Euroleague Basketball has unveiled its annual Team Captains' Survey for the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, continuing a tradition of giving fans unparalleled insight into the thoughts and opinions of the league’s leaders.

EuroLeague unveils 2025-26 Team Captains' Survey

Euroleague Basketball has unveiled its annual Team Captains' Survey for the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, continuing a tradition of giving fans unparalleled insight into the thoughts and opinions of the league’s leaders.

Each year, the survey invites all EuroLeague team captains to reflect on the burning questions ahead of the season, ranging from the toughest opponents to the most exciting newcomers and most skilled players on the court. Their responses provide a unique perspective on the biggest storylines and developments as the new campaign gets underway.

The results of last season’s survey sparked conversation across the basketball world, with captains highlighting the best signings, toughest matchups, and best ball-handler, among others. Euroleague Basketball is proud to continue this initiative, delivering direct and honest feedback from those who lead the locker rooms and set the tone for their squads.

This season’s survey results will be published on EuroLeague’s official digital platforms, offering supporters the chance to see which names captains tabbed as game-changers, best dunkers, and toughest competitors for 2025-26.

Dubai Basketball announced on Monday that is has signed injured center Mam Jaiteh to a contract extension through the end of the 2027-28 season. 

Dubai extends injured center Mam Jaiteh through 2028

Dubai Basketball announced on Monday that is has signed injured center [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/) to a contract extension through the end of the 2027-28 season. Jaiteh (2.08 meters, 30 years old) signed a two-year contract when he first joined the club over the summer before suffering an Achilles injury, that could cost him the season. Dubai decided to extend his deal for another season as a show of support during his rehabilitation.

"In our planning, Jaiteh was an essential player, and we lost him for the season because of the Achilles injury. This is part of sport — it can happen, but one thing that is very clear to us is that we believe in him," Dubai general manager Dejan Kamenjasevic said. "Extending his contract, even though he already had another guaranteed year, is not something usual in professional basketball, but it reflects our vision and the way we want to build this club. It means he can remain calm and patient during his rehab, knowing that Dubai Basketball has been with him since day one and that he’s one of us."

"This gesture is not common in professional sports and it means everything to me. I want to thank the club and the management for trusting me. Dubai Basketball is showing everyone how big this club is with such a gesture." 

Jaiteh arrived in Dubai with four years of EuroLeague experience under his belt. Last season, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in the EuroLeague in helping AS Monaco make history by reaching the championship game. Jaiteh had his shining moment in Game 2 of the playoffs, when in a win over FC Barcelona he tied his career best with 20 points on 9-of-9 two-point shooting, securing the MVP of the Round accolade.

Prior to his two years in Monaco, Jaiteh spent a pair of seasons with Virtus Bologna. In his first campaign there, Jaiteh led the club to the 2021-22 EuroCup crown and was named the EuroCup MVP, also securing a place in the EuroLeague for the 2022-23 season. Jaiteh made his EuroLeague debut in the 2013-14 season as an 18-year-old with Nanterre 92.

Jaiteh has also been a member of the French national team, with which he won a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2015. He also helped Nanterre win the French Cup in 2014 and the EuroChallenge in 2015, and Monaco win the French League in 2024.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Staying home. Mam Jaiteh is one of us until 2028 📝🔥 <a href="https://t.co/Q80HXlMsnW">pic.twitter.com/Q80HXlMsnW</a></p>&mdash; Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket/status/1980209975541854263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Dubai Basketball

The big man is sidelined with an Achilles injury 

The Istanbul derby highlights the action in Round 6 of the regular season, which begins with no less than 10 teams tied for third place. Here's your guide to the upcoming week, with games spread over three days.

