Joventut Badalona forward Sam Dekker sat down with Geoff Gillingham of Euroleague.net to discuss his arrival at the club, his memories of the London Lions, and much more.

Sam Dekker: ‘If we get into the playoffs, I wouldn't want to play against us’

The last few months have been a little strange for [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/). In what proved to be his final game for the [London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/london-lions/lli/) on May 5, 2024, the 30-year-old hit the game-winning three-pointer as his team downed the Cheshire Phoenix 88-85 to secure the British League title. Then, what came next is far from anything Dekker could have predicted.

Uncertainly over the club’s ownership resulted in the roster being torn apart this past summer, but Dekker – who [in 2023 re-signed with London until 2026](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/london-signs-sam-dekker-josh-sharma-to-new-contracts/) – was left in purgatory. The months went by, yet the American forward was unable to play for the Lions due to new salary cap rules implemented upon the creation of the Super League Basketball (formerly British Basketball League).

Eventually, in mid-November, a gluttony of injuries forced [Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/) to look for a forward – and Dekker, an All-EuroCup Second Team selection in 2022-23, was an easy choice. Initially signing a contract on November 12 that ran for a little over a month (until December 18), he made his first appearance for the club one day later as Joventut grabbed [an important 78-72 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/dotson-leads-joventut-past-buducnost-78-72/) over Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in the BKT EuroCup.

As time went on, Dekker and his family – wife Olivia and son Wolfie – earned a place in the fans’ hearts, with the club confirming on January 14 that [his contract had been extended until the end of the season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/sam-dekker-re-signs-joventut-badalona-until-end-of-season/). Now, with Joventut on a 6-9 record and Dekker fully integrated into the team, the Badalona-based side is riding a two-game winning streak, having beaten Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul ([93-70](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/joventut-thrashes-besiktas-93-70/)) and Dreamland Gran Canaria ([77-83](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/joventut-wins-again-beats-gran-canaria-77-83/)), and is hoping to sneak into the EuroCup Playoffs.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Sam <a href="https://twitter.com/dekker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dekker</a> 💚 Badalona<br><br>Gràcies <a href="https://twitter.com/MuseuBdn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MuseuBdn</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/3S7GtKnBAn">pic.twitter.com/3S7GtKnBAn</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1879106250488832124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

After a training session at Joventut’s Pabellon Olimpico de Badalona, Dekker sat down with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham in an exclusive interview for the EuroCup's website.

**Hey, Sam. You guys are coming off a big win at Gran Canaria last week. What is the overall feeling in the team?**

“Honestly, good. You know, early in the year some of us weren't here (points at himself) so they said there were games that let slip away so now we're in a tough position in the standings, but we're playing good ball right now, we're playing together, we have a lot of skill, and we have a lot of good veteran players. We're trying to finish the season strong and we need a little bit of help to get in the playoffs, but we've got to get these next three and just see what happens from there. But we're really confident right now and I think we’re playing the best basketball we have all year.”

**Another good thing for you guys is that everyone's getting healthy and you are hitting your stride at just the right time, in the ACB as well as the EuroCup.**

“Yeah, yeah. In the ACB, nine of the last 10 weeks we've won (before this past weekend). You can win three games in a row but when you win nine out of 10, then that shows that you're playing good basketball and it's not fake – we've beaten some really good teams in there. When you win and you play, you know, we're consistently winning playing our style, it gives you a lot of confidence because you feel like, ‘Okay, it does work if we do it well.’ We just have to do it… basically, we're just not turning the ball over and we're playing really efficient basketball, and that's a recipe for success. Getting guys healthy is huge, and we have guys stepping up. Yannick Kraag been playing amazing basketball, Artem Pustovyi has been leading us defensively. When you get contributions from those guys, the rest of us can just really step up and play our game.”

**You joined the team mid-season. Was that really tough adjustment for you?**

“It was, it was really hard. Honestly, I think part of it too. You guys at the EuroCup know how invested I was in London and you know I wanted to grow that thing as big as it could possibly get. You see what Paris is doing, I wanted it to be something like that. So it was a hard mental transition for me to go from, you know, I had my finger on things in London to now, it's like I have to come here and prove myself, learn a new system, learn a new place. That’s hard because you just thought you had that stability finally, so I was playing OK but it just mentally it was taking me a while just to get over that that hump. Once I kind of started getting more comfortable with the guys and they started accepting me with the way I play, your mind can kind of turn off and then you just go play and let the chips fall where they may. The last month, I think I've played some really good basketball and I've been proud of that, and just gotta keep that momentum going because it's not easy to play really well every night, but you have to keep that same level of confidence and same level of effort every night you go out there.”

