Lietkabelis center Marko Pecarski spoke with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss his first season back in the EuroCup.

Marko Pecarski: 'It is great to have such a big role in a EuroCup team'

It’s fair to say that [Marko Pecarski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-pecarski/005656/) has been a pleasant surprise in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Playing for [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/lkb/), which started the season 0-4 before bouncing back with wins against the previously undefeated Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse and Veolia Towers Hamburg, the 24-year-old Serbian big man is showing what he can do on his return to the competition by posting 12.5 points on 73.8% two-pointers, 7.2 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7. He previously represented Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the EuroCup between 2017 and 2019.

Pecarski has reunited with Lietkabelis boss Nenad Canak, one of the first head coaches of his career, and the son of Miroslav Pecarski, a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in 1996 with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, has big hopes for what remains of this EuroCup season.

During an interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Javier Gancedo, Pecarski explains how his passion for basketball has grown the higher he has gone in his career and how he is finding his return to the EuroCup, among other topics.

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**Hello, Marko. First things first, congratulations on beating Hamburg. It was your second consecutive win after a 0-4 start. What allowed you to play better and to start winning in the EuroCup?**

"Thank you. Yes, we didn't start the EuroCup season with good results, it didn't start very well. We have a lot of young players that hadn’t played at this level and we needed some time to get together, to get to know each other. We played against some tough opponents, very experienced, and we needed some time to learn and adapt to the competition and everything. But the most important thing is that we are growing as a team. We are feeling it, and there are some results. It is still early, but just to see our progress gives us a lot of positive energy to keep going forward."

**You haven't featured in the EuroCup in five years, but you are playing really well right now, in a new team and a new country. What allowed you to adjust so well from the very beginning of the season?**

"Well, I played at Partizan five years ago, but I was very young. I didn't have an opportunity to really play. I think I adapted pretty well because last season I played in the Turkish League, which is a very competitive league with great teams and great players, and I played as a foreigner for the first time in my career. I think that was the season where I grew and after that season, I felt like I was prepared for whatever is coming. Wherever I go, I'm ready to compete, and I will have that self-confidence. Of course, every beginning, wherever you go, is not easy when you are changing your environment. But this club is a great organization, with great people, and that is something that helped me adapt pretty quickly. I'm just looking forward to continuing."

Your game against Bourg was almost perfect. You had a PIR of 34, no missed shots, just one turnover, just one foul. Was that the kind of performance that you always dreamed about?

"During the game, I wasn't aware of that because when you play, you are just thinking about the game. You are in the moment and in the end, it was a very close game. It was very tense until the end and when we won, I realized and I saw that my stats were perfect. Like you said, it was like a perfect scenario: you get a big win against an undefeated team, I played a great game and helped my team win! There is no better feeling as a player. This is why you play and this is what motivates you, what keeps you going."

**Your father Miroslav Pecarski was also a professional player and a EuroLeague champion with Panathinaikos. How much of a mentor has he been to you?**

"It is a big thing to have somebody in your family, especially your father, that has been through everything that you have to go through, that has experience in all kinds of situations in which you are like, that knows what I'm facing in my career. And since I was young, I always looked for his advice. And since I started playing basketball, it has been a very, very good thing for me. I think when you have that opportunity, it is a big advantage as you are growing to become a pro."

"Nenad [Canak] coached me with I was a kid, and I always had a very good relationship with him."

**You, your father and Lietkabelis head coach Nenad Canak played for Partizan in the past. Is playing for Coach Canak one of the reasons you joined your current team?**

"Yes, it was one of the biggest reasons why I came here. Like I said a few questions before, this is a great organization that has competed well in the EuroCup for years, and is also very competitive in the Lithuanian League. Nenad \[Canak\] coached me with I was a kid, and I always had a very good relationship with him. And when he called me this summer, it was the perfect scenario for me, to play a high-level competition for a club that I trust. I would say that my relationship with him was a big reason for me to come here."

Marko Pecarski is back to the BKT EuroCup after five years.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Mario Pecarski, Lietkabelis

**Your father also played at center, even if your playing styles are different. Did you play against each other? Does he still give you advice?**

"Well, we didn't play a lot, and like you said, he was a big guy like me but basketball back then was much different than today. I play like at power forward. He was a 4-5, but back then a big guy was a big guy; they were not outside threats back then, at that time. Still, he was a big guy playing at the highest level, at the level I am trying to achieve."