 

### Wednesday, October 22

#### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv vs. Real Madrid

Two teams searching for a return to winning ways meet in Belgrade, where Maccabi (1-4) hosts Real (3-2). Maccabi will have to stay positive despite the disappointment of last week's late collapse against Olympiacos, which saw Jeff Dowtin Jr. again demonstrate his three-point shooting prowess by netting 6-of-7 three-point attempts, taking his season conversion rate to 66.7%. In contrast, Real needs to improve its accuracy from beyond the arc after only making 5 of its 27 attempts in last week’s loss at Zvezda, with Mario Hezonja particularly struggling as he went 1-of-9. Maccabi ranks next-worst in the league in rebounding, so it needs Jaylen Hoard (6.2 rpg.) at his best to challenge Chuma Okeke and Gabriel Deck (5.6 and 4.2 rpg., respectively).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">⏩ PRÓXIMO PARTIDO<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a><br>🗓️ 22/10 | 20:05 CEST <a href="https://t.co/CAzfMr67ar">pic.twitter.com/CAzfMr67ar</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1980234249488970171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Thursday, October 23

#### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Dubai Basketball

ASVEL (1-4) will be desperate to banish a three-game losing run as it welcomes in-form Dubai (3-2). Fresh from stunning double round week victories over Fenerbahce and Barcelona, Dubai will look for more inside dominance from big men Mfiondu Kabengele and Filip Petrusev, who combined for 33 points and 21 rebounds in the win against Barca, so home team center Mbaye Ndiaye will need to deliver another solid performance after recording 11 points and 7 boards in last week's loss against Virtus. That game also confirmed that ASVEL has found a new offensive leader in the form of Glynn Watson (13.6 ppg.), who will try to outscore Dubai dynamo Dwayne Bacon (14.4 ppg.).

 

#### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco

Co-leader Hapoel (4-1) will attempt to maintain that status with a visit from one of the chasing pack, Monaco (3-2). Hapoel was perfect on the road last week as big man Dan Oturu continued his strong form (14.2 ppg.,  6.0 rpg.), and he now faces a battle with Monaco center Daniel Theis, who has scored in double digits in every game this season. Matthew Strazel’s three-point shooting (53.3%) will be a threat to Hapoel’s defense, but Antonio Blakeney has been even more effective from deep (61.5%) and home team coach Dimitris Itoudis can boast the most productive offense in the league (93.8 ppg.) as he heads into his first coaching duel with Vassilis Spanoulis.

 

#### FC Barcelona vs. Zalgiris Kaunas

Two of the 10 teams currently tied for third place go into battle as Barcelona (3-2) welcomes Zalgiris (3-2). Both are seeking a return to winning ways, with Zalgiris losing twice in the two-round week. Barca also suffered a setback last time out with a loss at Dubai, and will hope key scorer Kevin Punter and Will Clyburn can return to form after respectively being held to 2 and 7 points in that game. Zalgiris struggled for an inside presence in its Round 5 home loss to Milan, making only 16 two-point shots at 44.4%. That was partly compensated by the three-point shooting of Arnas Butkevicius (6-of-7), and the Lithuanian team will also hope to continue the offensive rebounding, which yielded 17 second chances last time out.

 

#### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Valencia Basket

Two teams struggling for consistency meet in Italy, where Milan (2-3) welcomes Valencia (2-3). The Spanish team was happy to welcome back rising star Jean Montero in last week’s loss at Monaco, when Nate Reuvers maintained his strong form with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Montero’s return will further boost a Valencia offense that already leads the league in assists with 21.2 per game, led by Omari Moore (5.0 apg.), but Milan boasts the competition’s stingiest defense with just 77.2 points allowed per game so will fancy its chances of slowing the visitors down. Offensively, Milan enjoyed a breakout game from EuroLeague rookie Quinn Ellis with 15 points to overcome Zalgiris last time out, so the Englishman will attempt to maintain those standards.

 

#### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia (0-5) will attempt to gain its first win of the season by ending Zvezda's (3-2) three-game winning streak. Kobi Simmons is set to make his debut for the Spanish team after arriving to cover injuries to both Markus Howard and Trent Forrest, with Markquis Nowell also taking an enhanced role. Former Baskonia star Codi Miller-McIntyre again showed his talent to lead the Zvezda in every department by combining 18 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in last week’s impressive win over Real, and Chima Moneke will also look to continue his outstanding season (14.4 ppg., 7.0 rpg.) to pile more misery on his old team. His battle with Tadas Sedekerskis (9.0 ppg., 6.2 rpg.) will be crucial to the outcome.

