Hamburg Towers sensation Kur Kuath spoke to Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo about his impressive start to life in the EuroCup.

Kur Kuath, Hamburg Towers: 'This is just the beginning'

[Veolia Towers Hamburg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/ham/) bounced back from a 0-5 start with a pair of home wins against Turk Telekom Ankara and Aris Midea Thessaloniki, with center [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) shining in both games. 

After posting a 15-point, 9-rebound and 3-block performance against Turk Telekom, Kuath became the second player in EuroCup history to record at least 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocked shots in a game during his team's win over Aris. The other was [Matt Costello with Gran Canaria in November 2020](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2020-21/herbalife-gran-canaria-dolomiti-energia-trento/U2020/60/#boxscore).

Originally from South Sudan, Kuath's family fled the country and lived in a refugee camp in Egypt before arriving to the United States. He played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma and Marquette University before embarking on a professional career in 2022. He first played a few months in Greece and then moved to the Spanish second division for almost two years before joining Hamburg, where he is making the most out of his work ethic and defensive skills. 

As he explains to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo in an exclusive interview, the 26-year-old – who leads the EuroCup in blocked shots (2.2 bpg.) while averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds for a PIR of 15.7 – credits his parents for being in this situation as one of the most intriguing big men in European basketball.

**Congratulations on the last two weeks. What was the key to bouncing back after a rocky start to the season?**

"Thanks. It's just staying on the course. It was definitely a big learning experience for the whole team and for me in the beginning of the season. I feel like we played some pretty good opponents in the beginning and that was a test for us, to see how good we could have been and how good we can be. I am glad that we were able to compete against the highest competition in the group and basically test our talents,  our hard work. You have to be in this competition to play against some of the best teams."

"Nobody was expecting me to be able to do things that I have been accomplishing."

**You have been outstanding lately, contributing in many aspects of the game and looking stronger than ever. Is it something you focused on in the off-season?** 

"Oh, yes, for sure. It was always one of the biggest parts. I was strong enough to compete at the highest level. As you see, I am just a guy that is going to be pushed around if I am not strong enough. I have been focusing on working out and trying to get my body to its best possible \[shape\] to try to compete and be one of the strongest big guys in the league. That was one of my focuses this summer, just getting in the gym and getting some weight and some strength."

**Only one other player has had 5 blocks, 5 assists and 10 rebounds in a EuroCup game. How do you feel when the hard work is paying off?** 

"Of course, it's good to hear that I am doing well. Nobody was expecting me to be able to do things that I have been accomplishing, and I just want to continue to learn and grow. I feel like this is just the beginning. It is not anything to be too obsessive about because I have a long career ahead of me and I want to continue to grow on this last game and not just think too much of stats. Just continue to play hard and play for the guys."

Veolia Towers Hamburg center Kuy Kuath averages 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, a league-leading 2.2 blocks and a PIR of 15.7 so far this season.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Kur Kuath, Hamburg


**This is your first EuroCup season. After almost two months in the competition, how do you find the playing level, what's good about it?** 

"I like the depth. It is a deep league. Every game we play is going to be a competition. Like I said, it's some of the best players in the world and me being able to compete at this level is amazing to me, just because you get to see different talent levels, different skills. And I learned a lot from playing against better players. I feel like this league is actually helping me learn about myself more as a player and seeing where I can compete and where I'm at currently in my growth and my individual development. And also, it is testing my team and seeing how hard we have worked. So this is what I like about the EuroCup. It's just a test to see where the level of skill and the level of talent that I can play at."

**You are originally from South Sudan, where basketball is more popular than ever. How excited are people about basketball in your country of origin?** 

"They love the sport back home. It is a big, popular sport nowadays. Now that we brought more attention to basketball, for sure, it's positive impact for our country, and it is a way to bring everybody together, which I love to see. And it means more than the sport back home. It is kind of a sign of peace. I feel like everybody enjoys watching together and it brings that togetherness that our country has been needed in its war-driven history. So it's good to see the growth and development of the sport there."

