommendations for the series between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Gran Canaria

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-04-11T19:00:00.000Z)

Stats review: A look at the finals

The two best teams in the BKT EuroCup on paper got outdueled in a pair of intense semifinal series making way for a matchup between the competition’s hottest team, [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/?season=2024-25), and one of its most successful clubs in recent history, [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/?season=2024-25). Both of those clubs did things the hard way to get the finals with Gran Canaria [losing Game 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-overpowers-gran-canaria-74-66-in-game-1-of-semifinals/) to [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/?season=2024-25) before winning the next two games by a combined 5 points and Hapoel [dropping Game 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-outlasts-hapoel-at-home-91-82/) to [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/?season=2024-25) before winning the next two games by a total of 7 points. 

Finishing the season ranked second in defensive efficiency, Gran Canaria did just enough offensively to let its strength on the other end guide it through the semifinals. In contrast, Hapoel averaged 95 points per game over its last two games with Valencia as the team's talent level offensively and the outbursts of [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/), and [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/) propelled it to victory. As of Game 3, Hapoel has taken over the top spot in the EuroCup in offensive efficiency on the season overall surpassing Valencia by a hundredth of a point per possession following their head-to-heads.

The battle between Hapoel’s high-powered offense and Gran Canaria’s defense is the marquee matchup in this series. Coach Dimitris Itoudis’s team has multiple ball handlers who can create their own shots at a high level and score consistently in midrange spots. The pressure their three-level scorers put on opposing defenses and the activity level of their big men has helped them lead the EuroCup in cut scoring as well.

Gran Canaria has defended pick-and-rolls and basket cuts as well as any team in recent EuroCup history. While Hapoel has created an impressive 1.03 points per possession out of ball screens, Gran Canaria has allowed just 0.88 points per possession. While some teams achieve that level of success defensively by being disruptive, Coach Jaka Lakovic’s team has built its resume largely on its discipline contesting shots.

It will be interesting to see how the lineups shake out in the finals as Hapoel leaned heavily on its top seven in the semifinals while Gran Canaria has utilized its depth all year playing their starters only marginally more than their reserves.  With their strong play defensively built on a group effort, but Hapoel having several dynamic guards, it will be fascinating to see how they approach substitution patterns as Hapoel has had several players get extremely hot on a game-to-game basis to get to this point.

As much as Gran Canaria values its depth, it has often been the play of [Nicolas Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/), [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/), and [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) that has set its ceiling offensively.  In the regular season matchups between these two teams, Gran Canaria averaged just 65 points per game losing both games.  Those three scored only 0.71 points per possession in those games—well below their 0.88 season average.

How that trio stacks up with Hapoel’s high-scoring backcourt will surely play an important role in what should be a very compelling strength-on-strength matchup.

Hapoel and Gran Canaria make up an interesting finals matchup

The BKT EuroCup is pleased to announce that Jared Harper of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem has been selected as the 2024–25 BKT EuroCup Most Valuable Player. Harper delivered a season for the ages, combining electric scoring, elite playmaking and record-setting efficiency to lead his team and captivate fans across the continent

Jerusalem's Jared Harper named BKT EuroCup MVP for 2024-25

The BKT EuroCup is pleased to announce that [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/jer/?season=2024-25) has been selected as the 2024–25 BKT EuroCup Most Valuable Player. Harper delivered a season for the ages, combining electric scoring, elite playmaking and record-setting efficiency to lead his team and captivate fans across the continent. 

The MVP selection was determined through a vote among EuroCup head coaches (35%), team captains (35%), media representatives (20%) and fans (10%). The BKT EuroCup congratulates Harper on a historic season and well-deserved MVP recognition.

Harper's 2024–25 campaign will be remembered not only for the numbers he posted, but for the way he elevated his team and brought excitement to every game. He led the EuroCup in scoring with an eye-popping average of 22.8 points per game – the highest by any player since [Milan Gurovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/milan-gurovic/abc/)'s 25.9 points for Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in the 2006–07 season. He also topped all players in Performance Index Rating with 27.2, a testament to his consistent all-around excellence. In addition, Harper ranked third in assists (5.7 apg), further showcasing his dynamic impact on the game.

