Zvezdan Mitrovic: 'My players will be ready'

The initial goal that Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic set for the team in his return to the BKT EuroCup after three years away was unlocked when the team made it out of the regular season.

Now the former EuroCup champion and Coach of the Year would hate to miss an appointment with Dejan Radonjic of Bahcesehir College Istanbul down the road.

“I’m an ambitious coach and I’m ambitious as a person. As a team, our goal is always to take it to the next level. My goal right now is to move to the next stage and play against my best man Dejan Radonjic in the quarterfinals,” Mitrovic told Eurohoops.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1792988/zvezdan-mitrovic-it-would-be-great-for-the-euroleague-to-have-another-balkan-team/)...

The Cedevita boss spoke to Eurohoops on the eve of the EuroCup Eightfinals

Devin Robinson, Cedevita: 'We are locked in'

After a tough season in which it won just a single game, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana turned things around and power forward Devin Robinson has been a big factor. The Slovenian side finished the regular season with a 10-8 record and earned the home-court advantage for its eighthfinals contest against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul. Robinson has averaged 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games. He believes his team is ready to challenge for big goals and this is a great opportunity to show it, as he told Javier Gancedo in this [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview. 

"These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did," Robinson said. "I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us."

 

**Hello, Devin. Congratulations on a great season, individually and as a team. How is the team feeling before the big game against Besiktas?**

"Oh, we are ready. We have been preparing ourselves during the break and now we are getting back from the break and we are ready. We are locked in. This is a great opportunity for the club to do something special here. So yes, we are trying to really lock in and take care of business."

 

**You had a stint with ratiopharm Ulm and this is your second EuroCup season. Is the EuroCup what you expected?**

"The EuroCup competition is great. It's a lot of great talent. A lot of great players, some good basketball. You get to travel to these nice cities and compete at a high level. The game is very much different than maybe a domestic or a different league like ABA. It's more free-flowing and more up and down. It is a faster gameplay, so you have to adjust between your two leagues. And I think it's a great experience. I feel like a lot of guys can play at the next level as well in EuroLeague, so it's a really great competition."

Highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game.

**Cedevita Olimpija had a major turnaround, from going 1-17 last season to being 10-8 and getting the home-court advantage in the first playoff game. How important was it to bounce back and be this competitive again?**

"We needed it. These past couple of years, especially the last one, it was a rough year for the club in the EuroCup and everyone took us as a joke. We came back this year with new additions to the team and a new coach, and we tried to turn it around, and that's what we did. I think we need to continue to push forward and continue to go as far as possible to get Olimpija back on the map. It used to be top dogs back in the day and people have kind of written us off these past 10-15 years. So what we have in front of us is a good opportunity for us, get a win for the club and continue to let people know that we belong in this league."

**You will play against Besiktas, which made it to the semifinals last season, with very experienced players and a coach used to winning these types of games. What are the keys to this game?**

"They play super, super aggressive on defense. They play with high energy and they run and gun. They shoot any shot that they see open, crash the boards and play aggressive. They are going to try to break up our schemes on offense and just be a disruption. It's going to be a game of havoc. It's going to be a game of hustle plays, rebounding, and just the little plays to help us get the win. They have great talent. They got great guys and great camaraderie over there, so we've got to put together a solid 40 minutes of just playing a hard-nosed, real physical game of basketball and the best team who comes out and does that will win."

Devin Robinson averages 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and a PIR of 14.6 in 18 games

2024-25 EuroCup highlight reel: Devin Robinson, Cedevita Olimpija

**You are one of the most spectacular players in the competition in recent years. How important is a good dunk or a high-flying block to get your teammates and your home crowd involved?**

"Oh, yeah. Highlight plays are meant to bring energy to the whole arena: get a good block, get a good dunk, yell a little bit, scream... Get your teammates clapping. The other team maybe calls a timeout because the crowd is getting too loud. I think highlight plays like a big three, a dunk or a block are really essential for the game. It changes the energy and it shifts the momentum for the team that made the highlight, so I think it's really important. So yeah, I try to do as much as I can in that department to give us that extra edge."

**How about the environment? How do you enjoy playing in a basketball city like Ljubljana, for a EuroCup-winning coach like Mitrovic?**

"I like it. It's definitely different than what I am used to, but different isn't always a bad thing. I am playing with a different style of basketball than I am probably normally used to, but it helps me develop in different areas of my game, to be an overall better player. Playing with great guys and great vets like Stipanovic and Blazic and Ali \[Nikolic\] makes the game a lot easier. They know what to expect. They know how to play in these types of situations and scenarios and I am learning a lot from those guys. just being around them and watching how hard they work, the passion that they play with and understanding the wants and needs of the coaches and the different styles of play. So it has been great just playing with all those guys."

