Turk Telekom Ankara made a winning start to the BKT EuroCup season, scraping a 72-66 home victory over 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, giving Coach Erden Can a perfect homecoming. Can, who steered Turk Telekom to the 2023 EuroCup final, took over for a second stint at the club after a brief spell at Anadolu Efes Istanbul last season. He was able to breathe a sigh of relief after Kyle Alexander inspired Turk Telkom with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Anthony Brown also propelled the hosts with 11 points to go with as many boards, while big man Yoan Makoundou posted 12 points and 4 rebounds to underlie a cohesive team effort. At the other end, Georgios Kalaitzakis, Oleksandr Kovliar and Vytkenis Lipkevicius netted 12 points each while Marko Pecarski amassed 10 points and 8 rebounds for battling Lietkabelis.

Game Videos

Can was pleased with the outcome although he conceded that his team would have to improve in all departments if it is to replicate the kind of form that saw the club reach the 2023 final.

“We talked about it before the game, they always play tough and consistent basketball,” Can said after the game. “The first game of the season is always difficult, we made too many easy mistakes but at the end of the day a win is a win."

Alexander, who joined Turk Telekom from Hapoel Tel Aviv during the offseason, concurred that grit and determination saw the team get across the finish line.

“I am grateful that we’ve got our first team win,” he said. “It wasn’t pretty, but we stepped up in the second half and took on the challenge with good rebounding.”

The contest got off to a spectacular start with Alexander racing through the paint for a slam-dunk in the opening possession, but it soon turned into a rugged and physical contest, with both sides struggling from long range in the wake of aggressive defense at both ends of the floor.

Alexander racked up 7 points in the first quarter as the home team opened up a 22-17 lead and Turk Telekom appeared set for some plain sailing as the advantage soared to 28-17 early in the second. However, Kovliar hauled Lietkabelis back into the game with a four-point play and the visitors engineered a 6-17 run to nose ahead 33-34, before Turk Telekom scored to take a slender 35-34 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Game News

Lietkabelis turned the tide again and led 35-39 early in the third but Turk Telekom showed its resilience as Brown hit a tough turnaround jumper to give the home team a 54-48 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The visitors threatened to force the final twist when a 2-8 run saw Turk Telekom’s lead slashed to 68-66, but Lietkabelis misfired from beyond the three-point arc at crunch time while Brown sealed the contest with the final 4 points of the game. 

With both sides below par from downtown, as Turk Telekom made 3 of 16 while Lietkabelis hit 5 of 24, it was the home team’s dominance in the paint that made the difference. The Turkish side racked up 46 boards to the visiting team’s 37, having forced Lietkabelis to take a barrage of tough shots when the chips were down.

The Turkish side led for most of the contest but had to fend off a spirited late fightback by its Lithuanian rival 

Turk Telekom grinds out tough home win over Lietkabelis, 72-66

Turk Telekom Ankara v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2024-09-24T16:30:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse faced little opposition to open the season with a historic 80-100 victory at Veolia Towers Hamburg in Group B. Last season's runner-up, Bourg scored a club-record 64 points in the first half while forcing Hamburg into 23 turnovers for a 24-13 advantage in points off turnovers.

Adrian Nelson scored 18 points to lead Bourg while Jean-Marc Panda had 16 points, Xavier Castadena picked up 12 points and 5 assists and Hugo Benitez chipped in 9 points and 6 assists. Hamburg started the season with a loss again after dropping its first six games in 2023-24. Keondre Kennedy paced the German side with 17 points and Kenneth Ogbe added 15 points in the loss.

Bourg started the game at the Inselpark Arena on fire with the first 11 points and Castadena drained 3 triples for a 2-14 lead. Jaizec Lottie converted 2 layups for the hosts to get within 11-18, but Bourg’s offense just kept rolling as Pansa scored 6 points and the French side made two more threes in a 5-17 finish as the first quarter ended 16-35.

Kennedy poured in 8 points as Hamburg tried to stay in the game but Pansa moved to 12 points and the Bourg cushion grew to 24-45. Osaro Rich’s strong run for Hamburg made it 33-49, but the host’s defense continued to falter in allowing three more triples and Bourg led 40-64 at the break. It was a new club record for Bourg for the most points in a half, topping the 57 points the club scored five times, most recently in the second half against Lietkabelis in Round 15 last season. 

Hamburg managed to trim the gap to 50-70 before Bourg increased the margin back to 25. Zsombor Maronka sandwiched three-pointers around a Kennedy triple and Hamburg was within 61-77. The guests responded with the next 5 points and led 61-82 after 30 minutes. Bourg tallied the first 4 points of the fourth quarter as the advantage grew to 25 points and Hamburg was not able to get closer than 18 points the rest of the way. 

The visitors dominated from the start to open the season in style

Bourg gives Hamburg no chance in road win, 80-100

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-09-24T17:30:00.000Z)

The opening round of the 2024-25 EuroCup season is upon us, with drama set to be aplenty.

At a glance: Round 1 is here!

It’s time for action! Twenty teams are gunning for glory as the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup gets underway this week, with new signings and returning stars aiming to secure opening night victories. And you can watch every game live on [EuroLeagueTV](https://www.euroleague.tv/home). Here’s your overview of the action.

## Wednesday, September 25

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca 86-93 Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/u-bt-cluj-napoca-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/8/)

Cedevita made 14 three-pointers, including a pair in the final minute of the game, to beat Cluj 86-93 on Wednesday. Cedevita overcame a 12-0 fourth-quarter spurt by the home team, and after being down 78-71, used a 2-9 run to catch up, before scoring the final 8 points of the night to register a win in which it had five scorers in double figures. Devin Robinson had 20 points and Brynton Lemar scored 18 for the wnners. Zavier Simpson had 16 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds for Cluj. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Final 📊:<br><br>➡ Robinson 20 points<br>➡ Lemar 18 points<br>➡ Jones 15 points / 7 assists<br>➡ Nikolić 14 points<br>➡ Stewart 13 points<br>➡ Blažič 5 points<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/PuQNHqgk7F">pic.twitter.com/PuQNHqgk7F</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1839005584563253435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69-80 Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-bahcesehir-college-istanbul/U2024/3/)

