It has taken a while, but Errick McCollum has finally reached the greatest stage of European basketball: the EuroLeague Championship Game.

Errick McCollum excels after finally reaching the biggest stage

It has taken a while, but [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/) has finally reached the greatest stage of European basketball.

The [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) guard is now 37 years old, coming towards the end of a nomadic journey which has seen him represent 13 clubs in five different countries since starting out his professional career with Elitzur Netanya in Israel back in 2010.

McCollum’s scoring ability saw him quickly climb up the ladder, and he first enjoyed success on the continental stage by playing a starring role in Galatasaray Istanbul’s BKT EuroCup triumph in 2016, named the competition’s MVP after a series of spectacular displays for the team coached by Ergin Ataman.

He continued to travel far and wide, appearing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2017-18) and Khimki Moscow Region (2020-21), before returning to Turkiye to seemingly finish his career with Karsiyaka Izmir.

However, fate then intervened. An early-season injury to scoring star [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) left Fenerbahce short of numbers in the backcourt, and a couple of months later Sarunas Jasikevicius swooped to add depth and experience to his roster by snapping him up in January.

The results have surely far outweighed even the most optimistic of expectations, with McCollum making light of his age to withstand a grueling schedule and play a key role in his new team’s march to the Final Four – his first – by averaging 12.5 points during 13 regular season appearances.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE MAN. THE SHOT. ERRICK MCCOLLUM 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/ErrickM3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErrickM3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/hzsZrmStYc">pic.twitter.com/hzsZrmStYc</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1925976178285781274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And in Friday’s semifinal, McCollum rose to the occasion once again by scoring all 13 of his points in the last 15 minutes to help his team secure [an 82-76 victory over Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-downs-panathinaikos-82-76-advances-to-championship-game/) – and his former coach Ataman – for a place in Sunday’s title decider.

McCollum certainly didn’t look like a man appearing at the Final Four for the first time, and he explained his calmness under pressure by revealing words of encouragement from his loved ones.

“This is a different stage, but the ball is the same and the rim is the same – you do what do you,” he said. “My wife and my brother \[NBA star CJ McCollum\] told me to be aggressive, that’s the only way to make an impact in the game. Trust yourself.

“My team needed me to get in the paint and create things, and space it with shooting from the three-point line.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CJ McCollum pulled up to the Final Four to support his brother Errick and show some serious sibling pride 💪<br><br>Brotherly love runs deep — especially when there&#39;s a trip to the EuroLeague Final at stake 🏀💙💛<a href="https://twitter.com/CJMcCollum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CJMcCollum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ErrickM3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErrickM3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/XYQAqdhLop">pic.twitter.com/XYQAqdhLop</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1925967682609807725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

McCollum’s scoring was by no means his only contribution, as he also played a strong part in a team-wide defensive effort which held Panathinaikos to just 48 points in the first three quarters.

One of the Greens to suffer the most was regular season league MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), whose frustration saw him foul out midway through the final period, and McCollum admitted that was a key to his team’s triumph.

“Kendrick’s a great player, he still had 19 points,” he said. “A guy like that, you can’t stop him, you’ve just got to slow him down, make it difficult and make him work for everything. I think we did a good job as a team collectively and [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) was excellent on him – everywhere he went, he put a body on him.”

So now McCollum’s unlikely late-career story continues all the way to the championship game, and he’s already looking forward to making a major impact.

“I try to do whatever the teams needs and today I’ve seen the three-point opportunities,” McCollum smiled. “But you never know, maybe the mid-ranger will be there on Sunday!”

Maybe… and maybe that kind of confidence will lead one of the Final Four’s oldest-ever debutants all the way to title glory.

Game News

Fenerbahce’s veteran shooter delivered a strong performance in his first Final Four appearance

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-05-23T15:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul advanced to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game after downing Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 82-76 in the opening semifinal, having led for more than 38 minutes with a dominant display.

Fenerbahce downs Panathinaikos 82-76, advances to championship game

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul advanced to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game after downing Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 82-76 in the opening semifinal, having led for more than 38 minutes with a dominant display.