"The EuroCup is very strong and very competitive this year."

**Five years without playing in the EuroCup is a long time. Now you're 24 – the last time you played in the competition, you were 19. How different is the EuroCup now, and how fun is it to have a bigger role?**

"Like I said, back then I was pretty young and didn't get that much playing time, so I didn't get a real feeling of experiencing this level of competition. Also, I was very young and inexperienced, so I couldn't get a clear picture, but I think the EuroCup is very strong and very competitive this year. I think it is the biggest quality of the competition in the EuroCup for years. As for me, it is a great thing to have such a big role in a EuroCup team and play every week against some big players and some big clubs. I like to compete and that is the most important thing, and the higher level you play, the bigger passion for it you have. I feel that the competition is great, I am playing and having a big role, so I feel really good after that. I can't wait for every game!"

**You seem to enjoy traveling a lot, posting many pictures of all of your trips on social media. Well, you travel a lot in the EuroCup. Even if they are business trips, do you find time to see cities when you are on the road?**

"Well, like you said, these are usually short trips but when I go somewhere, I try to see what I can. I like to see new countries, new cities in which I am playing, to experience new stuff. Last week, we were in Spain, in Valencia, and a big tragedy happened there. We were there for two days without playing any game. What happened there was very sad. But to answer your question, the most important thing in every trip is preparing for the game, that is what I try to focus on as much as I can. But if I get a chance, I always like to see new places."

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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/C7hl3iOtyRU/?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 Marko Pecarski (@marko_pecarski)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**That was going to be my next question: the trip to Valencia. The game was postponed for obvious reasons. How difficult were those hours in Valencia, knowing that a lot of people were going through such hard times?**

"What happened was very sad. When we arrived in Spain, we were in downtown Valencia and it was not bad in there – it rained downtown and that was it. But when we heard and then we checked and when we saw the news, we were shocked, and it was just logical to immediately postpone the game because of how many people died. Like I said, it was a very sad thing and all of our players are with those who were affected. We hope to come back soon and play the game in a different environment."

**Your next game is in Romania against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, backed by 10,000 people in the stands. How much are you looking forward to it?**

"I have never played in Romania or against Cluj. I watched games on TV about the atmosphere there. Andrija Stipanovic, who played there for years, is my teammate now, so I heard from him how much passion they have for the game and how much people love that club, and how big of a thing their games are. So I can have a picture in my head, but I am looking forward to playing there, competing and experiencing a new EuroCup game."

The Lietkabelis big man has been one of the star players in the competition this season

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations ahead of Round 8 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Head into the mid-season break on a high

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Regular Season is about to enter Round 8, then after that there is a two-week break before the competition resumes in late November.

A lot of players are doing well lately and this week, I will focus on those in the 10-12 credits range in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11). Here are my recommendations before this upcoming round.

Marko Pecarski, Jakub Schenk, Karel Guzman, Yoan Makoundou and Mateusz Ponitka are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 8

### Marko Pecarski, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (10.6 credits)

One of the biggest surprises in the EuroCup this season has been the performances of [Marko Pecarski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-pecarski/005656/). After being away from the competition for five years, he is back and at age 24 is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He is averaging 12.5 points on 73.8% two-point shots, 7.2 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7, while he also earned Round 5 MVP honors.

### Jakub Schenk, Trefl Sopot (10.6 credits)

Trefl is still looking for its first win but some of their players have been really solid this season. [Jakub Schenk](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/schenk-jakub/013298/) has been one of them, going to the foul line often (4.6 fouls drawn per game) and hitting free throws (94.3%, 33 of 35). He averages 12.9 points, 4.3 assists and a PIR of 13.0 in his first EuroCup season.

### Mateusz Ponitka, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (10.6 credits)

Same price, way different profile. [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) is a well-rounded veteran who keeps showcasing his versatility and overall talent. In the last couple of games, Ponitka has averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a PIR of 17.5. Bahcesehir is 5-1 this season, and Ponitka undeniably is one of its leaders.

### Karel Guzman, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (11.9 credits)

[Karel Guzman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karel-guzman/011797/) is a human highlight reel and shown why time and time again. His outstanding dunks prevent some people from seeing what a great player he is. Guzman has the numbers to prove it, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and a PIR of 17.3 in the last three games. He is set to keep leading Cluj all season long.

