Finding a player beloved by both fans and media is rare in the EuroLeague, but Valencia Basket has one in Sergio De Larrea –  affectionately known as "Larry". 

Valencia fan-favorite Sergio De Larrea faces unique opportunity

Finding a player beloved by both fans and media is rare in the EuroLeague, but [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) has one in [Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) – affectionately known as “Larry”. 

The 19-year-old point guard is set to begin his first full EuroLeague season as a member of Valencia’s senior squad. Though he’s already appeared in three EuroLeague games and played a key role in Valencia’s run to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and Spanish League Finals last season, this year marks a new chapter.

So what makes Larry so special? To find out, Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo headed to Roig Arena and asked him directly.

“The connection between players and fans, in my case, is something really beautiful,” Larry said. “Our fans always try to support and encourage me, and I’m very grateful. They’ve shown me love during tough times, and I know they’ll keep doing so.”

Valencia Basket's Sergio De Larrea leading the offense against Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse in the EuroCup last season. 

### Rising through the ranks

De Larrea is the first breakout star to emerge from L'Alqueria del Basket, Valencia’s elite youth academy. He joined the club in summer 2021, initially playing for the second team and in youth competitions. His talent quickly stood out in the NextGen tournaments – at NextGen Belgrade 2023, he averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 steals across four games. He also made his EuroLeague debut in January 2023, appearing briefly against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

His success extended to the international stage, where he helped Spain win silver at the 2022 U17 World Cup and gold at the 2023 U19 World Cup. At EuroBasket 2025, a wave of injuries gave Larry the chance to start for Spain, and he delivered – averaging 5.5 points and 4.4 assists.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from different situations and opponents,” he said. “I see it as a positive experience that helped me grow heading into this season.”

Sergio De Larrea in action for Spain at EuroBasket 2025. (PHOTO: FIBA)

### Opportunity knocks again

With [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/), [Xabi Lopez-Arostegui](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xabi-lopez-arostegui/005356/) and [Brancou Badio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brancou-badio/007527/) sidelined due to injuries, De Larrea finds himself in a similar position. While he remains team-focused, he’s aware that increased minutes could be a turning point.

“It could be an opportunity, but it all comes down to hard work,” he said. “These situations happen, and you have to be ready. There’s always someone next in line, and we all have to keep showing the level we’ve reached in recent years.”

### Learning from the best

Standing tall and athletic, Larry draws comparisons to FC Barcelona’s [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/). But when asked about role models, he quickly credits a former teammate.

“Last year, I learned a lot from [Stefan Jovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/stefan-jovic/004863/). We’re similar players and people, and he helped me a lot. He’s definitely one of my references.”

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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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/DN2ZfVi1K_O/?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 Sergio De Larrea (@sergiodelarreaa)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### A new era at Roig Arena

Larry embodies everything exciting about Valencia Basket right now. He’s a homegrown talent from L'Alqueria, chose to stay with the club despite NCAA and NBA interest, and now enters the EuroLeague spotlight as Valencia opens its new state-of-the-art Roig Arena.

“I’m really excited – it’s been a dream since I was a kid,” he said. “I debuted in the EuroLeague a couple of years ago, but this is different. Now I’m part of the squad, and I can’t wait to compete in such a high-level league.”

### Humble and hungry

Despite the buzz, De Larrea remains grounded. He knows the trust placed in him by the club and fans – and he’s determined to earn it.

“I play the way I know, and I think the team trusts me. I want to repay that confidence, but I also want to keep learning,” he said. “It’s not just young players who grow – everyone can improve. I’m lucky to learn from others and apply it every day.”

More Valencia Basket News

All eyes are on the 19-year-old Spanish point guard

EuroLeague TV to stream Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament

EuroLeague TV continues to expand its offering of premium basketball content with the live streaming of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia. All games will be available for free (behind sign-in) on ELTV, accessible globally — with the exception of Australia, Greece, and Serbia.

This marks another step forward in EuroLeague TV’s commitment to delivering top-tier basketball action to fans around the world, following the successful introduction of the Italian Cup last season.

The tournament features three exciting matchups. On Thursday, September 18, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens will meet its EuroLeague counterpart Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade at John Cain Arena in Melbourne. Then on Sunday, September 21: Partizan will face the Sydney Kings before Panathinaikos meets the Adelaide 36ers, with both games taking place ar Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. 

