Frankie Sachs has made his five recommendations for Round 2 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Is there anyone he is missing?

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Must-have players in Round 2

With each game that passes, there is more data to digest in the quest to build the perfect EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team. Here are five players you should consider to maximize their value entering Round 2.

### Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius – 11.9 credits

The 27-year-old point guard seems to be in the perfect spot to shine. [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) has been Wolves’ top scorer this season with the bonus of effective shooting, getting to the line and compiling assists. He went for 20 points and 4 assists for a PIR of 23 in Round 1 against Bahcesehir College Istanbul and followed that up with 20 points and 6 assists against EuroCup side 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys over the weekend in the Lithuanian League. He made 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) and 14-of-16 free throws (87.5%) in those games. In what should be an uptempo game against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Cowan has great value.

Anthony Cowan had 20 points in Wolves' Round 1 game against Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cowan's highlights vs. Bahcesehir

### Justinian Jessup, ratiopharm Ulm – 9.4 credits

[Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) did it all for Ulm against Trefl Sopot in Round 1. He netted 6 three-pointers, led the team with 20 points, collected 6 rebounds and made the game-winning shot. He also played a game-high 39:55 minutes, so it is clear that coach Ty Harrelson is counting on his sweet-shooting small forward. Moreover, Jessup is leading Ulm in scoring (17.5 ppg.) and PIR (20) in the German League, too. Against a tough Joventut Badalona squad this week, Ulm will look to Jessup again.

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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/reel/DAWiwpfI9fq/?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 BKT EuroCup (@eurocup)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice – 12.6 credits

There are several strong options at center and [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/) is not among the cheaper ones, but his rebounding prowess gives him such a high floor that it can’t be overlooked. The Canadian big man contributed 13 points and 9 boards for a PIR of 17 on opening night against Aris Midea Thessaloniki. He then erupted for 17 points and 21 rebounds – posting a PIR of 40 – in the Italian League over the weekend. With those numbers under his belt, Kabengele becomes a very intriguing option.

Mfiondu Kabengele had 13 points and 9 rebounds against Aris Midea Thessaloniki in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Kabengele's highlights vs. Aris

### Zavier Simpson, U-BT Cluj-Napoca – 13.2 credits

If there were any questions about how [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) would adjust to European basketball, he put them to bed in Round 1 with a monster line – 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists – against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Simpson has an impressive resume and displayed his vast array of skills from the start. Any time you have a triple-double threat, he is going to be a valuable player since he will be able to contribute in many ways. Simpson is not a cheap player, but if he becomes a EuroCup star, you may want to grab him before he gets too pricey.

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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/DAUIzN1tDdS/?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 Zavier Simpson (@nfl_xaviersimpson3)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Ben Saraf, ratiopharm Ulm – 7.4 credits

It is unusual to list two players on the same team, but the truth is we could easily have had three from Ulm. [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), 17, was the most valuable player in fantasy last week with 28.6 fantasy points (18 points and 6 rebounds) for just 5.4 credits. His price has jumped this week, as has [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/)’s. The Israeli point guard had 17 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 17 in Round 1. The two teenagers are bound to have their ups and downs, but for their current values and playing on Turn 1, they are both wise additions.

Anthony Cowan in action for Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Let’s take a look at some undervalued players to consider this week

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-10-01T17:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-02T17:30:00.000Z)

The second round of the 2024-25 EuroCup season is here, with drama guaranteed in several key clashes.

At a glance: Plenty of heavyweight battles await in Round 2

Round 2 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season will see last week's winners attempt to defend their perfect records, including an exciting Istanbul derby. Here's your overview of the upcoming action.

## Tuesday, October 1

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (18:00 CEST)

A first win is up for grabs as two of last week’s losers meet. Lietkabelis needs to improve offensively after managing just 66 points in the loss at Turk Telekom, and starting center [Gabrielius Maldunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabrielius-maldunas/010461/) will be particularly keen to find his radar after scoring 0 points in that game. The Lithuanian team did grab 14 offensive rebounds in the loss so will look for more dominance in the paint to overcome a Hapoel Jerusalem team which also struggled to score last week, managing just 64 points against Valencia. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) accounted for 27 of those, but he needs more help this time around.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?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 BC „7bet-Lietkabelis” (@bclietkabelis)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Besiktas Fibabank Istanbul (18:00 CEST)