The 26-year-old guard not only led statistically, he rewrote the EuroCup record books. Harper set new single-season marks for fouls drawn (142), free throws made (174), and free throws attempted (199), eclipsing the previous marks held by 2015–16 MVP [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/errick-mccollum/005216/). Harper attempted at least 10 free throws in 12 of his 18 games, including four contests with 15 or more attempts, illustrating the pressure he placed on opposing defenses every night.

A model of consistency, Harper scored at least 14 points in every game this season. He reached the 30-point mark three times, highlighted by a season-high 35-point explosion in [a 94–77 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/harper-leads-jerusalem-in-77-94-comeback-win-over-turk-telekom/) over [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/?season=2024-25). His most complete performance came in Round 6 against [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/?season=2024-25), when he posted 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists for a PIR of 43 in [an 83–94 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/depleted-jerusalem-breezes-past-cedevita-83-94/). His 14-point, 15-assist double-double in [a Round 13 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-fights-back-to-down-aris-90-85-and-snap-skid/) over [Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-midea-thessaloniki/ari/?season=2024-25) matched the most assists by any player in a single EuroCup game this season.

Harper earned MVP of the Round honors five times – in [Rounds 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-2-mvp-jared-harper-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/), [6](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-6-mvp-jared-harper-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/), [9](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-9-mvp-jared-harper-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/), [13 ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-13-mvp-jared-harper-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/)and [17](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-17-mvp-jared-harper-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/). That tied 2023-24 MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) of Paris Basketball for the most in a single season in competition history. His efforts fueled Jerusalem to a second-place finsih in Group B with an 11–7 record. The team ultimately bowed out in the quarterfinals after a narrow loss to eventual finalist [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/). 

He joins a storied list of players to earn EuroCup MVP honors since the trophy was first handed out in 2009. The full list of EuroCup MVPs includes: [Chuck Eidson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chuck-eidson/loc/) (2008-09, Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius), [Marko Banic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marko-banic/ats/) (2009-10, Bilbao Basket), [Dontaye Draper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dontaye-draper/002946/) (2010-11, Cedevita), [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) (2011-12, Spartak St. Petersburg), [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nick-calathes/001932/) (2012-13, Lokomotiv Kuban), [Drew Goudelock](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-goudelock/004903/) (2013-14, UNICS Kazan), [Tyrese Rice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyrese-rice/003367/) (2014-15, Khimki Moscow Region), [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/errick-mccollum/005216/) (2015-16, Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul), [Alexey Shved](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alexey-shved/kvz/) (2016-17 Khimki), [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) (2017-18, Darussafaka Istanbul), [Luke Sikma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/luke-sikma/006589/) (2018-19, ALBA Berlin), [Jamar Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/2020-21-7days-eurocup-mvp-jamar-smith-unics-kazan/) (2020-21, UNICS), [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/7days-eurocup-mvp-mam-jaiteh-virtus-segafedo-bologna/) (2021-22, Virtus Bologna), [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/7days-eurocup-mvp-jerian-grant-turk-telekom-ankara/) (2022-23, Turk Telekom Ankara) and [Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bkt-eurocup-mvp-2023-24-t-j-shorts-paris-basketball/) (2023-24, Paris Basketball). 

The mercurial guard rewrote the record book with a historic season 

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that it has re-signed All-EuroCup First Team Jared Harper for another three seasons

Jerusalem re-ups star guard Jared Harper for 3 more years

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that it has re-signed [All-EuroCup First Team](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bkt-all-eurocup-2024-25-first-team/) guard [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/profile/011970/) for another three seasons. 

Harper (1.78 meter, 27 years old) joined the club last summer on a two-year deal. The new contract commits him to Jerusalem for the 2026-27 season with an option for the following season. 