In the first-ever meeting between these two teams, Bahcesehir pulled out a convincing road win over Wolves on Wednesday night. Despite trailing 26-23 at the end of the first quarter, the visitors adjusted their defense to give up only 17 points in the second period and just 13 in each of the third and fourth quarters. Axel Bouteille paced the winners with 17 points - with 13 of them coming after the intermission. Anthony Cowan led all scorers with 20 points plus 4 assists in defeat.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">💪 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐧!<br><br>BKT EuroCup | A Grubu 1. Maç | Maç Sonucu | Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69 - 80 Bahçeşehir Koleji<br><br>• Axel Bouteille: 17 sayı, 7 ribaund, 3 asist<br>• Tai Odiase: 14 sayı, 5 ribaund<br>• Tyler Cavanaugh: 13 sayı, 2 ribaund, 1 asist<br>• ⁠CJ… <a href="https://t.co/a3v00wY4Uy">pic.twitter.com/a3v00wY4Uy</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1839002362041487447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 64-80 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem-valencia-basket/U2024/6/)

Four-time BKT EuroCup winner Valencia made an impressive comeback to the competition by grabbing a 64-80 victory against Hapoel Jerusalem at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria on Wednesday. The visitors were in control of the duel from the off and imposed their game on Jerusalem, which struggled on offense due to Valencia’s defensive prowess. Matthew Costello paced Valencia with 16 points and Semi Ojeleye scored 12. Former Valencia guard Jared Harper led all scorers with 27 points in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🧡 YEAAAAAH<br><br>¡Tenemos la primera en el debut ante un rival de alto nivel en Bulgaria! 💪<br><br>🏆 J1 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a><br>🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerusalemBasket</a> 64<br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 80<br>🤝🏻 Vitaldin Sport <a href="https://t.co/7on7FtI8aT">pic.twitter.com/7on7FtI8aT</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1839020062058979788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Besitkas Fibabank Istanbul 94-76 Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/4/)

Besiktas cruised to a comprehensive 94-76 home win over Buducnost to make a perfect start in Group A after Derek Needham rolled back the years. The 33-year-old guard racked up a game-high 18 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds after he came off the bench to run the show in front of a vocal home crowd who roared on Besiktas throughout. At the other end, Rasheed Sulaimon and McKinley Wright led Buducnost with 13 points each.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">BKT EuroCup&#39;ta sezona galibiyetle başlıyoruz. 😎 <br><br>Beşiktaş Fibabanka 94-76 Buducnost VOLI | Maç Sonucu <br><br>🦅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Be%C5%9Fikta%C5%9FFibabanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeşiktaşFibabanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Potan%C4%B1nKartallar%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PotanınKartalları</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTMRCbyfA6">pic.twitter.com/fTMRCbyfA6</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1839017072212455790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Trefl Sopot 93-96 ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/trefl-sopot-ratiopharm-ulm/U2024/1/)

Ulm fought off a valiant effort from Trefl to snatch a 93-96 overtime victory on the road as Justinian Jessup hit the game-winning three-pointer with 2.0 seconds left. Ulm rallied from 12 points down to ruin Trefl’s first EuroCup game since 2012. Jessup scored a team-high 20 points while Noa Essengue had 18 points and fellow teenager Ben Saraf collected 17 points and 10 assists. Jakub Schenk drained 5 three-pointers for 22 points and Geoffrey Groselle collected 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Group A encounter. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Auftaktsieg im Eurocup 🚀❤️‍🔥<br>Wir kämpfen bis zur letzten Minute und belohnen uns nach der Overtime auch international mit dem ersten Sieg.<br><br>𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗥:<br>Justinian Jessup | 20 PKT, 6 REB, 1 STL<br>Noa Essengue | 18 PKT, 6 REB, 2 AST<br>Ben Saraf | 17 PKT, 10 AST, 3 STL <a href="https://t.co/JJfqwiz43s">pic.twitter.com/JJfqwiz43s</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1839027461193085245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Umana Reyer Venice 95-75 Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/umana-reyer-venice-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2024/9/)

Reyer enjoyed a strong start to the season by downing Aris 95-75 at Palasport Taliercio in Group B. Jordan Parks led the winners with 17 points and Tyler Ennis tallied 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for Reyer. Landers Nolley led Aris with 14 points in the loss.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Season opener win for <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@REYER1872</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/XiKQqRKMhK">pic.twitter.com/XiKQqRKMhK</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1839035238548115620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, September 24

### [Turk Telekom Ankara 72-66 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/turk-telekom-ankara-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/10/)

Turk Telekom made a winning start to the season, scraping a 72-66 home victory over Lietkabelis. Kyle Alexander inspired Turk Telkom with 11 points and 9 rebounds and Anthony Brown also propelled the hosts with 11 points to go with as many boards. At the other end, Georgios Kalaitzakis, Oleksandr Kovliar and Vytkenis Lipkevicius netted 12 points each.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yeni sezona galibiyetle merhaba! 🤍💙<br><br>Maç sonucu: Türk Telekom 72- 66 Lietkabelis<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://t.co/pHvXez1kLq">pic.twitter.com/pHvXez1kLq</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1838650241199018229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg 80-100 Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/veolia-towers-hamburg-cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse/U2024/7/)

Bourg faced little opposition in its road opener to the season with a historic 80-100 victory at Hamburg in Group B. Last season's runner-up, Bourg scored a club record 64 points in the first half while forcing Hamburg into 23 turnovers for a 24-13 advantage in points off turnovers. Adrian Nelson scored 18 points to lead Bourg while Jean-Marc Panda had 16 points. Keondre Kennedy paced the German side with 17 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">VICTOIRE ! ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hamburgtowers</a> 80 🆚 100 COSEA JL Bourg <br><br>Nos Rouges et Blancs démarrent fort en EuroCup avec une première victoire au compteur ! 🔥 Parfait pour bien lancer cette aventure européenne💪🔴⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a>｜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/UqOpjTabRW">pic.twitter.com/UqOpjTabRW</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1838664954624311446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Joventut Badalona 78-75 Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/joventut-badalona-hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/U2024/2/)

Joventut erased a 10-point second-quarter deficit before outlasting Hapoel in the team’s season-opener at Palau Olimpic de Badalona on Tuesday night. The hosts' big men all stood out as center Ante Tomic posted 17 points on near-perfect shooting and 12 rebounds for a personal-best PIR of 32. Kaiser Gates scored 16 points on 4-of-7 three-point shooting in his EuroCup debut and Artem Pustovyi contributed 11 points and 5 boards off the bench. For Hapoel, Patrick Beverley delivered 14 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Finaaaaaaaaaaaaal, la primera victòria a Europa ✔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Badalona%C3%89sFutur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadalonaÉsFutur</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZE4bQZu05f">pic.twitter.com/ZE4bQZu05f</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1838678433858986488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Dreamland Gran Canaria 84-81 Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/dreamland-gran-canaria-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2024/5/#boxscore)

