Lietkabelis completes roster with Lazar Mutic

Lietkabelis Panevezys announced it found the final piece of its roster puzzle for the upcoming season, signing big forward Lazar Mutic to a one-year deal. Mutic (2.04 meters, 26 years old) spent the last two years with Okapi Aalst in Belgium, and last season averaged 10.6 points, 6.8 rebounds.

A native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mutic spent time in Real Madrid youth categories before joining UCAM Murcia where he mostly played for its second team for two seasons. Between 2019 and 2023, Mutic spent playing in Spanish lower division with five different clubs - Gipuzkoa San Sebastian, TAU Castello, Artes, Marbella and Almansa - before moving to Belgium.

“This is a basketball player who is much more focused on team play than on individual performances", says Lietkabelis sports director Lukas Grabauskas. "We hope that the adaptation will go smoothly and Lazar will be able to reveal his potential. This is the last signing of players this summer and we can announce that the lineup for the upcoming season is complete."

Vote for the best All-EuroCup First Team in history: 2013 vs. 2024

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.

The next faceoff: 2013 vs. 2024. Two incredible squads. One spot in the next round.

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

2013

- [Malcolm Delaney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/malcolm-delaney/004331/), Budivelnyk
- [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nick-calathes/001932/), Lokomotiv Kuban
- [Kostas Vasileiadis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kostas-vasileiadis/alg/), Bilbao
- [Justin Doellman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-doellman/001832/), Valencia
- [John Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-bryant/profile/004123/), ratiopharm Ulm

2024

- [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/), Paris
- [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-morgan/012585/), London
- [Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/isiaha-mike/011836/), JL Bourg
- [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trevion-williams/012604/), ratiopharm Ulm
- [Gabriel Olaseni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabe-olaseni/006600/), London

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5kFoNsLGU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5kFoNsLGU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5kFoNsLGU/?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 BKT EuroCup (@eurocup)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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This would be a fun game to watch, right? The 2013 team has some nice balance. Nick Calathes is an ideal playmaker and a defensive hound. Malcolm Delaney is the go-to scorer, while Kostas Vasileiadis stretches the floor with his ace shooting. John Bryant could bang with anybody and was a pretty good outside shooter, too. Justin Doellman, as a modern stretch-4, completes this sturdy lineup.

The 2024 team is led by T.J. Shorts, who we have all seen in the EuroLeague this season just how dangerous he can be at the highest levels. Matt Morgan complements him as a great shot-maker, while Isiaha Mike is an athletic do-it-all small forward. Between Trevion Williams and Gabriel Olaseni, the 2024 side has size and strength inside, not to mention great passing skills and rebounding chops.

Head-to-head, the 2024 team has the advantage in size, speed and athleticism. Team 2013's only real chance would be through shooting – and it does have some great shooters, but I don't think that would be enough to win this battle. I like Team 2024. Let's see if you agree…

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

Slask Wroclaw has signed guard Issuf Sanon for the 2025–26 season

Issuf Sanon signs with Slask Wroclaw

[Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/slask-wroclaw/roster/wro/) has signed guard [Issuf Sanon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/issuf-sanon/011947/) for the 2025–26 season, the club announced on Sunday.

Sanon (1.93 meters, 25 years old) arrives from VEF Riga, where he averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists over 29 games in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League last season. He was named regular season MVP and then his scoring skyrocket to 20.7 points in the LEBL playoffs. Sanon helped Riga win the LEBL crown, the Latvian Cup and the Latvian league championship.

He returns to the EuroCup after a one-season hiatus. Sanon spent two years with Ukrainian side Prometey Slobozhanske, with which he reached the EuroCup Semifinals in 2023 and reached the knockout rounds again in 2024. He began his professional career with Dnipro in Ukraine and joined Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia when he was just 18 years old. Sanon has also played for Siaullai in Lithuania and has been a regular with the Ukrainian national team since he was a teenager.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5KRI_NrQ5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM5KRI_NrQ5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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More news from Slask Wroclaw

Ukrainian guard moves to Poland after MVP season with VEF Riga

Aris Thessaloniki has added Georgios Tanoulis on a season-long loan from Olympiacos Piraeus for the 2025-26 campaign

Thessaloniki native Georgios Tanoulis joins Aris on loan from Olympiacos

[Aris Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki/roster/ari/) has added [Georgios Tanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/georgios-tanoulis/010631/) on a season-long loan from Olympiacos Piraeus for the 2025-26 campaign.