More on Cedevita Olimpija

**In previous seasons, Stozice Arena was packed for do-or-die games. How important will the home-court advantage be and what kind of atmosphere can we expect on Wednesday?**

"It's very important. It's been a lot of games this season where it's been quiet in the gym and we just needed a little bit of a push. But since the fans started coming out and showing some support, they've been giving us that extra boost and that extra kick to perform. We know how easy it is to essentially lose the fan base when we lose games, so we want to bring our best foot forward and bring some good energy and some good wins together to fill up the gym. I hope everyone comes out and tries to support us to give us that extra push that we need."

**Let's talk about you a little bit. You played in Taiwan for a full season three years ago. How was the experience, on and off the court?**

"Taiwan was great. It was my first time leaving home to play overseas. I was playing in the G League and two-way and all that stuff in the United States, and I took it upon myself to finally try to make that jump to go overseas. And Taiwan was essentially the only opportunity I had, so I went there with a chip on my shoulder to go and show what I can do. And it was a great overall experience. Basketball-wise. They let me be me. They saw what I had and saw what I could bring to the table and just let me play freely and try to win games for the team. It's a very entertainment business out there in the Asian market where highlight plays are what they love to see. The fans are crazy! And then off the court, it's just a beautiful place. It's pretty much warm all year round. The food is amazing. Different but amazing. I always want to, everywhere I go, to engulf myself in the culture and try new things. I was trying chicken legs and goose liver and all these new things and my teammates there really appreciated that. And I really had a fun time trying new things and exposing them to what I'm used to and bringing my American swag over there as well., so it was an overall great experience. Everything was great: the temples, the night markets, shopping... it has everything you can ever ask for!"

Look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that.

**I asked around and were told that you are into fashion, and you don't mind taking risks when it comes to buying clothes. How important is that for you?**

"I love fashion. I love what it's about. I love how you can put on something and express yourself, or how you feel or where you are mentally or where you are culturally. And I just love to put on nice clothes and you know the saying: look good, feel good, play good, I really abide by that. And yes, I just want to express myself without even having to talk. Even though I am an enrgy guy and you see me talking all the time, and I'm loud and bringing that positive vibe, my clothes can do it as well. So it's just a one-two punch."

 

**All of the qualified teams have been working hard to reach this time of the year, the most important games of the season. How much are you looking forward to it, to going out there and competing against the best?**

"Oh, man, I'm really looking forward to it. It is always a good opportunity to go play, and these games are fun. It is the opportunity to get to play this game at a high level, wherever you are. It's just a blessing and it's just fun to do. So I am always excited to play wherever we are. I just take every game, every opportunity, and at the end of the day, I love what I do."

The high-flying forward spoke to Javier Gancedo ahead of his team's eighthfinal showdown with Besiktas

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center Gabi Chachashvili has suffered a torn ACL

Jerusalem loses center Gabi Chachashvili to torn ACL

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem announced on Monday that center [Gabi Chachashvili](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabriel-chachashvili/013279/) has suffered a torn ACL. The big man was injured during his team’s Israeli league victory over Bnei Herzliya on Sunday night and the severity of it was diagnosed following an MRI on Monday. Chachashvili has been a valuable asset for Jerusalem this season. He started in 11 of his 17 appearances in the BKT EuroCup and in which he averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Jerusalem will face the winner of Wednesday's eighthfinals game between Dreamlife Gran Canaria and Umana Reyer Venice in the quarterfinals next week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">בבדיקת MRI שנערכה אמש התברר כי גבי צ׳אצ׳שווילי סובל מקרע ברצועה הצולבת של הברך. גבי ייעדר מפעילות לתקופה ממושכת, הפועל מתייצבת לצידו ותספק לו את כל התנאים המיטביים עד לשיקום מלא וחזרה למגרשים. גבי, אנחנו איתך, החלמה מהירה! <a href="https://t.co/JmvoQmfiCJ">pic.twitter.com/JmvoQmfiCJ</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1896497909547532322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Jerusalem

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo's tips for the eighthfinals include Anthony Brown of Turk Telekom Ankara, Nico Brussino of Dreamland Gran Canaria, Anthony Cowan of Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius,  Jonah Mathews of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul and De'Shawn Stephens of U-BT Cluj-Napoca 

Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the EuroCup Eighthfinals

The BKT EuroCup season returns after a break and so does the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! From now on, unlimited trades will be allowed before each round until the end of the season. With fewer teams to choose from, getting the right players is more important than ever to reach high in the overall standings and in your private leagues. Here are five players I recommend this week:

[**Anthony Brown, Turk Telekom Ankara (14.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/)

Turk Telekom and Buducnost are experienced teams and this is a hard game to predict. Brown is the logical choice because both teams need their stars to rise to the expectations. Brown essentially took Turk Telekom to the postseason by averaging 18.3 points and 4.2 rebounds for a PIR of 16.9 in 18 games. I'll roll with him again.

[**Nico Brussino, Dreamland Gran Canaria (10.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/)

Gran Canaria needs its most experienced players to step up if it wants to beat a talented Reyer team. Brussino offers a lot more than just experience: deep shooting range, great versatility and a solid option in crunch time. At 10.5 credits, he has an outstanding price value. Brussino is ready to lead Gran Canaria on Wednesday.

Anthony Cowan, De'Shawn Stephens, Nico Brussino, Jonah Mathews and Anthony Brown are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Eighthfinals

[**Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (15.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/roster/wol/?season=2024-25)

Wolves faces Cluj in the only game on Tuesday, so having players from these two teams is critical in this round. Cowan is the obvious choice, a super scorer with deep shooting range and great consistency. He has had double-digit PIRs in his last 11 games and is averaging 19.1 for the season. A must-have player in the eighthfinals.

[**Jonah Mathews, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (11.6 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/)

Besiktas head coach Dusan Alimpijevic is a specialist in these single-round, do-or-die games: he's won five of them over the last three seasons. He knows how to make the most out of his shooting guards, too. Remember Andrew Andrews with Bursaspor? Mathews is playing well and has averaged 18.6 points and a PIR of 17.4 in the last five games.

[**De'Shawn Stephens, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (12.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/de-shawn-stephens/006618/)

We are assuming everyone will buy Mfiondu Kabengele of Reyer at center, so trying to get a T1 big man is a calculated risk: We like Stephens because he has been very good recently. In his last two games, Stephens averaged 12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks for a PIR of 25.5. Simply fantastic!

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the eighthfinals

Dreamland Gran Canaria hosts Umana Reyer Venice in the fourth and final single-game eighthfinal matchup on Wednesday, March 5 at 21:00 CET. 

Title contenders Gran Canaria, Reyer go head to head in eighthfinals clash

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) hosts [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) in the fourth and final single-game eighthfinal matchup on Wednesday, March 5 at 21:00 CET. Reyer overcame a 2-5 start to qualify to the playoffs right at the end of the regular season, while Gran Canaria punched its postseason ticket way in advance, but a couple of late losses prevented the team from getting a bye to the quarterfinals. 

Both coaches know each other well and that will have an impact in the series. Reyer boss Neven Spahija coached Jaka Lakovic in the 2001-02 season, when the current Gran Canaria head coach played for Krka Novo Mesto. At age 23 and under Coach Spahija's guidance, Lakovic had a career-defining Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, averaging 20.9 points and 3.8 assists in 14 games. In just his second-ever EuroLeague game, Lakovic led Krka to an 87-98 road win against Real Madrid with 38 points, 7 assists and a PIR of 55. 

Top Performances, 2001-02: Jaka Lakovic, Krka Novo Mesto

Gran Canaria has an incredibly experienced roster in the competition. It won the EuroCup title in 2023 and five of its current players are still with the team: Andrew Albicy, John Shurna, Nico Brussino, Jovan Kljajic and Miquel Salvo. Mike Tobey is also a EuroCup champion with Valencia Basket in 2019. 

When it comes to Gran Canaria, home-court advantage matters. Gran Canaria is 107-29 (78.7% wins) at home in EuroCup history. It is 6-2 in single-game elimination showdowns in the last three years. Reyer made it to the single-game eighthfinals in 2022 and 2023, losing both games on the road against Boulogne Metropolitans 92 and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, respectively. 

Dreamland Gran Canaria made it to the eighthfinals with a 12-6 record.