**Do you follow countrymen Wenyen Gabriel and Carlik Jones in the EuroLeague? Do you talk to them any often?** 

"Once in a while I talk to Wenyen and see how he's doing. But now, I have just been watching him play. I know how busy the schedule can get, so it's kind of hard to keep up, both of them playing two competitions a week. But yes, they are both amazing players and great guys to be around. I feel like those two guys are a testament to our country. And basically, I look up to them because that's the level I want to be at. I want to be at the highest level possible, and I definitely look up to them. They are great leaders for our country and the future of our country as well."

"My teammates trust me to be one of the defensive leaders, basically be the eye of the defense."


**You are one of the best shot-blockers we have seen in the EuroCup in a while. Other than your physical skills and amazing wingspan, what allows you to be so good at it?** 

"I feel like it's the timing, just wanting to get good timing and having that sense of urgency to protect the paint. My teammates trust me to be one of the defensive leaders, basically be the eye of the defense, so I am always trying to clean up anything around the paint, and always be on the back side up to help if anybody gets beat. So just them trusting me to be there and my teammates following the players helps a lot. For me, blocking shots is more natural than a skill. I just jump and try to time the block."

**After a first experience in Greece, you played in the Spanish second division for the best part of the last two years. How important has it been for you to stay patient and keep moving forward in the last 2-3 years in which basketball became your full-time job?** 

"That's amazing. I can't complain at all, it's amazing to be able to play this sport. It's a full-time job and it is fun playing in different competitions and different countries, for one. It was one of my dreams, to be able to play basketball for a full-time job and meet great people along the way, explore new countries. So it's been great for me and I want to continue to grow and explore more and play in more places."

**Your parents moved to Utah when you were a kid and sacrificed a lot for you to give you a better opportunity in life. How much of an inspiration are them for you?** 

"They are one of my main reasons for continuing to play. I told them that for them sacrificing their lives and family, I was going to give everything I got to take care of them. And at the end of the day, that's my job, to make sure my parents are good for giving me and my siblings opportunities that we could have never even dreamt about. It is amazing the sacrifices that they made and continued to make, they persevered and never complained, never showed us any signs of weakness and continued to work hard. And they embedded that in our heads, we got to work for everything we have, and they are a big reason why I continue to play hard every day. I am able to live my dream because of them."

Kur Kuath's best blocks through EuroCup's first eight rounds.

Kur Kuath's best blocks


**Are they planning to come to Hamburg? I read that your mom is an excellent cook, so you probably miss her food, right?** 

"I definitely miss her! I will try my best to try to get her out here. With the schedule and playing twice a week, it is a little hard. But yes, I definitely want to bring her. If not this year, then I will have her come next season, in the upcoming season or so. I know she wants to come see me play. It is just the timing and the situation of everything, so once I get everything handled, scheduled and everything, I will definitely have my family come out to a few games."

**Finally, you and your team are on a roll now. What can we expect from you, personally, and from Hamburg in the remainder of the season?**

"I expect a lot for us. We have high expectations on everything, and I want to continue to say that this is a high potential team. You can expect us to play hard in every game. We are going to do what we came to do because we have a group full of great guys and great players, so expect us to be a team to watch out for. We can be one of the best teams in the EuroCup, but due to the circumstances with all the injuries and stuff, we had a minor setback. But now we are working on coming back to full strength and if we continue to uptrend, we will be one of the best teams in the EuroCup. And a lot more wins, a lot more blocks, a lot of threes. Just expect highly of us because we are going to go get our respect. Right now, we are not respected and we continue to put our foot down and gain that respect."

More Hamburg News

Hamburg center has been dominating in the paint, and making history, in his first EuroCup season.

Kur Kuath, Hamburg: 'This is just the beginning'

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his latest recommendations ahead of Round 9 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Round 9: New opportunities everywhere

After a short break, the BKT EuroCup Regular Season is back, reaching its halfway mark at the end of Round 9. A lot has happened during the break – players leaving to other teams and injuries have generated a lot of bargains in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11).

There are a lot of great opportunities out there! Based on all that, here are my recommendations before Round 9.

