Boban Marjanovic discusses his first few weeks at Fenerbahçe Beko and what has impressed him so far.

Boban Marjanovic: ‘Why choose Fenerbahce? Short flight, great food, great organization’

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul [made quite the splash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/boban-marjanovic-returns-to-europe-with-fenerbahce-beko/) by signing [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/boban-marjanovic/lmg/) in mid-September, and it’s fair to say that he has enjoyed his first few weeks as a member of the Turkish club.

During a feature interview, the Serbian center stresses that he still feels at the top of his game, even at 36.

“I feel amazing, I feel good. Basketball is our lives, our love,” Marjanovic says.

After spending the last nine years in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, Marjanovic is impressed by what he has found at Fenerbahce.

“It’s an NBA organization, but in Europe,” he says. “One of the best in Europe.”

His teammates are also happy to have him on board, as [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) explains: “\[When\] we found out Boban was coming to Fenerbahce, I jumped out of my seat and gave Scottie Wilbekin a high-five. We’re very excited that we get to play with a seven-foot-five human being.”

More Fenerbahce News

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul made quite the splash by bringing in Boban Marjanovic in mid-September, and it’s fair to say that he has enjoyed his first few weeks as a member of the Turkish club. During a feature interview, the Serbian center stresses that he still feels at the top of his game, even at 36.

The towering center discusses his first few weeks at the Istanbul-based club and what has impressed him so far

Euroleague.net's team of experts – Javier Gancedo, Geoff Gillingham, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic – have made their bold predictions for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Bold predictions, Rounds 3-4: How many surprises will we see?

It's time for the first double-round week of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, with Round 3 taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday before Round 4 comes around on Thursday and Friday. 

Before the action gets underway, the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts have each come up with one bold prediction heading into this double-round week.

### ASVEL to win two more this week

### *by Javier Gancedo*

Last week, I guessed my bold prediction correctly as ASVEL grabbed its first victory, so I am going to double down on that and predict that the team will get two more victories this week. ASVEL has plenty of experienced players like [David Lighty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-lighty/003526/), [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/) and [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) who are ready to lead their team to a road victory against ALBA Berlin. De Colo has fond memories of Uber Arena, where he earned 2016 Final Four MVP honors while leading CSKA Moscow to the EuroLeague title, his first of two continental crowns won with that team. 

That victory should give ASVEL even more momentum, and a big crowd should be expected at LDLC Arena to see Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and former swingman [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) in town. ASVEL can match Baskonia's physicality while [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/) and [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) have been really solid until now. If you ask me, things look good for Pierre Poupet's team! Fun fact: Coach Poupet played with Baskonia star [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) at Denain ASC Voltaire in the French second division back in the 2018-19 campaign.

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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/DA9bi3lMFCj/?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 LDLC ASVEL (@ldlc_asvel)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Olympiacos to catch fire this week

### *by Geoff Gillingham*

When Georgios Bartzokas’ Olympiacos side is clicking, it is like listening to Mozart, Beethoven or Bach – an experience you don’t want to miss. Slowly but surely, I think that the Reds are on the right track towards finding the right tune once again, aided particularly by the re-signing of star forward [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/). 

Fellow arrival [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) is also starting to find his groove, and I think Olympiacos will make a splash this week, swatting aside EA7 Emporio Armani Milan at SEF before going on the road and defeating Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Coach Bartzokas is slowly getting more of his players back from injury, too, making Olympiacos an even greater force.

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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/DBGo8B5NyBm/?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 Olympiacos B.C. 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### Two undefeated teams will remain after Round 4

### *by Frankie Sachs*

We enter Round 3 with four teams boasting 2-0 records. They are defending champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, AS Monaco, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. That list will drop to three almost as soon as the week’s games start, since Fenerbahce hosts Zvezda on Tuesday night. I predict a Fenerbahce victory… followed by a triumph for the Greens at Paris Basketball later that evening. On Wednesday, Monaco visits FC Barcelona and I forecast a road win there.

That gives us three teams with perfect record when Round 4 begins. First, Fener heads to the German capital where it should finish the evening as the first team to four wins. Panathinaikos will face its first stiff test of the season at Real Madrid in a rematch of last season’s championship game. With a fresh [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (after he serves a one-game ban in Round 3), *Los Blancos* will snare a statement win at Wizink Center. And on Friday, Monaco holds off Virtus Segafredo Bologna to join Fenerbahce as the only undefeated team through four games.  