2024-25 EuroCup Regular Season highlights: Dreamland Gran Canaria

Reyer has plenty of reasons to be optimistic, too. Mfiondu Kabengele is the best rebounder in the competition (9.5 RPG) and has impressed everyone with his all-around skills, averaging 15.9 points on 42.1% three-pointers, 1.1 steals and a PIR of 23.5. Reyer has had a lot of injuries this season, particularly in its backcourt. Tyler Ennis (13.4 PPG, 4.6 APG) and Xavier Munford (5.0 PPG) have combined for 19 missed games but are now healthy and ready to help their team. On the other hand, Gran Canaria is missing playmaker Carlos Alocen, who is out with a severe knee injury. 

Amazingly, Alocen was one of 10 players averaging over 5.0 points per game, all led by Caleb Homesley (12.4 PPG). Coach Lakovic has plenty of clutch options if the game goes down to the wire, with Homesley and Joe Thomasson (7.2 PPG) opening the floor from downtown, but counting on experienced shooters like Brussino (8.8 PPG) and Shurna (7.9 PPG). 

Umana Reyer Venice reached the eighthfinals with a 10-8 record.

2024-25 EuroCup Regular Season highlights: Umana Reyer Venice

Stats are as balanced as they can be, with both teams shooting the ball with similar percentages (Gran Canaria 56.4% 2FG, 33.3% 3FG, 79.2 FT%; Reyer 54.6% 2FG, 33.1% 3FG, 76.8% FT). Reyer scores (82.2 PPG) and rebounds (37.2 RPG) a bit more than its opponent (79.3 PPG, 35.7 RPG). 

There is a difference in the game pace, however. Reyer takes 38.4 two-pointers per game (5th overall) and Gran Canaria ranks 17th at 35.3 attempts per night. Gran Canaria attempts more three-point shots (26.3) than Reyer (22.8). On the other hand, Reyer goes a lot to the foul line (22.8 free throws per game) and Gran Canaria is last in the standings (16.6). 

Reyer beat Gran Canaria twice in the 2021-22 season, in which is both teams' only previous matchups. None of that will matter on Thursday, as only the winner will advance to the next round! 

Game News

The 2023 champs meet a team made to compete against anyone – only one of them will advance to the next round

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Will Dusan Alimpijevic add another playoff road triumph to his record when Beşiktaş takes on Cedevita Olimpija in the last 16 of the EuroCup?

Dusan Alimpijevic out to haunt Cedevita Olimpija in the playoffs… again 

It’s funny how things work in sports. An endless number of storylines are created each week, but often the best ones are those that include a bit of history, an opportunity for revenge.

For [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/), its last-16 meeting with [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/) in the 2025 BKT EuroCup Playoffs will see an old foe on the opposing sideline at Stozice Arena – [Dusan Alimpijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/alimpijevic-dusan/). For those who don’t know, the Serbian tactician has a bit of history against Cedevita.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🗣️ DUSAN! DUSAN! <a href="https://t.co/oQclufCZPZ">pic.twitter.com/oQclufCZPZ</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1889767710017593582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Back on April 27, 2022, one of the most memorable EuroCup games in recent times took place between Cedevita and Alimpijevic’s Frutti Extra Bursaspor. Everything looked good for Bursaspor at the half of their quarterfinal clash, leading 36-50, but Cedevita had reduced the gap to three points (64-67) after 30 minutes to set up a thrilling fourth quarter.

An impressive road win for Bursaspor beckoned with 1:17 minutes remaining, up 78-85, though five straight points by Cedevita’s Yogi Ferrell cut the visitors lead to two points (83-85) with 27 seconds left. And then, with the final shot of the game, Jacob Pullen made a contested three-pointer off the glass… but he hadn’t got his shot off on time. There was ecstasy in the stands at Stozice Arena, followed by complete despair.

Meanwhile, Alimpijevic and his Bursaspor players celebrated like crazy. They knew that they’d got lucky. Very lucky. Still, Bursaspor went on to down MoraBanc Andorra in the semifinals – the third straight road game it had won in the playoffs – to seal a place in the final against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. The team’s fairy-tale run came to an end there, but a period of postseason austerity started for Cedevita that fateful night against Alimpijevic and co.

Bursaspor stuns Cedevita! | Quarterfinals, Highlights | 2022 EuroCup Playoffs

That certainly cannot be said of Alimpijevic, who has become a master at navigating playoff series. Last season, his first in charge of Besiktas, he guided the team to road victories at reigning champ Dreamland Gran Canaria and a strong Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, meaning Alimpijevic has been responsible for five of the 12 road wins in 38 single-elimination playoff games over the last three seasons. Impressive stuff.