An all-Istanbul showdown will see Bahcesehir welcome Besitkas, with both teams in a confident mood after starting the season on a winning path. The first-ever EuroCup meeting between the teams could be a high-scoring encounter after Besiktas poured in 94 points last week against Buducnost, paced by playmaker [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) pairing 18 points with 6 assists. The host only allowed 69 points to overcome Wolves, and Bahcesehir will again look to control the pace of the game through big man [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), who had impressive numbers of 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in the season opening win.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Odiase vs Terry

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona (19:00 CEST)

An intriguing matchup will see last week’s two narrowest winners go head-to-head as Ulm welcomes Joventut. The German team started its campaign by overcoming Trefl in overtime behind the all-action [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/), who played for nearly 40 minutes in the process of registering 20 points – including 6 three-pointers – and 6 rebounds. Ulm also had a great debut from teenager [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/), with 17 points and 10 assists, and his matchup with Joventut veteran [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) could be crucial. The Spanish team just edged out Hapoel Tel Aviv last week as [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) shined with 17 points and 12 boards, and Ulm must find a way to control Tomic’s influence.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Saraf-Dotson

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (19:45 CEST)

After starting the season with losses, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Wolves will be fighting hard for a first victory at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s powerfully reloaded roster slipped to defeat at Joventut last week largely due to poor shooting from three-point range (25.7%) and the foul line (53.3%), so will look for better accuracy from shooters like [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), who went a combined 6 of 23 from the field last week. Wolves will hope for a similar upturn from [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who made just 3 of his 10 shots in the season opening loss at home to Bahcesehir.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Beverley-Cowan

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice (20:00 CEST)

An offensive showdown awaits as Cedevita hosts Reyer, with both teams exceeding 90 points to start the season with a bang last week. Cedevita’s win over Cluj owed a lot to new guard [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/), who made an instant impact on both sides of the ball with 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, while [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) showed his ability to dominate inside by scoring 8 two-pointers in his 20-point haul. Reyer’s hopes of overcoming that multifaceted offense will be powered by veteran forward [Jordan Parks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-parks/011909/), who paired 17 points with 7 rebounds to help beat Aris last week.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Robinson-Parks

## Wednesday, October 2

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:00 CEST)

After starting the season with a 20-point mauling against Reyer, Aris will attempt to respond against a Turk Telekom team which leaned on strong defense to overcome Lietkabelis. Aris needs to focus on taking better care of the basketball after recording more turnovers (17) than assists (14) in Round 1, negating a solid debut from forward [Landers Nolley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/landers-nolley/013249/) (14 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting). Turk Telekom also enjoyed a strong first game from [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), who bagged a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, and that all-American duel could be crucial on Wednesday.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2  Head-to-Head: Toliopoulos-Heidegger

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

Powerhouse Gran Canaria will aim to go 2-0 with a trip to Buducnost, which suffered an 18-point thrashing against Besiktas last week. Gran Canaria benefitted from a strong debut by [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), with 20 points and 8 boards, to overcome Trento, and will look to him and [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) to control the paint. Buducnost will continue to be powered by the do-everything [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) – 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Round 1 – but needs to tighten up defensively after allowing Besiktas to convert 60.5% of its two-point shots, which cannot be repeated against Tobey, Shurna and co. on Wednesday.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

After starting the season in stunning fashion with a 100-points haul in Hamburg, last season’s runner-up Bourg will attempt to inflict a second straight loss on Cluj. Newcomer [Adrian Nelson ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adrian-nelson/013264/)led the French team’s rout in Round 1 by scoring 18 points, while [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/) also excelled on debut by hitting 4 triples to suggest Bourg will be a major threat again this season. Cluj also had a player enjoy a great debut as [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) flirted with a triple-double (16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists), but defensive improvement is badly needed after allowing Cedevita to score 93 points and now facing another offensive juggernaut.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Keep movin&#39; 💥<br><br>➡️Prochain match le 2/10 à Ekinox<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> <br>🎟️ <a href="https://t.co/rffpvWk70V">https://t.co/rffpvWk70V</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/R6DczJ8CF6">pic.twitter.com/R6DczJ8CF6</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1840476137883078982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Trefl Sopot (20:00 CEST)

Two teams aiming to bounce back from unlucky defeats go face to face as Trento hosts Trefl. A remarkable performance from [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) – 32 points on 14-of-15 shooting from the field – was not quite enough for Trento to take victory at Gran Canaria last week, and Paolo Galbiati will expect his team to show better decision-making after committing 17 turnovers in that game. Trefl came even closer to victory but was edged out by Ulm in overtime, and the Polish team will hope that big man [Geoffrey Groselle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/geoffrey-groselle/013296/) can again dominate the paint after recording a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.