The best plays of Joventut Badalona forward Sam Dekker between Rounds 8 and 15 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Sam Dekker's top plays this season

**This gym is quite special to you because this is the place where you came for the London Lions’ first EuroCup playoff game in the club’s history. In some ways, if you were to leave a team, it feels like Joventut was the right choice.**

“Yeah, it was good. You know, Coach Dani (Miret) told me like after my second game here, ‘You look like you've played for Joventut forever,’ like saying this is perfect, we just need to like figure it out. And I feel the same way. The city and the fans have really embraced me and my family and I'm starting to get really comfortable on the court here, but yeah, I have fond memories coming here for a big game for our club in London. Obviously we didn't get the win, that was a really good Badalona team then, but a first-year EuroCup team in London making the playoffs, that was a big deal for us and we were proud of that. Miye Oni was on that team as well, so I'm always going to remember everything with London really fondly.”

**On this team, you’ve kind of got a good mixture – veterans Ante Tomic, Pau Ribas and Adam Hanga, and younger players like Devin Dotson and Yannick Kraag. Do you feel that balance is really important?**

“Yeah, it has been, especially in the ACB but also in the EuroCup when have you guys are you guys like Tomic who have played a billion games and guys like Hanga who have played on the best teams in the world, their stability on the court for us is huge. And you have the youthful skill and exuberance from, like you said, Dotson and Yannick Kraag, their athleticism shows in these big moments against good teams. To watch Dev grow as a point guard in Europe, it's pretty fun to watch. It’s caused some matchup problems because we've got these two styles we can play: we can slow it down and play through the post, and we can also get it off the rim and sprint at you. That’s been really fun, that Coach has found some lineups that work. We’re never giving the defense just one thing to worry about, we're trying to have five guys that can attack; five guys that can be a problem. And that's been kind of our success story so far.”

Dekker on Devin Dotson: 'To watch Dev grow as a point guard in Europe, it's pretty fun to watch.'

**Heading into the last three games of the EuroCup regular season, is it just the case of taking it on a game-by-game basis and not getting ahead of yourselves?**

“Yeah, I mean that’s all you can do, right? We’re playing in two leagues at the same time so you get two days to prep for that game, you go in there and give your best effort, win or lose. We have some very winnable games coming up that we need to really be locked in for. Obviously, bad nights happen, but I think we have a good enough roster now that some guys can have off nights and we've found other guys will step up, and that's been really cool to see who it's gonna be each night. I think that gives us a lot of confidence to know that somebody's gonna be hot that night or somebody's going to have a really great night. So yeah, we’ve gotta take game by game, but also we have to know the importance of we have to bring our A game. Honestly, if we get into the playoffs, I wouldn't want to play against us, just the way that we've been playing and our confidence, the way that our chemistry is really high, so I think teams are hoping we don't make it because we have a lot to a lot to give.”

**I think teams also wouldn't want to come to a full arena here…**

“Yeah, we've had some nights where this place has been full. I need to talk to someone at the EuroCup, actually! Some of the 9PM games during the week, it's hard for these people to come because they’ve got jobs and families, but we've had some packed houses in here and it's really, really fun. Our fans, when they're here, it's amazing. We want them to fill the arena as much as possible. I think it's one of the best environments when this is full, so we're hoping to get a home-court advantage and get some people in here to have some fun.”

**Now you get to play under Dani Miret, but how does he compare to Petar Bozic, Ryan Schmidt, Luca Banchi, and some of the other coaches you’ve had in the EuroCup?**

“I think the thing that makes Dani similar to Coach Schmidt and Coach Bozic is they’re former players and they’re in their first couple of years as a head coach, so the communication style is way easier than, say, a veteran coach that grew up in a way different basketball environment. So having coaches like Dani, Petar and Ryan, you can go to them, talk to them; they understand mistakes happen. When you watch film, they played so they know, ‘We understand, this is difficult’ or things happen. That ability to be able to communicate with your coach and get the best out of you, and he asks us how we feel on things, is important because as a coach it's important to understand that you don't have all the answers and the players can help with that. I think he's found some really good solutions for us lately, like he's been keeping our rotations really tight, he's been big on the details, and we're winning games because of it. I think he's giving us a little more freedom to just use our skill and use our athleticism and that's a sign of a good coach that can continually change things and let their players be comfortable, so that we're responding well to him and winning games because of it. It's been fun to see the community get excited for him in his first year here.”