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### Yoan Makoundou, Turk Telekom Ankara (10,7 credits)

Anthony Brown and more recently Braian Angola are getting a lot of credit, but Turk Telekom would not be 4-3 without [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/), a truly all-round big man. In the last three games, Makoundou has averaged 13.0 points on 75.0% two-pointers and 100% free throws, 4.0 rebounds and a PIR of 16.7. He is a force of nature!

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo offers his recommendations in the final round before the break

The final set of games before a mid-season break will provide plenty of motivation for teams across the continent to triumph in Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your guide to the action.

At a glance: The final round before the mid-season break

The final set of games before a mid-season break will provide plenty of motivation for teams across the continent to triumph in Round 8 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your guide to the action.

## Tuesday, November 12

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (18:00 CET)

Red-hot Wolves (4-3) will try to make it five straight wins when it hosts Trento (3-4). The Italian team is looking for a second consecutive win after last week’s remarkable comeback victory over Joventut, which saw [Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/) score 8 points in the last 2 minutes in his sixth consecutive double-digit scoring night. Wolves showed physicality and strong defense to gain a prestigious road win over Gran Canaria last week, with 3 offensive rebounds from [Regimantas Miniotas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/regimantas-miniotas/004645/) contributing towards a team total of 21. Leading scorer [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) (15.3 points per game) has scored in double digits in every game, so stopping him is a defensive key for Trento.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Zemaitis vs. Ford

### Trefl Sopot vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

Trefl (0-7) continues its search for an elusive first win continues with a visit from Hapoel (4-3), which is eager to get back to winning ways in this first-ever meeting between the teams. Hapoel will look for more power in the paint from [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), who had a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in last week’s loss at Bahcesehir, including 4 off the offensive glass. Star man [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) will also look to stay hot after netting 18 points in that game. Trefl can call upon in-form forward [Andy Van Vliet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andy-van-vliet/003885/), who has averaged 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in the last three games, but the team needs improved defense after allowing an average of 89.7 points per night.

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19:30 CET)

Hamburg (1-6) will look to climb off the bottom of Group B as it welcomes Aris (2-5). The Greek team gave a good fight to no avail against Valencia last week with the usual scoring heroics from sharpshooter [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/), who leads the competition with 3.4 triples per game. But Aris also needs to find offensive effectiveness from elsewhere after averaging only 74.7 points per night – lowest in the league. Hamburg is only slightly better with an average of 74.9 points, but it does pose a long-range threat through [Osaro Rich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/osaro-rich/011256/) with at least 10 points in four of his last five games.

### Valencia Basket vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (20:30 CET)

Valencia (6-0) is hoping to stay perfect with a visit from faltering Cedevita (4-3). It is sure to be an emotional occasion as Valencia plays its first home game since the tragic flooding that devastated the region, but Cedevita will attempt to put sentiment aside as it hopes to end a two-game losing slide. Expect plenty of scoring: Cedevita is always an offensive threat with the likes of [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/), who scored 23 in last week’s loss to Bourg and ranks sixth in the EuroCup’s all-time scoring charts. Valencia’s loaded roster, meanwhile, will be led by rising star [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/), who ranks third in the competition with 6.2 assists per game.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Montero vs. Nikolic

## Wednesday, November 13

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:00 CET)

Cluj (3-4) will attempt to get back in the winning groove as it hosts a Lietkabelis team (2-4) which has the motivation of attempting to climb into the all-important top six as it seeks a first road win. The Lithuanian team leaned on a personal-best 22 points from young guard [Mantas Rubstavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mantas-rubstavicius/009299/) to easily beat Hamburg last week, but must improve its three-point shooting accuracy after only making 26.1% so far – worst in the competition. Cluj, conversely, is the second-most effective two-point shooting team (60.6%), so will keep on feeding big man [Zach Hankins](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/zach-hankins/013304/) (11.1 points per game on 66.7% two-pointers) inside.