### Friday, October 24

 

#### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

The Istanbul derby will be staged on the European side of the city as Efes (2-3) welcomes Fenerbahce (2-3) to the Basketball Development Center. Efes will have to find solutions in the paint after big men Ercan Osmani and Georgios Papagiannis joined Vincent Poirier on the injury list, which could mean a debut for summer signing Brice Dessert. Fenerbahce’s offensive options have been significantly improved by the return to fitness of Scottie Wilbekin, who drained 4 triples in last week’s win over Bayern. He will take part in a shootout with Efes leader Shane Larkin, who has made 10 of his 16 three-point attempts in the last three games. Fener also possesses a deep threat in the frontcourt, with last week’s win featuring 5 triples from Finnish forward Mikael Jantunen.

 

#### Virtus Bologna vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Panathinaikos (4-1) will go in hunt of a fourth straight win with a tough trip to Virtus (3-2). The Italian team is coming off a perfect two-round week powered by scoring star Carsen Edwards (20 ppg.), who will relish his backcourt battle with Kendrick Nunn. The reigning league MVP is coming off a rare bad game, netting just 4 points in last week's win at Efes, when veteran Kostas Sloukas showed he can still control the offense by dishing 12 assists without a single turnover. The Greens will hope for another heavy scoring night from Cedi Osman after he poured in 29 points against Efes, while Virtus needs a strong performance in the paint from Saliou Niang (8.4 ppg., 5.8 rpg.).

 

#### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Paris Basketball

Partizan (3-2) will look to maintain its 100% home record as it welcomes dangerous Paris (3-2). The French team leads the league in rebounding (43.2 rpg.) and will look to dominate the paint through Mouhamed Faye, who had a breakout performance with 11 points and 10 rebounds in last week’s narrow loss to Hapoel. The home team also possesses power underneath the boards with Tyrique Jones averaging 9.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per night. Partizan playmaker Carlik Jones delivered his best form of the season to propel last week’s win over Baskonia, pairing 18 points with 10 assists, and he will look to continue that form as he squares off with league-leading scorer Nadir Hifi (23.2 points per game).

 

#### FC Bayern Munich vs. Olympiacos Piraeus

Bayern (2-3) will target a return to winning ways as it welcomes Olympiacos (3-2). The German team is the league’s lowest scorer (76.6 points), and misfired again in last week’s loss at Fenerbahce. Similarly, Bayern ranks last in rebounding (30.0 rpg.), so it faces a major challenge from an Olympiacos team that places second in that category (39 rpg.). Sasha Vezenkov and Nikola Milutinov both scored 23 points in last week’s dramatic comeback win over Maccabi, so minimizing their physical dominance will be a major challenge for the hosts. Kamar Baldwin is establishing himself as the leader of Bayern’s offense with averages of 11 points and 5 assists in the last two games and he’ll need to be better than ever on Friday.

This week's games bring exciting clashes over three days

At a glance: The Istanbul derby awaits in Round 6

FC Bayern Munich v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-10-24T18:45:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-10-24T18:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Bologna v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-10-24T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-10-24T17:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-10-23T18:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Dubai Basketball (2025-10-23T17:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Valencia Basket (2025-10-23T18:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v AS Monaco (2025-10-23T18:05:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-10-23T19:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv v Real Madrid (2025-10-22T18:05:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has bolstered its ranks by signing Nate Sestina, following the American forward's exit from Valencia Basket.

Nate Sestina leaves Valencia, joins Milan

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) has bolstered its ranks by signing [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nathan-sestina/011980/) following the American forward's exit from [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/). 

Sestina featured in Valencia's first three EuroLeague games this season and averaged 9:38 minutes of game time per game with 2.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist.

"I am really excited to join such a historic club, with a rich history of winning. It’s an honor for me to represent this jersey," Sestina said in a statement released by the club. "I am looking forward to creating great relationships with my teammates and coaches, as well as the fans. I’m also looking forward to getting better each day and hopefully providing the city and club with many wins and successes! Hoping to continue the tradition of hanging banners in the arena and having a fully healthy season.”