Marcus Weathers, Jordan Ford, Mantas Rubstavicius, Jaime Pradilla and Sehmus Hazer are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 9

### Sehmus Hazer, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (10.0 credits)

Bahcesehir has been one of the most pleasant surprises in the competition until now. [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/) is playing some of his best basketball lately, averaging 21.5 points on 11-of-15 two-pointers, 4.5 assists, 3.0 steals and a PIR of 23.5 in the last couple of games. At just 10.0 credits, Hazer is an opportunity for all managers out there.

### Marcus Weathers, Trefl Sopot (11.8 credits)

Former team leader Tarik Phillip parted ways with Trefl, joining Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. This means that other players will have to step up from new one, seeing way more responsibilities from now on. [Marcus Weathers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-weathers/013297/) is the logical choice to be Trefl's new go-to guy, becoming a very interesting player in the game. Buy him now!

### Jordan Ford, Dolomiti Energia Trento (12.9 credits)

Slowly but steadily, [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) has been showcasing his skills in recent games. He averaged 15.5 points in the last four games, getting a double-digit PIR in all of them. In his last game, Ford had 17 points and a PIR of 21 against Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius. Fully adjusted to the competition, Ford should be even better from now on.

### Mantas Rubstavicius, 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (9.1 credits)

Despite his team's loss in Cluj-Napoca, [Mantas Rubstavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mantas-rubstavicius/009299/) had a breakthrough performance in Round 8, finishing the game with 25 points on 9-of-9 free throws and a PIR of 27. He helped Lietbakelis break an all-time EuroCup record, scoring 42 points in the fourth quarter. Rubstavicius is talented, ready and confident. Watch out!

### Jaime Pradilla, Valencia Basket (9.8 credits)

Valencia is having frontcourt troubles lately. Ethan Happ was deregistered, Amida Brimah arrived and should need time to adjust, and Nate Reuvers is out mid-term with a broken finger. All things considered, it is a great opportunity for [Jaime Pradilla](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaime-pradilla/010393/) to keep taking step forwards. At less than 10.0 credits, he is a fantasy steal.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his latest recommendations

Trefl Sopot has completed the signing of Nahiem Alleyne on a deal until the end of the season.

Nahiem Alleyne joins Trefl Sopot

[Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/trefl-sopot/tso/) has signed Nahiem Alleyne on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Alleyne (1.93 meters, 23 years old) joins Trefl as a replacement for [Tarik Phillip, who left the club for Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-jerusalem-brings-in-star-guard-tarik-phillip/) last Thursday. In his first season as a professional, Alleyne has arrived at Trefl from Greek side AEK Athens.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">🆕 23-letni Nahiem Alleyne dołącza do składu mistrza Polski! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a><br><br>Amerykański rzucający obrońca rozpoczął sezon w greckim AEK-u Betsson BC. Dla Nahiema to pierwszy sezon w profesjonalnej koszykówce po bardzo udanej karierze akademickiej, w trakcie której zdobył tytuł Mistrza… <a href="https://t.co/UgS6P9QRgM">pic.twitter.com/UgS6P9QRgM</a></p>&mdash; MISTRZ POLSKI 2024 🏆 (@treflsopot) <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot/status/1859922162712281181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

An NCAA champion in 2023 with UConn, Alleyne averaged 5.3 points in four Basketball Champions League games with AEK this season.

When he appears in the BKT EuroCup for the first time, he will make his competition debut.

More Trefl News

He will make his EuroCup debut when he steps onto the floor

Nahiem Alleyne joins Trefl

Aris BC has bolstered its frontcourt options by signing Darral Willis on a deal until the end of the current season.

Aris adds big man Darral Willis

Aris Midea Thessaloniki has bolstered its frontcourt options by signing Darral Willis on a deal until the end of the current season.

Willis (2.06 meters, 28 years old) returns to the BKT EuroCup after previously featuring in the competition for AS Monaco in the 2020-21 season, averaging 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in eight games. He left Monaco halfway through that season, meaning he did not was not on the roster as the team won the EuroCup Finals. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">‼️ O DARRAL WILLIS ΣΤΟΝ ΑΡΗ Midea <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> to<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheEmperor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheEmperor</a><br>@darral_willis21 <br><br>Read more 👉 <a href="https://t.co/z1YoY5yyRw">https://t.co/z1YoY5yyRw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISFAMILY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISFAMILY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBCTRANSFERS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBCTRANSFERS</a> <a href="https://t.co/QclxoKujP0">pic.twitter.com/QclxoKujP0</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1860999112155451713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He most recently played for the Levanga Hokkaido in Japan last season, where he posted 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.2 blocks across 57 Japanese League appearances.

