AS Monaco has provided its fans with some more good news ahead of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four by confirming the renewal of Matthew Strazel's contract until 2029.

Matthew Strazel renews at Monaco until 2029

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) has provided its fans with some more good news ahead of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four by confirming the renewal of [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/)'s contract until 2029.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🚀 En route vers le Final Four de l&#39;Euroleague, Matthew Strazel prolonge l&#39;aventure avec la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> ! 💎<br><br>🌟 Le médaillé d&#39;argent olympique et quadruple champion de France reste sur le Rocher jusqu&#39;en 2029 🇲🇨🔒<br><br>🗣 Communiqué et réaction à retrouver sur notre site 📝… <a href="https://t.co/b9KZZ7reT9">pic.twitter.com/b9KZZ7reT9</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1924831500333109615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Strazel is enjoying a career year in his sixth EuroLeague campaign to date, having averaged 8.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists while playing in all 39 games for Monaco this season. He has the chance to build on his numbers at the Final Four, with Monaco taking on Olympiacos Piraeus in the semifinal.

The 22-year-old spent the first three years of his EuroLeague career with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne after coming through the club's youth academy, then in 2022 he moved to the principality by joining Monaco.

Matthew Strazel's best plays of the 2024-25 season

“I feel at home here in Monaco. That's all I want, to find a home with an organization and a club that's ambitious," Strazel told Monaco's club website. "The management are ready to invest in me, which is why I decided to sign a new contract. I want to continue to progress, both individually and collectively, with this team. I'm looking forward to continuing and seeing what the club will become over the next few years.”

More Monaco News

A few days away from the Final Four, the talented guard has committed his future to the club

The first team to land in Abu Dhabi for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four was AS Monaco, and it was greeted by loud and harmonious song. Members of the Mubarak Al Atiba Group were on hand to perform the Al-Ayyala, a traditional Emirati cultural performance.

Monaco welcomed to Final Four with Al-Ayyala ceremony

The first team to land in Abu Dhabi for the [2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/final-four/) was [AS Monaco,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) and it was greeted by loud and harmonious song. Members of the Mubarak Al Atiba Group were on hand to perform the Al-Ayyala, a traditional Emirati cultural performance. The same process was repeated when [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25) and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2024-25) touched down a few hours later.

Originally a ceremony used to welcome victorious warriors home from battle, today the Al-Ayyala is often performed to greet honored guests, such as the teams coming to Abu Dhabi to compete for the EuroLeague crown.

The ceremony consists of roughly 20 men in two rows facing each other, holding thin bamboo sticks that represent spears or swords. In between them are musicians beating drums, while the men chant melodic greetings. There were two falcons, with their handlers, among the performers.

The players were also offered traditional Arab coffee as part of the welcome ceremony.

The Monaco players were caught off guard by the ceremony with [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/), [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) quickly whipping out their phones to film the ongoings.

While most of the players headed to their rooms after arriving, a few stopped by the cameras to answer a couple of questions. Monaco superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/)  expressed how happy he is to be here.

His Panathinaikos counterpart and EuroLeague MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) sounded confident when it was his time to talk: "I feel great being here in Abu Dhabi. During our playoff run, I told my team we can't miss it. We have to be there. It's a great feeling. We will play two more games now and potentially win the championship. 

"Ultimately, you have to go out there and put your best efforts to win the game and get a victory. It will be a team effort, but for sure, I will be ready. We have much more experience this year. It's my second year in the EuroLeague. I know what to expect a little bit more, so I'm going in with a little bit more experience, which helps."

All of them were greeted with the traditional Emirati Al-Ayyala performance

Three teams have already touched down in Abu Dhabi

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

Igor Petrinovic explains why Panathinaikos BC should not be underestimated at the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four.

2025 Final Four: The case for... Panathinaikos

A sign of a great team is knowing how to win. That means not just playing well and winning when things are clicking, but even more so, it means pulling out victories when not everything is going your way. The reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) checks all those boxes.

The defending champs obviously proved their greatness last season, but every campaign is a new story. With the expectation and goal of repeating their climb to the throne, the Greens showed on occasions during the regular season how dominant and seemingly unbeatable they can be.

However, what made Panathinaikos great is its fair share of bumps and obstacles along the way, which it managed to overcome to find its way to Abu Dhabi.