Dekker on Dani Miret: 'He's been keeping our rotations really tight, he's been big on the details, and we're winning games because of it.'

**How important has it been for you that Olivia and Wolfie have got comfortable in Badalona after finding a home in London?**

“Yeah, it’s huge to have a place accept you. My wife knows way more Spanish than me – I don't know any Catalan yet – but they love it here so far. It's been great to be somewhere that’s super walkable, good weather has been a big bonus, and we’re trying to get Wolfie into a school soon because now that we'll be here the rest of the year, we’re trying to get him some friends. But yeah, London felt like home and it's hard when you leave some somewhere like that, right? My wife has been a rock star, moving us and taking care of our family and getting us settled. It's not easy at all and I think that's something people don't realize about athletes is they're not just bringing basketball shoes, they're bringing families a lot of times with kids, so it's a full team effort at home. I can promise there are not many spouses out there that have dealt with as much as my wife, so I'm so grateful that she can come and help again. She's loving it and makes my job way easier that she does what she does, so I appreciate that.”

More Joventut News

The Joventut forward is enjoying life in Badalona

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 16

EuroCup Fantasy tips, Round 16: It's make or break time

There are only three games left in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Regular Season! Three teams have qualified for the next round and many others have chances to do so in Round 16. That means all teams will go all-in, which is good news for EuroCup Fantasy Challenge managers. 

There are still many underpriced players who can take your teams to the next level. Here are some whom I personally recommend.

Martynas Varnas, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Yoan Makoundou, Jaleen Smith and Khadeem Carrington are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 16

### Jaleen Smith, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (14.4 credits)

Simply put, [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) is the best player in the game right now. Over the last two games, Smith has been all over the place, averaging 22.0 points by making 16 of 17 free throws plus 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 9.0 fouls drawn for a PIR of 35.5. Bahcesehir is in the race to get the best record overall, so expect Smith to keep shining.

### Yoan Makoundou, Turk Telekom Ankara (12.5 credits)

At 9-6, Turk Telekom is one of the teams that could reach the playoffs this week. [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) is one of its most versatile players and he happens to be in great shape, too. Over the last two games, Makoundou has averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks for a PIR of 21.0. He's one of my go-to forwards in this game.

<center>
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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAt7r_SY-B/?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 Yoan Makoundou (@ym2p3_)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia Basket (11.1 credits)

Valencia punched its ticket to the quarterfinals and is now fighting for the best overall record to earn home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) has been sensational lately, averaging 16.7 points by making 7 of 9 three-pointers plus 5.3 rebounds for a PIR of 20.3. Valencia is rolling and so is Lopez-Arostegui.

### Khadeen Carrington, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (9.0 credits)

[Khadeen Carrington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/khadeen-carrington/008912/) is living up to his reputation as a terrific scorer, reaching double digits in all games but one so far. He has been doing even better in the last three games, averaging 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 6.0 fouls drawn for a PIR of 18.7. Carrington has been doing a little bit of everything for Jerusalem.

### Martynas Varnas, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (9.5 credits)

Lietkabelis is eliminated, but some of its players have been improving their performances as the season goes on. [Martynas Varnas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/martynas-varnas/005521/) is a perfect example of that, averaging 14.7 points and 2.7 assists for a PIR of 13.3 in the last three games. In Round 15, he had a season-high PIR of 25 against Valencia: 19 points and 5 assists!

More EuroCup Fantasy News

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-22T17:45:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Turk Telekom Ankara (2025-01-21T17:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2025-01-22T19:45:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2025-01-21T18:30:00.000Z)

With just three games remaining in the BKT EuroCup regular season, it’s time to do or die in the race for the playoffs. Here’s a look at Round 16’s action.

Round 16 at a glance: Who will join the playoff party next?

## Tuesday, January 21

### [U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/u-bt-cluj-napoca-turk-telekom-ankara/U2024/157/)

A key battle in Group B will see a direct clash between two of the six teams fighting for second place as Cluj (8-7) hosts Turk Telekom (9-6). The hosts boast the second-best offense in the league, averaging 88.5 points per game behind 17.4 points and 7 assists per game from [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/), who again excelled in [last week’s win over Reyer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cluj-shocks-venice-on-the-road-77-88/). But Turk Telekom is not an easy team to score against, especially close to the basket where it has allowed opponents to convert just 50.8% of two-pointers – second-lowest in the competition. And the Turkish team has its own offensive powerhouse in [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), who netted a season-high 39 points to give his team a [99-80 win over Cluj](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-roars-back-to-brush-cluj-aside-99-80/) in November.