<center>
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### Valencia Basket vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (20:30 CEST)

After starting out with a road win at Hapoel Jerusalem, a strong-looking Valencia will aim to protect its home court against a visiting Hamburg team which must focus on defensive improvement after allowing 100 points against Bourg. Center [Benedikt Tuduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/benedikt-turudic/006006/) impressed in that game, scoring 19 points without a miss and grabbing 4 offensive rebounds, but he faces a tough night in the paint against Valencia’s [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-sestina/011980/), who combined for 26 points and 10 rebounds to help give their team a winning start. Indeed, Valencia grabbed a remarkable 52 rebounds last week, so competing on the boards is Hamburg’s minimum requirement.

Which teams can maintain their 100% record, or which sides can get back on track after an opening-round defeat?

Valencia Basket v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-10-02T18:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Trefl Sopot (2024-10-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night after an 86-93 road win at U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Cedevita Olimpija showed why it can 'start believing'

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night.

On the road against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, a team which was 7-2 at BTarena during last year's regular season and reached the quarterfinals, Cedevita stunned the home crowd and came away with [a very impressive 86-93 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-rallies-to-stun-cluj-in-a-thriller/).

"We were not too optimistic," admitted Cedevita head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic afterward when asked how he was feeling prior to the game.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana refused to fold in 4th quarter, and went on a 8-22 run to prevail against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, 86-93, in the opening round of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cedevita refused to fold in 4th quarter

He had good reason to have some doubts entering Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season, too. 

Just three days earlier, Cedevita scored just 62 points in a 13-point loss in a domestic league road game against lowly FMP Zeleznik, a contest that also saw a 22-year-old center [Ziga Daneu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-daneu/009431/) suffer a scary injury that shocked the team.

Then, there are the club's EuroCup ghosts of recent past.

Cedevita won just one game in the entirety of last season. It took until Round 16, against Veolia Hamburg Towers, for the Slovenian side to taste victory, meaning it had started the 2023-24 campaign with a painful 0-15 record. That triumph actually ended a 20-game losing streak in the EuroCup because Cedevita had lost its last five games of the 2022-23 season as well.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Prva tekma v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<br><br>Prva zmaga v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/xwvoUnla47">pic.twitter.com/xwvoUnla47</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1839016795505651729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So, despite posting a 4-32 record over the last two seasons, Cedevita got its 2024-25 campaign to a flying start, beating last year's quarterfinalists on the road.

The scoring leader with 20 points in the opening game was [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/), while [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) had 13. Stewart, along with [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/), was with the team through all the lows of the last season. But the rest of the roster, the newcomers led by Robinson, showed that those ghosts of the past are none of their business.

They did not fold when Cluj went on a 14-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to turn a 64-71 deficit into a 78-71 lead, and the visitors did not shy away from the moment when Cluj went up by a point in the final minute.

[Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) netted 18 points on 4-or-7 three-point shooting, including one with a hand in his face 52 seconds before the final buzzer, to give Cedevita the lead for good. [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) scored 15 points to go with 7 assists and 4 steals, and his triple with 13 seconds left sealed the win. Meanwhile, [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) was 4 for 6 from downtown en route to 14 points, and his 3 threes helped Cedevita overcome a slow start and erase a slow deficit in the first half.

"We are happy for the win," said Mitrovic. "And especially for the team, which needs to start believing it can play at a high level."

Game Videos

Mitrovic, a EuroCup champ with AS Monaco just three years ago, took over Cedevita during the summer and might not feel the burden of the last two seasons, but even he acknowledged that this outcome meant a little more to this club.

"It was very important for our team to start with a victory," he commented.

Now, the next challenge is to win at home. Cedevita was 0-9 on its home floor last season and has lost 11 home games in a row in the EuroCup. The last team it beat at home, in February 2023, was Umana Reyer Venice, which just happens to be Cedevita's next opponent on Tuesday night.