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (18:00 CET)

A big battle in Group A will see Besiktas (4-3) attempt to wrestle second place away from Gran Canaria (5-2). The Spanish team will look to recover its offensive fluency after being held to just 66 points in last week’s home loss to Wolves, and needs offensive leader [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) (10.3 points per game) to rediscover his range after making just 1-of-7 field-goal attempts in that game. Besiktas, which has won three of the last four, had no such problems as it piled on 100 points against Trefl last week, and shooting star [Yigit Arslan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yigit-arslan/007914/) will look to stay hot after averaging 3.5 three-pointers over the last four games.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Sleva vs. Shurma

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (19:00 CET)

Group A leader Bahcesehir (6-1) will look to keep on rolling as it travels to a dangerous but inconsistent Ulm (4-3). The Turkish team’s latest triumph, against Hapoel last week, saw 15 assists from offensive leader [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) as he orchestrated an all-round team effort that included a personal-best 23 points from [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/), whose dynamic play epitomizes Bahcesehir’s success so far. Ulm’s recent defensive problems continued in on overtime loss at Buducnost, when 25 points from [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) weren’t enough to prevent defeat as the German team allowed its opponent to convert 66.6% of two-point attempts – a clear point of emphasis this week against Bahcesehir’s fast-paced offense.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Weidemann vs. Hazer

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:00 CET)

The tie for second place in Group B will be broken as Jerusalem (5-2) meets Bourg (5-2) for a game which could go a long way towards deciding seeded status in the playoffs. Jerusalem will be feeling confident after sinking 94 points to easily overcome Reyer last week, partly thanks to a huge 45 rebounds led by 7 from [Jeremy Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jeremy-morgan/010431/) – who will be playing against his former club after helping take Bourg to last season’s title game. And this could be a high-scoring shootout because Bourg is also firing on all cylinders offensively, netting 90 points to overcome Cedevita last week led by 16 from all-round threat [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/).

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Wiley vs. Kokila

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (20:00 CET)

Turk Telekom (4-3) will look to consolidate its position in the top six with a trip to a Reyer team in search of consistency (2-5). The visitors could give a debut to [new backcourt signing Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-adds-speedy-smith/), who averaged 7.8 points and 5.2 assists during his six games with previous team Hapoel Jerusalem. He should form a dangerous combination with Round 7 MVP [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), whose confidence could not be higher after he drained a career-high 39 points – the most of any player this season – to down Cluj last week. Reyer needs to boost its own morale after being thrashed by 28 points against Jerusalem in Round 7, and hopes to follow the hustling example set by [Carl Wheatle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/carl-wheatle/013305/), with multiple steals in four straight games.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (20:30 CET)

Struggling Joventut (2-5) will aim to emerge from its four-game losing slump with a visit from direct rival Buducnost (3-4) in a key matchup on the fringes of the playoffs places. The Spanish side, which has lost [Kaiser Gates](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kaiser-evan-bray-gates/013287/) to injury, needs to take better case of the basketball after committing 16 turnovers in last week’s morale-damaging late collapse at Trento. Conversely, Buducnost’s game-winner from Round 7, [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), who had 17 points in that game, is just one of the offensive weapons available for the Montenegrin team, and Joventut will try to slow down the rhythm of offensive leader [McKinley Wright IV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/), who averages 10.1 points per night.

Four games take place on Tuesday and the remaining six are played on Wednesday

Joventut Badalona v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-11-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-11-13T19:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-11-13T18:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-11-13T17:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-11-12T19:30:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-11-12T18:30:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-11-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-11-12T17:00:00.000Z)

A few teams in the EuroCup have been able to use three-pointers to their advantage in the 2024-25 season, which has led to positive results in the overall standings.

Stats review: The power of the three-ball

Round 7 of the BKT EuroCup featured one of the top individual shooting performances in recent history as [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) went 8 for 10 from beyond the arc en route to a 39-point night during [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/)’s victory over [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/). It is worth noting that the average EuroCup team is knocking down 8.6 three-point attempts per game so far this season, and also that teams are attempting just over 25 threes per game for the fourth consecutive season and converting 34.2% of their attempts from beyond the arc. 

The latter mark is a point of interest moving forward – it’s currently the lowest since the 2011-12 campaign. The intrigue is not so much where the number is now – it is not uncommon for the league to pick up steam in several areas as the year moves on – but rather which teams have been able to capitalize before the regression to the mean. The graph above depicts the league landscape in three-point attempts per game and three-point percentage so far this season. 

As it stands, there are three teams shooting at or just below 40% from beyond the arc and all of them hail from Group A: [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/), [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/), and [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/). There’s a gap between that trio and the next team at the 37% mark – a key reason they rank first, second, and sixth in overall offensive efficiency on the year respectively.

