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)

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

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.**

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

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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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DExrz3joWDW/?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 Errick McCollum (@errickm3)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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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

The 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four Magazine is here!

Whether you're courtside at Etihad Arena or following the action from afar, the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four Magazine is your ultimate guide to the biggest weekend in European basketball.

Now available at <https://publications.euroleague.net/en/2025>, the magazine is packed with everything you need to know: from the road to Abu Dhabi, team profiles, key stats, and breakdowns of the off-court entertainment lighting up the city.

Download your free copy and dive into the stories, the spectacle, and the spirit of the Final Four!

With what is traditionally considered the opening act of the greatest weekend in basketball, the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four opened its doors on Thursday morning. The Louvre Abu Dhabi hosted the Opening Press Conference with Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius and Nigel Hayes-Davis representing Fenerbahce, Coach Ergin Ataman and EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn for Panathinaikos, Coach Georgios Bartzokas and Sasha Vezenkov for Olympiacos and Coach Vassilis Spanoulis and Mike James for Monaco. 

Highlights from the Opening Press Conference

With what is traditionally considered the opening act of the greatest weekend in basketball, the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four opened its doors on Thursday morning. The Louvre Abu Dhabi hosted the Opening Press Conference, which for the first time included a red carpet event with Shani Blatt and Deniz Aksoy, plus a pair of very informative panel conversations about the history and future of the league with Olivia Harlan Dekker serving as the moderator.

The first panel was made up of executives. Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas showed great confidence in the competition: "Every game matters is not just a slogan. If you are not a fan and turn on a TV, you get sucked into it. If we keep this, we can go for another 250 years."

Motiejunas was joined by Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul general manager Maurizio Gheradini and his FC Bayern Munich counterpart Marko Pesic.

Gheradini agreed with Motiejunas's optimism regarding the future and said: "The EuroLeague as a product has history, an incredible fan base… We have whatever is needed to grow."

The second panel consisted of three members of the All-25 EuroLeague team – Kyle Hines, Nando De Colo and Dejan Bodiroga – and nine-time champion coach Zeljko Obradovic. There was some levity during the conversation with Hines, who retired just last season, claiming that he was "trying to see if I can get a weekend contract to play at this Final Four!" He doubled down and added, "Yeah, I’m ready."

Obradovic, who is the coach of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, asked if he could count this visit to Abu Dhabi on his résumé as a Final Four appearance. The coach then spoke of the difference in the league from today and in its early years, noting that today teams play more games and practice less, which the players prefer.

"My players in Belgrade are happy today because I am not there," Obradovic joked.

"My experience as a player taught me what makes European basketball special: intensity in every game, passionate fans and a unique club culture that cannot be copied anywhere else in the world," said Bodiroga, who serves as the Euroleague Basketball President.

"We have to protect what makes us special. We are strong, have the most passionate fans, the most competitive games, tradition... I think we need to keep this. Maybe what we need to change is the ability to share this unique product with the world."

Then the Opening Press Conference began with coach Sarunas Jasikevicius and Nigel Hayes-Davis representing Fenerbahce, coach Ergin Ataman and EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn for Panathinaikos, coach Georgios Bartzokas and Sasha Vezenkov for Olympiacos, and coach Vassilis Spanoulis and Mike James for Monaco.

Among the laughs at the event were Hayes-Davis explaining why Jasikevicius is such a great coach by saying "He’s so good at yelling at you" and Spanoulis joking about who his kids will support at the Final Four.