Round 16 Head-to-Head: Simpson vs. Smith

### [Veolia Towers Hamburg vs. 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/veolia-towers-hamburg-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2024/158/)

Two eliminated teams have just pride to play for – and avoiding a last-placed finish – as Hamburg (3-12) hosts Lietkabelis (4-11). The Lithuanian team lost twice last week, most recently a rescheduled Round 13 home game to [Cedevita on Thursday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bc-lietkabelis-vs-kk-cedevita-olimpija-eurocup-round-13/), while Hamburg has lost three in a row after its offensive struggles continued with just [65 points at Turk Telekom](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/turk-telekom-retains-playoff-hopes-with-77-65-win-over-hamburg/) last time out. Lietkabelis won comfortably when the teams met in November, [triumphing 91-68](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/lietkabelis-runs-past-hamburg-91-68/) with the help of 10 points and 8 assists from young guard [Oleksandr Kovliar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/oleksandr-kovliar/013247/). Hamburg was led by 10 points from big man [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/), who has remained highly consistent with double-digit scoring in six consecutive games, including three double-doubles.

### [Joventut Badalona vs. Dolomiti Energia Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/joventut-badalona-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2024/153/)

Joventut (6-9) will continue to believe in a miracle as it seeks a third straight win with a visit from equally determined Trento (5-10). The Spanish team’s impressive [win at Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/joventut-wins-again-beats-gran-canaria-77-83/) last week, powered by 10 points and 7 rebounds from big man [Artem Pustovyi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/artem-pustovyi/004834/), has left Dani Miret’s men just one win below the all-important top six. Trento also kept its postseason hopes alive with an impressive [home win over Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trento-rolls-past-ulm-86-71-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive/), led by 21 points from smooth-shooting [Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/). Defeat could well mean elimination for the loser, so this should be a fiercely competitive clash and one key will be the inside battle between Pustovyi, veteran teammate [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and Trento’s rising star [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/saliou-niang/012687/).

## Wednesday, January 22

### [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2024/152/)

Two teams struggling for form will seek to turn their seasons around as Wolves (7-8) welcome Gran Canaria (10-5) for a must-win showdown. Both have lost three of their last four games, but Wolves remain in the fight for a playoff place while the visitor still has a one-game margin in third place. The hosts have reasons for confidence after already beating Gran Canaria this season, [triumphing 66-68 in Round 7](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/wolves-conquers-gran-canaria-arena-66-68/) thanks to a physical performance that delivered 21 offensive rebounds. So the likes of [Tre’Shawn Thurman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tre-shawn-thurman/012577/) (13.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game) will again look to win that physical battle against Gran Canaria center [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) (9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per night) in a battle not for the faint-hearted.

### [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul vs. Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul-trefl-sopot/U2024/151/)

Besiktas (8-7) will look to keep alive its top two hopes with a visit from rock-bottom Trefl (1-14). The Turkish team ended a three-game losing streak by [edging out Wolves](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/besiktas-rallies-to-beat-wolves-79-77-snap-three-game-skid/) thanks to 27 points from guard [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/), who will again be a key player after scoring at least 13 points in the last four games. Trefl showed it is not giving up on the season by [pushing group leader Bahcesehir](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-rallies-against-trefl-to-win-group-a/) hard last week, with mid-season signing [Nick Johnson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nick-johnson/007426/) netting a personal best 18 points. His matchup with Mathews will be worth watching, and Trefl will also have to contain big man [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/), who's averaged 10.5 points and 5.1 rebounds over the last four games.

### [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-bahcesehir-college-istanbul/U2024/155/)

Having already secured the top spot, Bahcesehir (13-2) will look to keep on rolling when it meets Hapoel (9-6). The Israeli team is still in contention for a top-two finish despite last week’s [dramatic loss at Buducnost](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/buducnost-rallies-past-hapoel-84-83/), where the ongoing strong form of big man [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) (15 points average over the last three games) wasn’t enough to prevent a potentially damaging defeat. Bahcesehir could be forgiven for taking its foot off the gas after [last week’s win at Trefl](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-rallies-against-trefl-to-win-group-a/), led by 25 points from [MVP of the round](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/round-15-mvp-jaleen-smith-bahcesehir-college-istanbul/) [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), ensured a first-place finish. But the Turkish team will want to again assert itself against a team it has already beaten once this season, [overcoming Hapoel 90-82](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bahcesehir-stays-atop-group-a-by-downing-hapoel-90-82/) at home in November.