Game News

Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has possession against U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

After registering just one victory last season, the Slovenian side has already matched that total after the opening round in 2024-25

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

Look back at all the action in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 1

ratiopharm Ulm young duo Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue both shined bright in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season.

Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue combo lives up to hype in EuroCup opener

ratiopharm Ulm came into this season with plenty of hype thanks to two star prospects in [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) and [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/). And the teenagers definitely didn’t disappoint as they carried the German club to an overtime win to start the BKT EuroCup campaign.

Saraf dazzled over major stretches on his EuroCup debut with 17 points and 10 assists in [Ulm’s 93-96 victory over Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs1-report-tso-ulm/), while Essengue totaled 18 points.

“Really proud of our guys,” said Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson. “Again with the young roster, I can’t say enough about our character to stay in there when we got down by 12 points to fight back and not lose energy.”

Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf both shined as ratiopharm Ulm beat Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The top plays of Essengue, Saraf vs. Trefl

The 18-year-old Saraf and 17-year-old Essengue, who will turn 18 in December, really took over the game in the fourth quarter with the team down 70-60 and under 7 minutes to go.

Saraf scored Ulm’s next seven points, then assisted on two Essengue dunks before knocking down a jumper and putting back an offensive rebound to tie the game at 79-79 in the closing minute of regulation.

Saraf fed Essengue for an alley-oop and a three-pointer early in overtime, then Essengue added another free throw as the teenagers shined in the opening game of Ulm’s EuroCup season.

The Israeli guard also had 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 17. Essengue, who was playing in his eighth EuroCup game, added 6 rebounds and 2 blocks for a PIR of 26.

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

On top of that, the teenage duo combined for 36 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in Ulm’s German League opener – an 86-90 win over NINERS Chemnitz, a team which won the FIBA Europe Cup last season.

Ulm has built a reputation of bringing in young players and giving them chances to shine. It started in earnest in 2019-20 when French talent [Killian Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/killian-hayes/009661/) was given the keys to the offense as an 18-year-old. Montenegro prospect [Fedor Zugic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/fedor-zugic/009033/) arrived later, followed by Spanish star point guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and another French talent in [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/).

Essengue became the latest star from France to move to Ulm before last season and he was fantastic in the lower and youth ranks in his first season in Germany. He starred for Ulm’s affiliate team in the third division, ProB, carrying the club to the semifinals of the playoffs. Essengue also [led Ulm to the title at the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Dubai, winning the Most Valuable Player award](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/news/herculean-effort-earns-noa-essengue-mvp-for-ulm/) and helping Ulm become the first German club to win an ANGT qualifying event.

2023-24 EB ANGT Dubai MVP Highlights: Noa Essengue, U18 ratioopharm Ulm

Last season saw Essengue make seven EuroCup appearances for Ulm, as well as nine games in Germany’s top flight. He totaled 19 points in the EuroCup last season and poured in 18 points against Trefl.

Saraf, meanwhile, had a monster summer this off-season, winning MVP of the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024, where Israel took fourth place. During that tournament, he averaged 28.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

He is not new to professional basketball, however, as he played a major role in Maccabi Kiryat Ata getting to the semifinals of the Israeli League last season. He posted 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal in 26 regular-season games and then collected 11.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in the semifinals against EuroCup side Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. All that earned Saraf the honor of being the league’s breakout player of the season.

Ulm will likely have to face its ups and downs as Harrelson and the team deal with the highs and lows of having youngsters being leading players, but in Saraf and Essengue, they have two players who are destined for the very top and are ready to make a big impact right away.

Ben Saraf of ratiopharm Ulm looks to score against Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Ulm's two prodigies both displayed their elite potential on the road at Trefl

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

EuroCup opponents Besiktas and Hapoel Tel Aviv BC will now face each other in Belgrade on October 8, rather than in Istanbul on October 9.

Round 3 matchup between Besiktas and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv relocated

The BKT EuroCup Round 3 game between [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22bes%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Besiktas%20Fibabanka%20Istanbul) and [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22hta%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Hapoel%20Shlomo%20Tel%20Aviv) will be played at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The game will be played on Tuesday, October 8 at 20:00 local time instead of Wednesday 9.

This decision has been taken considering recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-10-09T17:00:00.000Z)

Congratulations to Matej Kalamarko, our first winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Matej's team mk10 posted a score of 196.35.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 1 winner

Congratulations to Matej Kalamarko, our first winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Matej's team mk10 posted a score of 196.35.