In addition to Monaco and Hokkaido, Willis has also represented Keravnos (2018-19), Nizhny Novgorod (2019-20), Brescia (2020-21), Enisey (2021-22), Ponce (2022), the Seoul Thunders (2022-23), Lokomotiv Kuban (2022-23) in his professional together.

More Aris News

He is back in the EuroCup for the second time

Dolomiti Energia Trentino center Selom Mawugbe is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering an injury to his rectus femoris, one of the quadriceps muscles, in training last week. 

Trento's Selom Mawugbe to miss several weeks

Dolomiti Energia Trentino center [Selom Mawugbe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/selom-mawugbe/013271/) is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after suffering an injury to his rectus femoris, one of the quadriceps muscles, in training last week. Mawugbe, 26, has started all eight BKT EuroCup games this season, during which he has averaged 6.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 block in 22:31 minutes per game. He is tied for ninth in the competition in blocked shots.

More Trento news

The center suffered a quadriceps injury in training last week

After a brief break, the BKT EuroCup returns on Thursday with Round 9 bringing the regular season to its midway point. Here’s the state of play ahead of the action.

At a glance: The EuroCup is back with a bang!

After a brief break, the BKT EuroCup returns on Thursday with Round 9 bringing the regular season to its midway point. Here’s the state of play ahead of the action.

## Thursday, November 28

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Joventut Badalona (17:00 CET)

Group A leader Bahcesehir (7-1) will attempt to keep hold of first place by downing dangerous Joventut (3-5). The Spanish side revived its fortunes before the break, ending a four-game losing streak by battling past Buducnost. That victory owed a lot to 26 points from backcourt star [Devon Dotson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/), who faces a good battle on Thursday with the dynamic [Sehmus Hazer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sehmus-hazer/011201/), who is in the best form of his career with 23 and 20 points in the last two games. Bahcesehir boasts a five-game winning streak partly thanks to the best three-point shooting game in the competition, converting 39.3% beyond the arc. So Joventut’s perimeter defense must pay attention to the likes of [Axel Bouteille](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/axel-bouteille/003840/), who averages 12.0 points on 44.1% three-point shooting.

Round 9 Head-to-Head: Simonovic vs. Pustovyi

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (18:00 CET)

Cluj (4-4) is aiming to stay in Group B’s all-important top six by downing struggling Aris (2-6), which is desperate to climb away from a share of last place. Cluj has won four of its last five games thanks to an excellent offense, averaging 88.1 points per game – second best in the EuroCup. Aris, conversely, has the worst scoring output in the competition with just 74.0 points per night. The Greek team could boost its playmaking by giving a debut to new signing [Sharife Cooper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/sharife-cooper/013500/), and also needs enough defense to restrict the influence of outstanding Cluj playmaker [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/), who runs his team with averages of 18.6 points and a top-ranked 6.9 assists.

\-

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Umana Reyer Venice (18:00 CET)

Two teams just outside the Group B playoff places go head to head as Lietkabelis (2-5) welcomes Reyer (3-5). The Lithuanian team likes to crash the glass, averaging 12.4 offensive rebounds (second best in the EuroCup) behind 2.7 per night from [Marko Pecarski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marko-pecarski/005656/). That intent will be resisted by Reyer big man [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/), who averages a competition-high 10.4 boards per game. The Italian team boosted its confidence before the break by claiming a vital home victory over Turk Telekom thanks to 20 points from [Rodney McGruder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rodney-mc-gruder/012800/), who has quickly become Reyer’s key man with an average of 16.8 points during his four games with the team.

\-

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:30 CET)

Cedevita (4-4) will look to snap a three-game losing streak as it welcomes a fast-rising Hamburg team (2-6) which won two of the last three games before the break. Cedevita’s recent problems have been defensive, allowing 90, 94 and 109 points in its three losses. That can be exploited by Hamburg playmaker [Brae Ivey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brae-ivey/013308/), who had 15 points and 5 assists in the Round 8 victory over Aris. The German team also offer a major threat in the paint with center [Kur Kuath](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kur-kuath/013313/) (9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game), so Cedevita will need outstanding prospect [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) to continue his strong form after grabbing 8 boards in each of the last two games.