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQBnbyoDcft/?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/DQBnbyoDcft/?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; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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/DQBnbyoDcft/?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 Olimpia Milano (@olimpiamilano1936)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></center>

Currently in his second EuroLeague campaign, having made his competition debut with [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) in 2023-24, Sestina arrives in Milan after just over one season with Valencia.

Last year, he helped the Spanish side reach the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and the Spanish League Finals. This season, the 28-year-old was part of the Valencia side that lifted the Spanish Super Cup.

More Milan News

He has 38 career appearances in the EuroLeague to his name

Milan adds forward Nate Sestina

Sportradar explains how effective use of the pick-and-roll has been a key element for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv to sit atop the EuroLeague Regular Season standings through five games. 

Stats review: How the pick-and-roll has helped Hapoel's strong start

Only two teams have weathered the first five games of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season with a single loss: [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/statistics/pan/) and [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/statistics/hta/). That duo ranks third and first in offensive efficiency, respectively, sharing one major characteristic that has driven their success in the early going.

Pick-and-roll play has only continued to grow its reach as the primary source of offense in the EuroLeague over the last decade. During the 2015-16 season, only three teams generated over 40% of their total offensive possession playing out of ball screens — that’s the league-average so far this season.  While the league-wide rise in ball screen usage has flattened out in recent years after several seasons of significant growth, there continues to be individual teams pushing the upper limits of usage and efficiency most seasons.

This season, that team has been Hapoel, which, as the table above suggests, currently leads all teams in offensive efficiency by a solid margin, thanks specifically to its top-ranked volume and consistency scoring out of pick-and-rolls.  With 49% of the team's possessions being used by its ball handlers, roll men, or the shooters and cutters receiving passes out of the two-man game, Coach Dimitris Itoudis’s team is in step with the record for volume set by Paris Basketball last year. 

Hapoel's current efficiency falls behind only one team during the league’s pick-and-roll era: the 2022-23 Anadolu Efes Istanbul squad led by Hapoel's current starting point guard, [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/). The former MVP has been one of several extremely efficient threats in the early going and ranks second in points scored and created out of pick-and-rolls per game as well. With [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) and [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) delivering steadily as secondary ball handlers, Hapoel has picked opposing defenses apart during their impressive start — notably with timely touches for the roll men and feeds to shooters on the weakside.

Panathinaikos may not be pushing the envelope quite as aggressively, but the Greens' usage and efficiency created out of pick-and-rolls would both rank among the top-10 in recent history as well. The quality play of reigning MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) has been an important factor in that. [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) has been incredibly prolific on a per-minute basis passing out of pick-and-rolls off the bench and [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has done a great job making plays for others, too, after setting the record for points created out of pick-and-rolls per game a year ago.

Hapoel and Panathinaikos can certainly point to their pick-and-roll play as the source of their early offensive success, but even the teams who do not rank prominently in pick-and-roll efficiency right now still score out of it at a very high level.

Efes and Olympiacos Piraeus, notably, are moving the needle to rank in the top eight with their efficiency elsewhere, but both average better than 0.96 points per possession — a mark that would have been well above average for a team’s overall efficiency not that long ago.  

Though the parity around the current league landscape puts a premium on execution above all else, the caliber of pick-and-roll play across the first several weeks of the season is a big reason the bar is set so high.  Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see how the league’s offensive efficiency evolves as numerous league and team records may be in jeopardy if early trends hold.

Sportradar explains how effective use of the pick-and-roll has been a key element for the top two teams in the standings

Olympiacos Piraeus secured an 81–66 home victory over Panionios Athens at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Round 3 of the Greek League as it marked the return of Thomas Walkup and Evan Fournier to action. 