The team featured the following lineup: Jordan Ford of Dolomiti Energia Trento as team captain, then Georgios Kalaitzakis of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Deividas Sirvydis of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Kevin Hervey of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Yovel Zoosman of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and Kyle Alexander of Turk Telekom Ankara as the other starters. Ante Tomic of Joventut Badalona was his sixth man, while Eleftherios Mantzoukas of Aris Midea Thessaloniki, Adam Mokoka of Cluj, Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf of ratiopharm Ulm made up the rest of the bench. Frederic Fauthoux of Cosea JL Bourg en Bresse was the head coach.

The prize for finishing first in Round 1 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season!

Obviously, Matej is also first in the overall standings with 196.35 points. Trades are now open for Round 2. 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 Badalona center Ante Tomic has earned MVP of the Round honors in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season.

Round 1 MVP: Ante Tomic, Joventut Badalona

[Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) turned back the clock as he played a key role in Joventut Badalona grabbing a 78-75 overtime victory against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, which saw him earn MVP of the Round honors in the opening round of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The 37-year-old center finished with a PIR of 32, a career-high in the EuroCup and the most of any winning player in Round 1. He also had 17 points and tied his career-best mark in rebounds with 12. As such, this was his third double-double in the EuroCup, with the others coming in Rounds 2 and 14 of the 2023-24 season. Tomic was near-perfect from the field, shooting 8 for 9 on two-pointers, and he made his 1 free throw. He drew 3 fouls on the night, too.

Coming is second place is Dolomiti Energia Trento’s [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/), who had a round-high 36 PIR but ended up tasting defeat against Dreamland Gran Canaria. Ford made a gigantic impression on his EuroCup debut, netting 32 points after going 11 for 11 on two-pointers, 3 for 4 on triples and 1 for 1 from the charity stripe. His 14 made field goals are the joint third most all-time. In third spot is U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/), who finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal and a 28 PIR on his first-ever game in the EuroCup, an 86-93 loss to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. The fourth-highest PIR belonged to Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem guard [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/), as his EuroCup debut saw him record 27 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists en route to a 27 PIR in his team’s 64-80 defeat to Valencia Basket. Rounding out the list of best performers in Round 1 is ratiopharm Ulm’s [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), who smashed his previous career high with a 26 PIR in his side’s 93-96 overtime win at Trefl Sopot. He also set career-best marks in points (18), rebounds (6) and blocks (2), while he tied his personal bests in assists (2) and steals (1).

Valencia Basket has completed the signing of Goran Filipovic, who will cover the injuries of Chris Jones and Sergio De Larrea.

Valencia adds Goran Filipovic on two-month deal

Valencia Basket has confirmed that point guard [Goran Filipovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/goran-filipovic/004548/) has signed for the club on a two-month contract.

With guards [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/chris-jones/010568/) and [Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/eurocup/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) both injured at present, Valencia has opted to bring in Filipovic for the first couple of months of the season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Benvingut, Goran! 🧡<br><br>Cas 👉 Valencia Basket incorpora al base Goran Filipovic con un contrato temporal de dos meses<a href="https://t.co/OVvQ4kj5v7">https://t.co/OVvQ4kj5v7</a><br><br>Val 👉 Valencia Basket incorpora al base Goran Filipovic amb un contracte temporal de dos mesos<a href="https://t.co/Uc8W7spKT0">https://t.co/Uc8W7spKT0</a><br><br>Eng 👉 Croatian… <a href="https://t.co/BRmI899M1x">pic.twitter.com/BRmI899M1x</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1839213308756263092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Filipovic (1.83 meters, 27 years old) split the 2023-24 season between Polish side Twarde Pierniki Torun and Bosnian outfit KK Igokea. In 21 Polish League games, he averaged 15.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Then, at Igokea, he posted 14.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals in eight Adriatic League fixtures.

Previously, Filipovic has played for KK Split (2013-2018) in his native Croatia, BC Siroki (2018-2020) in Bosnia, SCM Universitatea Craiova (2020-2021) in Romania, KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2021-2022) in Slovenia, and Club Basquet Coruña (2022-2023) in Spain.

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He will help cover the injuries of Chris Jones and Sergio De Larrea