Tanoulis (2.10 meters, 23 years old) returns to the club where he began his basketball journey, bringing size, mobility, and national team experience. The big man joined the Reds on a long-term deal in 2023 and has spent the last two seasons away on loan. He played for Maroussi Athens last season and averaged 6.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24 Greek League appearances. He also featured in the FIBA Europe Cup, contributing 4.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game across 14 contests.

A native of Thessaloniki, Tanoulis came through the youth ranks of Aris before moving to PAOK, where he made his professional debut at age 17. In 2020, he signed a five-year deal with Promitheas Patras, and in 2023, joined Olympiacos on a four-year contract. Tanoulis played parts of three EuroCup campaigns with Promitheas, appearing in 26 games. He has also represented Greece at multiple youth levels and made his senior national team debut in 2023, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s top young big men.

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The latest from Aris Thessaloniki 

The promising center will enter his fourth EuroCup season

The London Lions have bolstered their frontcourt with the signing of Johnathan Williams, a seasoned big man with a globe-spanning résumé and EuroCup and NBA experience

Johnathan Williams brings size and skills to London's frontcourt

The [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/london-lions/roster/lli/) have bolstered their frontcourt with the signing of [Johnathan Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-williams/009878/), a seasoned big man with a globe-spanning résumé and EuroCup and NBA experience.

Williams (2.06 meters, 30 years old) returns to the EuroCup after spending most of the past four seasons in Japan. Last season, he averaged 11.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 blocks for the Chiba Jets. His other stops in Japan were with the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles, Toyama Grouses and Veltex Shizuoka.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📝 New signing. Big-time experience lands in the capital.<br>Johnathan Williams III, the 6 ft 9 American center, joins the London Lions for the 2025/26 season.<br><br>A standout at Gonzaga University, Williams averaged 13.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in his senior year, earning First-Team… <a href="https://t.co/BwwkhuRtsW">pic.twitter.com/BwwkhuRtsW</a></p>&mdash; London Lions Basketball (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1951603213188170041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A standout at Gonzaga University, Williams helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA championship game in 2017 and was an All-West Coast Conference First team selection after his senior season. He began his professional career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018-19, when he also suited up for the team's G League affiliate. Williams came to Europe the next season and starred for Israeli club Maccabi Rishon Lezion, for which he posted 11.3 points and 7.8 boards in nine EuroCup games.

Williams finished that season back in the NBA with the Washington Wizards. He split the 2020-21 season between Galatasaray Istanbul in Turkiye and NINERS Chemnitz in Germany.  Williams was back in the EuroCup with Dolomiti Energia Trento the year after that before starting his run in Japan. He has also played briefly in the Philippines and Kuwait.

More from the London Lions

A veteran of the NBA and EuroCup, Williams strengthens the Lions' push for glory

Dolomiti Energia Trento has signed American forward Peyton Aldridge for the 2025-26 season

Trento adds experience and shooting by signing Peyton Aldridge

[Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/roster/trn/) has signed American forward [Peyton Aldridge](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/peyton-aldridge/010402/) for the 2025-26 season, the club announced on Saturday.

Aldridge (2.03 meters, 28 years old) returns to Italy after six seasons in Turkiye, including a EuroCup campaign with Bahcesehir College Istanbul. He spent the last four seasons with Petkim Spor, for which he averaged 6.6 points on 45.1% three-point shooting and 5.0 rebounds in the Turkish League.

The forward previously played in the Italian top flight with Vanoli Cremona during the 2018-19 season, which was his first as a professional. A product of Davidson College, Aldridge starred for four seasons and was chosen as the Atlantic 10 Conference Co-Player of the Year in 2018.

“With Peyton, we add experience, offensive quality, and basketball IQ," Coach Massimo Cancellieri said. "He’s a consistent and enthusiastic player who’s committed to the team—something he’s shown throughout his solid career.”

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📣 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲! 💥🖤🦅<br><br>We’ve signed American forward Peyton Aldridge (1995) to a one-year deal! After years in Turkey and a solid Serie A season with Cremona, Peyton is ready to make an… <a href="https://t.co/Gd0QXmvG4Y">pic.twitter.com/Gd0QXmvG4Y</a></p>&mdash; Dolomiti Energia Trento (@AquilaBasketTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AquilaBasketTN/status/1951615184465735882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The forward previously played in the EuroCup with Bahcesehir

BAXI Manresa strengthened its frontcourt with the signing of German power forward Louis Olinde for the 2025-26 season

EuroLeague vet Louis Olinde strengthens Manresa frontcourt

[BAXI Manresa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/baxi-manresa/roster/man/) strengthened its frontcourt with the signing of German power forward [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/louis-olinde/006919/), the club announced on Friday.