His first season for Jerusalem in the EuroCup was nothing short of sensational as he led the competition in scoring with 22.7 points per game in and PIR with 27.2. He averaged the most points in the competition since the 2006-07 season.

Jared Harper Top Plays of the 2024 Regular Season

Moreover, Harper set EuroCup records for fouls drawn (142), free throws made (174), and free throws attempted (199) and tied the single-season mark with five MVP of the Round selections. He was third in the EuroCup with 5.7 assists per game in helping Jerusalem reach the quarterfinals after placing second in their regular season group.

"This is a big day for me and I'm happy," Harper said after signing the new deal. "I'm in a great situation, at a huge club led by people who want to take the team to the greatest places and are committed to the path that is just beginning. I'm looking forward to the \[Israeli League\] playoffs and for all of us to be able to experience our fans at their full strength and receive their energy. When I realized that I had everything I wanted in my team here - I really couldn't leave. Yalla Hapoel!"

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ג׳ארד.<br>אדום.<br>לעוד 3 שנים.<br>לכל הפרטים &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/5eV8wJTihy">https://t.co/5eV8wJTihy</a> <a href="https://t.co/tMwIcHdEOU">pic.twitter.com/tMwIcHdEOU</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1909146700096078081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hapoel is the second member of the Jerusalem backcourt to extend his contract in the Israeli capital this week after [Khadeen Carrington signed an extension](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-pens-khadeen-carrington-to-extension/) on Saturday.

A two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection at Auburn University, Harper began his professional career shuttling between the NBA and the G League. He played for the Phoenix Suns and Northern Arizona Suns in 2019-20, for the New York Knicks and Westchester Knicks the following season and for the New Orleans Pelicans and Brimingham Squadron in 2021-22. He then came to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where he played two seasons for Valencia Basket before moving to Jerusalem.

More Hapoel Jerusalem news

The All-EuroCup First Team selection led the competition in scoring and PIR

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Saturday that Khadeen Carrington has agreed to terms on a contract extension for the 2025-2026 season

Jerusalem pens Khadeen Carrington to extension 

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Saturday that [Khadeen Carrington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/khadeen-carrington/008912/) has agreed to terms on a contract extension for the 2025-2026 season. Carrington (1.87 meters, 29 years old) has already played three seasons with the club from the Israeli capital. He averaged 16.0 points, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 16 appearances in the BKT EuroCup for Jerusalem this season, including half as a starter. He ranked seventh in the competition in scoring as he helped Jerusalem finish second in their regular season group and reach the quarterfinals. In his time with Jerusalem, Carrington has helped the club win the Israeli State Cup twice.  

Best of Khadeen Carrington 2024-25

"I am happy to stay in a place that at this point has already become my first home," Carrington said in an announcement released by the club. "My connection to the city and the fans is part of who I am and Hapoel Jerusalem is a home and family for me. We still have a lot to achieve and I am sure and believe that we will meet the goals we have set for ourselves. To Hapoel fans, I want to say: believe in us, believe in our path and together we will reach new heights. Yalla Hapoel!"

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">דינו לא הולך לשום מקום! קאדין קרינגטון חתם בהפועל עד סוף עונת 25-26! לכל הפרטים &gt;&gt;&gt;<a href="https://t.co/Itxk3RQDvN">https://t.co/Itxk3RQDvN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mz8gSGmTI7">pic.twitter.com/Mz8gSGmTI7</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1908572883246293483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This season was Carrington's third in the EuroCup after previous stints with Mornar Bar and AS Monaco. After playing college basketball at Seton Hall University, Carrington began his professional career with Mornar Bar in 2018. He has since played for Limburg United in Belgium, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany, Monaco, Betis Sevilla in Spain, and JDA Dijon Bourgogne in France.

The explosive scorer commits to a fourth season in the Israeli capital 

Zavier Simpson of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Semi Ojeleye and Xabi Lopez-Arostegui of Valencia Basket, Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and Anthony Brown of Turk Telekom Ankara.

