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

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

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.**

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

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.

Game News

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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

On the eve of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals, the Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco players spoke with the media before and after the practice sessions at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. Here's what some of the stars had to say.

Semifinals pregame quotes: Olympiacos vs. Monaco

On the eve of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals, the [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) players spoke with the media before and after the practice sessions at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena. Here's what some of the stars had to say.

### Evan Fournier, Olympiacos Piraeus forward

"It's great, I am looking forward to my first Final Four and the opportunity to make something special happen for this team. And I think we are all excited. We are all happy, but we know we have a lot of work to do. I'm not sure how many people are going to be there, because obviously it's extremely far, but we are extremely thankful to all the fans that are showing up. Monaco is a very good team. They have a lot of talent, so it should be a good, interesting matchup against two experienced teams. It's win or go home. I mean, we have two more games, whatever happens, happens. But obviously, if we lose tomorrow the season is over, so one step at a time. Our focus is on Monaco and then we will see."

### Mam Jaiteh, AS Monaco center 

"I think there are different players \[compared to 2023\] so the context will be completely different. But still, many of the guys stayed with the team, so we have learned from it as a team. I think we have enough experience now to not fall into the trap that this team had two years ago. Being here is a very nice feeling, because I feel like everything is ready to welcome us. Everything is ready for the game, for the challenge, so it is now up to us to be on point and to and to respond to it. It is all about being able to play a 40-minute game. We know it is going to be very closer and that they have all this experience, so it is up to us to be consistent, to play with extremely high intensity, and hopefully we are going to be able to reach something. I am enjoying every single moment because many great players haven't had the chance to play a Final four and win the EuroLeague. So you never know what can happen tomorrow. The mood is to enjoy every second, which means that you need to give everything, no matter what the score is. You can leave the court with the feeling that you did and gave everything. That's what we want to feel when we leave the court."

### Shaquielle McKissic, Olympiacos Piraeus forward

"We've got a few first-timers, that’s a bit different \[compared to previous\] semifinals, but as far as the atmosphere it’s getting better and better every year. I know how smart Coach \[Spanoulis\] is just from playing with him and being around him for so many years. I don’t know what their game plan is, but all we can do is focus on our game plan, have confidence in it and execute it. We are one of the best teams in the world, it’s time to live up to that. Having a lot of guards like they have, they are able to manipulate their offense to do what they wanna do and try to get what they want to get. There’s pros and cons to every offense. They have such good players all it takes one of those guys to take over and have a good night and things can go south for us. But we also have a good roster and personnel, that hopefully works out in our favor."

### Jordan Loyd, AS Monaco guard

“We don’t look at ourselves as underdogs, but having that mentality that people are counting you out is a good thing. That’s a good thing for me, I’ve been like that my whole life. So, as far as our team and know what we can achieve, I think we can win the entire EuroLeague, and that’s why we are here. But that mentality and having that focus is not necessarily bad. It’s not bad to have a little bit of underdog mentality. I am sure, in all of Europe, everybody wants a Greek final. But we are not worried about that, all we can do is go out and play our game. We’ve been playing Olympiacos for a long time now. It’s fun, it is something we look forward to, and I think the underdog mentality is a good thing for us. It’s one game, anything can happen in one game. It’s 40 minutes – once the ball goes up, you never know. I think we are really locked in, I keep saying we have a great chance, and I am really confident in our team. The biggest thing \[Coach Spanoulis said\] was clear head. He was like, 'Have a clean head, don’t worry about anything, play aggressive, play confident and enjoy the moment. Don’t put too much extra stress or extra stuff in your head, whether it is good or bad, and stay even keel.' I learned a lot from him already from the time being here. He’s a legendary player. I played against him, as well, and now being coached by him is pretty awesome. It’s pretty cool to have him, and his experience, especially against a team like Olympiacos, who he is familiar with. We are excited."

### Moses Wright, Olympiacos Piraeus center

“Two for two! If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Hopefully we’ll get it done this year. We’ve got a lot of great pieces and a lot of great players, so I trust in Coach B \[Bartzokas\] to get everyone in the right position. He’s a chess master, so he’s got to use the pieces he needs.

“We had a lot of people come back, so we all knew how it felt to get there and be so close to winning one. We went into the new season with vets like Sasha, who played in the league and got to the Final Four, Sasha was the MVP, Evan has been in the NBA for 13 years and been around great players, so they came and brought a whole new mentality to the team and competition. It’s great to have more competitive pieces and it’s dope to go up against them in practice.”

Check out what the stars said during media availability on Thursday

Panathinaikos BC star Mathias Lessort could make his long-awaited return from injury at the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four.

Mathias Lessort ready for potential return in semifinal

It was just over five months ago, on December 19 last year, when the basketball world was shocked by [a gruesome leg injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) All-EuroLeague center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) suffered in a Round 17 game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The most optimistic prognosis after a fractured fibula was that the Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens big man might be able to return before the end of this campaign, even though the situation certainly looked like a season-ending injury.

Well, here we are, at the EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, and Lessort is back with the team and ready to play.