The 7th Star | “We Broke the Curse” - How Panathinaikos Made History Again | Documentary

### The injuries and the struggles

Coach Ergin Ataman's squad, with every single important piece of the championship team returning this season, had a slow start in October and November. They had just eight wins after 15 rounds to start the season and sat 10th place in the standing. Then came a gruesome leg injury to All-EuroLeague center and the team’s main source of energy, [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), to start the 2025 calendar year. Then [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) got injured, too, so the Greens had to bring in two centers – [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) and [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/) – just to have a big body in the paint.

But Panathinaikos got safely to the harbor thanks to EuroLeague MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) taking the reins and putting on display some remarkable performances. [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) had the best season of his career, while [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) was showing up in big games, the best of them being against Friday's semifinal opponent, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. With the likes of [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/), [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), Gabriel and once recovered Yurtseven stepping up in their roles, the Greens guaranteed home-court advantage for the playoffs.

There, they showed more know-how against a gritty Anadolu Efes Istanbul, with [Konstantinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) stepping up alongside Nunn in a key Game 3, and Osman finishing the job with a career performance in Game 5.

### Right where they want to be

So, Panathinaikos advanced to Abu Dhabi. Was it in impressive fashion? No. Was it dominant? No. Were there worries about the team’s lack of size behind Hernangomez? Absolutely. Were there doubts from outside looking in? Every step of the way.

But, Panathinaikos overcame it all.

And that is exactly what makes this team even more dangerous.

They had their injury problems. Their stars had off nights in important games. They had many games where they struggled offensively, or defensively, for great portions of the night.

Yet, they would produce big fourth-quarter comebacks. Their stars would ignite at just the right time. Players would step up to fill in for the injury absences.

And the Greens got back to the Final Four, where Coach Ataman confirmed to SKWEEK that they will be counting on the services of Mathias Lessort once again.

With or without the big man from Martinique, who wants to bet against the defending champ back at the Final Four, a place where it aimed to be all along?

Me neither.

Igor Petrinovic explains why the Greens should not be underestimated at the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four

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

Now streaming on YouTube, “The 7th Star” – the latest documentary produced by Euroleague Basketball Originals – follows Panathinaikos BC’s postseason journey towards winning the club’s seventh EuroLeague championship.

“The 7th Star” is now available to watch on YouTube! 

How does a team go from 17th in the standings one year to winning the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title the next? The [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) team of 2023-24 had the answer.

Now streaming on YouTube, “The 7th Star” – the latest documentary produced by Euroleague Basketball Originals – follows the Greens’ postseason journey towards winning the club’s seventh EuroLeague championship. 

During the 50-minute documentary, some of the main protagonists from Panathinaikos’s run to the 2024 EuroLeague title take center stage in “The 7th Star”, including club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, coach Ergin Ataman, [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/).

The 7th Star | Trailer

After a manic summer in 2023, in which two-time champion Coach Ataman arrived, together with 10 new players, hopes were high for a Panathinaikos side hoping to lift its first EuroLeague championship since 2011.

Sloukas’s decision to move across the Greek divide by changing the red of Olympiacos Piraeus for the green of Panathinaikos sent shockwaves across Europe, while All-EuroLeague center Lessort had already signed on the dotted line 11 days prior. But it was the addition of Nunn in late October that really put Panathinaikos on the right track towards achieving its ultimate goal.

There were ups and downs for Panathinaikos in the playoffs and moments of adversity at the Final Four, but the Greens – led by Coach Ataman, Sloukas, Lessort and Nunn – wrote history by flipping the culture of the club and bringing a EuroLeague title back to Athens.

More Panathinaikos News

The new documentary showcasing Panathinaikos’s 2024 EuroLeague title is 

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-05-26T18:00:00.000Z)

The two semifinal games at the upcoming 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four held in Abu Dhabi will feature two matchups that we saw in the two previous editions of the tournament.

The strange cases of déjà vu in the 2025 EuroLeague semifinals

The two semifinal games at the upcoming 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four held in Abu Dhabi will feature two matchups that we saw in the two previous editions of the tournament.

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) and [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) get the Final Four underway in a rematch of last season’s semifinal. While Fener will be aiming to get some payback and advance to the championship game for the first time since 2018, the Greens are looking to repeat what happened last season and get one step closer towards winning back-to-back titles.

Not that they need any extra motivation but it’s certain that several [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) players who were present at the 2023 Final Four haven’t forgotten the way they lost to [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) in that semifinal and will also be looking for vengeance.

“It seems inevitable that we're always gonna meet them no matter what happens, so it's almost like fate," said Monaco superstar Mike James. “So, we gotta take care of business this time.”