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) is the most notable team on that second tier of shooting accuracy given the volume of three-pointers they have attempted. Not only are they firing up 33.2 attempts per game from beyond the arc, but with 26 of those attempts coming in catch-and-shoot situations, the size of their lead over the rest of the field is not built on ambitious pull-ups, but rather, pace and balance.

The most notable outlier on the other end of the spectrum is likely [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/), which has managed to notch four wins despite being one of the three teams shooting under 30% from three-point land this season. [7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/lkb/) warrants a mention as well as they have shot the ball quite well domestically so far this season, making them perhaps the most obvious candidate to rise as the season moves on.

While a blazing start from beyond the arc has not been a defining factor in the standings early on, it has certainly been a differentiator for this season’s top two offensive teams. Big-time shot-making performances like Anthony Brown's feel a little bit more important right now. With Valencia testing the upper end of the spectrum in terms of volume, it will be interesting to see which teams rise and fall through the year and how that ultimately shapes the standings. 

There is an interesting correlation between the teams thriving from deep and the overall standings

Now in his fifth season in the Montenegrin capital, Buducnost VOLI's Fletcher Magee is coming into his own in the EuroCup.

Fletcher Magee’s ongoing love affair with Podgorica missing only a golf course

[Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/) cannot really be considered a common American basketball player in Europe. Not only did the [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/) guard take a step down from the Spanish League to a club in Montenegro, but the sharpshooter is spending his fifth season in the country’s capital.

Magee is Buducnost’s second-leading scorer through seven games of the BKT EuroCup with 12.9 points per game. But he is doing so in just 17:32 minutes per contest as the 27-year-old is shooting a blistering 54.8% from three-point range this season.

“I definitely am hungry this year in the EuroCup because I feel like I played really bad in EuroCup last year,” says Magee, who last season averaged 6.3 points in 13 EuroCup games for Buducnost. “So I feel like I wanted to show that I can play good in this competition.”

Magee grits his teeth when he hears the number 28 – as in 27.9% on three-pointers last season in the EuroCup.

“That's a catastrophe. I don't want to hear that number again,” he states. “But it's all going to balance out. This year that means I'm over 50%. So it'll all balance out.”

And as if he is a fortune-teller, Magee this season has knocked down 17 of his 31 three-point attempts, which is the joint fourth most in the competition.

This is Magee’s second season with Buducnost but it is year five in Podgorica after playing the previous three campaigns with SC Derby Podgorica.

“Yeah, it's not normal. It's definitely not normal,” Magee admits about an American playing in the same city for five years. “I honestly like Podgorica.”

The native of Orlando said living in Podgorica even kind of feels like home.

“The food's great, the weather's great, and the proximity to the beach (the Adriatic Sea),” he says. “Just being able to live like, at least kind of like in Florida for the most part for Europe, I guess you could say.

“I just kind of feel like my life outside of basketball is good there. So that's why I've liked it there. And then I made some friends here over the years outside of basketball. I didn't even really sign many multi-year deals. I just kind of like… every year, I was like, I'm kind of starting to like it more and more, and I just kept coming back.”

Fletcher Magee has gone 17 for 31 from three-point land for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica so far in this 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Fletcher Magee's best three-pointers so far this season

And those five years came after he spent just one season playing in Spain for top-flight side Obradoiro, where he averaged 11.3 points on 35.0% three-point shooting in his first year as a professional.

“I learned a lot that year. I think that I was more than ready physically, but I think I wasn't ready mentally for how cerebral the ACB was. But I feel like I did pretty good for a rookie,” he says of the 2019-20 season.

After the COVID-19 summer, Magee signed with SC Derby in Montenegro – a move he himself admits is one few would make.

“I definitely took a step back that summer. I was just waiting around, and that COVID summer was a long summer,” he recalls. “When I came to Derby, I thought it was going to be way easier than it was after playing in Spain. But it was actually physical and in a pretty tough league.

“So it was kind of good to see the different styles of basketball – how cerebral and smart they are in Spain and then how physical they were in ABA League. I think it helped me in the long run to become a better player.”

Magee has been one of the biggest outside weapons from any team in his five seasons in the ABA League. Add to that playing in the EuroCup and everything that goes with that, and Magee is really enjoying himself in Podgorica.

