This week, Geoff Gillingham is in the hot seat to give his five fantasy players you should choose in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge
Fantasy tips, Round 1: Some under-the-radar picks to consider
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The start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign means the beginning of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. In the absence of fantasy expert Javier Gancedo, who will be doing these columns during the season, I am here to point you in the right direction.
It is always a difficult task recommending players for Round 1 as head coaches are still finalizing their lineups, but my job is to try to make some recommendations based on the previous season, as well as what to expect in the coming campaign.
Jordan Nwora, Anadolu Efes Istanbul – 13.1 credits
A new name for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers, Jordan Nwora has what it takes to shock EuroLeague fans this year. Efes teammate Shane Larkin seems to agree, telling the YouTube channel Amerikanos24: "I'm very excited for him. He might be the best pure scorer that I've played with in Europe so far.” Nwora has been one of the leading lights of Efes’s preseason campaign and with the Turkish club set to play on the road at Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 1, I think he’s worth a shot.
Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball – 11.4 credits
For anyone who did not get a chance to watch Paris during its BKT EuroCup-winning campaign in 2023-24, I am sorry. Why? The backcourt duo of TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi dominated on a night in, night out basis and were must-see TV. In Round 1, I expect Hifi to put on a show when Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade visits Adidas Arena. Paris’s version of Kyrie Irving, Hifi has what it takes to score at the EuroLeague level and become a thorn in the side of opposition defenses.
Sterling Brown, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade – 9.4 credits
A natural scorer, Sterling Brown should make an immediate impact in Round 1 at home to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Last year, he averaged 11.2 points per game for an ALBA Berlin side that struggled, but surrounded by a better roster at Partizan, the platform is there for the 29-year-old to become one of the team’s leading scorers, starting this week. At 9.4 credits, Brown feels like a solid choice to have in your fantasy team.
Jaron Blossomgame, AS Monaco – 8.5 credits
One of the most consistent performers in the EuroLeague, Jaron Blossomgame will be tasked with doing it on both ends as Monaco welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan to the principality in Round 1. Particularly in the latter part of last season, Blossomgame improved his scoring average and, in turn, became a much more favorable player for those playing the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. For the price of 8.5 credits, he seems like a good player to have.
Sertac Sanli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul – 6.3 credits
Sometimes, EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers will be scrambling around to see which cheap players they can find to fill their roster. Well, Sertac Sanli could be an interesting option, especially after impressing with 11 points in each of his two games against Fenerbahce’s Round 1 opponent, Olympiacos Piraeus, last season. Importantly, him playing in Turn 2 should further increase his value to your team.