### Cordinier to keep on rolling

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

After the first two rounds of the regular season, the man atop of the scoring charts is Virtus' [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), who scored 16 points in a Round 1 loss against Anadolu Efes Istanbul and 23 points in a Round 2 defeat at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Closest to Cordiner's average of 19.5 points is his countryman [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) (18.0 ppg.), followed by Efes center [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) (17.5 ppg.), then last year's second-best scorer, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) (17.0), and five players posting 16.5 points: [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/), [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/). 

After two rounds, it means that Cordnier has scored just three total points more than Lessort, four more than Oturu or five more than Baldwin. So the margins are small, and with two rounds on slate this week, there will be many changes. However, I think Cordinier remains hot and continues to be one of Virtus' go-to guys, leaving him as the EuroLeague's top scorer once Round 4 ends on Friday.

Euroleague.net's team of experts have used their expertise to make some bold predictions for the first double-round week of the season

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-15T17:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-18T17:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-15T18:15:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Real Madrid (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-10-18T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco (2024-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of the second round of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pre-game quotes hub: EuroLeague Round 3

The first double-round week of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is here, with Round 3 seeing eight games on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. Ahead of Round 3, we bring you the pre-game quotes from all the teams in one place. This page will be updated with the thoughts of the players and head coaches of all 18 teams.

## Tuesday, October 15

### ALBA Berlin vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (19:30 CEST)

**Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin head coach**

“ASVEL has a very experienced team and is currently in good shape. They've won all their games in the French League and have also done well in the EuroLeague so far. They are very stable – offensively and defensively. Experienced players like \[Nando\] De Colo and \[Joffrey\] Lauvergne are performing well at the start of the season. That's a difficult task, especially in this EuroLeague double-game week, but we're building on our home-game energy.”

**Matteo Spagnolo, ALBA Berlin guard**

"This will definitely be a difficult match. ASVEL is coming to Berlin with a lot of confidence because of the EuroLeague win last week. We have to be ready for a high-intensity game – even though it's our third game in five days. But that can't be an excuse. We have to find the energy and focus to get the win.”

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (19:45 CEST)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"We are facing an opponent that started the season really good \[with\] two wins. The team has high expectations this year with a lot of veteran players who know how to play. They beat us here last year on our court. Very physical team, well coached and organized. So we need to expect a tough game."

**Sertac Sanli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul center**

"We had a good start to the new season in the EuroLeague and now we have the first double-week game ahead of us. Crvena Zvezda also started the season like us and got two important wins. It will definitely be a tough one. We have some missing players in our roster, but we will fight well as a team and close our gaps. Of course, playing in front of our fans will also give us great strength. We want to win this game and make a good start to the double-week."

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:05 CEST)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

“They are a team with a lot of quality. A lot of abilities and size. Very athletic team and we have to be very concentrated defensively. Boxing out will be critical. We are facing the first double week and our situation isn't optimal, with a new player who just came in \[Saben Lee\], Jordan \[Loyd\] who left and Rokas \[Jokubaitis\] who got injured. We are short on the guards, but we hope to continue with our process and play better and better".

**Jaylen Hoard, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward**

“It’s going to be a battle. They’ve got a lot of size, they crash the offensive rebounds very hard. I feel like number one it’s going to be a battle, and then just executing what we have on offense and play hard on defense. I feel like if we do those things, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

**Tomislav Mijatovic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"We are facing a very dangerous and a very well-prepared team that has equally balanced inside and outside offensive threats. And we need to be fully aggressive and concentrated for 40 minutes in order to reach our goal, which is winning the game."

**Ercan Osmani, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward**

"We are starting the first double-game week of the EuroLeague season by playing against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv on the road. Our opponent is having many experienced players and is one of the strongest teams in the EuroLeague. In accordance with our goal, we want to win this game. If we put our maximum effort in offense and defense for 40 minutes, I think we will get the victory."