The Turkish team took early control for a double-digit first quarter lead and stayed ahead, 38-33, until halftime. Panathinaikos came back to within 1 in the third period, but Fener stayed strong in the fourth to seal the win. Devon Hall led the way with 18 points, with Tarik Biberovic netting 15, Errick McCollum scoring 13 and Wade Baldwin contributing 10. Cedi Osman paced Panathinaikos with 22 points, while Kendrick Nunn added 19 but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, and Jerian Grant scored 15.

Game Videos

Osman struck first with a steal and slam, but Fenerbahce raced ahead as Hall scored twice, with Marko Guduric also netting from deep in a 10-0 run for a 13-5 lead. Grant’s three-ball and Wenyen Gabriel’s tip-in pulled the Greens closer, and Nunn’s jumper completed a 0-7 run to make it 13-12. Hall stayed hot with another triple to spark a 9-0 run culminating in buckets for Biberovic and Nigel Hayes-Davis, before Osman made it 22-14 after ten minutes.

Hayes-Davis rattled home a three before fit-again Mathias Lessort threw down a dunk, but Fener stayed in control with two triples from Biberovic, 31-18. Inside scores from Nunn and Omer Yurtseven reduced the gap, but Dyshawn Pierre and Hall restored a double-digit lead, 35-23. Nunn’s floater was the only field goal in more than four minutes, before Grant’s layup and Juancho Hernangomez’s tip-in boosted Panathinaikos. Biberovic struck from mid-range and Nunn did the same on the buzzer, making it 38-33 at the break.

Gabriel’s close-range finish started the second half scoring, and Nunn’s floater made it 38-37 as Fener stayed scoreless for three minutes before Nicolo Melli netted 4 points straight. Nunn kept firing with a three-point play, but McCollum answered from deep for a 45-40 lead. Nunn’s floater was equalled by Melli’s dunk, and McCollum netted 6 points straight to keep the Turkish team ahead before Baldwin added a dunk, and it was 55-48 after three quarters.

Melli’s three-pointer made it a double-digit lead, but Osman hit back with 5 straight points, making it 59-53. Baldwin’s jumper was bettered by another Osman three, but Hall also struck from deep and Nunn fouled out as Fener led 65-56. Hall’s stretched the gap, before tough buckets from Grant and Osman made it 67-62 with three minutes left. Hall settled Fener with his fourth triple, but another deep ball from Osman gave the Greens hope. McCollum’s sidestep three made it 73-66, before Baldwin’s jumper and Biberovic’s triple sealed the win.

The Turkish team will play for the title on Sunday after a convincing win in the opening semifinal

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four takes flight with the excitement of Friday's semifinals, where four fabulous teams will give everything to keep their title hopes alive. Here's your guide to the action.

Game Center: Final Four week has arrived!

## Friday, May 23, 2025

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 82-76 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2024/328/)

Fenerbahce advanced to the Championship Game by downing Panathinaikos in the opening semifinal, after leading for more than 38 minutes with a dominant display. The Turkish team took early control for a double-digit first quarter lead and stayed ahead, 38-33, until halftime. Panathinaikos came back to within 1 in the third period, but Fener stayed strong in the fourth to seal the win. Devon Hall led the way with 18 points, with Tarik Biberovic netting 15, Errick McCollum scoring 13 and Wade Baldwin contributing 10. Cedi Osman paced Panathinaikos with 22 points, while Kendrick Nunn added 19 but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, and Jerian Grant scored 15.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the first time since 2018, <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> will be competing in a Championship Game 👏<br><br>Sunday, they have a chance to win it ALL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/rkbyhLLs6Q">pic.twitter.com/rkbyhLLs6Q</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1925959761284989036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Olympiacos Piraeus 68-78 AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/olympiacos-piraeus-as-monaco/E2024/327/)

Monaco made history at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Friday night by beating Olympiacos 65-75 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game. Monaco led for the final two and a half quarters to reach its first-ever championship game and condemn the Reds’ to a fourth successive Final Four heartbreak. Mike James had a fantastic all-round performance with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, while Alpha Diallo led Monaco in scoring with 22 points. Jaron Blossomgame, who played a game-high 37 minutes, netted 12 points and Mam Jaiteh added 11. For Olympiacos, Evan Fournier set a semifinal record this century with 31 points, and Nigel Williams-Goss scored 12 points. Sasha Vezenkov was restricted to just 7 points.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">History made. Final bound. 🇲🇨👏<a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> are heading to their first-ever Championship Game! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrhHSvctUX">pic.twitter.com/XrhHSvctUX</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1926003133081088006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 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>

Olympiacos and Monaco face off in the other semifinal

Semifinals: Monaco will take on Fenerbahce in the championship game!