Gran Canaria started the season with a victory over Trento at Gran Canaria Arena on Tuesday. The visitors got off to a solid start and took a 45-49 lead into the second half, but the hosts tightened up their defense after the break and clinched the win. Mike Tobey led his team with 20 points and 8 rebounds and Carlos Alocen netted 11 points. Trento guard Jordan Ford led all scorers with 32 points, finishing the game shooting 11-for-11 from inside the arc and 3-for-4 on three-pointers.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏀 Final:<br><br>🐥 Dreamland Gran Canaria 84<br>⚫ Dolomiti Energia Trento 81<br><br>🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosGranca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosGranca</a> <a href="https://t.co/kL4AbirnEE">pic.twitter.com/kL4AbirnEE</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1838682067225243957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Plenty of thrills and spills are to be expected during the 2024-25 EuroCup season

Game Center: Wednesday road wins for Valencia, Ulm, Cedevita, Bahcesehir

Umana Reyer Venice v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-09-25T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Valencia Basket (2024-09-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-09-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-09-25T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-09-25T16:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-09-25T16:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2024-09-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-09-24T18:30:00.000Z)

Round 1: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Tuesday's games

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Towers Hamburg head coach:**

"After Sunday's \[German League\] game, we don't have much time to prepare for the EuroCup opener. We, the coaches, have scouted accordingly and are looking at what we can do in the short time available. We will concentrate on the essentials and give the team everything they need for the game."

**Hamburg injury report:** Jared Grey out (broken arm), Niklas Wimberg out (broken leg)

**Freddy Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach:**

"We gained confidence in pre-season by facing ratiopharm Ulm. We prepared and trained accordingly to start the competition in the best possible way."

Frederic Fauthoux head coach of Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse

**Brandon Paul, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse guard:**

"We put ourselves in a great position during pre-season to have a successful EuroCup season this year. Now, it’s time to play JL Bourg basketball and I have no doubt that we are ready for the challenges ahead - starting against a good team in Hamburg."

### Joventut Badalona vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

**Dani Miret, Joventut Badalona head coach:**

"The key is to go game by game, day by day. Each rival will demand a lot from us and we must have our identity to dominate matches with our strengths and be more consistent. We must be a team that is solid defensively, push from the defense and increase the rate of scoring points, which gives us confidence after being strong defensively."

**Ante Tomic, Joventut Badalona center:**

"Every team wants and can enter the playoffs. It is a good start to see \[where we are\] against Hapoel and at home, where we hope to play a good game. Playing well at home is always important and winning home games gives you confidence, because if you win them all you have a lot more chances to enter the playoffs."

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach:**

"The EuroCup starts for us on Tuesday against a historical team, in a tough place, Badalona. We have a huge respect for our opponent, but our target is to go all the way, and for sure it is important to start with a good result to satisfy our fans and to set a tone early in the competition, to show we are here to do good things this season. We have confidence and we prepared very well to show our abilities. I think we will be ready to fight until the last moment to register our first win, which would give us a boost for the continuation of the season."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward:**

"We are very excited to open the European season with a tough game in Badalona. We will come to fight for every ball and come away with the victory. We are all united and focused to make our fans happy."

Tomer Ginat and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv open their EuroCup season in Badalona

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento

**Paolo Galbiati, Dolomiti Energia Trento head coach:**

"We are playing against a very important team in the EuroCup. Gran Canaria has a long history of success, with many playoff appearances and, just two years ago, they won the competition. They made several changes during the summer, but kept a solid core of players who have been there for several years, such as Shurna, Albicy and Brussino. They also added top-level players, many of them coming from the Euroleague, such as Alocen, Tobey and Thomasson, as well as Homesley and Conditt, who already know the competition well. It is a team built to win and we want to give our all to have our say. Starting our European adventure at the Gran Canaria Arena is really exciting."

**Andrea Pecchia, Dolomiti Energia Trento guard:**

"I am very excited and I can't wait to get started. I am a rookie in this competition and I can't wait to test myself against such strong teams, which aspire to the EuroLeague. In my opinion, it will be fun, there will certainly be difficult moments but with the group that is being created we can do something great. Gran Canaria is a very strong team, last year I saw the game that Trento won by 22 points in Las Palmas and they will certainly have a grudge and will give their all. It will be nice and stimulating to play this game and it will be a good test."

## Wednesday's games

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach:**

"The teams in both groups in BKT EuroCup are definitely on a higher level than in the previous season. We'll be able to see a team that came from the EuroLeague, and on the other hand, teams that have significantly increased their budgets. In our group, we can find the former EuroLeague team Valencia, as well as our future opponents Cluj, last season’s finalist Bourg, the strong Hapoel, but I don't want to list every team individually. The consensus, not just mine, is that the EuroCup is much stronger this season than in the last. Our main goal is to fight for a playoff spot, and that goal should motivate us to perform as well as possible and play at a high level since we're not the clear favorites against any opponent in the group. We need to play well, as a team. During preparations, we had both good and bad periods, and building the team is a long process. Cluj is a serious team, a club where Dusko Vujosevic laid some foundations, and the current coach has been with the team for many years. The club added quality players in certain positions compared to last season. This will be the first time in my career that I’ll play against our opponents, but it's clear we're talking about a serious project that is improving season by season. We'll try to prepare for the game as best as possible, but the favorite role for Wednesday's match undoubtedly belongs to Cluj. EuroCup is a strong competition. I’ve played in it before with ASVEL, where we reached the quarterfinals, and with Monaco, with whom we won the title. After the EuroLeague, EuroCup is definitely the second strongest basketball competition in Europe, which is evident from the level of organization and the teams that compete in it. I’m happy to return to the competition. We have a challenging schedule ahead of us. What's most important to me is that we are prepared and that we approach each game bravely, just like we did in the Tivoli tournament, where we faced EuroLeague teams. We’re motivated to put on the best performance possible. The schedule might not favor us at the start of the season, but in the end, that doesn’t matter, as you can start the season poorly and improve as it progresses, and vice versa."