2024-25 BKT All-EuroCup Second Team

### Zavier Simpson, U-BT Cluj-Napoca

The playmaking mastery, crafty scoring and defensive tenacity of [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) made him a delight to watch in his first BKT EuroCup season. As Cluj's floor general, Simpson consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to control the tempo of the game, finding teammates in perfect scoring positions while also scoring efficiently himself. He led the EuroCup in assists (8.0 apg.), ranked second in scoring (17.8 ppg.) and third in PIR (20.9). Simpson’s knack for reading defenses and executing precise passes were crucial to Cluj's winning season, which saw it reach the quarterfinals, but only after he whipped up a 26-point, 14-assist gem in the eighthfinals against Wolves. That game was one of Simpson's seven double-doubles and just another reason he earned the well-deserved recognition as one of the EuroCup’s premier guards.

### Semi Ojeleye, Valencia Basket

An ever-present for Valencia this season, [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) has earned All-EuroCup Second Team honors in his rookie season in the competition. Ojeleye was a key contributor as the Spanish side swept aside teams at will en route to the EuroCup Semifinals, going 17-2 to that point. He was the second leading scorer with 11.4 points per game for a Valencia offense that posted 96.4 points per night, the second-highest average in competition history. A forward who was always circled on the opposition’s scouting report, the 30-year-old poured in 10 points or more in 15 of his 19 appearances until the semifinals. The season didn’t have the fairy-tale ending that Valencia fans were hoping for, but Ojeleye’s performances on the court were an important part of the team’s success.

### 

### Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

A highlight-reel regular who often changed the momentum of the games, Cedevita Olimpija power forward [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) has earned his place in the All-EuroCup Second Team. Few big men have been as consistent this season as Robinson, who ranked 10th this season with 14.9 points per game, scoring in double figures in 17 of his 20 appearances, and in 11 of those he posted at least 15 points. Meanwhile, Robinson was coming up big on the boards, too. He posted a team-high 5.9 rebounds and had 13 games in which he pulled down at least 5 rebounds. All of that helped elevate Cedevita to its first winning season in three years and to the quarterfinals, while Robinson deservingly established himself as an All-EuroCup player with his consistent displays.

### Anthony Brown, Turk Telekom Ankara

[Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/)’s well-rounded skillset and scoring proficiency saw him named to the All-EuroCup Second Team for the second time in his career. Best known for his smooth shooting stroke, Brown led the EuroCup in three-pointers made, converting 2.7 per contest, while shooting a remarkable 45.8% from deep. He ranked third in the competition with 17.8 points per game. Brown consistently delivered clutch performances that propelled his team to success. His 39 points and PIR of 45 against Cluj were both season highs in the EuroCup. Brown's combination of experience and talent helped lead Turk Telekom into the postseason and, once there, he shined again with 20 points to lead his team to an eighthfinals victory over Buducnost and solidify himself among the top players of the 2024-25 season.

### Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia Basket

Mr. Do It All for Valencia has made it to the All-EuroCup Second Team for the first time in his four-season EuroCup career. [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/)’s 13.8 PIR average was the second highest on the team and is a good indicator of the positive – and consistent – way in which he affected games for his side. He was one of five Valencia to average double digits in scoring (10.4 ppg.), while he was also third on the team in rebounds (3.8 rpg.). The Spaniard netted 10 points or more 10 times in 12 games between Round 6 and the quarterfinals to ensure that Valencia locked up the one seed heading into the postseason, with Lopez-Arostegui having had a sizeable contribution on Valencia’s competition-leading offense and rebounding numbers.

The All-EuroCup First Team was announced earlier on Saturday

The 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals are fast approaching, but before a champion is decided, it's time to honor the players who have stood out during the 2024-25 season. The five players named to the All-EuroCup First Team, chosen by fans, media, head coaches, and team captains, are all first-time honorees and played key roles in leading their teams to the BKT EuroCup Playoffs: Jared Harper of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem, Jean Montero of Valencia Basket, Johnathan Motley of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Jaleen Smith of Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Mfiondu Kabengele of Umana Reyer Venice.