Walkup, Fournier return as Reds roll Panionios in Greek League

Olympiacos Piraeus secured an 81–66 home victory over Panionios Athens at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Round 3 of the Greek League as it marked the return of Thomas Walkup and Evan Fournier to action. The Reds improved to 3–0 led by 16 points apiece by Frank Ntilikina and Donta Hall. Walkup played 18 minutes and Fournier 26. Saben Lee and Tyler Dorsey were not named to the squad for the game and Sasha Vezenkov rested.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">📸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - Πανιώνιος 81-66 <br><br>More pics ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/HyJIgfqINS">https://t.co/HyJIgfqINS</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://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYPAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYPAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/sNPTv5gDss">pic.twitter.com/sNPTv5gDss</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1979887036136841377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The game started slowly for the Reds, who trailed 2-11 after 4 minutes. Alec Peters and Nikola Milutinov helped close the gap to 11–17 and an 8–0 run tied it at 19–19 before the visitors ended the first quarter ahead 19-22. A Kostas Papanikolaou three-pointer put Olympiacos briefly in front, but Panionios responded from deep to regain the lead. Ntilikina’s steal and assist set up an emphatic Hall dunk, energizing the crowd. Ntilikina took command offensively late in the half, capped by a Giannoulis Larentzakis triple for a 42–37 halftime lead.

Olympiacos tightened its defense after the break, producing an 11-3 run to start the third quarter and build a double-digit advantage, 53–40. Ntilikina and Tyson Ward stood out on both ends, while a highlight-reel alley-oop from Peters to Ntilikina excited the fans. Larentzakis’ accuracy from long range stretched the margin to 60–45 entering the final period. In the fourth quarter, Olympiacos maintained full control as Coach Bartzokas distributed minutes among his players. Larentzakis and Hall kept scoring, while Fournier and Papanikolaou joined in from beyond the arc to seal the 81–66 win.

More Olympiacos news

The two stars both came back from injuries 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens secured a dominant 90-67 road win over Kolossos H Hotels in Rhodes on Sunday behind 18 points and 5 assists from TJ Shorts

Panathinaikos cruises past Kolossos in Rhodes

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens secured a dominant 90-67 road win over Kolossos H Hotels in Rhodes on Sunday behind 18 points and 5 assists from TJ Shorts. Omer Yurtseven posted 13 points and 9 rebounds, and Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Konstantinos Mitoglou added 12 points apiece as Panathinaikos improved to 2-1. Starting center Richaun Holmes played only a minute and a half before leaving with an apparent injury. Gabriel Galvanini led Kolossos with 13 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TjShorts5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TjShorts5</a> keeps delivering game after game and this time, he claimed his first MVP performance! 💪🏾☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/PTCykxUW3o">pic.twitter.com/PTCykxUW3o</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1979940218493915612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Panathinaikos built momentum through key baskets from Kendrick Nunn and Shorts, with the latter helping extend the lead to 5–10. Marius Grigonis and Mitoglou added to the tally, while Yurtseven and Rogkavopoulos pushed the margin to double digits. Rogkavopoulos capped the quarter with a buzzer-beating triple, giving Panathinaikos a 15–28 lead after 10 minutes. Ergin Ataman’s squad continued to pull away in the second quarter and led 36–49 at halftime.

Panathinaikos kept the pressure on in the third quarter, starting with a dunk from Mitoglou and a three-pointer from Yurtseven. Mitoglou and Jerian Grant extended the lead. Kolossos fought back to remain within 12 through three quarters. The fourth quarter saw Panathinaikos seal the win with strong play from Mitoglou, Yurtseven, and Shorts. A highlight dunk from Giannis Kouzeloglou off a Shorts assist pushed the lead to 16, and Shorts’ first three-pointer of the night made it 59-80 en route to a convincing victory.

More from Panathinaikos

TJ Shorts had another strong performance for the Greens

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv returned to Israeli League play on Sunday night and eased the pressure from its EuroLeague losing streak with a convincing 95-75 home win over newly promoted Maccabi Ra’anana

Blatt, Leaf lead Maccabi to domestic win

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv returned to Israeli League play on Sunday night and eased the pressure from its EuroLeague losing streak with a convincing 95-75 home win over newly promoted Maccabi Ra’anana. Oded Kattash’s team improved to 2–0 domestically behind a strong offensive display led by Tamir Blatt, who scored 19 points and orchestrated the attack.