Olympiacos Piraeus v AS Monaco (2025-05-23T18:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos BC and AS Monaco Basket meet in the EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, so which team do the Euroleague.net writers think will come out on top?

Semifinals predictions: Olympiacos vs. Monaco

Later tonight, Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco face off in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. In a repeat of their 2023 semifinal matchup, Monaco is aiming to reach its first-ever championship game whereas the Reds are hoping that this is the season they end their 12-year wait for EuroLeague glory.

With that in mind, which team do the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) writers think will come out on top?

### Igor Petrinovic: Olympiacos

Monaco has a massive edge in terms of coach Vassilis Spanoulis really knowing Olympiacos well. He was not only a teammate with many players there, but he played under Coach Bartzokas and has coached against him and Olympiacos many times during his time coaching in Greece. However, I believe Olympiacos has the deepest roster. They might be under the most pressure, now in their fourth straight Final Four after coming up short, and unlucky, the previous three times, but I don’t think that will play a role. I'd rather think Olympiacos will use that experience to get past Monaco. It will be a tight game, but I believe Olympiacos pulls away late in the game. **My prediction: Olympiacos by 12.**

### Geoff Gillingham: Monaco

Unlike my colleagues, I am trusting Mike James and co. in this one. James has had an incredible EuroLeague career, earning a spot on the All-25 EuroLeague Team and leading the league all-time in scoring, and he knows that a EuroLeague title would further cement his legacy. This feels like a game for James to dictate the offense, focusing as a playmaker, and readying himself for the clutch moments when they arrive. It'll be another frustrating night for Olympiacos as its former son, Vassilis Spanoulis, gets one over the love of his life. **My prediction: Monaco by 2-4 points.**

### Javier Gancedo: Olympiacos

It is Time for Piraeus, as Olympiacos fans' T-shirts state. Olympiacos has the perfect mix of experience and energy to reach the championship game. Nigel Williams-Goss and Luca Vildoza are good on-ball defenders to help Thomas Walkup against Mike James and Elie Okobo. Saben Lee and Shaquielle McKissic are set to bring loads of energy, plus the Reds are extremely deep at power forward and center. In that sense, Sasha Vezenkov and Alex Peters should make the difference against Jaron Blossomgame and Alpha Diallo. All that without mentioning Evan Fournier, who is ready to deliver in his first-ever Final Four game. **My prediction: Olympiacos by more than 7 points.** 

### Frankie Sachs: Olympiacos

Fans of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast may be surprised to see me picking Olympiacos after I spoke so strongly about Mike James, who I will use as my team captain. I also will have Nikola Milutinov and Sasha Vezenkov in my lineup and Georgios Bartzokas as my coach. With all due respect to Monaco – and there is much respect – I believe that Olympiacos is the better team and is laser focused on the prize. **My take: Olympiacos wins by 8-12 points.** 

The Euroleague.net writers explain who they think will reach the championship game

Fenerbahce Beko and Panathinaikos BC meet in the EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, so which team do the Euroleague.net writers think will come out on top?

Semifinals predictions: Fenerbahce vs. Panathinaikos

In just a few hours' time, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens meet in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. While Fenerbahce is attempting to advance to its first championship game since 2018, the Greens are looking to defend the title they won in Berlin last year.

With that in mind, which team do the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) writers think will come out on top?

### Geoff Gillingham: Panathinaikos

I'm sorry, Fenerbahce fans. I liked a lot of the things Fenerbahce did this year, but I think Panathinaikos's stars will rise to the occasion – just like they did in Berlin one year ago. For starters, Kendrick Nunn is ready to put on a show in Abu Dhabi. I'm also predicting big games from Juancho Hernangomez and Konstantinos Mitoglou. Mathias Lessort could even get called upon, although he's well aware that he doesn't "want to come in and just f\*ck up everything that they’re doing". But do you want to know I think will be the key to it all? Jerian Grant. Anyway, I'm going with the Greens in this one. **My prediction: Panathinaikos by 8+ points.**