2024-25 BKT All-EuroCup First Team

The 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals are fast approaching, but before a champion is decided, it's time to honor the players who have stood out during the 2024-25 season. The five players named to the All-EuroCup First Team, chosen by fans, media, head coaches, and team captains, are all first-time honorees and played key roles in leading their teams to the BKT EuroCup Playoffs.

### Jared Harper, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

[Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem had one of the best debut seasons in BKT EuroCup history, leading the competition in PIR (27.2) and scoring (22.8 ppg.), which has seen him earn a place in the All-EuroCup First Team. In addition to downing 40.9% of his three-point shots (38 of 93), Harper set a new record for most fouls drawn in a season with 142, while he was deadly from the free-throw line, hitting 174 of 199 attempts. Harper also ranked third in assists (5.7 apg.), leading Jerusalem to a second-place finish in Group B with a 11-7 record and a place in the quarterfinals. Harper scored at least 14 points in each and every game, reaching 30 three times and getting a season-high 35 against Turk Telekom Ankara.

### 

### Jean Montero, Valencia Basket

In the first full season in the competition [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) has been named to the All-EuroCup First Team. The 21-year-old Montero starred for the offensive juggernaut called Valencia Basket, leading the team in scoring with 13.2 points per game, and he was tied for fifth on the season in assists averaging a team-high 5.3 dimes. But Montero was also a key contributor on the defensive end, ranking fourth in the EuroCup with 1.7 steals per game. Montero’s kept opposing defenses off balanced with his quickness, but also ability to hurt them by both making buckets and putting his teammates in scoring positions. He was one of the main reasons Valencia dominated with a regular-season best 16-2 record and reached the semifinals before being ousted by Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

### 

### Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

A force in Hapoel’s paint all season long, [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) certainly lived up to the preseason expectations and is a worthy member of the All-EuroCup First Team. Motley netted 11 or more points in 11 of his 14 regular-season appearances, including netting 20 or more on five occasions, while he grabbed 5 or more rebounds in eight regular-season games. The 29-year-old big man leads a finals-bound Hapoel in scoring and rebounding this season with 16.1 points and 5.0 boards per game, respectively, while he is second in average PIR with 19.0 per night. After a strong showing in the semifinals, where he posted 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists against a Valencia Basket side tipped by many to win it all, Motley is now going in search of his first EuroCup title.

### 

### Jaleen Smith, Bahcesehir College Istanbul

Putting his versatility on display throughout the season has earned [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) a spot in the All-EuroCup First Team. The guard played his first season in the competition and proved to be a difference-maker from the get-go, both as a scorer and a distributor. Smith’s production and savvy play were key factors in Bahcesehir’s success as it topped its regular-season group and went on to reach the EuroCup Semifinals. The 31-year-old combo averaged 12.4 points, the second most on the team, and also ranked fourth in the EuroCup this season with 5.5 assists per game, including a single-game season-high 15 assists in a win over Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. On the other end, Smith’s 1.1 steals – the second highest on the team – helped Bahecesehir confirm its status as the competition’s best defense.

### 

### Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice

[Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) was a dominant force for Reyer throughout the 2024-25 EuroCup season. His blend of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess made him a cornerstone of Reyer's run to the eighthfinals. With averages of 15.4 points and a competition-best 9.7 rebounds per game, Kabengele showcased his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor, whether through powerful finishes, mid-range shooting, or shot-blocking. His energy and intensity set the tone for Reyer's frontcourt, making him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. In his first full EuroCup season – Kabengele made two appearances for Reyer the season before – he recorded a PIR of at least 30 in five of his 18 games. He hauled in a EuroCup-best nine double-doubles and was second in the competition with an average PIR of 23.2.

The Rising Star and Coach of the Year have already been announced on Friday