T.J. Leaf tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds, Marcio Santos added 15 and 7, Roman Sorkin contributed 12 points and Jeff Dowtin Jr. added 8 points and 7 assists. Hassan Diarra led Ra’anana with 18 points and 5 steals.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">אין כמו בבית. <br>סיקור וסטטיסטיקה &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/qhGxCEnbql">https://t.co/qhGxCEnbql</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGvmRVE7LZ">pic.twitter.com/rGvmRVE7LZ</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1979950169572450401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The opening quarter at Menora Mivtachim Arena was competitive, as Diarra shined for Ra’anana while Blatt and Leaf led the home side. Late baskets from Santos helped Maccabi take a 24-18 lead after 10 minutes. Ra’anana briefly rallied early in the second frame, but a Maccabi run capped by Sorkin’s free throws extended the gap to double digits. Despite numerous turnovers on both sides, Maccabi maintained momentum thanks to Blatt’s three-point shooting, going into halftime up 46–36.

Ra’anana opened the second half with energy and strung together a 17–0 run to grab the lead. Sorkin and Leaf restored order and Lonnie Walker’s corner three helped the hosts enter the fourth quarter ahead 64-59. In the closing period, Ra’anana ran out of steam. Blatt ran the show and, with Santos dominating inside, Maccabi pulled away for good.

More from Maccabi

The club is now 2-0 in the Israeli league

Baskonia, Barca and Real collected respective wins 

Valencia Basket is one of three undefeated teams left in the Spanish Liga Endesa. It improved to 3-0 by thrashing Hiopos Llieda 78-99 on the road on Sunday behind 16 points from Jaime Pradilla. Darius Thompson and Kam Tayloe each added 14 while Brancou Badio had 13 for Valencia, that led 41-49 at halftime. Pradilla had 12 points, including three bombs from downtown, soon after the break to boost his team's lead to 57-73, and Valencia never looked back after that. 


Spanish League roundup: Valencia remains undefeated

Valencia Basket remains one of three undefeated teams in the Spanish Liga Endesa, improving to 3-0 after a commanding 78-99 road win over Hiopos Lleida on Sunday. Jaime Pradilla led the charge with 16 points, while Darius Thompson and Kam Taylor each contributed 14. Brancou Badio added 13 for Valencia, which held a 41-49 lead at halftime. Pradilla scored 12 points—including three three-pointers—shortly after the break, extending the lead to 57-73. From there, Valencia never looked back.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Valencia Basket sigue invicto en la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LigaEndesa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LigaEndesa</a> tras vencer a Hiopos Lleida en Barris Nord.<br><br>7⃣8⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/flleida?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@flleida</a> <br>9⃣9⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/89cgGdsSk1">pic.twitter.com/89cgGdsSk1</a></p>&mdash; Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBCOM/status/1979955090048848040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

FC Barcelona secured its first win of the season by defeating Unicaja Malaga 77-83, also on Sunday. Toko Shengelia led the team with 18 points, while Kevin Punter scored 5 of his 17 points in the closing minutes to seal the victory. Juani Marcos and Will Clyburn each added 11 for Barça.

Real Madrid matched a Spanish League record with its 33rd consecutive home win, beating Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos 90-80 in the capital. Mario Hezonja led the way with 17 points, David Kramer added 11, and both Usman Garuba and Gabriele Procida chipped in 10.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Real Madrid consigue un trabajado triunfo ante Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos.<br><br>9⃣0⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> <br>8⃣0⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/SanPabloBurgos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SanPabloBurgos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LigaEndesa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LigaEndesa</a> <a href="https://t.co/pKUVWhfxhE">pic.twitter.com/pKUVWhfxhE</a></p>&mdash; Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBCOM/status/1979885533187932567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Despite being limited to just 10 available players due to injuries, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz edged Coviran Granada 80-83. Mamadi Diakite scored 16 points, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot added 15, and Matteo Spagnolo had 14 for Baskonia, which trailed 80-79 in the penultimate minute. Spagnolo responded with a fastbreak layup, Luwawu-Cabarrot sank clutch free throws, and Matt Thomas missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.

Both Real Madrid and Baskonia now hold 2-1 records in the standings.

Baskonia, Barca and Real collected respective wins 