One player who has been right alongside Alimpijevic for the past four seasons is 34-year-old guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/). The veteran American is completely in tune with his passionate, hard-nosed coach, and the results have been clear to see, taking Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Final before Besiktas’s run to the EuroCup Semifinals last season.

The best plays of Derek Needham over the last four years in the BKT EuroCup, which have come with coach Dusan Alimpijevic at Frutti Extra Bursaspor and Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Derek Needham's top plays under Coach Alimpijevic

Needham is one of six Americans on Besiktas’s roster, with five – including Needham – averaging 10.2 points or more. [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) (15.2 PPG) was integral to Besiktas’s semifinal finish last season and he has been just as good, if not better, this season. Slowing him down has to be the priority for Cedevita, but there are several other weapons to be wary of, notably [Kelan Martin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kelan-martin/013255/) (11.3 PPG), [Kyle Allman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-allman/011924/) (10.5 PPG), [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/) (10.2 PPG) and Canadian big man [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/) (9.2 PPG). The mid-season addition of [Uros Plavsic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/uros-plavsic/006240/) (7.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has made Besiktas stronger, too.

That is not to say that it will be easy. Besiktas has the Alimpijevic factor and a very talented roster, but Cedevita can feel good about its chances. After all, it has a head coach in [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan/) who lifted the EuroCup trophy with AS Monaco in 2021. On the floor, Cedevita can call upon the high-flying [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) (14.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), scoring guard [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) (14.7 PPG), ball handlers [DeVante' Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) (10.0 PPG, 3.9 APG) and [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (9.8 PPG, 3.6 APG), as well as young prospect [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) (4.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG). In short, there’s a lot of talent there, plus Cedevita will be playing on its home floor.

Playoff games involving Alimpijevic are always worth tuning in for, and this contest is no different. Next Wednesday night (19:30 CET), we will find out if Alimpijevic can work his magic again or if Mitrovic’s experience will make the difference, with a quarterfinal matchup with Bahcesehir College Istanbul the prize for the winner.

The Serbian coach’s Besiktas squad are hoping for another deep postseason run

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

EuroCup Bracket Challenge: Predict the playoff series winners and win prizes!

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11/bracket) via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

The task is simple: create your bracket by picking the winner from each game until the EuroCup Finals, including the MVP. Once you submit your bracket, you will be eligible to win one of three incredible prizes, so long as your bracket ends up coming true.

### What are the EuroCup Bracket Challenge prizes?

- **Grand Prize:** Four EuroCup tickets for the 2025-26 regular season, for any game(s) selected by the winner.
- **Silver Prize:** One EuroLeague TV Annual Pass for the 2025-26 season.
- **Bronze Prize:** One EuroCup Spalding Basketball.

So, what are you waiting for? Predict the playoff series winners in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge and share your predictions on social media!

The postseason gets underway next week with the eighthfinals

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting Turk Telekom Ankara against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

Turk Telekom, history-seeking Buducnost clash in the eighthfinals

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/). These two teams have met in the recent past, but their head-to-head history might not be of much importance in this one.

Turk Telekom has won all four of its previous games against Buducnost, dating back to December 2022, but the only thing that Turk Telekom team has in common with this season’s team is head coach Erdem Can. Buducnost brings back head coach Andrej Zakelj on the bench and three important players from last season ago – the backcourt trio of [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/) and [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/) - while big man [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) is now in Turk Telekom colors.

And while those four Turk Telekom wins could be irrelevant when the ball is tipped off for this contest on Wednesday, what might matter is the location where this game is played – the Ankara Spor Salonu – where Turk Telekom will certainly try to capitalize on its home-floor advantage.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Save the date 📆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bkteurocup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bkteurocup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dy3yC8hopC">pic.twitter.com/Dy3yC8hopC</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1887871810370179457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only three teams had better home records during the regular season than the team from the Turkish capital, which has won seven of nine home games, including each of the last four. Meanwhile, Buducnost has won only three times away from home this season and averaged 79.7 points per game on the road, way below its fantastic home-court average of 94.6 ppg. Turk Telekom averages 84.3 points on home court, exactly 9 points more than it has averaged on the road.

To use the position Turk Telekom earned by placing third in Group B, the home fans will certainly hope to see big games from their favorite team’s biggest stars. First and foremost, [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) who is Turk Telekom’s top scorer with 18.3 points per game on 46.7% three-point shooting, along with [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/) who is posting 16.8 points. The two also combine for 7.3 boards per game, a department where high-flying big men [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) and the aforementioned Makoundou star.