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:15 CEST)

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach** 

“There is no doubt, we need time. Every training and every fight are for our benefit. Of course, as you understand, \[Moustapha\] Fall’s contribution, who re-entered the team \[after injury\], is very important. He creates another facet to how we play. He passes well, is a good receiver of the ball and understands the game both defensively and aggressively. Through this event, and through the effort of everyone, against Aris we became very team-orientated. We had 27 assists. Now as far as it concerns the game against Milan, they are a very experienced team with a very good coach, and we hope that it will be a game that the fans will enjoy. I hope we offer them our best."

**Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos Piraeus forward**

“It is still very early in the season, so we can’t tell how ready we are. For sure, game by game, we have the opportunity to improve ourselves not only physically but mentally as well. For sure we all full of energy and we are focused, but we should not forget that this will be our third game in six days. Milan is a new team, and by saying this I mean that they added many new players in their roster. Still, they have a quality team, they fight hard in every game and we have to be very focused."

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We face one of the biggest favorites to win it all, an Olympiacos team as always well organized by Coach Bartzokas, and very deep roster, despite some injury problems that they are overcoming, like all the EuroLeague teams are trying to do. Controlling the boards and protecting the paint is always crucial to try to win a EuroLeague game, especially on the road. For us it is even more important, as a team with many newcomers and many rookies, to step into the Peace and Friendship arena and play the game with the personality of a team confident of what it can achieve and in its future."

**Pippo Ricci, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan forward**

“We are coming off a week that gave us a lot of confidence and validated the work that we are doing as a team. Now, we face an even more difficult and important week, starting in Athens where the first order of merit is to match their intensity and physicality to give ourselves the chance of being able to compete for 40 minutes"

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

**Luca Banchi, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach**

“We open this first EuroLeague double round against Zalgiris knowing that we have to play a determined and polished game, against an opponent that knows how to excel in transition play and on the back and forth thanks to the versatility of its five-man lineups. We have a great desire to achieve our first European seasonal success that only a high level collective performance can guarantee.”

**Achille Polonara, Virtus Segafredo Bologna forward**

“It will be a tough game but we are playing at home so we will have to bring even more energy, taking advantage of the support of our fans. In a game like tomorrow's it will be crucial to start well, unlike what we have done in the past few games. Zalgiris has experience and a core of players who know each other and have been playing in Kaunas for a long time.” 

### Paris Basketball vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CEST)

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

“Now we have a double week, two games on the road. We need to think first about Paris. It’s the first year they are playing in the EuroLeague, but so far… okay, maybe lost their first two games but they showed great potential. They lost in the last seconds against Crvena Zvezda at home and they played a very good game in Milan against Milan, so they are a dangerous team. They play a running game and they have TJ Shorts, who is the key to their offense. It will be a very important game for us because I believe that during the whole EuroLeague season, playing Paris on the road will be difficult for everybody. It is very important for us to try to get one victory in this road game.

“All games for us are dangerous, and also for the opponents. Of course, all games against Panathinaikos, the last champion, are a special game. It will be a special game for everybody.

“Omer \[Yurtseven\] is okay. Yesterday (Sunday) he had an individual practice – I talked with him, he told me that he feels good. I think if he does not have any problems in tonight’s practice, he will play.

“\[The EuroLeague\] is a different motivation. Now we will play two road games in big arenas – in Bercy \[Arena\] in Paris and at WiZink Center in Madrid in front of 15,000 people – so I believe that all the players will keep the responsibility and motivation \[high\].”

**Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard**

“Every game is important. Every game you’ve got to come to play or you can lose – it’s the EuroLeague. They earned the right to be here, so we’ll be ready. From what I’ve seen they play fast, so we’ve got to get back on defense. \[As a team\] we’re getting there, we’re not where we’re going to be at the end of the season, but we’re getting better every day and every week.”

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Real Madrid (20:30 CEST)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

“It is not easy to win in Vitoria. Baskonia is a team that plays very well, has lots of talent, players of great quality and will have the support of a packed Buesa Arena. In order to beat them, we will have to work hard at all levels: one-on-one, rebounding... and avoid mistakes. We must be solid on defense and be very close together to not offer any openings. It will also be very important to try to stop their fast breaks because, when they run, Baskonia does it really well, and try not to let players of such quality as \[Chima\] Moneke, \[Markus\] Howard, \[Timothe\] Luwawu-Cabarrot or \[Donta\] Hall grow during the game."

**Gaby Deck, Real Madrid forward**

“It will be a tough match on their court, as it always is. We have to work and do things right during the 40 minutes and try to win the game. We have to be intense from the first minute, be focused, try not to make too many mistakes and keep improving in different aspects of the game."