Round 16 Head-to-Head: Caboclo vs. Odiase

### [ratiopharm Ulm vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/ratiopharm-ulm-buducnost-voli-podgorica/U2024/154/)

Ulm (9-6) will look to bounce back against a Buducnost team (7-8) fighting hard to stay in the playoff zone. The hosts suffered [a heavy loss at Trento](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trento-rolls-past-ulm-86-71-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive/) last week, despite young forward [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/) further enhancing his growing reputation with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Ulm will need to take better care of the basketball after committing 17 turnovers in that game, whereas Buducnost will be riding high in confidence after [downing Hapoel in an 84-83 thriller](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/buducnost-rallies-past-hapoel-84-83/), and will again look for leadership from [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) after averaging 15.5 points in the last four games. The visiting team can also claim the head-to-head advantage with any win after taking the first meeting between the teams [in overtime, 105-100](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/buducnost-wins-overtime-thriller-over-ulm-on-ferrells-three-pointer/).

Round 16 Head-to-Head: Essengue vs. Tanaskovic

### [Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/cosea-jl-bourg-en-bresse-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2024/160/)

A crucial Group B matchup will see second-placed Cedevita (10-5) attempt to maintain that status with a tough trip to Bourg (8-6), which has everything to play for. Cedevita won twice last week, including a [rearranged game at Lietkabelis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bc-lietkabelis-vs-kk-cedevita-olimpija-eurocup-round-13/) on Thursday that saw [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) hit four triples in his total of 17 points; the guard has averaged 18 points and 3 three-pointers over the last three games, and he faces a good matchup with Bourg backcourt star [Hugo Benitez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/hugo-benitez/010449/), who filled the stat line with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in [last week’s demolition of Aris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bourg-blows-by-aris-51-92-to-stay-in-playoff-zone/). The French club has won its last two games and a third would seriously shake up the playoff picture.

Round 16 Head-to-Head: Paul vs. Nikolic

### [Valencia Basket vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/valencia-basket-aris-midea-thessaloniki/U2024/159/)

It’s first against worst as Valencia (13-2) looks to maintain its momentum ahead of the playoffs against an Aris team (3-12) reeling from last week’s [41-point home loss to Bourg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bourg-blows-by-aris-51-92-to-stay-in-playoff-zone/). Only forward [Nathan Laszewski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-james-laszewski/013393/) emerged with any credit from that game after compiling personal bests of 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Aris will have to seriously improve to threaten the league leader, which continued its stellar season with [a narrow win at Lietkabelis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/semi-ojeleye-leads-valencia-past-lietkabelis-91-96/) last week. [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) led the way with 20 points, while Valencia’s team basketball was again on full display with 28 assists, while six different players scored in double digits. Aris has allowed 90+ points in three straight games, so it faces a huge defensive challenge.

### [Umana Reyer Venice vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/umana-reyer-venice-hapoel-bank-yahav-jerusalem/U2024/156/)

A crucial showdown will see Reyer (8-7) attempt to improbably overtake Hapoel Jerusalem (9-6) in an extremely congested Group B playoff race. To achieve that goal, the Italian team needs an unlikely 29-point winning margin after getting blasted [94-66 on the road](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/depleted-jerusalem-blows-past-undermanned-reyer-94-66/) in Round 7, paced by 18 points by in-form guard [Khadeen Carrington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/khadeen-carrington/008912/) (15.2 points per game). Both teams are coming off losses, with yet another double-double from outstanding Reyer center [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) not enough to prevent a home loss against Cluj. Jerusalem was also upset by Cedevita as the EuroCup’s scoring leader [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) was held to a relatively below-par 16 points and the impact of Kabengele and Harper on this key matchup could be decisive.

Round 16 Head-to-Head: Parks vs. Smith

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-22T18:30:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-01-22T18:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-01-22T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Trefl Sopot (2025-01-22T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Dolomiti Energia Trento (2025-01-21T19:30:00.000Z)

While KK Cedevita Olimpija has done a number of important things well on both ends as they have climbed the standings, they have done so while also building perhaps one of the league’s best highlight reels to this point.