Zvezdan Mitrovic, now on the bench of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

**Brynton Lemar, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana guard:**

"Every team that competes in the BKT EuroCup is good, and each game presents a strong challenge. I want us to step onto the court ready to fight in every match. I don’t have all the answers, and I can't predict that we'll finish the season undefeated. But we will definitely give our best, be competitive, and strive to improve with every game, while doing everything we can to win as many games as possible. We’re excited that the season is starting, and at the same time, we’re hungry and eager to prove ourselves as a team. It’s still early, but we’re definitely hungry to make our mark in the EuroCup. Cluj is a very good team. Our opponents have slightly revamped their lineup with some new players. I expect us to give our all for all 40 minutes and show a different face than in the \[ABA League\] match against FMP. We need to be more aggressive and focused. I expect a good game where we’ll give everything we have, and hopefully, the result at the end of the game will be in our favor."

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinbet Vilnius head coach:**

"We are excited to start this new EuroCup season. We have our first EuroCup game against a very solid team, full of experienced players at this level. For sure, Bahcesehir will play for a spot in the playoff. They have a very good coach and very talented players. I am really happy to see C.J. Massinburg and Tai Odiase again. I coached them in Brescia, and I have great memories that I shared with them. For our EuroCup season, we want to try to compete. Our goal is to try to overcome the group and go to the playoffs. It will be a fight every time, at home and on the road because the group is very competitive. But we are confident that we are in the right way to try to compete every night, starting with the upcoming game."

**Regimantas Miniotas, Wolves Twinbet Vilnius forward:**

"This year, the EuroCup competition is very tough, with many good teams. A tough fight for a place in the playoffs awaits us. The Bahcesehir team did a good job on the roster this summer, it has high-level players and a great coach. Like us, their season has just begun, so it’s still too early to evaluate them. In the first game, we will need to be fully focused and execute the coaches' game plan. If we do that, I believe we can start the EuroCup on a good note. We are happy that we’ve started the season with a win in the domestic championship. We hope for the same start in the EuroCup."

**Dejan Radonjic, Bahcesehir College Istanbul head coach:**

"We are going to play our first official game of the season against a very good team and organization. They have a new coach and a new approach on what to do on defense and also on offense. We worked really hard and practiced well during the pre-season. First game of the season is always unpredictable, you never know what is going to happen. We have to execute our game plan, play hard on both ends of the floor and start the EuroCup with a performance that makes our fans proud."

**Tyler Cavanaugh, Bahcesehir College Istanbul forward:**

"We are excited for the new EuroCup season to finally get started. Really excited for the team and the players that we have and eager to see how we match up with the teams in the EuroCup. Wolves will be a very good first test for us. They have a lot of experienced players, and we know it is going to be a tough environment to play in, as all Lithuanian basketball arenas are. Really excited to see how far we can go, and it all starts on Wednesday night.

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Valencia Basket

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach**:

"We are excited to return to the EuroCup and start the season. We couldn't ask for a tougher opponent for the first game than Valencia, a club we highly respect with an excellent team and almost no weaknesses. We have great faith in our team and are determined to make our fans proud, some of whom will travel to support us in Bulgaria while most will be cheering from afar. We are confident that it will be a very tough game, but we have one goal and one goal only – to win."

**Yovel Zoosman, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem forward:**

"After a long and intense preparation period, we are happy to start the season. The entire team worked very hard to reach the best condition for the first game of the EuroCup. We will face an opponent that everyone knows belongs in the EuroLeague, but we are here to prove our worth and want to start our European campaign with a statement."

**Jerusalem injury report:** Nimrod Levi out (ankle injury), Khadeen Carrington out (personal matters)

**Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket head coach:**

"The rival is good, it is one of the contenders. I think there are six or seven teams that are likely to win the competition, and \[Hapoel Jerusalem\] is one of them. It is a team that I like the way they play, the truth is, they have players who can score a lot of points, physical players, they have a very aggressive defense. Let's say that if what we wanted was to have an 'easier' start, well no, that is not the case. We are playing against a good team and it will be very difficult to win, but we will try to see if we play a good game and if we can win. If we start with a win, it would be very good for the future of the competition. If we lose, obviously, it will not break anything, but it will not be a good news."

### Besitkas Fibabank Istanbul vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

**Dusan Alimpijevic, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul head coach:**

"Buducnost is a very respectable team. They have a very good roster, we know they are aiming for the top spot in both the EuroCup and the ABA League. They have very important names in their roster. Buducnost played an ABA League game last week. This creates an advantage for them. It will be the first official game of the season for us. I believe my team is preparing for the game in the best possible way and is waiting for the game. It will be very important for our fans to create the atmosphere they created last season once again, because we created an atmosphere in our arena that the whole of Europe talked about. As long as our fans are with us, everything is possible. I'm calling all our fans to again come to the gym and support us."

**Yigit Arslan, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul guard:**

"It is a very important game for us. We will play a dangerous team in our group at home in line with our goals. We have not yet played our best game, hopefully we will reach this level with the official games. It will not be easy to reach or even surpass last year’s success. We need the support of our fans this season as well. From the first game, we must show the EuroCup organization and our rivals that Besiktas wants to play at the top as a team and its fans. We want to start this difficult competition with a victory. Hopefully, we will make a good start to the season on Wednesday night."

Yigit Arslan - Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul

**Andrej Zakelj, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica head coach:**

"We’re glad that we’ve reached this point with a fully healthy squad for the first game. That’s definitely a positive, and we need to approach the game with a positive mindset. We’ve had a good stretch behind us, but now everything resets. Now is when it counts. We know Besiktas well. They’re a strong team with good individual players, and they play fast, aggressive basketball. We’re expecting a tough atmosphere and a solid team that knows their assignments and how to attack their opponent. We’ll prepare accordingly. We’re aware of their weaknesses, and we’ll try to exploit them. I’m hopeful for a positive result."

**Juwan Morgan, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica forward:**

"We played great as a team in first game of the season \[in the ABA League\]. We defended well. The first quarter was a little rocky, but I think that just came with the nerves of being the first game. Overall, I think we just played as one and everybody contributed. If we come out and do the same thing in game versus Besiktas, I don't see anything different happening. I think we just come out, be ready, play defense and box out and we'll get the win.

### Trefl Sopot vs. ratiopharm Ulm

**Andy Van Vliet, Trefl Sopot forward:**

"I am vey excited. For me, it's the first season playing in the EuroCup, and for the team it's first season in a while playing in the EuroCup. I think the first game will be very exciting, a lot of emotions. We obviously want to put Sopot on the map, to the best of our abilities. Hopefully, the game will be exciting and the fans will be there. Ulm is a very good team, they have a lot of very talented players. It will be a great test for us. It will be a tough game, tough battle, but hopefully we can come on top and get a win."