On the other hand, Olympiacos is more than aware of that. After three straight trips to the Final Four but zero championships in that time, Giorgos Bartzokas and his players know that they must first overcome Monaco before attempting to finally bring the EuroLeague title back to Piraeus.

Eurohoops takes a look back at what happened in the last time we had these exact Final Four semifinal matchups and what decided each contest.

Read the rest of the article [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1826397/the-strange-cases-of-deja-vu-in-the-2025-euroleague-semifinals/).

Eurohoops looks at the last time we saw these teams facing off in the semifinals

On the fourth episode of The Crossover this season, Joe Arlauckas is joined by Mike Batiste and coach Dimitris Itoudis to revisit Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens's legendary run in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague from 2007 to 2011, which saw the Greens become European champion in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Dimitris Itoudis, Mike Batiste remember their Panathinaikos successes on The Crossover

On the fourth episode of The Crossover this season, Joe Arlauckas is joined by [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-batiste/ajv/) and coach [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/itoudis-dimitris/) to revisit [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/)'s legendary run in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague from 2007 to 2011, which saw the Greens become European champion in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

While Batiste was a star player at Panathinaikos alongside Dimitris Diamantidis, who also lifted these three EuroLeague titles, Coach Itoudis was an assistant to Zeljko Obradovic for the triumphs in Athens (2007), Berlin (2009), and Barcelona (2011).

With the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi just one week away, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul star Tarik Biberovic appeared on the EuroLeague & Friends podcast at the club's pre-Final Four Media Day. He was also joined at points by teammate Wade Baldwin and club mascot Yellow!

Tarik Biberovic joined by two surprise guests on pre-Final Four EuroLeague & Friends podcast

With the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi just one week away, [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) star [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) appeared on the EuroLeague & Friends podcast at the club's pre-Final Four Media Day. He was also joined at points by teammate Wade Baldwin and club mascot Yellow!

During the podcast, they discussed Vasiliki not picking Biberovic in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, his great playoff series against Paris Basketball, how he has improved under Saras Jasikevicius, and much more.

In Abu Dhabi, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens playmaker Kostas Sloukas will have a chance to truly rewrite the history books.

Kostas Sloukas sets his sights on Final Four records

When a player is playing in his 11th Final Four – more than all but one player in the history of the competition, and as one of the main protagonists in each one of those – it is not much of a surprise that he is flirting with all kinds of Final Four records.

In Abu Dhabi, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens playmaker [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) will have a chance to truly rewrite the history books.

First and foremost, last year’s Final Four MVP will aim to become the first player this century to win five EuroLeague championships. He climbed the throne with Olympiacos in 2012 and 2013, he lifted the crown with Fenerbahce in 2017, and then did so with Panathinaikos last season.

If Panathinaikos ends up going back-to-back, the only players who would have more titles than Sloukas in the history of the competition would be Dino Meneghin with seven (titles won between 1970 and 1988) and Clifford Luyk (all from 1964 to 1978).

### Eyeing top spot

But Sloukas also has a realistic chance to reach the mountaintop in as many as four different Final Four statistical categories.

Sloukas enters this Final Four in second place [in accumulated PIR](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=Valuation&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF) with 203. [Victor Khryapa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/victor-khryapa/bcq/) is the leader with 208. Sloukas is also [ranked second with 57 free throws made](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=FreeThrowsMade&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF), while [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) is the leader with 59. With three free throws made at the Final Four, Sloukas would be first overall all-time.

The Panathinaikos playmaker [ranks third with 67 assists](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=Assistances&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF), behind only [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) (71) and [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/) (76). Sloukas also arrives in Abu Dhabi ranked fourth in scoring at Final Fours this century with 191 points. Above him are [JR Holden](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jr-holden/aqo/) (194 points), Rodriguez (209) and Llull (213).

So, [with 23 points in two games](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=Score&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF), Sloukas would claim the top spot, which Llull has occupied since 2023. It’s worth remembering that Nikos Galis is the scoring leader in Final Four era with 231 points, achieved at the Final Fours played between 1988 and 1994. Sloukas would need to score 40 points in Abu Dhabi to catch Galis.

Moreover, with his next appearance in a Final Four game, Sloukas will move into second place all-time with [21 Final Four games played](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=GamesPlayed&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF), behind only Khryapa (23 Final Four appearances).