Stats review: Getting up above the rim

Round 15 of the BKT EuroCup saw [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/) score a [key victory over Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-holds-off-jerusalem-70-74-to-rise-into-second-place/) to climb into sole possession of second place in Group B. While the club has done a number of important things well on both ends as they have climbed the standings, they have done so while also building perhaps one of the league’s best highlight reels to this point.

As the table above suggests, no team has played above the rim more often than Cedevita this season. Explosive swingman [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/), young big man [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/), and bouncy guard [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) give the Slovenian club a trio of players who finish around one dunk per game. While two points is two points, dunks do not come easy at this level, and there’s momentum to be seized when a player springs free to finish a lob or make a highlight reel play. 

Robinson is currently in a three-way tie for second place in individual dunks with [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/)'s [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) and [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/)'s [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), who has propelled the German outfit towards the top of this list. The 18-year-old French forward has had a dunk in every game this season as he’s turned a bit of a corner with his assertiveness offensively in his second season in the EuroCup.   

[Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/)'s [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) led all players with three dunks in Round 15, and his ability to rise up to finish lobs and put backs above the square makes things interesting every time he finds an angle to the rim. He and Kyle Alexander give Turk Telekom perhaps the best duo of lob-catching big men in the EuroCup this season.

[Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) of [Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/umana-reyer-venice/vnc/) not only leads all players in dunks, but his single-game high of five back in Round 10 is one of the highest marks in recent history. The powerfully built big man is a physical presence around the rim and his 2.79-meter standing reach makes him an easy target for quick alley-oop passes in close proximity of the rim. 

Dunks only make up around 5% of all shots in the EuroCup as defenses give up few easy looks inside. It is a luxury at this level to have a player so gifted that they can find ways to regularly make acrobatic plays rolling to the rim, cutting backdoor, or getting out in transition and perhaps no team has benefited from that as much as Cedevita as they position themselves for a postseason bye with only three games remaining.

Some players have been lighting up the EuroCup with their big dunks this season

Look back at all the action in Round 15 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 15

Look back at all the action from Round 15 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana took control late in the third quarter and never let up to record a 78-88 victory over 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys at Kalnapilio Arena on Thursday night

Cedevita overpowers Lietkabelis, 78-88, in rescheduled Round 13 game

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana took control late in the third quarter and never let up to record a 78-88 victory over 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys at Kalnapilio Arena on Thursday night. Cedevita improved to 10-5, moved within a whisker of clinching a playoff berth and strengthened its grip on second place in Group B. Lietkabelis fell to 4-11 and saw its already slim playoff hopes come to an end.

The game was a rescheduled Round 13 fixture that was postponed due to the weather conditions, which resulted in widespread flight cancellations and made it impossible for Cedevita to reach Panevezys for the original date, on January 2, 2025. <br>
Brynton Lemar led the Cedevita attack with 19 points, D.J. Stewart paired 15 points with 6 rebounds, Aleksej Nikolic tallied 14 points and 5 assists, Devin Robinson also scored 14 and <br>
Devante Jones added 10 points. Dovis Bickauskas matched his career-high with 17 points and also dished 5 assists for Lietkabelis, Martynas Varnas scored 16 and Georgios Kalaitzakis added 15 in defeat.

Game Videos

Dorde Gagic scored the game’s first points for Lietkabelis from the foul line right after having his initial offering blocked by Joan Beringer. Nikolic netted Cedevita’s first basket with a floater and Lemar followed to give Cedevita the lead. Lietkabelis was held scoreless for 4 minutes as the margin stretched to 2-7, however baskets on back-to-back possessions tied it. Vytenis Lipkevicius came alive for the hosts, though Cedevita answered each time he scored and Robinson’s jumper made it 9-11. Paulius Danusevicius twice scored fastbreak layups that gave the hosts the lead and both times Lemar answered for Cedevita. A free throw by Kalaitzakis gave Lietkabelis an 18-16 edge after 10 minutes.

Bickauskas fired in a pull-up three to open the second quarter. Stewart replied with a three-point play and Beringer evened things at 21-21 with a slam. Bickauskas put Lietkabelis on top again with a triple, but Andrija Stipanovic took over with 4 straight points and Stewart scored in transition to cap a 3-13 run, which prompted a timeout taken Coach Nenad Cacak. Grantas Vasiliauskas ended the drought only to see Nikolic extend the lead to 26-34 with a three-pointer and a floater. A pair of threes by Varnas helped revive the home team’s attack bringing Lietkabelis within 34-38, but Robinson and Lemar kept Cedevita in control. After a timeout, Bickauskas made a scoop shot and Kalaitzakis, Bickauskas and Vasiliauskas added free throws to trim the deficit to 40-45 at the break.