Fans outside the restricted territories can sign in to ELTV and enjoy the action live, free of charge. Subscribe to EuroLeague TV today to unlock access to more EuroLeague games than ever before this season — including exclusive content, live broadcasts, and premium basketball from Europe's premier basketball competition.

Games will be available in select countries for free (behind sign-in) on ELTV

The ICONversation brings together Vlade Divac, Toni Kukoc, Sergio Rodriguez, Kyle Hines and Vasilije Micic for an unfiltered look at the game that shaped them — and that they, in turn, helped shape.

Divac, Kukoc, Hines, Chacho and Micic share the EuroLeague story in 'The ICONversation'

*The ICONversation* brings together Vlade Divac, Toni Kukoc, Sergio Rodriguez, Kyle Hines and Vasilije Micic for an unfiltered look at the game that shaped them — and that they, in turn, helped shape.

These legends of the EuroLeague sat down during the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi to discuss why the EuroLeague is like nothing else in basketball. Divac reflects on the pioneers who built Europe’s basketball tradition and the generations who have carried it forward. Kukoc explains the magic of EuroLeague arenas and why winning on the road can feel impossible when entire cities become the sixth man. Hines, Rodriguez, and Micic dive into the pressure, the passion, and the mindset that define greatness at this level.

This is not just a film. It’s history told in their own words.

Five legends. One room. And a conversation that could only happen in the EuroLeague.

Achille Polonara touched on a number of topics in an interview, including his myeloid leukemia diagnosis, his contract not being renewed at Virtus Bologna, and much more. 

Achille Polonara reflects on his Virtus exit, leukemia diagnosis: ‘My dream is to try to play again’

The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult for [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/).

[Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) and EuroLeague fans watched on as Polonara beat testicular cancer just two years ago, having undergone surgery in October 2023 and returned to the court in mid-December of that same year, but this past June saw him diagnosed with myeloid leukemia. Another big fight lies ahead for the Italian forward.

Speaking [in an interview with Corriere di Bologna](https://corrieredibologna.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_settembre_15/achille-polonara-faccio-il-trapianto-di-midollo-osseo-trovata-una-ragazza-americana-compatibile-mia-figlia-chiede-perche-ho-600b4365-03bc-47b5-906a-c01f0783fxlk.shtml), Polonara offered some positive news on his current condition and explained why he left Virtus on good terms this summer.

“I'm fine. I spent the weekend with my children because I won't be able to see them for a while and they'll be staying with their grandparents,” he said. “On Monday, September 15 I'll have some tests for the bone marrow transplant, then on Tuesday I'll be admitted to hospital.”

Polonara revealed that a donor has been found and that a date for the transplant has already been set.

“Yes, it's an American girl who is 90% compatible. I was lucky, there were two donors who were 90% compatible, including a German guy, but they opted for her because they were able to get in touch with her right away,” he explained. “After I'm admitted tomorrow, I'll have to undergo a course of chemotherapy that will last 5-6 days. The transplant should take place around September 23-24.”

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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/DOQgPXKDbfo/?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 Achille Polonara (@ilpupazzo33)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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One of the heartwarming elements of Polonara’s fight against cancer has been the way in which the basketball community has come together to show their support for him, while his wife, Erika, has been a constant presence throughout the process.

“There have been tough times, but the affection shown by so many people has helped me to stay positive and look ahead with optimism,” he said. “I've received lots of messages and phone calls, from the world of basketball and beyond, and my wife and children have given me the strength to look ahead with positivity.

“\[Erika\] chose to stay by my side even though the children had to stay with their grandparents and we both missed them. ‘You need me, they're still young,’ she told me.”

Polonara has also been able to count on his close friend and former teammate [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), as well as Italian national team head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco and his ex-teammates with the Azzurri, who called him several times during the recent EuroBasket 2025 tournament as they looked to bring him along for the journey.

“Belinelli has been very close to me; we've been in touch every day,” he said. “Then my teammates on the national team and Pozzecco have shown me enormous affection with their calls before games. Half an hour before an important game, you don't expect a call from the locker room.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Il primo pensiero 💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italbasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italbasket</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/ilpupazzo33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ilpupazzo33</a> <a href="https://t.co/lgCZ9jeLVM">pic.twitter.com/lgCZ9jeLVM</a></p>&mdash; Italbasket (@Italbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/Italbasket/status/1948052859083243922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Some fans at EuroBasket 2025 also brought along messages to show their affection for Polonara, with one Greek fan having a banner dedicated to the 33-year-old.