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach:**

"I'm very excited about the upcoming season. We had some missing players during the preseason but now we are almost completed, missing only one player in the rotation. The team is growing every day and I hope we will continue to play the same level of defense we are showing lately. I'm sure our shooting percentage will be higher soon. Aris changed a lot, but we know the way they play. We saw a couple of their games, it is always a difficult team to play against. For the first time we play a home game and I hope the fans are going to come to support us and that we try to win this game together."

**Tyler Ennis, Umana Reyer Venice guard:**

"Obviously we want to come out and show the work we have put in. It's the first game, we still have something to work on, like other teams do, but we want to play with energy and play our game. I'm happy to play again in the EuroCup, I played few games in the past. It's a great competition across the board with a lot of great teams. We want to go out and test our talent and our team against the best." 

**Reyer injury report**: Juan Fernandez out (muscle strain in the thigh), Kyle Wiltjer game-time decision (recovering from muscle strain in the pelvis).

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach:**

"We begin our season in BKT EuroCup on the road against Reyer Venice. It will be a very tough and difficult game for us, as our opponent has a deep squad with great quality and experience. At the same time, all the injuries that we had to deal with, didn’t allow us to get prepared in the way that we wanted during our preseason period. In any case, we need to be ready to give our best self. We have to take care of our defensive transition and defensive rebound, as Reyer likes to run a lot and scores many points out of second chances. These are two key factors of the game in my opinion. I would like to wish best of health for all the teams and the athletes and enjoy a great season in BKT EuroCup."

**Vassilis Toliopoulos, Aris Midea Thessaloniki guard:**

"This is the first official game of the season for us and we anticipated this moment. We had a successful run in last season’s BKT EuroCup and we are eager for the upcoming challenge. We know that now we will not be a surprise for the other teams, so we have to be even more thirsty and effective, to have a good season. Reyer Venice is a very good team and knowing our problems, having the absence of some key players, we have to give our 100% to reach our goal."

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup season tip off.

Andrew Andrews of BC Wolves sat down with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo ahead of the 2024-25 EuroCup season to discuss a number of topics.

Andrew Andrews, Wolves: 'My goal is to make us a playoff team'

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup tips off today and in order to start the season with a bang, we sat down with one of the best players in competition's recent years, [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) of Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius.

In his first season and after a change of role that made him his team's first option, Andrews led Frutti Extra Bursaspor all the way to the 2022 EuroCup Final. Along the way, his team grabbed epic road wins against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana and MoraBanc Andorra before losing against Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Italy. Last season, Andrews joined Joventut Badalona and helped take the Spanish side to the playoffs.

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Andrews has taken his scoring talent and EuroCup experience to Wolves, a fast-paced team where he surely is a perfect fit. It was a conversation with his current coach, Alessandro Magro, which made him choose Wolves over other options.

"We sat down and had a conversation \[in Las Vegas\] and just the conversation that we had, you can honestly tell that one he's a really, really good coach, but even better than the coach, he's a really good man," Andrews told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo. "For me, later on in my career, I kind of value that a lot more. So just him being a great coach was a plus, but just the type of man that he was in our conversation was so good."

Asked about Bursaspor's run in 2022, Andrews stated that the whole team is still in touch. "They were special just because of the amount of chemistry that we had and that we had to acquire to even make those runs towards the end," he added. "All of us still talk. We all very much still connected, still root for each other to this day because anytime you make a run like that, you end up creating a special bond."

Andrews spoke about a good numbers of things: his free-throw routine, [John Holland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/john-holland/004267/)'s famous halftime interview in 2022, his friendship with reigning EuroLeague MVP [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) of AS Monaco and, of course, his expectations for the upcoming season. Wolves host Bahcesehir College Istanbul in their season opener in the Lithuanian capital on Wednesday night.

"Any team I come into, my goal is to try and either want to make us a playoff team or get to the playoffs," he proclaimed. "And those are personal goals to me within the team atmosphere."

More Wolves News

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup tips off today and in order to start the season with a bang, we sat down with one of the best players in competition's recent years, Andrew Andrews of Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius.

Interview with Andrew Andrews, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius

The Wolves guard, entering his third EuroCup season, sat down with Javier Gancedo ahead of the new campaign

The top 10 likeliest candidates to win the EuroCup MVP in the 2024-25 season, according to Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo.

Top 10 EuroCup MVP candidates

The arms race to chase the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup crown over the summer saw more stars land in the competition than ever before. But to take home the EuroCup MVP Trophy, all that matters is what one does this season. 

With all the big names, predicting who will be the MVP of the competition may be harder than ever. Here are my Top 10 candidates to be chosen as EuroCup MVP at the end of this season.

### 10. Vassilis Toliopoulos, Aris Midea Thessaloniki

[Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) comes off a strong debut season in the EuroCup in which he averaged 14.4 points on 91.9% free-throw shooting and 3.6 assists to lead Aris to the playoffs. After that, Toliopoulos had a key role with the Greek national team at the Olympic Games in Paris. 

His confidence, leadership and EuroCup experience turn him into an even bigger threat this season. Toliopoulos is a reliable clutch player who reads the game well and is never afraid to attack the rim. At age 28, Toliopoulos has all it takes to record a career-defining season.

Vassilis Toliopoulos Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

Vassilis Toliopoulos | Best Plays 2023-24

### 9. Caleb Homesley, Dreamland Gran Canaria

[Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) had a sudden impact in his first EuroCup season, playing for Veolia Towers Hamburg. Back in the 2021-22 campaign, he averaged 17.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 14 games.

In fact, he delivered one of the best all-around performances in recent EuroCup history with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for a PIR of 45 in a win against Turk Telekom Ankara, proving that he is more than just an excellent three-point shooter. With Gran Canaria, Homesley is surrounded by more talented players, and that is a great opportunity for him to challenge for glory.

Caleb Homesley Top Plays of the 2021-22 Regular Season

Caleb Homesley | Best Plays 2021-22

### 8. Yogi Ferrell, Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

[Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) enters his fourth consecutive EuroCup season eager to take Buducnost to the next level. A great scorer, Ferrell missed the start of the 2023-24 season and when he joined Buducnost, he didn't find his rhythm (10.4 ppg., 4.1 apg.). 

Now fully healthy, Ferrell should have a season closer to the 2022-23 campaign in which he led the EuroCup in scoring (18.4 ppg.) playing for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Smart, determined and always ready to make decisions, Ferrell is one of the biggest stars in the competition.