Game News

Bickauskas and Nikolic traded threes for the first points of the second half. Kalaitzakis shined with a three-point play on the offensive glass and Bickauskas drained his fourth triple of the night to get Lietkabelis within 49-50. Robinson answered for Cedevita with a jumper only to see Varnas knock down a three that evened the score midway through the quarter. The teams traded points with the score being tied at 52-52, 54-54 and 56-56. Jones broke the trend with a layup and a triple that put the visitors up 57-63. Varnas threw down a remarkable reverse alley-oop slam, but Stwart and Blazic helped Cedevita to a 59-67 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Danusevicius swished a three and Bickauskas collected a steal as Lietkabelis looked to change the momentum, but Jones stole the ball right back and fed Stewart for a slam. Robinson buried a baseline jumper and scored on the break to give Cedevita its first double-digit lead, 63-73. Gagic fouled out and Stweart added to the visitors' lead. A three-pointer by Nikolic stretched the margin to 15 with less than 5 minutes remaining. Kalaitzakis three by Kalaitzakis elicited a cheer from the home crowd, but it would prove to be too little, too late. Lemar's next three made it 67-83 and Lietkabelis would not threaten again.

The result ended the hosts' playoff hopes and strengthened Cedevita’s grip on second place

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-16T17:30:00.000Z)

A stunning individual performance in a come-from-behind victory allowed Jaleen Smith of Bahcesehir College Istanbul to earn Round 15 MVP honors with a PIR of 39 – the second round in succession he has been the MVP.

Round 15 MVP: Jaleen Smith, Bahcesehir College Istanbul

A stunning individual performance in a come-from-behind victory allowed [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) to earn Round 15 MVP honors with a PIR of 39 – the second round in succession he has been the MVP.

Smith led Bahcesehir to a 76-81 road win over Trefl Sopot with 25 points on 5-of-9 two-pointers, 2-of-6 three-pointers and 9-of-10 free throws. He added 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 10 fouls drawn for a PIR of 39, a new personal-best effort. Smith earned MVP of the Round honors for the first time in Round 14 and has now achieved the same feat in Round 15 – his 15th appearance in the BKT EuroCup. He remains the third Bahcesehir player to be MVP of the Round in EuroCup history, after Jamal Jones (Round 8, 2020-21) and Axel Bouteille (Round 5, 2024-25), but Smith’s 39 PIR in Round 15 is a new club-high mark.

[Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) of U-BT Cluj-Napoca amassed a PIR of 36 in his team's 77-88 road victory over Umana Reyer Venice. Simpson had 25 points on 7-of-12 two-pointers, 1-of-1 three-pointers and 8-of-8 free throws, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 5 fouls drawn. 

In that game, [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/) of Reyer had 17 points on 5-of-7 two-pointers and 7-of-8 free throws, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 6 fouls drawn, good for a PIR of 30. 

[Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul also reached a PIR of 30 in his team's 79-77 home win over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius, getting 27 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 7 fouls drawn. 

[Berk Ugurlu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/berk-ugurlu/003783/), also of Besiktas, with a PIR of 27, completes the top individual performances in Round 15. Ugurlu had 20 points on 3-of-4 two-pointers, 3-of-4 three-pointers and 5-of-5 free throws, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and zero turnovers.

### Individual highs: Justinian Jessup, Ulm, 6 steals

Jonah Mathews of Besiktas led all scorers in Round 15 with 27 points. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem ranks first overall with 22.6 points per night. 

[Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/saliou-niang/012687/) of Dolomiti Energia Trento led all rebounders in this round by pulling down 12 boards. Mfiondu Kabengele of Reyer is the EuroCup's best rebounder with 9.5 per game.

Three players had 8 assists apiece in Round 15: Harper, [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/) of Joventut Badalona, and [Stefan Jovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/stefan-jovic/004863/) of Valencia Basket. Zavier Simpson of Cluj leads the assists table with 7.0 dimes per game.

[Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) of Ulm collected 6 steals, matching this season's best mark, against Trento. [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) of Dreamland Gran Canaria ranks first overall with 2.0 steals per night.

[Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) of Turk Telekom Ankara had 4 blocks in Round 15. He is also first overall with 2.2 blocks per game.