\-

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. Valencia Basket (19:30 CET)

Valencia (7-0) will look to extend its status as the EuroCup’s only unbeaten team with a trip to last season’s finalist Bourg (5-3). The French team has lost three of its last four games due to an uncharacteristically leaky defense, which will be heavily tested by Valencia’s competition-best offense (95.4 points per game). The Spanish team has been further reinforced by the return of [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/) from injury, while the collective ethic was demonstrated by seven players – led by [Josep Puerto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/josep-puerto/006643/) with 15 points – scoring in double digits last time out against Cedevita. Bourg will look for leadership from [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/), who has scored in double digits every game this season.

Round 9 Head-to-Head: Pansa vs. Pradilla

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. ratiopharm Ulm (19:30 CET)

[Dimitris Itoudis will make his coaching debut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/itoudis-is-motivated-and-honored-to-take-over-at-hapoel/) for Hapoel (5-3) with a visit from Ulm (4-4) in a key meeting between direct rivals in Group A. Hapoel showed its capabilities with a 29-point thrashing of Trefl in its last game, led by 21 points and 8 rebounds from [Marcus Foster](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marcus-foster/010386/). After losing four of its last five games, Ulm must improve a defense which allowed more than 100 points in three of those losses. Offensively, the German team will look for inspiration from [Alfonso Plummer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/plummer-alfonso/012077/), who averages 15.1 points on 44.4% three-point shooting. But Hapoel boasts the league’s best two-point shooting conversation rate, 61.7%, so Ulm’s interior defense must stay strong against the likes of [Tomer Ginat](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tomer-ginat/010550/) (11.0 points per game, 66% on twos).

Round 9 Head-to-Head: Foster vs. Saraf

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (19:30 CET)

Group B high-fliers Jerusalem (6-2) face a tough test from one of the three teams currently tied for fourth place, Turk Telekom (4-4). Jerusalem’s offense should be boosted by a debut for [new signing Tarik Phillip](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-jerusalem-brings-in-star-guard-tarik-phillip/), who averaged 12.6 points during his eight games for Trefl Sopot this season. Turk Telekom has faltered recently with just one win in five, and needs better offensive production after scoring just 67 points in the Round 8 loss to Reyer. Expect a fierce rebounding battle, with the visitor ranked second in the league in boards (38.9 per game), while Turk Telekom isn’t far behind with 37.4 per night. [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) (8.1 rpg) and [Austin Wiley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/austin-wiley/013278/) (7.8) lead their respective teams in rebounding and will play central roles again.

Round 9 Head-to-Head: Brown vs. Morgan

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (20:00 CET)

Two teams hoping the break will spark a return to winning ways go head to head with a vital matchup between Trento (3-5) and Besiktas (4-4). The Turkish team boasts a potent offense averaging 86.0 points, third best in the competition, with [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) in particularly fine form after pouring in 21 and 19 in his last two games. One huge disparity between the teams is three-point shooting, with Trento making just 28.6% of long-range strikes while Besiktas has converted 39.2%, so the Italian team would love shooters like [Anthony Lamb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-lamb/013272/) – who averages 14.5 points per game but has only made 22.7% of triples – to find better accuracy beyond the arc.

\-

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Trefl Sopot (21:00 CET)

Winless Trefl (0-8) will attempt to cause a major upset by gaining its first victory with a trip to Group B’s second-placed Gran Canaria (6-2). Trefl will have to find a new offensive leader following the departure of Tarik Phillip to Jerusalem, with [Jakub Schenk](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/schenk-jakub/013298/) set to play an even more prominent role after solid averages of 13.4 points and 4.0 assists per game so far. The Spanish side has won three of its last four games behind a rock-solid defense which has allowed only 75.6 points per game, with plenty of help on the offensive end from [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/), who has scored in double digits in three consecutive games on 12-of-15 two-point shooting.