The biggest thing missing for him, though, is a golf course.

“I've looked everywhere. There's no golf course,” says Magee, who plays three or four times a week when he is back in Florida in the summer. "I'm out there a ton, as much as I can.”

Magee did say there is a golf course being built in Montenegro.

“I can't wait. I'm gonna be there every off day,” he says.

Even though it will be located an hour and a half away?

“I don't care. I'll make the drive.”

Driving 1.5 hours one way on your off day to play golf. Nope, Fletcher Magee is not your average American in Europe.

More Buducnost News

The American has been in the Montenegrin capital since 2020

Fletcher Magee’s love affair with Podgorica is missing only a golf course

Look back at all the action in Round 7 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 7

Look back at all the action from Round 7 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

In the aftermath of devastating floods which killed more than 200 people in its home region, Wednesday’s EuroCup trip to Aris BC was never going to be easy for Valencia Basket.

Valencia rebounded for suffering fans with hard-fought win over Aris

In the aftermath of devastating floods which killed more than 200 people in its home region, [Wednesday’s BKT EuroCup trip to Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/valencia-stays-perfect-with-tough-road-win-at-aris-59-63/) was never going to be easy for [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/?season=2024-25).

Before the action, visiting coach Pedro Martinez admitted that his players had found it difficult to mentally prepare as they became the first professional sports team from Valencia to play a competitive game since the tragedy.

“Our mood is not the best, but we are professionals and we will try to play a good game”, Martinez told EuroLeague TV in his pre-game interview. “We are representing the people of Valencia. We would like to do more, but the only thing we can do today is try to play good basketball.”

Valencia Basket head coach Pedro Martinez spoke to EuroLeague TV ahead of his team's Round 7 clash against Aris Midea Thessaloniki in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Pedro Martinez: 'We are representing our people from Valencia'

Once the pre-game emotions were lifted and the action began, it was clear that Aris’s aggressive defense would do everything possible to limit the offensive explosiveness of the Spanish team, which had netted more than 100 points in its four previous games.

Valencia never looked like reaching those numbers on this occasion, with the Greek team’s ball-hawking skills forcing 5 turnovers in the first quarter alone. And that set the tone because by the end of the game, with Valencia held to only 63 points on low shooting percentages: 15 of 37 from two-point range (41%), and 7 of 32 from deep (22%).

But Pedro Martinez’s men were able to overcome their rare off night in terms of shooting accuracy – and claim a 59-63 victory – by instead showcasing another of their strengths: powerful rebounding.

The Spanish side dominated the boards from the opening tip, reaching a colossal 27 boards by halftime with 11 of those coming at the offensive end. By comparison, Aris only had 13 first-half rebounds, including 3 off the offensive glass.

By the end of the game the rebounding disparity had not been diminished, with Valencia claiming 55 boards and 25 at the offensive end (just two short of the club’s EuroCup record) while Aris’s respective numbers were 37 and 13.

And those extra possessions made a difference to the eventual outcome, with Valencia netting 9 second-chance points compared to 5 for Aris – a small but significant margin in such a low-scoring game.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Gracias por todo, Ευχαριστούμε για όλα, <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARISBCgr</a> 🧡💛<br><br>📷 Megapress / Aris BC Midea <a href="https://t.co/QzGPHJznfS">pic.twitter.com/QzGPHJznfS</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1854277466388566379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The chief rebounder was [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/), who also led the team’s scoring as he contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds. And when the action was over, he reaffirmed the message that playing sport is secondary to his team during these difficult times.

“The city of Valencia right now is hurting,” said the forward. “Basketball is just a small part of life. Our hearts and our minds are always with the people that have lost so much. We just want to continue to think about them, to draw attention to them, and to help them heal in any way we can.”

Valencia Basket forward Semi Ojeleye spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team's Round 7 win against Aris Midea Thessaloniki in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Semi Ojeleye: 'The city of Valencia is hurting'

Coach Martinez echoed those sentiments and added that his team’s commitment to the local community will continue into a challenging future. “We played for our supporters,” he noted. “They are suffering, but the most important thing is not to talk for only one day, or one week. We have a big problem in front of us. We need a lot of help and it is impossible to resolve in a few days.”

Game News

The Valencian Community was hit hard by flash floods last week and is still dealing with the consequences

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Valencia Basket (2024-11-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom has announced the signing of Kenneth "Speedy" Smith, who joins from Hapoel Jerusalem.