### 7. Tyler Ennis, Umana Reyer Venice

[Tyler Ennis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyler-ennis/008858/) and [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) played together for Hapoel Tel Aviv last season and then joined Reyer this summer. Even though no player has scored more points than Mumford over the last two EuroCup seasons (580), watch out for Ennis as he makes things happen with his court vision, poise and one-on-one-skills. 

Fully healthy after a couple of troubled seasons, Ennis should have a breakout season and lead Reyer to new heights. Fun fact: his brother [Dylan Ennis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dylan-ennis/008066/) made it to the 2018-19 All-EuroCup Second Team with MoraBanc Andorra. Can Tyler do even better than Dylan this season?  

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ZJf3IMZCj/?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/C8ZJf3IMZCj/?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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### 6. Austin Wiley, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

The only newcomer on the list, [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) arrives in Jerusalem with a leading role. What are his credentials? First, he is an excellent rebounder. Over the last three seasons, Wiley has consecutively led the German, Lithuanian and Turkish Leagues in rebounds. 

He is also a top-notch shot blocker who will surely surprise a lot of people with his timing and athleticism. Wiley is more than just a defensive wall, as he is a very disciplined player who uses his size and power to score in the paint. Expect to see him on the highlight reels and challenge for the MVP trophy.

### 5. Semi Ojeleye, Valencia Basket

Just like Jones, [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) is making his EuroCup debut after doing well in the EuroLeague; he averaged 12.0 points on 46.6% three-point shooting and 4.2 rebounds in 51 games with Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Valencia. 

Extremely physical, fast and powerful, Ojeleye is also a great shooter with deep range who uses his athleticism to get to the foul line often. Playing at either forward spot, Ojeleye gives Valencia plenty of versatility, as he is also an excellent offensive rebounder who knows how to use his body to score in the paint.

Semi Ojeleye Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

Semi Ojeleye | Best Plays 2023-24

### 4. Andrew Andrews, Wolves Twinbet Vilnius

Wolves have plenty of talented scorers all around and are expected to play fast-paced basketball, which is good news for [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who thrives in transition due to his off-the-charts basketball IQ and great ability to hit stop-and-pop jumpers. 

In 2022, Andrews led Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the EuroCup Finals against all odds. Last season, he averaged 14.6 points on 98.4% free throw shooting and 3.8 assists in 16 games with Joventut Badalona. At age 31, Andrews is at the prime of his career and in a perfect environment to showcase his best basketball.

### 3. Axel Bouteille, Bahcesehir College Istanbul

[Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/) returns to the EuroCup for the first time since earning 2022-23 All-EuroCup First Team honors and reaching that season’s final with Turk Telekom Ankara. He was unstoppable back then, averaging 17.8 points on strong shooting (57.7% 2FG, 44.5% 3FG, 88.9% FT) plus 4.7 rebounds for a PIR of 17.7. 

The Frenchman is in his second season with Bahcesehir and is his team's first option due to his one-on-one skills. His ability to create his own shot, both off screens and off the dribble, makes him a natural mismatch. This will be his sixth EuroCup season with five different teams, so Bouteille knows the competition inside out.

Axel Bouteille Top Plays of the 2022-23 Playoffs and 2022-23 Regular Season

Axel Bouteille | Best Plays 2022-23

### 2. Chris Jones, Valencia Basket

After four solid seasons in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, it should not be a surprise to see Chris Jones on this list. Jones can generate his own shot, especially in crunch time, and has the basketball IQ, talent and athleticism needed to be a star in the competition. 

He leads the winningest team in EuroCup history, too. Some may think that Jones maybe not be a motivated in the EuroCup but remember, he started his career in Mongolia, working his way up year by year until he reached the EuroLeague. With better pick-and-roll players around, Jones should be even more dangerous.

### 1. Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

[Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) is getting all the media attention but if Hapoel wants to win the EuroCup, it will need [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/)'s best at both ends. When it comes to the EuroCup, Motley has some unfinished business. 

He was an MVP candidate when he played for Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in the 2020-21 season with 21.2 points and 7.0 rebounds for a PIR of 23.9 in nine games. Lokomotiv did not finish that season and now that Motley is back, he is ready to showcase his power, post skills and energy. There may not be another other player more eager to prove his value.

Johnathan Motley Top Plays of the 2021-22 Regular Season

Johnathan Motley | Best Plays 2021-22

Expect these players to shine in the 2024-25 season

It’s time for action! Twenty teams are gunning for glory as the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup gets underway this week, with new signings and returning stars aiming to secure opening night victories. Here’s your overview of the action.

## Tuesday, September 24

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (18:30 CEST)

The new EuroCup season tips off on Tuesday in the Turkish capital, where Turk Telekom is reunited with coach Erdem Can, who led the team to the 2023 title decider. The hosts have a drastically rebuilt roster including big men [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) and [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/), with [Olivier Hanlan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/olivier-hanlan/006598/) and [Max Heidegger](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/max-heidegger/012259/) set for key roles in the backcourt. Lietkabelis will have to cope without star man Deividas Srvydis – last season’s EuroCup scoring leader – following [his summer departure to Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-eurocups-top-scorer-deividas-sirvydis/), and the Lithuanian team will hope for an instant impact from new signing [Georgios Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/georgios-kalaitzakis/006586/).

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Alexander vs Maldunas | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (19:30 CEST)

Last season’s runner-up, Bourg, begins another challenge with a trip to Hamburg, which is desperate to improve on last year’s 2-16 record. Bourg coach Frederic Fauthoux can still call upon exciting guard [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/) and offensive rebounding ace [Kevin Kokila](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kevin-kokila/011837/), and a raft of new arrivals will look for leadership from experienced three-point shooting specialist [Brandon Paul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brandon-paul/004945/). Hamburg play-caller Benka Barloschky has to find the right formula with no less than 11 new signings, with point guard [Jaizec Lottie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaizec-lottie/013309/) hoping to take the reins in the backcourt to overcome [the loss of Niklas Wimberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/niklas-wimberg-breaks-leg-will-be-out-for-months/) due to a broken leg.

### Joventut Badalona vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:30 CEST)

In one of the week’s standout showdowns, Spanish heavyweight Joventut will aim for a strong start at home as it hosts Hapoel, which has landed a series of major summer signings, including former EuroCup MVP [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) along with powerful big man combo [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) and [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/). Joventut coach Dani Miret has a vastly experienced core with [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/), [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) and [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) continuing, joined by former EuroLeague title winner [Adam Hanga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adam-hanga/005099/) and big man [Artem Pustovyi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/artem-pustovyi/004834/). Both teams were knocked out in the quarterfinals last season, and have high hopes of mounting another serious title challenge.