\-

## Friday, November 29

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (19:00 CET)

In Friday’s only game, the red-hot Wolves (5-3) will aim to keep on climbing the Group A rankings with a tough trip to Buducnost (3-5), which is also still in the playoff picture despite three losses out of four. The Lithuanian team has won five in a row, most recently outshooting Trento largely thanks to 23 points from backcourt star [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who ranks fourth in the competition with 2.5 three-pointers made per game. Buducnost’s ongoing search for consistency will depend on leadership from veteran guard [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/), who averages 12.2 points and 3.4 assists per game but will be looking to improve his three-point shooting percentage of just 29.2%.

Round 9 Head-to-Head: Ferrell vs. Cowan

In a change to the usual scheduling, games will take place on Thursday and Friday this week

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-11-28T19:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v Valencia Basket (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-11-29T18:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-11-28T17:00:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Trefl Sopot (2024-11-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-11-28T17:30:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-11-28T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-11-28T18:30:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Joventut Badalona (2024-11-28T16:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana reinforced its frontline with the signing of veteran center Andrija Stipanovic for the remainder of the season. 

Cedevita brings back Andrija Stipanovic 

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana reinforced its frontline with the signing of veteran center [Andrija Stipanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrija-stipanovic/005113/) for the remainder of the season. Stipanovic (2.08 meters, 37 years old) arrives from 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, where he averaged 11.0 points on 61.3% shooting, 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists for a PIR of 19.0 in five BKT EuroCup games this season. This is his eighth EuroCup season and he has suited up for six different clubs in that time.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andrija Stipanović returns to Stožice after a little more than four years.<a href="https://twitter.com/ANDROSTIPAN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANDROSTIPAN</a>, welcome back to the Dragon family! 💚🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/uvmsPP8GqB">pic.twitter.com/uvmsPP8GqB</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana - English (@KKCedOL_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL_EN/status/1860979178343977232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stipanovic started his professional basketball career with Hermes Analitica Zagreb and later played for Split and Velika Gorica of his native Croatia as well as Liege Basket and Oostende of Belgium, Caserta and Vanoli Cremona of Italy, Trabzonspor and Buyukcemece of Turkiye, U-BT Cluj-Napoce of Romania, Lietkabelis in Lithuania, and Cedevita Zagreb of Croatia, which later merged to become Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. He helped Cluj win four consecutive Romanian League championships and two Romanian Cups, too. He also won the Croatian League and Cup double with Cedevita Zagreb in 2018 and defended the Croatian Cup in 2019.

Cedevita Olimpija head coach

"We've brought in an experienced center who has been playing in the EuroCup for many years. His experience both on the court and in the locker room will undoubtedly help the team. At the same time, we hope that young Joan Beringer will make further progress alongside him. We know Stipanovic as a competitive player and he will definitely help us improve our rotation of big men, an area where we faced significant challenges in the first third of the season." 

In 105 career EuroCup games with Oostende, Trabzonspor, Cedevita Zagreb, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, Cluj and Lietkebelis, Stipanovic has amassed 1,122 points (10.7 ppg.) and 505 rebounds (4.8 rpg.). He is 5 points away from cracking the all-time time 20 in EuroCup scoring. Stipanovic is second all-time in two-point shots made with 476, fifth with 211 offensive rebounds, tied for sixth in career rebounds, and ninth in accumulated PIR (1,334).

Andrija Stipanovic's best plays with Lietkabelis

More Cedevita Olimpija news

The center previously played for the club in 2019-20

Valencia Basket announced on Sunday that big man Nate Reuvers has suffered a broken finger on his left hand. 