“It’s no spoiler”, Lessort told large groups of media members who kept surrounding him during the media availability at Etihad Arena on Thursday afternoon. “I’ve been working really hard for five months to come back. I’ve been in the gym 5-6 hours a day every day for 6-7 days a week, so I really worked hard to be here.”

Lessort’s injury happened after he came down badly on his left ankle. The injury left Lessort lying on the floor in agony, while everyone at OAKA Altion was in shock. The game came to a halt as players from both teams grabbed their heads in disbelief, while fans were seen crying in the stands.

Now, five months later, the All-EuroLeague center might be putting it all behind him.

“I had a lot of people around me, whether it’s my family, my trainer, the coaches, the medical staff, so it’s a team effort and everybody contributes”, the big man said in sharing the credit for being available to play again.

Kendrick Nunn and Mathias Lessort at practice on Thursday in Abu Dhabi

However, with Panathinaikos fighting for another EuroLeague crown, Lessort has been trying to stay out of the spotlight and is giving praise to his teammates.

“My teammates fought to get to this position. They fought for five months without me, so I got to respect their work. It’s their moment. They earned their ticket here and I’m here just to help the team.”

Before the injury, Lessort had averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in this, his second in Athens. At the moment of the injury, he was second in the league in rebounds and sixth in average PIR (20.5).

“I’ve come here with a cool head”, Lessort claimed. “Obviously, I helped them for half the season, but for the other half and then the playoffs, they did it without me. I don’t want to come in and just \[mess\] up everything that they’re doing. They won last year with me, but they got here this year without me.”

Lessort had already traveled with the team to road games and was seen lifting the team up with his energy in recent weeks, standing and jumping behind the bench.

“I’m just here to try to help them in whatever way I can. Whatever I can do to help my teammates and this organization, I’ll do it.”

Whether Lessort actually plays, however, will be up to coach Ergin Ataman.

“My teammates saw me in practice last week. They’ve seen what I can do, what I can bring to the team. The coaches, too. We’ll see tomorrow how they decide to use me, how many minutes if they do use me.

“But like I said, these guys got here without me so I really respect that and this is their Final Four, not mine”, Lessort concluded.

The Panathinaikos center missed the last five months with a broken leg

At his first EuroLeague Final Four, the 37-year-old Errick McCollum is out to leave his mark in Abu Dhabi.

Errick McCollum looks to ‘enjoy the ride’ at Final Four

Now in his 15th season overseas, [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/) has seen a lot. But one thing he lacks is a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship.

McCollum started the season with Turkish side Pinar Karsiyaka and it seemed like his time among Europe’s very best was a thing of the past, having last featured in the EuroLeague in the 2020-21 season – his second campaign in the competition.

On January 10 of this year, however, everything changed. [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) signed McCollum to help with a growing injury list, particularly in its backcourt, and it gave the veteran a chance to show that he’s still able to compete at the highest level.

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Fast-forward four and a half months and McCollum – who has averaged 11.5 points across 16 EuroLeague games – is now preparing to take on Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the semifinals, with this being the first Final Four he has reached as a player.

“Sometimes life is just unpredictable,” McCollum told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham during Fenerbahce’s media availability, one day before the EuroLeague Semifinals. “You get to that point and you learn to adapt. You have a plan, you have an idea of how things maybe should go or will go, then life throws a curveball.

“I think the rollercoaster was winding down and now it’s on the way up again. Once we start the Final Four, it’s a thrill. I’m just happy to be here, I’m happy I was able to find a situation like Fenerbahce where I could come in, help the team and be a part of this. I tried to make the best of it with my performances and helping the team, and I think I did that.”

In the stands cheering on McCollum at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will be his two best friends – his wife, Brittny, and his brother, CJ. Back in 2016, Brittny was there to see Errick lift the BKT EuroCup title with Galatasaray Istanbul, but CJ was unable to as he was competing in the NBA Playoffs with the Portland Trail Blazers. This time, assuming Fenerbahce goes all the way, it’ll be different.

“My wife was there \[for the 2016 EuroCup Final\]. My brother couldn’t make it to that, but he came that same season when we started the Turkish League Playoffs when I was at Gala in the semifinals,” he said. “Ironically, we played Fenerbahce and in the first round we played Darussafaka, and he was there. It’s special to have him here and to just take in these moments and enjoy the ride. I’m 37 years old, I’m still in good shape, I feel fit, I feel like I have years, but you never know if you’ll get back to this stage.”

For the elder McCollum brother, he has the chance to further add to his legacy in Abu Dhabi with a EuroLeague title, but his impact in basketball will be long-lasting.

“I represent the Fenerbahce jersey, so when you put that on there’s a responsibility, there’s a duty,” he said. “On top of that, on the back of my jersey there’s McCollum, so I represent my family every time I play.

“I try to put forward my best effort, I want to set a good example for my kids, and just represent all the older guys out there who have still got some energy left, who’ve still got juice, just to show that your effort and your energy can open up doors for others. That’s how I looked at it when I was a young guy coming in from a small school – my performance could maybe give another guy a chance. That’s how I look at it.

“It’s not just about you – it’s about your club, your family, and also opening up opportunities for others.”

The 37-year-old has seen a lot in his career, but a EuroLeague title could be the cherry on top