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:45 CEST)

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"We are playing against a team that made the most important change on the bench. \[In Gordie Herbert\], they have an extremely experienced coach who was a world champion with the German national team. His influence on the team's play is evident; they use every break and timeout to change their defense. Also, after timeouts, they have special offensive plays and set situations for their shooters. They also have tall players capable of shooting three-pointers. We're facing a very challenging game in terms of tactics and staying focused on all these adjustments they are capable of. We've had a good practice, and for the first time since we got together, we've had all 16 players available. Some players still have minor issues, but they were able to train. Our first game in Belgrade is against a team that has shown us exceptional hospitality over the past two years. I hope Partizan's fans understand that and show respect to Bayern in every way."

**Frank Ntlikina, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard**

"We finally have a home game. We are coming off a disappointing loss, so we expect nothing less than a tough game, and it will be even tougher for us to win. We prepared very well today, and we need to get ready for tomorrow and try to win the game. We have home-court advantage, with our fans behind us, so we are all excited to finally be here – and we have a few of these home games coming up. Some of us played here against Partizan, some didn’t, so it’s going to be exciting."

**Gordie Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"They have a new team from last year, but \[Zeljko Obradovic is\] one of the best all-time coaches in the world, a legend; someone I've tried to study and learn from. Great atmosphere to play. It will my first time playing here as a coach, so I'm looking forward to it. I've watched the games on TV, so personally I'm looking forward to this atmosphere. It's a real good opportunity for our team coming off a big win in Bonn to go into this game \[with confidence\]."

**Yam Madar, FC Bayern Munich guard**

"I know how great the atmosphere we will be. It’s their first home game so we're expecting an intense game. We have to match the intensity of Partizan, that’s the key."

## Wednesday, October 16

### FC Barcelona vs. AS Monaco (20:30 CEST)

\--

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 3 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season

Pre-game quotes hub: 'His influence on the team's play is evident'

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-10-15T18:45:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-15T18:05:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-15T17:45:00.000Z)

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

Malte Delow, Matt Thomas, Ziga Samar and Amon Doerries are out for ALBA's Round 3 game vs. ASVEL on Tuesday.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Justus Hollatz is ruled out for Efes's Round 3 game at Maccabi on Tuesday.

[Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/round-2-disciplinary-sanctions-tae2425/) is suspended for one game, meaning he is unavailable in Round 3.

**AS Monaco**

[Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-furkan-korkmaz-to-miss-3-4-weeks/) and [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) are ruled out for Monaco's Round 3 game at Barcelona on Wednesday.

[Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-furkan-korkmaz-to-miss-3-4-weeks/) is not expected to play until late October/early November after an injury in Round 1.

[Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) is sidelined until late October due to a knee injury.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game vs. Real Madrid on Tuesday.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Nemanja Nedovic (muscle injury) is doubtful for Crvena Zvezda's Round 3 game at Fenerbahce on Tuesday.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

Milan has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game at Olympiacos on Tuesday.

**FC Barcelona**

Barcelona has confirmed that [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-parra-out-for-three-weeks-with-sprained-ankle/) and Dame Sarr are out for its Round 3 game vs. Monaco on Wednesday.

[Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-parra-out-for-three-weeks-with-sprained-ankle/) is ruled out for the next two weeks due to a sprained right ankle.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Bayern has reported Vladimir Lucic is a late scratch for its Round 3 game at Partizan on Tuesday.

[Niels Giffey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/niels-giffey-suffers-dislocated-finger-out-for-weeks/) is out for 'the coming weeks' after undergoing surgery on a dislocated finger.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Marko Guduric (hip) has been ruled out for Fenerbahce's Round 3 game vs. Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday.

[Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/round-2-disciplinary-sanctions-tae2425/) is suspended for one game, meaning he is unavailable in Round 3.

[Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out with a long-term injury.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game at ALBA on Tuesday.

Melvin Ajinca did not play in Round 1 or Round 2.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

Wenyen Gabriel, who missed Round 1 and Round 2 due to a knee injury, is also unavailable for Maccabi's Round 3 game vs. Efes on Tuesday.

[Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-rokas-jokubaitis-to-a-broken-thumb/) is set to be out for three weeks with a broken thumb.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

Nigel Williams-Goss is ruled out for Olympiacos's Round 3 game vs. Milan on Tuesday.

Nikola Milutinov, who missed Rounds 1 and 2, is back in training, but he will not play in Round 3.

Keenan Evans remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery.

**Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens**

Panathinaikos has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game at Paris on Tuesday.

Kostas Antetokounmpo was out in the season opener with a right thumb fracture, and he also missed Round 2.

**Paris Basketball**

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game vs. Panathinaikos on Tuesday.

Daulton Hommes did not play in Round 1 nor Round 2.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Isaiah Mike, who missed Rounds 1 and 2 due to a calf injury, is out for Partizan's Round 3 game vs. Bayern on Tuesday. He is expected to be out until Round 5.

Duane Washington has been registered and could make his Partizan debut in Round 3.

**Real Madrid**

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 3 game at Baskonia on Thursday.

[Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/appeals-judge-provisional-measure-on-facundo-campazzo-sanction/) is suspended for Round 3.

[Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/andres-feliz-to-miss-time-with-plantar-fascia-injury/) is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a plantar fascia injury.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

Devontae Cacok, missed Rounds 1 and 2, is unavailable for Virtus's Round 3 game vs. Zalgiris on Tuesday.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

[Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-brady-manek-out-for-three-weeks/), who did not play in Round 1 or Round 2 due to an ankle sprain, has travelled with the team and will be a game-time decision for Zalgiris's Round 3 game at Virtus on Tuesday.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 3: Barcelona, Monaco both without two players

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge continues to set new milestones, with remarkable growth and engagement among fans during the current season, underscoring the success of Euroleague Basketball’s gamification strategy.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge achieves outstanding success in current season

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge continues to set new milestones, with remarkable growth and engagement among fans during the current season, underscoring the success of Euroleague Basketball’s gamification strategy.

As of today, the total number of teams registered for the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge has reached 269,105, representing an impressive 18% year-over-year (YoY) increase. Additionally, the platform boasts 177,503 active players, marking an outstanding 44% growth compared to last season.

The EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge has seen widespread global participation, with the top 10 countries by player engagement being: Serbia, Greece, Bosnia, Spain, Lithuania, Italy, Montenegro, Turkiye, Israel, and Germany. Moreover, more than 400,000 player trades were made after Round 1, showcasing the intense engagement of fans. In terms of team preferences, fans have shown a strong inclination towards Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, and Olympiacos Piraeus, making these the most popular teams among Fantasy Challenge players.

### Global community-building focus

This season, a key focus of the Fantasy Challenge has been on fostering community building. Through collaboration with selected media partners in specific regions, the league has successfully developed private leagues with exclusive prizes, diversifying the content around the Fantasy League and creating tailored content for social media platforms.

To further enhance fan engagement, the popular Fantasy Challenge podcast, featuring [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net)'s Frankie Sachs and Javier Gancedo, as well as Greek journalist Vasiliki Karamouza, has become a fan favorite. The podcast has been pivotal in providing insights and connecting fans globally, further solidifying a strong sense of community.

The success of this season’s EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge is another significant step forward in the Euroleague’s broader gamification strategy, which has seen a triple-digit increase in Fantasy users during last season’s campaign. The league remains committed to enhancing fan engagement and creating immersive experiences that bring fans closer to the game.

More fans than ever are playing the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his five recommended picks for the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge heading into the first double-round week of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 3-4: Taking advantage of the double-round week

Welcome to the first double-round week of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. After two rounds, four teams are undefeated and four others are looking for their first win, which could have an impact on the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/).

Additionally, four teams play consecutive games in the same city this week. ALBA Berlin, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and FC Barcelona play twice at home while Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has one game at Belgrade Arena and another at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, Maccabi’s temporary home.

As always on a Monday, here are my recommendations for Rounds 3 and 4.

Mike James, Kendrick Nunn, Khalifa Koumadje, Theo Maledon and John DiBartolomeo are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Rounds 3-4

### Mike James, AS Monaco (16.1 credits)

I am not a fan of recommending the reigning MVP in this article (he's an obvious choice, right?) but with only one game on Wednesday – Barcelona vs. Monaco – [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is a very valuable choice. He is the most accomplished player that will play in the second turn in Rounds 3 and 4, giving you a chance to fix some mistakes in between turns. If you have ever thought of bringing James aboard, this is the time.