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Ribas vs Timor | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento (21:00 CEST)

After winning the title in 2023 but suffering an elimination in the eighthfinals last season, Gran Canaria is aiming to kickstart another strong campaign with a visit from Trento, which just missed out on the playoffs last time around. Granca’s summer signings are headlined by 2021-22 All-EuroCup Second Team selection [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) and big man [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), while Trento needs [Toto Forray](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/toto-forray/006382/) and [Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) to provide continuity amid nine new signings. Coach Paolo Galbiati is particularly excited by the arrival of forward [Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/), who averaged 19.4 points in the Australian NBL last season and is now making his European debut.

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Brussino vs Ellis | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

## Wednesday, September 25

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CEST)

Following last season’s march to the quarterfinals, Cluj will aim for a strong start with a visit from Cedevita. Long-serving coach Mihai Silvasan has reinforced an exciting looking roster with half a dozen new signings, including three-point shooting expertise from [Sasu Salin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sasu-salin/002820/) and former Memphis Grizzlies guard [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/). New Cedevita boss Zvezdan Mitrovic is hoping to reverse his club’s fortunes after a tough couple of years (4-32), and will look for ongoing leadership from veteran guard [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/) along with an instant impact from all-action frontcourt signing [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/).

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Richard vs Stewart | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (18:00 CEST)

A first-ever meeting between Wolves and Bahcesehir will see new home team coach Alessandro Magro look to make a strong start against the impressively rebuilt visitors. Wolves, which just missed out on the playoffs last season, will hope [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/) can make an immediate impact after his summer arrival, and the addition of [Arnoldas Kulboka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/arnoldas-kulboka/006180/) following a long injury lay-off is a big plus. Bahcesehir is returning to the competition after a three-year absence and has high ambitions after a summer of exciting signings, including all-round threat [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/), big man [Marko Simonovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marko-simonovic/012711/) and scoring star [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/).

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Taylor vs Bouteille | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Valencia Basket (19:00 CEST)

EuroCup giant Valencia returns to the competition with a road trip to face Hapoel. The four-time winner has Pedro Martinez back on the bench, and will aim to dominate the boards through new arrivals [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Ethan Happ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ethan-happ/009864/). It will have to do without backcourt leader [Chris Jones, however, as he is injured](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/chris-jones-surgery-finger-injury-miss-start-of-eurocup-season/). The task of overcoming Valencia’s deep roster will be led by *Las Taronjas*' former guard [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/), while [Jeremy Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeremy-morgan/010431/) is another important new signing after an excellent season with Bourg. Hapoel, which is returning to the competition for the first time since 2018, will also hope for backcourt inspiration from [Speedy Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/).

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Zoosman vs Ojeleye | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Besitkas Fibabank Istanbul vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (19:00 CEST)

After reaching last season’s semifinal, Besiktas coach Dusan Alimpijevic will look for another fast start, despite losing several key players in the summer. Forward [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/) is among the new arrivals for the Turkish team after an impressive campaign with the London Lions, while the backcourt will continue to be led by [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) and [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/), who averaged a combined 26.8 points per game last season. Visiting Buducnost boasts an impressive backcourt rotations, with new arrival [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) joining [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) and [McKinley Wright IV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/). Another newcomer is center [Udoka Azubuike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/udoka-azubuike/013259/), who should get plenty of minutes after joining from the Phoenix Suns.

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Needham vs Wright | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Trefl Sopot vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:00 CEST)

In its first EuroCup appearance since 2013, Trefl is aiming to start fast by overcoming an Ulm side hoping to build on last season’s last-16 finish. The German team has retained the majority of its roster and added some top-level young talents in [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) and [Marcio Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcio-santos/013289/). Trefl has knowhow on the bench in the form of Zan Tabak, and the Polish team will hope for fireworks from new signing [Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tarik-phillip/009649/). That allows him to reunite with former London Lions teammate [Aaron Best](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aaron-best/012019/), and their partnership will be crucial for a team largely lacking experience at this level.

Round 1 Head-to-Head: Phillip vs Klepeisz | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (20:00 CEST)

The opening round of action concludes with Reyer hosting Aris, with the Greek team looking to replicate the league-best defense which led to a playoff place last season. Aris only has three players remaining from last season – including star man [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) – and will hope that new recruits such as [Eleftherios Mantzoukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/eleftherios-mantzoukas/008084/) and former LA Laker [D’Moi Hodge](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/d--moi-hodge/013253/) can quickly adapt. Reyer’s big summer signing is [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/), who averaged 15.4 points per game for Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv last season, while the frontcourt will again be powered by [Amedeo Tessitori](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/amedeo-tessitori/003759/) (12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in 2023-24).

Plenty of thrills and spills are to be expected during the 2023-24 EuroCup season

Jean Montero, Ben Saraf and Michael Ruzic are three of the strongest candidates to win the 2024-25 EuroCup Rising Star Award.

Top 10 EuroCup Rising Star Award candidates

The BKT EuroCup has long been an incubator for future stars. Since the inception of the EuroCup Rising Star Award in 2008, the list of big names in the making to capture the trophy includes the likes of [Jonas Valanciunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonas-valanciunas/000898/), NBA All-Star [Kristaps Porzingis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kristaps-porzingis/003695/), All-EuroLeague guard [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bkt-eurocup-rising-star-winner-zaccharie-risacher-bourg/). 

To be eligible for the 2025 award, players must have been born on or after July 1, 2003. This season the race for the trophy promises to be one of the closest ever, with a slew of top prospects in the mix. Here's a look at the top candidates to capture the award in 2025.

### 1. Jean Montero, Valencia Basket

[Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) was named the Spanish League's Best Young Player in each of the past two seasons and now he arrives at Valencia Basket eager to take another step forward. The playmaker can score, dish it and wreak havoc with his defense, as evidenced by his numbers last season with MoraBanc Andorra; Montero averaged 15.7 points, 5.1 assists and 2.0 steals in 28 Spanish League games. The oldest player on this list, the 21-year-old has already proven himself in one of the top leagues in Europe and all signs point to a big season for him in the EuroCup, too.