There is another player in Abu Dhabi who is set to move into the Top 10 in terms of appearances – Sloukas's former teammate, Olympiacos Piraeus team captain [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/). He is currently 11th, with one fewer Final Four game played than [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) and [Andrey Vorontsevich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andrey-vorontsevich/lhi/), who are tied in ninth place with 15 appearances. In Abu Dhabi, Papanikolaou – playing at his eighth Final Four – can also move past them and catch Holden, who sits in eighth place with 16 Final Four games played.

Interestingly, Sloukas and Papanikolaou are tied just outside the Top 10 in Final Fours this century in two categories.

They sit in 11th place with [20 three-point shots](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=FieldGoalsMade3&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF) made apiece, with [Jaycee Carroll](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaycee-carroll/001960/) and [David Blu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/david-blu/bes/) tied for ninth with 21 triples apiece, while [Saras Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saras-jasikevicius/adg/) and [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/juo/) are tied for seventh having made 22 threes each. Sloukas and Papanikolaou are also tied in 12th place with 37 defensive rebounds. Teodosic and [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-batiste/ajv/) are tied in 10th place with 38 defensive rebounds apiece.

Sloukas is set to move up the two-pointers made list, where he ranks eighth with 37 shots made, behind Holden in seventh with 39 and Llull in sixth with 40 two-pointers made.

### McKissic leading the steals race

Sloukas is also tied for 18th place in Final Fours this century with 9 steals, needing four more to get into the Top 10. However, there are three other players in Abu Dhabi who have more steals in Final Four games than Sloukas.

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) ranks in 12th place in Final Fours this century [with 12 steals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=Steals&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF), which is more than any other player at this Final Four. This figure is even more impressive when you consider that McKissic has only played six Final Four games in his career. With his next steal, he will equal [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-batiste/ajv/), [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), who are all tied in ninth place with 13 steals apiece.

Behind McKissic sits AS Monaco's [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who is the EuroLeague’s all-time leader in steals with 459, but only 11 of those came in the Final Fours, which ranks him in 13th place. Papanikolaou is also ahead of Sloukas, having stolen 10 balls, for 14th place. 

### Papanikolaou and Calathes moving up

Papanikolaou and Calathes are the only other players in Abu Dhabi who are already in the Top 10 in several categories, with an opportunity to move up some more.

Calathes, the EuroLeague’s all-time leader in assists, ranks fifth in Final Fours in that category with 48 assists. He needs 11 more to catch fourth-placed [Theo Papaloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theodoros-papaloukas/atw/).

Papanikolaou has 12 starts in Final Four games this century, [tied for the third-most](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=GamesStarted&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF). Khryapa is second with 13 starts, and Holden is the leader with 15 starts in Final Four games. Calathes has nine starts in Final Four games this century, currently tied for 13th, but if he starts one game in Abu Dhabi he would enter the Top 10. If he starts both, Calathes would be alone in sixth place in this category.

Papanikolaou [ranks in ninth place](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=TotalRebounds&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF) with 55 rebounds, behind Batiste (58) and seventh-placed Mirotic (59). [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) is sixth with 64 rebounds in Final Fours this century. In this same category, Calathes is in 19th with 43 rebounds and needs 10 in Abu Dhabi to catch 10th-placed [Ioannis Bourousis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ioannis-bourousis/aqu/) (53).

Papanikolaou needs a [single offensive rebound](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=OffensiveRebounds&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF) to move into the Top 10, while Calathes requires [one defensive rebound](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-players/?size=25&misc=&category=DefensiveRebounds&seasonMode=All&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated&phase=FF) to enter the Top 15 in that category in Final Fours this century.

The Panathinaikos point guard is in position to rewrite the Final Four history books in Abu Dhabi

It's almost game time as Europe's top four basketball teams arrive in Abu Dhabi. Scores of passionate fans will gather for two days of elite action at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The excitement is just getting started! While you're in the city for the games, there's plenty of action off the court as well, offering unmissable entertainment and fan experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Off the court: 10 unmissable experiences for EuroLeague fans in Abu Dhabi

It's almost game time as Europe's top four basketball teams arrive in Abu Dhabi. Scores of passionate fans will gather for two days of elite action at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The excitement is just getting started! While you're in the city for the games, there's plenty of action off the court as well, offering unmissable entertainment and fan experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s your guide to exciting Abu Dhabi experiences during your stay:

**1.       Immerse yourself in art at Louvre Abu Dhabi** 

Take a break from the court and step into Louvre Abu Dhabi, a universal museum nestled in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District. Immerse yourself in the museum's permanent collection, featuring iconic works by artists from around the world. Visit seasonal exhibitions, including the current offering of “*Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power”*, which offers a glimpse into the lives of Africa’s most revered and powerful figures.