Alexander has averaged 7.1 boards, including 2.6 on the offensive glass, along with 8.9 points per game, while Makoundou is worth 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">BKT EuroCup&#39;ta Play-Off Heyecanı Başlıyor!🏀<br><br>BKT EuroCup’ta Play-Off eşleşmeleri belli oldu. Grubu 3. sırada tamamlayarak adımızı Play-Off&#39;a yazdırdık! 💪<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://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVRbymTb57">pic.twitter.com/VVRbymTb57</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1887822609955332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the other end, Buducnost's centers are far less athletic, but equally productive with [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) averaging 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while veteran [Alen Omic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alen-omic/004222/) grabs 4.3 boards per contest. Meanwhile, Buducnost’s backcourt features three double-digit scorers in [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) (13.6 ppg.), Ferrell (12.4 ppg.) and one of the EuroCup’s most dangerous sharpshooters in Magee (11.2 ppg., 45.6% 3FG).

All of them will have to show up if Buducnost wants to pull off an upset and win its first time against Turk Telekom. It would be a historic success, marking the first time Buducnost advances in a EuroCup elimination game, as it has failed the previous six times it reached the playoffs.

Turk Telekom and Coach Can, on the other hand, will try to use both the experience of reaching the EuroCup Finals in 2023, and a home-court advantage, to extend their EuroCup journey this season. It certainly sets the stage for a memorable night in Ankara.

These two teams have met four times in just over two years, but never with the stakes this high

All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason with BC Wolves hosting U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Wolves, Cluj to share the spotlight in eighthfinals opener

All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason tips off. [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius/wol/) will host [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) in the first of four single-game eighthfinal matchups. The remaining three will be played on Wednesday, leaving Wolves and Cluj alone to bask in the glory of being the only high-level playoff game of note anywhere in the world that day.

Both Wolves and Cluj are teams with lofty goals who are more than capable of shining in the spotlight. Wolves was, quite literally, built for it. Founded in 2022 when it took over the license of Dzukija Alytus, from the start the plan was to create a top-tier European club in the capital of Lithuania. Former EuroLeague stars Darjus and Ksistof Lavrinovic joined as ambassadors and in the first season, former EuroLeague champ [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) joined the project.

Wolves, which played its debut season in Alytus, made waves in its debut season and joined the EuroCup last season, the club's second campaign. Only one win separated Wolves from a spot in the 2024 postseason. This season, Wolves not only qualified but earned the home-court advantage for its first game.

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The opponent will be the Romanian champion, Cluj, whose history dates back to 1947. Only in recent years has it started to stand out. The first of Cluj's nine league championships came in 1992, and it has now won four in a row. Before debuting in the EuroCup in 2022, Cluj had reached the Champions League quarterfinals in four of the previous six seasons, while starting to bring massive crowds to its games at Bt-Arena.

After finishing second-to-last in its regular-season group in its first EuroCup run, Cluj turned heads last season when it went 13-5 to finish second in its group and earn an automatic big for the quarterfinals, where it ran out of steam against the London Lions. On Tuesday, it will play a EuroCup postseason game on the road for the first time.

The make-up of the team's rosters has some similarities, too. They are led by their playmakers, who have been among the best in the league this season. Cluj's [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) was the regular-season leader in assists (7.5 apg.) and ranked third in both scoring (17.7 ppg.) and PIR (21.0). His counterpart, [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/), ranked third in assists (5.7 apg.), fifth in PIR (19.1) and sixth in scoring (15.9 ppg.).

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Alongside Cowan is [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who carried Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Finals. Simpson's passes can tee up [D.J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/), who has been to the EuroCup Quarterfinals three times.

Both teams have wily veterans on the wings; Wolves' 35-year-old Taylor spent seven EuroLeague seasons with Real Madrid. Cluj's 34-year-old Lithuanian forward [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/) is in his 10th EuroCup season and played for the last team from Vilnius to reach the postseason, Rytas Vilnius.

The numbers can be twisted to tell many stories about this game. Cluj plays at a faster pace, is the more accurate shooting team and has better offensive rebounding numbers. Wolves takes better care of the ball, locks down its defensive glass and led the EuroCup in free-throw accuracy (80.3%). It almost doesn't matter.

This game could very well end up being decided by things that stats cannot always measure or predict. Like who wants the 50/50 balls more. Or as cliché as it sounds, by who plays with more heart. Because after all, it's the start of the postseason and the dream for EuroCup glory starts here.

The teams have much different histories and similar builds, but only one will advance to the quarterfinals