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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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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAqsYkct3Cz/?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 Mike James (@mrnatural_05)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (13.1 credits)

Panathinaikos has started the season on fire and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) has been unstoppable until now. Nunn is playing over 30 minutes on average, posting great numbers: 16.5 points on 100% free throws, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and a PIR of 17.5. In what arguably could be a run-and-gun game against Paris and a tough road showdown against Fenerbahce, Nunn should be a must.

### Theo Maledon, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (11.2 credits)

[Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) is one of the most pleasant surprises in the competition, helping ASVEL enjoy a good start with his all-around perfection. Maledon is averaging 14.0 points on 91.7% free throws, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 5.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 20.0. ASVEL faces two high-scoring teams this week: ALBA in Berlin and Baskonia at home. It should be a good test for him.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJcl1gMTWc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJcl1gMTWc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJcl1gMTWc/?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 Theo Maledon (@theomaledon)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Khalifa Koumadje, ALBA Berlin (9.1 credits)

It has been a good start to the season for [Khalifa Koumadje](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/koumadje-khalifa/010791/), making the most out of his size and mobility to find advantages everywhere. He is also playing with extra focus and character. In addition to all that, Koumadje is averaging 8.0 points, a league-leading 10.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and a PIR of 17.5. There are not many good options at center for under 10.0 credits, but Koumadje is one of them.

### John DiBartolomeo, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (6.2 credits)

Maccabi's backcourt is in a tough situation. [Rokas Jokubaitis is injured](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-rokas-jokubaitis-to-a-broken-thumb/), plus [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/jordan-loyd-returns-to-as-monaco-basket/) reached an agreement to leave the club and join Monaco. New signing [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-tel-aviv-bc-signs-scorer-saben-lee/) arrives with great numbers but no EuroLeague experience. That means that in the short run, [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) and Round 1 MVP [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) should be very interesting players to own in our beloved fantasy game.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo is back with his weekly recommendations

The Appeals Judge has rendered their decision after the appeal presented by Real Madrid and Facundo Campazzo regarding the sanction imposed on Facundo Campazzo for actions that represent a lack of respect towards the referees during its road game against FC Bayern Munich.

Appeals Judge decision on Facundo Campazzo sanction

The Appeals Judge has rendered their decision after the appeal presented by [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/real-madrid/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22mad%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Real%20Madrid) and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) regarding the sanction imposed on Facundo Campazzo for actions that represent a lack of respect towards the referees during its road game against FC Bayern Munich.

The Appeals Judge has ratified the original sanction, therefore Facundo Campazzo will not be eligible to play in Round 3.

The first double-round week of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season is here, so here's your lowdown ahead of Round 3.

At a glance: The start of the season's first double-round week!

The first double-round week of the season is here! With 18 games scheduled in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague between Tuesday and Friday, here’s your quick guide to the opening action for Round 3.

## Tuesday, October 15

### ALBA Berlin vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (19:30 CEST)

Winless ALBA (0-2) is aiming for its first success with a visit from ASVEL (1-1). After gaining its first win of the season with a spectacular all-round performance from big man [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/), including a game-winning block on the final play, the French team will aim to gather more momentum. Another newcomer showing strong form is forward [Shaq Harrison](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquille-harrison/013371/), who had 13 points and 7 boards last week and will look to compete with a physically strong ALBA team which so far averages 38.5 rebounds – third-best in the league. Center [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trevion-williams-/012604/) faces a good duel with Sako, while ALBA’s backcourt leader [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) will look to control the tempo after averaging 12.5 points and 7.0 assists in the first two games.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (19:45 CEST)

Early season pacesetters go head to head as Fenerbahce (2-0) welcomes Zvezda (2-0). It will be a special night for Fener’s summer signing [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/boban-marjanovic/lmg/) as the giant center faces Zvezda for the first time since he represented the Serbian club between 2013 and 2015. A key to Zvezda’s early-season success has been the long-range accuracy of [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) (16.5 points per game, 50% three-point shooting) and [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) (15.0 points, 66.7% for threes), with [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) pulling the strings to the tune of 7 assists per game. But the Turkish team is also a deep threat, as shown by [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/), [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) all knocking down a trio of triples to win last week’s Istanbul derby win at Efes.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R3 Head-to-Head Colson vs. Kalinic