Valencia loses Nate Reuvers to broken finger

Valencia Basket announced on Sunday that big man [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-reuvers/012738/) has suffered a broken finger on his left hand. He is expected to undergo surgery in Valencia this week after which a timetable for his recovery will be established. Reuvers suffered the injury while playing for the Hungarian national team in a EuroBasket 2025 qualifying game on Friday in Istanbul. The big man has averaged 6.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 13:39 minutes over seven EuroCup games this season, his first in the competition.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">🏥🧡 ¡Ánimo, <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuvers35?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reuvers35</a>!<br><br>Cas 👉 Parte médico Nate Reuvers<a href="https://t.co/vmsHk0Jbjb">https://t.co/vmsHk0Jbjb</a><br><br>Val 👉 Comunicat mèdic Nate Reuvers<a href="https://t.co/PB6WiqADTf">https://t.co/PB6WiqADTf</a><br><br>Eng 👉 Nate Reuvers medical report<a href="https://t.co/BgRk2Rh3xy">https://t.co/BgRk2Rh3xy</a> <a href="https://t.co/IcMWk3QbCU">pic.twitter.com/IcMWk3QbCU</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1860639509693813174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Valencia Basket news

He suffered the injury playing for the Hungarian national team

New Hapoel Tel Aviv BC head coach Dimitris Itoudis was formally presented at a press conference at Hapoel’s arena in Tel Aviv, where for nearly an hour, he spoke about the team’s goals, his relationship with Ofer Yannay, working alongside Stefanos Dedas again and much more. 

Dimitris Itoudis is 'motivated' and 'honored' to take over at Hapoel Tel Aviv

Ofer Yannay has a lot to be proud of since taking over as Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv's owner. He reached a new high last week with the signing of two-time EuroLeague champion Dimitris Itoudis as the club's new head coach. Itoudis will step in as head coach, while the previous head coach, Stefanos Dedas, will remain as an assistant coach, the same role he held under Itoudis before at CSKA Moscow and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

On Sunday, Itoudis was formally presented at a press conference at Hapoel’s arena in Tel Aviv, where for nearly an hour, he spoke about the team’s goals, his relationship with Yannay, working alongside Dedas again and much more.

"Hapoel always had the best fan base and what we did in the summer, we managed to get to have a pretty good roster and now we have the best coaching staff," Yannay said while introducing Itoudis. "If you want to be competitive, if you want to build something for the long term, all of the things are extremely important and I'm very very happy to have Coach Itoudis with us and I am looking forward to see what's going to happen next."

When it was Itoudis’s turn to talk, he said that Yannai's "passion and his vision matches my expectations of trying to build something great."

The coach went on to liken the building of a team to building a house, commenting on a new home he recently built in Greece. While the original timetable was planned for before the spring, he did not get the keys until after the summer. Likewise, there is no rush on getting Hapoel to be its best version of itself, there is time for that later.

Dimitris Itoudis's introductory press conference

"We're still looking how we gonna become a better team. As I said, with all the coaching staff, we had a four-hour meeting yesterday and a practice. I cannot get deeply into the details because I want to be honest with you, I haven't seen the team in action in full roster. I scouted the team. I watched games. I talked with Stef \[Dedas\] a lot of times about the team, but still, if I'm not coaching the team then, I cannot go into more details. The expectations and the wish to accomplish things is great. We need to also be in reality sometimes because basketball you're not playing alone, you have great opponents," Itoudis continued.

The coach lamented the fact that the timing of the FIBA national team window will keep several players away from training this week, including center Bruno Caboclo, who will not practice under Itoudis until after the team travels to Bulgaria for Thursday's game against ratiopharm Ulm.

He later explained how important being able to work with the players one-on-one is to building the team he envisions. "I need to challenge some of the players to see how they're gonna react under pressure. You know people that they work with me, they know how much I'm gonna get deeply into the criticism because I believe in eye-to-eye contact and criticism. The picture never lies. I do spend a lot of time watching film."

Naturally, both Yannay and Itoudis were asked about the status of star center Johnathan Motley, who was one of the club’s marquee signings over the summer, but left the club abruptly several weeks ago. The big man has a relationship with Itoudis from their time together at Fenerbahce.

"Jonathan Motley is a great player. The contract with him is valid and we expect him to return. I can say that his agent communicated with George Hinas on Friday evening," Yannay said. "I hope this is the first step to him coming back to Hapoel."

Itoudis followed by saying: "Mot is a point of emphasis for us. It’s a completely different team when Mot is in and contributes offensively and defensively and when he’s not. We as a coaching staff, we would love to know the situation sooner than later because this is how we can move to the next step."

More Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv news

The two-time EuroLeague champion head coach was introduced in Tel Aviv on Sunday