“Even though I've never played there, the Greek people have been very kind to me on social media,” he said. “They've supported me a lot and I really appreciate it.”

A Greece fan shows his support for Achille Polonara ahead of Greece's game against Italy at EuroBasket 2025. (PHOTO: FIBA)

With Polonara’s contract at Virtus expiring in the summer of 2025, his most recent cancer diagnosis meant his future was up in the air and it was eventually decided upon that the two should part ways. As such, he has penned a three-year deal to return to Dinamo Sassari, where he played from 2017 until 2019, his final step before making his EuroLeague debut.

"I accepted Virtus's decision and appreciated their consistency, because I wasn't part of their plans regardless of my illness,” he said. “Honestly, I would have felt offended if they had re-signed me just to make a nice gesture because I have leukemia. I preferred Sassari's offer because my dream is to try to play again. If I had accepted a role as a scout, it would have meant quitting, but this way I have the goal of passing the medical exams and returning to the court."

Alessandro Pajola, Marco Belinelli and Toko Shengelia pose with Achille Polonara, who is holding the Italian League trophy.

Polonara was unable to be with his Virtus teammates as they went on to lift the Italian League championship for the first time since 2020-21, with his illness being discovered during the Italian League Finals, but Belinelli, [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) and [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) made sure to bring the trophy to the hospital so that he could be a part of the celebrations.

"The best memory of the final is when the whole team and staff came to my house once they found out about my illness,” he remembered. “I wanted to hug them one by one, but it wasn't possible. I waited for those games anxiously as if I had to play myself. I was pumped and excited. After the Game 3 victory in Brescia, there was a video call from Shengelia from the court, then celebrations with the fans, and the next day the trophy in the hospital. Beautiful moments."

It seems Polonara’s EuroLeague journey has come to an end after six seasons, but the EuroLeague family will never leave his side. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery and that we see you on the court soon, Achille.

More Virtus Bologna News

The 33-year-old will be admitted to hospital on Tuesday, September 16

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade invested in its future by penning a long-term deal with swingman Uros Danilovic, the club announced. Danilovic (2.01 meters, 18 years old) is expected to play this coming season with Partizan’s Serbian League affiliate club Metalac Valjevo.

Partizan inks talented Uros Danilovic long term

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade invested in its future by penning a long-term deal with swingman [Uros Danilovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/sr/ngt/players/uros-danilovic/012453/), the club announced. Danilovic (2.01 meters, 18 years old) is expected to play this coming season with Partizan’s Serbian League affiliate club Metalac Valjevo.

The teenager has signed his first professional contract with his hometown club, for which he made his debut in the Serbian League playoffs last seasons, helping the team win the championship.

Danilovic played for Partizan’s junior categories, and in the past two seasons, played with Partizan in the EuroLeague NextGen Tournament where he has averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in seven appearances over two years.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Osamnaestogodišnji bek crno-belih Uroš Danilović, potpisao je danas profesionalni ugovor sa Partizanom Mozzart Bet.⚫️⚪️<br><br>Igrač koji je u sezoni za nama nastupao i za prvi tim Parnog valjka u Superligi Srbije i Kupu &quot;Radivoj Korać&quot;, obavezao se na višegodišnju vernost… <a href="https://t.co/qMvkWFSVIC">pic.twitter.com/qMvkWFSVIC</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1967544734626287652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Danilovic celebrated his 18th birthday by signing his first professional contract

Top 10: 2026 Rising Star Trophy candidates 

The EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy has been handed to a who's who of basketball great over the years, including the likes of Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Nikola Mirotic, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Luka Doncic. Six former Rising Stars will play in the EuroLeague this season: Kostas Papanikolaou (2013), Usman Garuba (2021), Rokas Jokubaitis (2022), Yam Madar (2023), Gabriele Procida (2024) and Nadir Hifi (2025).

Who will be next? To be eligible for the 2025-26 season award, candidates had to younger than 22 on July 1, which means born after July 1, 2003. Among the dozens of eligible players likely to play in the EuroLeague this season, here are my top 10 candidates.

### 1 - Saliou Niang, Virtus Bologna (DOB: 14 May 2004)

[Saliou Niang ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/)flashed some special skills in the BKT EuroCup last season as an all-around force, despite his tender age. Over Niang's last five games in the competition, he averaged 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists for a PIR of 12.4. And then he went off for Italy at EuroBasket 2025 with 10.2 points and 6.0 rebounds, including a double-double in a memorable victory over Spain. It appears that Niang's time has arrived in Bologna.