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:05 CEST)

Two teams aiming to bounce back from losses meet in Belgrade as Efes (1-1) visits Maccabi (1-1). The Turkish team is enjoying stellar early-season form from big man [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) (17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game), and he faces a good tussle against similarly in-form Maccabi man [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) (12 points, 6.5 rebounds). Efes will hope that star guard [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) can return to full fitness and form after only averaging 10.0 points per game so far – way below his career average of 15.1. And a key element in this contest will be his battle for backcourt supremacy with [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), who has made a consistent start to his Maccabi career with a 21-point, 12-assist showing in Round 1 and a 10-assist night in Round 2.

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:15 CEST)

A pair of Round 2 winners are looking to keep on climbing the standings as Olympiacos (1-1) receives a visit from Milan (1-1). After truly announcing his return to the competition by taking last week's MVP award, smooth-shooting [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (17 points and 11 rebounds to help down Zalgiris) will look to continue his key role for the Reds by directly facing the talents of another former EuroLeague MVP, [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), who was vital in Milan’s victory over Paris last week by recording 15 points and 6 boards. This could be a low-scoring game between two teams who base their philosophy on strong defense, respectively allowing just 68 and 74 points to grab their first wins of the season last time out.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R3 Head-to-Head Fournier vs. Shields

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

Virtus (0-2) will look to overcome a tough start when it takes on a Zalgiris team (1-1) seeking a first road win. Zalgiris, which has won the last five meetings between the teams dating back to 2007, hopes for another step forward from first-year guard [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/), who netted 17 points in last week’s loss at Olympiacos. Another key will be the experience of [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) (11 points and 4.5 rebounds per night) to play in the low post against [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) (10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game). [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (19.5 points per game) has been Virtus’s top performer so far, and the visitors need to match his scoring firepower through [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), who will target another night of multiple triples after converting 42.9% from long range so far.

### Paris Basketball vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CEST)

In a meeting of reigning champions, EuroCup titleholder Paris (0-2) will look for a first win against EuroLeague king Panathinaikos (2-0). The Greens have started their title defense well, with [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) excelling as he powered last week’s home victory over Bayern with 22 points and 6 rebounds. That game also featured 12 points and 11 rebounds for [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), so Paris will have to work hard to compete in the paint with a heavy workload for leading rebounder [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) (6.0 boards per night). Last season’s EuroCup MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has stepped up to the elite level with impressive effect, averaging 16.5 points and 6.0 assists to date, and Shorts now wants to prove he can compete with the very best as he faces [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) and co.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R3 Head-to-Head Shorts vs. Sloukas

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Real Madrid (20:30 CEST)

An all-Spanish affair will see Baskonia (1-1) attempt to claim victory over Real (1-1) in a rematch of last season’s playoffs series, swept 3-0 by *Los Blancos*. Baskonia coach Pablo Laso will have every incentive to design a winning game plan against his old team and former assistant Chus Mateo, but Real has a very new look this season with summer arrivals [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/) and [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) – who played for Laso at Bayern last season – both showing their value in last week’s win over Partizan. The game features a showdown between two of the competition’s biggest backcourt entertainers, as last season’s top scorer [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) (12.0 points per game) looks to overcome Real leader [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), who ranks second in the league with 10 assists per game.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R3 Head-to-Head Hall vs. Ibaka

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:45 CEST)

Partizan’s (0-2) loyal fans will attempt to roar their players to a first victory with a visit from Bayern (1-1). This could be a shootout: Partizan ranks sixth in scoring with 84 points per game, with Bayern fourth (88 points per game), while the teams are among the worst defenses after respectively allowing an average of 90.5 and 91.5 points. The shooting skills of [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) (66.7% from the field) will be crucial for Partizan, which will look to control the paint through [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) (14.0 and 16.5 points per game respectively). Bayern can answer through [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), who had 15 points and 7 boards in last week’s loss at Panathinaikos, while former Partizan star [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yam-madar/011052/) will look to shine in the backcourt.