Turk Telekom adds Speedy Smith

Turk Telekom Ankara has announced the signing of [Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/), who spent the first part of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup campaign with Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem.

Smith (1.91 meters, 31 years old) posted 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 steal per night for Jerusalem across the first six games of the EuroCup season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">✍️ Kenneth &quot;Speedy&quot; Smith artık <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a> için ter dökecek! <br><br>Welcome to family Kenneth &quot;Speedy&quot; Smith! 👏🔥 <a href="https://t.co/EMPcBmSFQo">pic.twitter.com/EMPcBmSFQo</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1854514003319349413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is his second year in the EuroCup after previously representing the Antwerp Giants in 2020-21, when he averaged 15.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 steal per game in nine appearances.

Smith started his professional career with VEF Riga in 2015-16 before seeing out the rest of that season and the 2016-17 campaign with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. He remained in the G League for the next two seasons, suiting up for the Grand Rapids Gold. Smith returned to Europe in 2019 by playing for Szolnok, Charleroi and Maccabi Haifa in 2019-20. He split the 2020-21 season between Antwerp and Limoges, then played at Rytas Vilnius in 2021-22 before joining Jerusalem. Now he will continue his career with Turk Telekom.

More Turk Telekom News

The Turkish side moved quickly to sign the point guard

A memorable performance by an unstoppable Anthony Brown saw him set three new season highs in the BKT EuroCup and a pair of club records for Turk Telekom Ankara, all while earning him MVP of the Round honors.

Round 7 MVP: Anthony Brown, Turk Telekom Ankara

A memorable performance by an unstoppable [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) saw him set three new season highs in the BKT EuroCup and a pair of club records for Turk Telekom Ankara, all while earning him MVP of the Round honors.

In a 99-80 win over the visiting U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Brown starred with a career-best 39 points, shooting 8 for 10 from downtown, setting club records and EuroCup season-high marks in both scoring and three-pointers made. Brown was also 6 of 9 on two-pointers and made all 3 of his free throws. In addition, he dished 7 assists, pulled down 4 rebounds and had 1 steal, accumulating a PIR of 45, another season high and a personal best.

Two players had a PIR of 33: Cluj's [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) and [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/) of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Simpson collected 22 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and drew 9 fouls in a loss against Turk Telekom, while Blazic posted 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 9 drawn fouls in an 83-90 loss against Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse. The next best PIR, 32, belongs to ratiopharm Ulm's [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/), who played 41 minutes in a 105-100 overtime loss at Buducnost VOLI Podgorica with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Rounding out the list of best performers in Round 7 is Turk Telekom's [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/), with a PIR of 29, as he collected 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

 

### Individual highs: Anthony Brown, Turk Telekom, 39 points

Brown's 39 points in Round 7 are the most by a player this season. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem is the EuroCup's scoring leader with 22.0 points per game.

Veteran center [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) of Joventut Badalona pulled down 13 rebounds, more than any other player in this round. Tomic is the EuroCup's new rebounding leader with 9.7 boards per game.

[Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) of Bahcesehir College Istanbul dished 15 assists, head and shoulders better than anyone else in Round 7. Cluj's Simpson leads the EuroCup this season, averaging 7.1 assists per night.

[D'Moi Hodge](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/d--moi-hodge/013253/) of Aris Midea Thessaloniki led all players in this round with 5 steals. Jerusalem's [Yovel Zoosman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yovel-zoosman/006625/) leads the EuroCup with 2.3 steals per contest.

Two Aris players, [Eleftherios Bochoridis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/eleftherios-bochoridis/003240/) and [Nate Laszewski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-james-laszewski/013393/), had 3 blocks in Round 7. [Aleksa Ilic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksa-ilic/006561/) of Buducnost is this season's top shot blocker with 1.8 per game.

There were five double-doubles in this round: Tomic (17 points, 13 rebounds), [Joshua Roberts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joshua-roberts/013252/) of Aris (10 points, 12 rebounds), [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) of Valencia Basket (13 points, 12 rebounds), [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (11 points, 10 rebounds), and [Tyler Cavanaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-cavanaugh/009601/) of Bahcesehir (12 points, 10 rebounds).

A career night results with Turk Telekom guard earning this round's MVP honor.