### Javier Gancedo: Fenerbahce

I had to think this through as it is a very unpredictable game. I like Fenerbahce's chances due to the fact that there are a lot of hungry players on the team, just Panathinaikos during its run to the title last season. Nigel Hayes-Davis, Wade Baldwin, Errick McCollum, Bonzie Colson and Nicolo Melli are some of the Fenerbahce stars that have never won the EuroLeague, and you never know when chances like that can present again. Saras Jasikevicius is also looking for an elusive first title as head coach. Granted, Panathinaikos features the reigning MVP (Kendrick Nunn), last season's Final Four MVP (Kostas Sloukas) and a three-time coaching champion (Ergin Ataman), but if Fenerbahce keeps its eyes on the prize it should win the game. **My prediction: Fenerbahce by 4-6 points.**

### Igor Petrinovic: Fenerbahce

Panathinaikos beat Fenerbahce twice this season and in the semifinals last year. The Greens are the defending EuroLeague champions led by head coach Ergin Ataman, who has won the last three Final Fours he participated and the last four semifinal games he coached. Panathinaikos features MVP Kendrick Nunn, has a four-time champ in Kostas Sloukas and might even have help from big man Mathias Lessort. However, Fenerbahce has been clicking on all cylinders, not just in the playoffs but for months – ever since January. They overcame backcourt injuries without missing a beat, and I think they are in Abu Dhabi on a mission. **My prediction: Fenerbahce by 7.**

### Frankie Sachs: Fenerbahce

I can't say I feel too confident in the pick; I wouldn’t be surprised to see either team win. But forced to choose between them, I feel like Fenerbahce is in better form and a little hungrier. There are several players on the Fenerbahce roster who have been around the league for awhile and this may be their best chance to win. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos has not always played to its full potential and the Greens are doomed if they don’t have their A-game tonight. **My prediction: Fener in a game decided late.**

As the excitement of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four fills the air in Abu Dhabi, volunteers took their first official steps into the event on Thursday, May 22, thanks to an energizing and inspiring One Team Welcome Session.

Final Four Volunteers united by One Team spirit in Abu Dhabi

As the excitement of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four fills the air in Abu Dhabi, volunteers took their first official steps into the event on Thursday, May 22, thanks to an energizing and inspiring One Team Welcome Session.

Held on court and guided by One Team Coaches from AS Monaco, Olympiacos Piraeus, and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, the session brought the volunteers together and helped create a real team-like mentality at the Final Four. Leading the experience was Euroleague Basketball’s long-time One Team Ambassador Joe Arlauckas, who brought his signature energy and heartfelt message about the deeper role of sport.

"The volunteers' day is one of my favorite days as a One Team Ambassador," said Arlauckas. "Not only do you know the people that are from behind the scenes, but you also get to watch them in action as they continue to work together over Final Four weekend. The work that they do behind the scenes really helps make the Final Four the incredible product that it is."

Throughout the afternoon, volunteers rotated through seven engaging stations focused on essential life skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, and confidence-building. The space buzzed with collaboration as participants from across the globe connected over their shared commitment to the game and the community around it.

"Volunteers are the heartbeat of any major event — their energy and commitment make everything possible," said Marcel Maneja, Sustainability Manager at Euroleague Basketball. "To recognize their vital role, we held a special One Team session before the event, using the Euroleague One Team program methodology. This collaborative experience did more than prepare our volunteers; it fostered meaningful connections, strengthened teamwork, and laid the foundation for strong, lasting relationships among the participants."

Under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside Arlauckas, volunteers not only learned the principles of the One Team program but also got to experience each principle in every drill and discussion.

“The One Team session is a great opportunity at every Final Four to create a team atmosphere, connecting volunteers from different areas, and showcasing the union of values and basketball," said Javier Barcala, Final Four Volunteers Coordinator. "As a participant since 2015, in different formats I still consider it a key moment of the Final Four week.”

The day wrapped up on a high note, with the volunteers gathering for photos beside the EuroLeague trophy. Laughter and selfies were aplenty, marking not just the start of the Final Four weekend but the beginning of countless shared memories.

In Abu Dhabi, a new group of volunteers stepped forward not only to support an event but to live out its values. Throughout the Final Four, these volunteers will carry with them the spirit of One Team as they make a positive difference together.