## Wednesday, October 16

### FC Barcelona vs. AS Monaco

A pair of powerhouses collide as Barcelona (1-1) welcomes unbeaten Monaco (2-0) to complete Round 3’s action. With a first win of the season secured over ALBA on Friday behind a strong shooting night from [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) (18 points), Barca will hope its new pieces continue to take shape as players like [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) and [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) become integral players for coach Joan Penarroya. Aside from the obvious threat of [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (13.0 points and 5.5 assists per game), Monaco can also count on a whole lot of everything from [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/), who averages 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists so far. And don’t overlook [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), who led the way with 17 points on 7-of-11 field goal shooting to overcome Maccabi in Round 2.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R3 Head-to-Head Punter vs. James

In Round 3, there are eight games on Tuesday and one on Wednesday

New Olympiacos BC signings Sasha Vezenkov and Evan Fournier both enjoyed starring roles against Zalgiris Kaunas in Round 2, something that will be a regular theme for the Reds in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Vezenkov, Fournier showed glimpses of Olympiacos' 'on-paper potential'

Olympiacos Piraeus has set new club standards when it comes to consistency in recent years. The three-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champ, a club that won back-to-back crowns a little more than a decade ago, [has reached the last three Final Fours](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-heading-to-3rd-straight-final-four/), something the Reds had never done in any three-year stretch in their history.

However, no one in Piraeus has liked coming up short in each one of the last three years, so this past summer – to mark the 100th anniversary of the club being founded – Olympiacos made a couple of big splashes. 

The first big move the Reds made was to re-sign 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) following his one-year stint with the Sacramento Kings. Later, Olympiacos added a proven prolific scorer at all levels in [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/), who spent the last 12 seasons in the NBA. The front office also brought back all but one key contributor from last season, [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/).

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First win at home 🔴⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/pN0AMTe8RW">pic.twitter.com/pN0AMTe8RW</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1844847307478499437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On Friday night, Olympiacos' fans got their first look at the new-look roster at Peace and Friendship Stadium. Conveniently, it was Vezenkov and Fournier who enjoyed starring roles [in a 74-68 triumph against Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-holds-off-zalgiris-kaunas-74-68/). Vezenkov finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Fournier had 15 points and 5 rebounds.

The duo combined for 32 of the team's 74 points, as well as 16 of the 45 rebounds grabbed by the home squad.

Not everything was peaches and cream on Friday night, however. Olympiacos had a dream defensive start, opening a 23-7 lead after 13 minutes, but then had to hold on to dear life as Zalgiris fought its way back. Both Vezenkov and Fournier acknowledged the Reds' struggles.

"It wasn't the best win, but a win is a win," Fournier stated:

"It was a bad game, and we just keep the result," Vezenkov added . "We have a potential. But just on paper, and just by saying it, it won’t help. We have to show it, we have to fight, and we have to play better."

Hearing "we have to get better" after a victory is music to everyone's ears in Piraeus, but what should give even more optimism to everyone in and around Olympiacos' organization is that both big stars are completely aware of everything they need to do. They are fully embracing their roles.

Vezenkov was ready to talk about his contributions after taking just 5 field-goal attempts in 25 minutes on the floor.

"I did not shoot a lot in this game because other defenses are preparing a lot, too, so I have to help the team in different ways," Vezenkov explained. "It will not be easy. I have to screen, I have to pass, I have to rebound; everything will be more difficult."

Olympiacos Piraeus forward Sasha Vezenkov spoke to the EuroLeague TV cameras after his team beat Zalgiris Kaunas in Round 2 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Sasha Vezenkov: 'I have to help my team in different ways'

Fournier was very open about the adjustments he needs to do.

"It is not easy to come into a team that played together for years, I am still trying to figure out how I can help the most," he noted.

"I'm a very aggressive player by nature, but this team plays a certain style of play. I am just trying to do my best; play defense first of all, be intense, be a vocal leader. Then on offense, we will see what happens, but we have talent, so I am not concerned about that."

There is plenty of time for the puzzle to be put together, especially with the team's two big men – [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) and [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) – not yet fully involved. Milutinov is still sidelined, whereas Fall only played 6:28 minutes in Round 2, his first appearance since last May.

But there is a clear vision about who needs to lead this team and take it to where it wants to finish. Both Vezenkov and Fournier are already showcasing they are embracing their roles and are poised to take the Reds to the promised land.

Game News

The two summer recruits shined in Round 2 after an underwhelming Round 1

Olympiacos Piraeus v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-11T18:15:00.000Z)