**2.       Step into a world of wonder at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi**

Be among the first to explore [teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi](https://www.teamlababudhabi.com/) — a multisensory space where art, science, and technology converge. With ever-evolving exhibits that respond to movement and light, each visit is a unique, immersive journey where the art truly comes alive.

**3.       Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque**

A visit to Abu Dhabi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country’s largest mosque. The vision of the Founding Father of the UAE, the mosque welcomes millions of visitors from all religions and around the world each year, providing a glimpse into the country’s traditions and rich history. Offering guided tours, guests are invited to immerse themselves in this architectural marvel and gain a deeper understanding of the emirate’s culture.

**4.       Savor the flavors of Abu Dhabi’s diverse dining experiences**

From locally inspired dishes at Erth, the first-ever Emirati restaurant to receive a Michelin star, to international flavors at Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has something for every palate. Whether indulging in Zuma’s modern Japanese fare or the vibrant fusion at Sushi Samba, you'll find global flavors in every corner. And if you're after a laid-back bite or fine dining, Abu Dhabi is ready to serve a winning meal.

**5.       Feel the excitement of adventure on Yas Island**

For thrill-seekers and families alike, Yas Island is the ultimate destination. Ride one of the world’s fastest rollercoasters, Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or dive into animated worlds at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. From adrenaline to animation, Yas Island is where the fun never stops.

**6.       Paddle through nature at the Mangrove National Park on Jubail Island**

Trade the basketball court for a different kind of arena – the serene waterways of the [Mangrove National Park](https://jubailisland.ae/jubail-mangrove-park/). Rent a kayak and paddle through the lush mangrove forests, discovering the unique ecosystem and spotting local wildlife, offering a chance to escape from the city and connect with nature.

**7.       Catch a wave at Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island**

Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a first-timer, [Surf Abu Dhabi](https://www.surfabudhabi.com/booking?ref=em-conversions-ba-session-uae&utm_term=surf%20in%20abu%20dhabi&utm_campaign=SurfAD-EM-Conversion-UAE-2May25&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=8959274435&hsa_cam=22499760705&hsa_grp=176211976502&hsa_ad=749959074363&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-2380739198795:kwd-324082988836&hsa_kw=surf%20in%20abu%20dhabi&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22499760705&gbraid=0AAAAA-KQXXLCvFCnIpTCASCmokSlVOCLE&gclid=CjwKCAjw24vBBhABEiwANFG7y92MmgRCl2-AMxy9GSTsnnXIUZnGXJhbyY7bq0dlNjcxMSlDw9G2mhoCP7AQAvD_BwE) offers year-round thrills. Home to the world’s longest ride, largest barrel, and tallest man-made wave, it’s a must-visit for water lovers. Add in a beach club, restaurants, and oceanfront vibes, and you’ve got the ultimate surf spot.

**8.       Experience the thrill of a desert safari**

Enjoy a thrilling dune-bashing experience across the sand dunes and cross off a bucket list experience with Abu Dhabi’s famous desert safaris. Take a camel ride to see things from a different perspective and relax in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, where you can enjoy Emirati cuisine and cultural performances under the stars. It's a unique opportunity to experience the desert environment and local culture, all while creating special, fun-filled memories with loved ones.

**9.       Pamper yourself at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara on Sir Bani Yas Island**

Inspired by the surrounding desert, the [Anantara Spa](https://www.anantara.com/en/desert-islands-sir-bani-yas?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=GMB&utm_term=DesertIslands&utm_content=Home&utm_campaign=Google_GMB) blends age-old healing traditions with modern wellness, natural ingredients, and ocean views from the outdoor jacuzzi, creating a serene escape that’s perfect for a peaceful recharge.

**10.   Unwind and shop in style at Yas Mall**

Just a short drive from Etihad Arena, Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping destination. Stroll through its spacious avenues lined with international and regional brands, stop for a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or catch a film at the cinema. With entertainment for all ages and a direct link to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, it’s the perfect stop between the Final Four games.

From the thrill of the EuroLeague Final Four to a city packed with unforgettable experiences, build your perfect itinerary, make memories that last, and discover why Abu Dhabi is the real MVP of your EuroLeague adventure. Head to [visitabudhabi.ae](http://visitabudhabi.ae) to find out more!

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four games take place 23 & 25 May