### 2 - Jean Montero, Valencia Basket (DOB: 3 Jul 2003)

The 2024-25 EuroCup Rising Star, [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jean-montero/profile/010042/) was a stud for Valencia last season, when he also claimed 2024-25 All-EuroCup First Team honors. His huge EuroCup campaign might have led to Montero's being the favorite here to claim EuroLeague Rising Star honors, however, an injury to a finger on his right hand that required surgery will cause Montero to miss the start of the season. Still, if he returns to full form quickly, Montero should be in the thick of the race for the trophy.

### 3 - Juan Nuñez, FC Barcelona (DOB: 4 Jun 2004)

[Juan Nuñez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) seems to be fully recovered after missing six months with a torn meniscus. He already debuted in Barcelona's preseason opener and impressed with game-winning free throws. The playmaker was worth 5.0 points and 3.4 assists in 15 minutes last season as a EuroLeague rookie before the injury. Long seen as one of the top guards of his generation, Nuñez will look to make up for lost time and emerge as a key player for Barca. If he does, he becomes an instant Rising Star Trophy candidate.

### 4 - Momo Faye, Paris Basketball (DOB: 5 Feb 2005)

[Momo Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamed-faye/012403/) is one of the premier big man prospects in Europe after dominating the paint in the Italian League last season for the second year in a row. His monster averages of 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks – in addition to 10.3 points on 64.4% shooting – for Reggio Emilia were enough to make many stand up and take notice. After seeing him rank fourth in the league in rebounds and third in blocks while playing most of the season as a teenager, Paris pounced to sign Faye and he should get plenty of run this season.

Momo Faye is one of the premier big man prospects in Europe

### 5 - Melvin Ajinca, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (DOB: 26 Jun 2004)

With a full season of EuroLeague experience under his belt, there is no limit to the jump we can expect from [Melvin Ajinca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/melvin-ajinca/010316/) in Year 2. Last season, Ajinca scored at least 14 points in three of his final eight EuroLeague games and shot 42.7% from downtown for the season. He averaged 7.3 points over 23 games in the French League, too. Ajinca should have an even bigger role this season and that could lead to something special.

 

### 6 - Sergio de Larrea, Valencia Basket (DOB: 4 Dec 2005)

[Sergio de Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) has developed so rapidly over the past year that by the summer, he ranked second on the Spanish national team in minutes played at EuroBasket 2025 – ahead of a bounty of EuroLeague stars. He also led the team with 4.4 assists per game while scoring 5.4 points. Coach Pedro Martinez has shown trust in de Larrea before and he could be on the cusp of a breakout year.

 

### 7 - Izan Almansa, Real Madrid (DOB: 7 Jun 2005)

The Spanish big man returns to Madrid with a long list of honors as he looks to take another step forward. After already playing in the G League and in Australia, [Izan Almansa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/izan-almansa/010105/) has starred on Spain's junior national teams, winning MVP honors at both the U17 and U19 World Cups. He spent two seasons with Los Blancos' youth academy between 2019 and 2021 and now returns with a long-term deal aiming to become a pillar for the club.

Rafa Villar should get a chance to stand out this season with Baskonia

### 8 - Rafa Villar, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (DOB: 9 Aug 2004)

As a 20-year-old in the Spanish League, [Rafa Villar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rafa-villar/010035/) was a part-time starter for Forca Lleida and averaged 5.7 points and 2.9 assists in 19 minutes per game. Two years ago, Villar helped Spain to the gold medal at the U19 World Cup and he has since debuted for the Spanish national team. He should have a spot in the Baskonia backcourt rotation this season with a shot to stand out.

 

### 9 - Hamza Mestoglu, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (DOB: 22 Apr 2004)

[Hamza Mestoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hamza-mestoglu/012724/)'s career trajectory suffered a hit when he tore his ACL the week after he made his EuroLeague debut in January 2024. He returned to action last season, mostly with Fenerbahce's B team, and also appeared in six Turkish League games with the main team, including twice in the Turkish finals. Mestoglu will look to establish himself as a first-team player in the coming campaign.

 

### 10 - Mitar Bosnjakovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (DOB: 24 Aug 2006)

The youngest player on this list, [Mitar Bosnjakovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mitar-bosnjakovic/012167/) made his EuroLeague debut last season and earned enough trust from Coach Zeljko Obradovic that he started in three of the four games he appeared in. Bosnjakovic had an even larger role in the ABA League, where he was worth 5.7 points in 10 games. All signs point to him taking a step forward this season.