Olinde (2.05 meters, 27 years old) joins the Spanish side after five seasons with ALBA Berlin. Last season Olinde averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds and was worth 7.3 points and 2.8 boards in domestic play. Known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and off-ball movement, Olinde was a key contributor in ALBA’s rotation and ranked among the team’s top defenders.

Before joining ALBA, Olinde played for Brose Bamberg and Baunach Young Pikes, developing through Germany’s top and second divisions. He began his professional career with Hamburg Towers in 2015 and has also represented Germany’s national team, including appearances in EuroBasket qualifiers.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔏 𝙐𝙉𝘼 𝘼𝙇𝙏𝙍𝘼 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝘼 𝙉𝙊𝙑𝘼!<br>🧩 Arriba al BAXI Manresa el fins ara jugador de l&#39;ALBA de Berlín Louis Olinde.<br>🙌 Willkommen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manresa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manresa</a>, Louis!<br><br> ✈️ Ala-pivot 📏 2,05m <br>🇩🇪 GER 🪪 27 anys 🛬 <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albaberlin</a> <br> 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/Tk1oVNz5Zf">https://t.co/Tk1oVNz5Zf</a> <a href="https://t.co/QEXg5SS2CW">pic.twitter.com/QEXg5SS2CW</a></p>&mdash; BAXI Manresa (@BasquetManresa) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasquetManresa/status/1951289341826769015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from BAXI Manresa

The German forward arrives from ALBA Berlin after five EuroLeague campaigns

Vote for the best All-EuroCup First Team in history: 2011 vs. 2009

The next faceoff: 2011 vs. 2009. Two incredible squads. One spot in the next round.

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

2011

- [Dontaye Draper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dontaye-draper/002946/), Cedevita
- [Terrell Lyday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/terrell-lyday/cox/), UNICS Kazan
- [Devin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/devin-smith/001274/), Benetton Treviso
- [Tariq Kirksay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tariq-kirksay/lns/), Sevilla
- [Maciej Lampe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/maciej-lampe/bby/), UNICS Kazan

2009

- [Chuck Eidson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chuck-eidson/loc/), Rytas Vilnius
- [Kelly McCarty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kelly-mccarty/dhi/), Khimki
- [Bostjan Nachbar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bostjan-nachbar/ahx/), Dynamo Moscow
- [Marko Banic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-banic/ats/), Bilbao
- [Todor Gecevski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/todor-gecevski/jnf/), Zadar

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Despite being only two years apart from each other, these teams are extremely different. The 2009 squad has no pure point guard: that season, Eidson led Rytas to the EuroCup title as the point guard once Branko Milosavljevic left the team. In that sense, Dontaye Draper is more of a classic playmaker and had a career-best season with Cedevita Zagreb.

The 2011 team has a major advantage in the paint. Lampe was right at the prime of his career and had Kirksay and Smith, two versatile, well-rounded forwards ready to help out. Kirksay had an outstanding stint in Seville and Smith was already the star that helped Maccabi win the EuroLeague in 2014. Gecevski was a good rebounder and Banic an effective scorer, but overall the 2011 side had more talent and versatility under the baskets.

The 2009 squad had its main strengths at the wings, with two superstars in Nachbar and McCarty, who could score as needed and play in multiple positions if needed be. Lyday was a terrific scorer but a bit undersized compared to either Nachbar and McCarty. The matchup between a gifted offensive talent like Nachbar against a steals specialist and active defender like Kirksay would be one to follow closely.

I would pick the 2011 team for several reasons: more power inside, more overall versatility and a well-defined point guard in Draper ready to make the difference. Of course, all opinions are welcomed!

Aris finds big man in Jake Forrester

Aris Thessaloniki fortified its frontcourt with center Jake Forrester who signed a one-year deal with an option for another season, the club announced Friday morning. Forrester (2.06 meters, 26 years old) arrives from a city rival PAOK Thessaloniki where he had 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in the Greek League action last season, while in the FIBA Europe Cup he averaged 7.9 points and 4.8 rebounds.

That was Forrester’s second pro season, having made his debut in the 2023-24 season with Artland Dragons in Germany, posting 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. Before that, he played collegiate basketball at three different universities – Indiana, Temple and St Louis.

Forrester is third newcomer arriving to Aris this summer, after additions of guard [Stelios Poulianitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/stelios-poulianitis-returns-to-aris-to-boost-backcourt/) and forward [Arnoldas Kulboka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/arnoldas-kulboka-brings-scoring-touch-to-aris/). Also, Aris has a new man on its bench, with [Bogdan Karaicic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/aris-appoints-bogdan-karaicic-as-head-coach/) taking over the head coaching job.