This session helped set the tone for the days ahead

As the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four tips off at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for the first time ever, Euroleague Basketball is set to deliver not just world-class basketball—but an electrifying entertainment experience fans will never forget

EuroLeague Final Four basketball showdown brings electrifying experiences to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four tips off at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for the first time ever and is set to deliver an electrifying entertainment experience that fans will never forget.

Alongside world-class basketball action, Etihad Arena will come alive across two days, with cutting-edge visual effects, immersive crowd experiences, and high-energy performances from international artists and entertainers.

The Aerial Drummers will take flight for the opening show on Friday. The Final Four begins with a thrilling aerial drumming performance that will elevate the energy from the first beat. Suspended in the air, the drummers set the tone for a weekend of intensity, rhythm, and showmanship.

Between Friday's semifinals, the spotlight will shine on the 25 greatest players in EuroLeague history, in a special tribute that pays homage to basketball excellence and legacy.

There will also be a dynamic performance by Dance It Out Dubai as well as dancer Ohiole Dibua, who is a veteran of halftime shows at some of the biggest events in sports and a finalist on the Got Talent series. 

Ahead of Sunday's Championship Game, fans will be treated to a dynamic live set from pop singer Toi and electric violinist Marta, fusing live vocals and strings in a powerful performance that blends elegance and hype.

You won't want to leave your seats at halftime of the Championship Game as London-based twin DJ duo Altego will take over with their signature remix energy, transforming the arena into a dance floor pulsing with basketball passion and beats.

From the moment doors open, whether on Friday or Sunday, fans will enjoy six full hours of entertainment including performances from the EuroLeague Dance Team, fan cams, interactive segments, and more—all designed to keep the crowd buzzing between every buzzer.

Etihad Arena will be transformed into a visual playground with a central DJ Booth, massive Mega Screen for replays and visuals, four LED cubes delivering 360° content, spectacular lighting design and gobo projections, fan-controlled lighting wristbands for crowd-wide effects, and dramatic team presentations that rival any global sports stage.

The festivities will be hosted by broadcaster Olivia Harlan of Westwood One and Sky Sports UK fame, with Olivier Sedra, the public address announcer at Barclays Center for the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, serving in that same role at the Final Four. The duo will guide fans through every twist and turn of the Final Four, bringing charisma and clarity.

This is more than basketball. This is the EuroLeague Final Four—elevated.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. The lights, the music, the legends—it all happens live at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Hosted by Olivia Harlan and Olivier Sedrawill, performances include The Aerial Drummers, Dance It Out Dubai, and many more

It has been a season of major highs and real lows for Olympiacos BC center Moses Wright, who is heading to his second straight EuroLeague Final Four but had to miss five months due to a serious health scare.

Moses Wright’s journey from a serious health scare to the Final Four

It has been a season of major highs and real lows for [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) center [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/).

While there is the joy of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague sophomore heading to his second straight Final Four, a five-month spell on the sidelines put a real dampener on the 26-year-old’s campaign.

But this was not because of an injury. No, Wright was dealing with a respiratory illness that could have threatened his career.

“I’m just thankful that I had family and friends who prayed for me at the time,” Wright told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham during Olympiacos's media availability, one day before its EuroLeague semifinal matchup with with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

“There was a hesitation that I could even play basketball again at first, so I went back to my faith and went back to the people who I hold closest to me. They were really my support circle at that time, so it was just great to have family and friends around me.”

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His final EuroLeague appearance before his extended absence came in Round 11 against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, then he returned in Round 31 on the road at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. In that time, Olympiacos continued to fight to be among the top-ranked teams in the standings, but Wright had to watch on from a distance.

“The doctors said the only thing I can do is do nothing because if I were to start working out again, it would stir up the infection,” he said. “The team let me go home \[to the United States\] for a while to see my family and be closer to them, so I’m grateful for that. I’m just glad to be hooping again.”

Once back in the U.S., the former Georgia Tech standout would sometimes call up his teammates after Olympiacos’s games and wish that he was on the floor with them.

“I’m on the couch watching the game back in the United States and I called a couple of them,” Wright recalled. “With the time difference, it was like midday that I’m watching \[Olympiacos play\] and I’m like, ‘Man, this is some BS.’ Glad to be fighting with them again now.”