Kabengele (17 points, 10 rebounds), Veolia Towers Hamburg’s [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Wolves’ [Marek Blazevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marek-blazevic/008186/) (10 points, 10 rebounds) each had a double-double in this round.

The guard has been the MVP of the Round in back-to-back games

Congratulations to Michael Clavaud, our 15th winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Michael's team, 'Team Sacha', posted a score of 226.35.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 15 winner

Congratulations to Michael Clavaud, our 15th winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Michael's team, 'Team Sacha', posted a score of 226.35.

Michael had the following starting lineup: Jaleen Smith of Bahcesehir College Istanbul as team captain, and his teammate Tai Odiase, then Turk Telekom Ankara duo of Berkan Durmaz and Yoan Makoundou, as well as Dustin Sleva of Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul. Adam Mokoka of U-BT Cluj-Napoca was the sixth man.

The head coach of Michael's team was Turk Telekom's Erdem Can, while the four bench players were Brynton Lemar of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Anthony Lamb of Dolomiti Energia Trento, Joel Ayayi of Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse and Yovel Zoosman of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem.

The prize for finishing first in Round 15 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Michael!

The leader in the overall standings remains Milos Mihajlovic and his squad, 'BallIsLife', which has a total of 2,619.15 points after the first 15 rounds. Trades are now open for Round 16. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become EuroCup Fantasy Challenge's next winner!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager, so get in the game and go for the gold!

Joventut used a balanced attack to defeat Gran Canaria 77-83 and improve to 6-9 in Group A - just one victory behind both Buducnost VOLI Podgorica and Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius for the last spot in the playoff zone

Joventut still breathing after beating Gran Canaria again

Go back to December 11, 2024 and it looked like an almost certainty that the illustrious [Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/roster/jov/?season=2024-25) would miss the BKT EuroCup playoffs. Fast forward just more than a month and the Spanish side is alive and well in the race for the post-season after knocking off Spanish rival [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/roster/can/?season=2024-25).

Joventut used a balanced attack [to defeat Gran Canaria 77-83](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/joventut-wins-again-beats-gran-canaria-77-83/) and improve to 6-9 in Group A - just one victory behind both [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/roster/bud/?season=2024-25) and [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-vilnius/roster/wol/?season=2024-25) for the last spot in the playoff zone.

“It’s a good feeling for us. We knew this was a must-win for us. We knew it was a big game on the road. I’m proud of the team, the way they executed. The game plan was solid. We came out and attacked from the beginning. And I liked that about the group,” said Joventut playmaker [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/), who collected 9 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in the win. “Hopefully we can keep it going in the coming weeks and try to make the EuroCup Playoffs.”

Thoughts of the post-season were fading fast back on December 11 as [Joventut lost 88-102](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ulm-downs-joventut-88-102-for-third-straight-victory/) at home against ratiopharm Ulm to fall to 3-8.

The 2008 EuroCup champion has turned its season around with three wins in the last four EuroCup games. Add the Spanish League and Joventut is 9-1 in its last 10 games. And two of those wins came against Gran Canaria - beating the islanders at home in domestic league action 89-78 on December 30.

“It was the third time we were playing against this team. We adjusted some different things,” said Joventut coach [Daniel Miret](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/miret-daniel/?season=U2024), whose team lost to Gran Canaria [76-78 after overtime at home in Round 6](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/nico-brussino-the-hero-as-gran-canaria-beats-joventut-in-ot-76-78/) of the EuroCup.

“We need to keep the momentum. We are in a sweet moment. A lot of players helped the team. We are close to the team that we want to be. We just want to focus on the things that we can control,” added the coach.

One of the main reasons Joventut prevailed was getting the better of Gran Canaria’s three-point defense. [Jaka Lakovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/lakovic-jaka/?season=U2024)’s team had allowed opposing teams to shoot 31.0 percent from long range - good for fourth best in the league. But [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/), [Kaiser Gates](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kaiser-evan-bray-gates/013287/) and [Miye Oni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miye-oni/012079/) all made 2 three-pointers as Joventut converted 47.6% of its three-point attempts. That was much higher than the 33.6% the team had been shooting coming into the game.

Seven players scored at least 8 points for Joventut and the team from the Barcelona suburbs is right there in the playoff race - something many thought was next to impossible just more than a month ago.

Joventut downed its Spanish rival for the second time in about two weeks 

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Joventut Badalona (2025-01-15T20:00:00.000Z)