Jean Montero (Photo: Marc Grau/Joventut Badalona)

### 2. Noam Yaacov, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

While Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv spent big over the summer to build a star-studded roster, the arrival of [Noam Yaacov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noam-yaacov/011386/) on loan from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne should not be overlooked. Armed with great speed, ball-handling, shot-making ability and a high basketball IQ, Yaacov is a difference-maker. A pass-first playmaker, in recent years he led both the U18 and U20 European Championships in assists with the Israeli national team. After gaining experience in the EuroLeague last season with ASVEL alongside Nando De Colo and Paris Lee and now learning from veterans Patrick Beverley, Bar Timor and Joe Ragland in Tel Aviv, Yaacov could be in for a big year.

### 3. Ben Saraf, ratiopharm Ulm

At the 2024 European U18 Championship, [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) became the first player ever with two 40-point games, and his 28.1 points per game was the tournament's best since 1982. Last season, as a 17-year-old, Saraf shined for Ironi Kiryat Ata in his native Israel, which he led to the Israeli League Semifinals last season. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal over 26 regular season games and 11.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in the semifinals against EuroCup quarterfinalist Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. He was chosen as the league’s breakout player of the season. With a ratiopharm Ulm squad known for developing young talents, Saraf should get his chance to shine.

Ben Saraf (Photo: Harry Langer)

### 4. Michael Ruzic, Joventut Badalona

Not yet 18 years old, [Michael Ruzic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/michael-ruzic/012349/) has future star written all over him. The 2.08-meter forward is a skilled and mobile big man with plenty of basketball smarts. He already played significant minutes in the EuroCup last season; Ruzic averaged 6.3 points and 2.5 rebounds over 16:24 minutes in 15 games, including seven as a starter. He made 14-of-28 three-pointers and was seventh in the EuroCup in true shooting percentage (73.1%). Joventut Badalona has Ruzic penciled in for a bigger role in 2024-25 and plenty of scouts will be following his every move.

Michael Ruzic (Photo: David Grau/ Joventut Badalona) 

### 5. Lefteris Mantzoukas, Aris Midea Thessaloniki

The lone player on this list who is a EuroLeague champion, [Lefteris Mantzoukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/eleftherios-mantzoukas/008084/), joined Aris Midea Thessaloniki this summer on loan from Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, where he played the last three seasons and helped the Greens take the 2024 continental crown. At 21 years of age, Mantzoukas already has a wealth of experience under his belt. He stands 2.07 meters tall and made 45.2% of his three-pointers in 53 EuroLeague games with Panathinaikos. That combination of size, shooting ability, experience and the hunger to prove himself could come together to make Mantzoukas a force in the EuroCup.

### 6. Kerem Konan, Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul

[Kerem Konan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kerem-konan/011379/) was a revelation in the EuroCup last season, his first in the competition. After playing a reduced role in the first half of the regular season, Konan seized the opportunity when it presented itself and the do-it-all small forward became a full-time starter for Besiktas by the playoffs. He went on to average 5.4 rebounds over five playoff games. Konan’s toughness and basketball IQ made up for any lack of experience. Now with that season to build on, a confident Konan should be even more dangerous this year.

Kerem Konan (Photo: Besiktas Istanbul)

### 7. Noa Essengue, ratiopham Ulm

Still only 17 years old, [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/) has been tabbed as a top prospect for some time now. He played for France’s famed INSEP squad at the country’s National Institute of Sport before moving to Germany last summer with ratiopham Ulm. Alongside seven appearances with the senior team in the EuroCup and nine more in the German League, Essengue dominated the youth categories for Ulm. He was the MVP at the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Dubai event after posting 33 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks in the first-place game. Essengue figures to have a steady role in the frontcourt this season. As his outside shooting improves, it appears the sky is the limit for Essengue.

Noa Essengue (Photo: Harry Langer)

### 8. Sergio De Larrea, Valencia Basket

The best homegrown Valencia prospect in over a decade, [Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) is ready to take his permanent place in the club’s backcourt. He was 17 when he made his EuroLeague debut in January 2023 and has had a decorated youth career with the Spanish national team. De Larrea has won medals with Spain’s youth teams in each of the last three summers, including the gold medal at the 2023 World U19 Championship. And he debuted for Spain’s senior national team last June. De Larrea averaged 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Godella, Valencia's affiliate team, in the Spanish third tier last season. His combination of size, long arms, footwork, court vision and confidence should help make De Larrea a major contributor for Valencia.

Sergio De Larrea (Photo: Marc Grau/Joventut Badalona)

### 9. Melih Tunca, Turk Telekom Ankara

After making his EuroLeague debut with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, [Melih Tunca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/melih-tunca/012415/) comes to Turk Telekom Ankara on loan to take another step forward. Just 18 years old, Tunca has already proven to be a force to be reckoned with at youth level. His 17.6 points and 6.4 assists were both third-best at the U20 European Championship in July. That came after Tunca led the U19 Turkish League in scoring last season with 27.9 points per game. He has looked sharp in the preseason and could emerge as an important player for Turk Telekom this season and for Efes in the future.

### 10. Jakub Urbaniak, Dreamland Gran Canaria

The most important thing a player needs to become a legitimate contender for the Rising Star Award is opportunity, and on a loaded Dreamland Gran Canaria side, big man [Jakub Urbaniak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jakub-urbaniak/012777/) may need to wait his turn. However, he has given plenty of reasons to believe he is up for the challenge when called upon. After averaging 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for Gran Canaria’s third-division team last season, he has impressed thus far in the preseason. With great strength, quick feet and a strong motor, Urbaniak has the tools needed to stand out.

Who will join this list of stars at the end of the season?

NOTES

This is the first-ever meeting between these two teams.

Bahcesehir center Tai Odiase played under Wolves head coach Alessandro Magro at Germani Brescia in the 2022-23 season.

Bahcesehir guard CJ Massinburg spent two years playing under Coach Magro at Brescia, including the 2022-23 EuroCup season.

FACTS

**Streaks**

Wolves guard Anthony Cowan has had at least 1 steal in seven straight games.

Cowan has made at least 1 three-pointer in six straight games.

Wolves forward Arnoldas Kulboka has made at least 1 three-pointer in six straight games.

Bahcesehir's Axel Bouteille has made at least 1 three-point shot in 33 straight games dating back to the 2020-21 season.

Bouteille has made multiple three-pointers in seven straight games.

Bouteille has scored 12 or more points in 15 straight games.

Bouteille has had a PIR in double figures in 12 straight games.

Bahcesehir forward Mateusz Ponika has made 15 consecutive free throws dating back to the 2018-19 season.

Bahcesehir's Marko Simonovic has had at least 1 steal in five straight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Egehan Arna posted his career high in Time played with 19:23 for Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul against Wolves Vilnius on december 27, 2023.