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It naturally took Wright a couple of games to get back into rhythm once he returned, going scoreless at ASVEL and netting 2 points against AS Monaco in Round 32, but in the last two games of the regular season he had 8 and 18 points, respectively, as well as at least 1 block in each game and multiple rebounds. 

“I’d been out the game so long that you just feel antsy to get back out there and show everybody, especially since it wasn’t a bone injury or anything, that I’ve still got it,” he said. “It was great to put up those numbers, get some explosive dunks.”

Wright, who played in Games 3 and 4 of the playoff series against Real Madrid, finds himself behind the likes of Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall in Olympiacos’s center rotation, but he has shown this season the inner strength that he has – a quality that should come in handy if his number is called at this Final Four.

Sed id volutpat purus, non fringilla turpis. Proin et dolor tortor. Maecenas ut aliquet arcu. Integer eu volutpat nisi, in luctus augue. Phasellus vel elit cursus, dignissim tortor in, pretium ante. Morbi varius at urna ultricies egestas. Suspendisse dui ligula, interdum non lectus eu, semper gravida nibh. Pellentesque bibendum lacus enim. Nulla aliquet, tortor at consectetur porttitor, est nisi hendrerit dolor, vitae ullamcorper diam arcu a arcu. Suspendisse eu vulputate sapien. Praesent ut elit nec nulla imperdiet placerat vel eu neque. Praesent porttitor felis non ante rutrum, sed tincidunt augue pulvinar. Morbi id urna in nunc dignissim luctus.

The Olympiacos big man was sidelined between November and March

AS Monaco is on the step of another historic moment in its brief Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history and no one knows how to appreciate the moment more than Alpha Diallo

Alpha Diallo out to 'pay back' Monaco’s loyalty

AS Monaco is on the step of another historic moment in its brief Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history and no one knows how to appreciate the moment more than [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/). A native of New York City, Diallo played just one season of professional basketball in Greece before he was snapped up by Monaco in 2021, prior to the club’s debut in Europe’s premier competition.

Diallo is one of just three players to take part in all four of Monaco's EuroLeague campaigns – alongside [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) and [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/). In that time, he has become one of the faces of the franchise, while emerging as one of the top defenders in the competition.

Last month Diallo agreed to [a three-year contract extension](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-pens-alpha-diallo-to-long-term-extension/) with Monaco and on the eve of his team's EuroLeague Semifinals game against Olympiacos Piraeus, the do-it-all small forward spoke about his special connection to the club.

"I believe in what Monaco's trying to do here. I believe in the vision and want to finish what we started, so that loyalty factor played a part for me to give them the first opportunity to give me a \[contract\] number and give me what I was looking for and they came through. So I am happy to continue my journey here," Diallo said.

He knows what his team is up against on Friday because in their only previous Final Four run, in 2023, the Roca Team led Olympiacos at halftime by 12 before being outscored 27-2 in the third quarter as their majestic season came to a crashing halt.

One of the big differences between Monaco of two years ago and today is the man on the sidelines. Diallo spoke glowingly of Coach Vassilis Spanoulis, who took over the Monaco bench in November.

"He has the same mindset I have defensively. He’s a defensive guru and he knows how to play on-ball. He has different tactics to try to use our strengths," Diallo said. "And offensively, he emphasizes the point guard and the shooting guard making the right plays."

Though Diallo's comfort level with his coach may have played a role in his decision to commit the next three years to Monaco, it wasn't the main reason. The main reason is his connection to Monaco - both the club and the principality.

"I think being here really opened my eyes to European basketball. It's exciting to play for Monaco because I've seen where we started and to where we're at now. Two Final Four appearances in the last four years. Top eight all four years. So it's important to build on that and I’m enjoying it.

"I definitely feel that connection. It's a family atmosphere, whether it's with the team, the staff or the front office, I definitely feel that family atmosphere and that connection to the city and the country. It was important for me to show that loyalty back because they're the first team to give me an opportunity and we made a good thing out of that opportunity. So I just wanted to pay that back."

Signing an extension with Monaco without trying to test the market was definitely a sign of loyalty. And beating Olympiacos to get to the EuroLeague Championship Game for the first time in club history would be a grand way to "pay back".

More Monaco News

The small forward is already one of the faces of the franchise and hoping to take it to the Championship Game on Friday