Frankie Sachs previews the top 10 candidates to take home the EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy at the end of the season

Anadolu Efes Istanbul signed center Kai Jones, the club announced. Jones (2.11 meters, 24 years old) arrives from the NBA and will join the team for the 2025–26 season. Efes has made this move to fortify its frontline after Vincent Poirier suffered knee injury.

Bahamian big man Kai Jones bound for Istanbul

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has signed center Kai Jones, the club announced on Monday morning. Jones (2.11 meters, 24 years old) arrives from the NBA and will join the team for the 2025–26 season. Efes has made this move to fortify its frontline [after Vincent Poirier suffered a knee injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/).

Jones played last season for the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks, appearing in 40 games combined. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 21.7 minutes over 12 games with Dallas. In the G League, he posted 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 15 games for the Ontario Clippers.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">✍️ Başarılı uzun Kai Jones ile 2025/2026 sezonu için sözleşme imzaladık!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> Kai<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/FYJ01bag9U">pic.twitter.com/FYJ01bag9U</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1967498693327921304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A native of the Bahamas, Jones played two seasons of college basketball at the University of Texas before being selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, who immediately traded him to the Charlotte Hornets. He spent two seasons with the Hornets – and their G League affiliate in Greensboro. Jones also played for the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League before signing with the Clippers. Efes becomes his first European club.

More Anadolu Efes news

Anadolu Efes adds high-flying center for the 2025-26 season 

Germany prevailed in a thriller over Turkiye 83-88 in the championship game at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, Latvia, on Sunday night behind an inspired performance from Isaac Bonga

Isaac Bonga fuels Germany to EuroBasket glory

Germany prevailed in a thriller over Turkiye 83-88 in the championship game at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, Latvia, on Sunday night behind an inspired performance from [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/). The Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade forward netted a clutch three-pointer with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter, then threw-down a game-tying slam with 2:19 remaining before rising for a key offensive rebound that led to a Dennis Schroeder jumper with 18.7 seconds to play.

Bonga led Germany with 20 points on 4-of-4 three-point shooting, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for a team-high PIR of 27. Franz Wagner contributed 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Schroeder tallied 16 points and a EuroBasket championship game record 12 assists.

Schroeder, who was crowned EuroBasket MVP, scored Germany's final 6 points. His majestic layup with 1:15 remaining put Germany ahead for good and after his clutch jumper, he made it a two-possession game with free throws with 8.3 seconds remaining. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Germany are the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 champions, defeating Türkiye in one of the closest Finals ever!<a href="https://t.co/uuNstukogz">https://t.co/uuNstukogz</a></p>&mdash; FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1967317618244903357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Germany shot 14 for 26 (53.8%) from deep with FC Bayern Munich sharpshooter [Andrea Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) knocking down 3 triples and AS Monaco big man [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) sinking a key three with 1:49 to go. The winners also outrebounded Turkiye 26-36.

Alperen Sengun paced Turkiye with 28 points and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) played all 40 minutes and contributed 23 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting.

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More EuroBasket 2025 coverage

The Partizan forward scored 20 points to take Germany past Turkiye

Vassilis Spanoulis would have hoped to be on the sideline for Sunday night's championship game at EuroBasket 2025, but the AS Monaco head coach was nevertheless able to lead Greece to a podium finish at the tournament for the first time since 2009.

Monaco's Vassilis Spanoulis ends EuroBasket 2025 on a high

[Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/spanoulis-vassilis/) would have hoped to be on the sideline for Sunday night's championship game at EuroBasket 2025, but the [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) head coach was nevertheless able to lead Greece to a podium finish at the tournament for the first time since 2009.

Greece, which also achieved a bronze finish with Spanoulis as a player that year, came in third place at EuroBasket 2025 following a 92-89 triumph over Finland on Sunday afternoon.

Vassilis Spanoulis celebrates with the Greece players after winning a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2025. (PHOTO: FIBA)

By finishing on the podium, Spanoulis became the youngest coach to win a medal at EuroBasket since Moncho Lopez in 2003.

Kostas Charalampidis, Spanoulis's assistant at Monaco, was part of Greece's coaching staff at EuroBasket 2025.

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The Greece play-caller became the youngest coach to win a medal at EuroBasket since Moncho Lopez in 2003 (PHOTO:FIBA)