Ricky Rubio has returned to Barça Basket and the EuroLeague after a 13-year spell in the NBA.

Ricky Rubio seals return to the EuroLeague with Barça Basket

FC Barcelona has confirmed the addition of [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rubio-ricky/lfw/) for the remainder of the season with the point guard returning to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after a 13-year absence. Rubio (1.92 meters, 33 years old) became a EuroLeague champion during his first spell at Barca, playing alongside the team's current head coach Roger Grimau, before going on to shine in the NBA. The playmaker returned to his native Spain last year, and particularly the region of Catalonia, after experiencing mental health struggles.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Ricky Rubio, inscrit a l&#39;ACB i l&#39;Eurolliga ‼<br><br>𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒂, 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚 💙❤</p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1754925190130065690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Rubio is fondly remembered at Barcelona

After starting out at Joventut Badalona, where Rubio appeared in the Spanish League as a 14-year-old, he joined crosstown rival Barca at 18 and had a dream first campaign at Palau Blaugrana in 2009-10.

In addition to winning the Copa del Rey domestically, Rubio played a key role as Barca secured its second-ever EuroLeague crown. The Spaniard started in all 22 of the games he appeared in, averaging 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals.

His best performance of that campaign saw Rubio net 19 points in a closeout Game 4 of the playoffs against archrival Real Madrid, before scoring 10 in a 64-54 win over CSKA Moscow in the semifinals and 9 points in an 86-68 triumph over Olympiacos Piraeus in the championship game.

Thanks to his efforts during the campaign, Rubio was handed the EuroLeague Rising Star award. The following season, 2010-11, proved to be his last on the Old Continent, with Rubio posting 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals as Barca reached the EuroLeague Playoffs, where it fell to Panathinaikos Athens in a four-game series.

Thirteen years on, Rubio is back and will look to provide a big boost for Coach Grimau’s squad in the final stretch of this season. With Barcelona having fallen in the Final Four in three successive years, Grimau will hope that the addition of his ex-teammate is just what his team needed.

Top 5: Ricky Rubio, FC Barcelona

### His early EuroLeague years

Before arriving at Barcelona, Rubio had two years of experience in the EuroLeague with Joventut. He appeared in 16 games, all off the bench, in the 2006-07 campaign, posting 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and an incredible 3.2 steals per contest. The 2007-08 season saw him limited to just five games, in which he averaged 2.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals per night.

Rubio’s sole campaign in the BKT EuroCup was also a fruitful one, as he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals in 16 appearances as Joventut went on to become the champion, downing Basquet Girona 54-79 in the final.

### 12 years in the NBA

After being selected with the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft, Rubio remained in Europe for two years – which is when he went to Barcelona – before heading stateside. Rubio was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season in the league, 2011-12, following an impressive debut season in which he posted 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

More than half of Rubio’s 698 games in the NBA came in the jersey of the Timberwolves, with the Masnou-born guard spending the first six seasons of his career in Minnesota (2011-17). He later spent two years with the Utah Jazz (2017-19), one season with the Phoenix Suns (2019-20), a year back with Minnesota (2020-21) and the last two campaigns with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2021-23).

Ricky Rubio's Top 10 Assists in the NBA

In August, Rubio announced that he was putting a halt to his basketball career, at least temporarily, citing mental health struggles.

“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” Rubio said in a statement distributed by the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB). “I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB to understand my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you.”

### A legend for Spain

It’s difficult to write about Rubio and not discuss his feats with the Spanish national team. At just 17, he was selected to go to the 2008 Olympic Games alongside a golden generation featuring Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro and Rudy Fernandez, among others, and he didn’t look out of place.

In the gold-medal game against the United States of America’s “Redeem Team”, Rubio played more minutes than anyone in a Spain jersey and held his own against the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He did, however, come out on the losing side.

One year later, Rubio and Spain won gold at EuroBasket 2009, beating Serbia 85-63. Rubio then secured his second EuroBasket gold medal in 2011 after Spain defeated France 98-85. Later, at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and with most of *La Roja*’s great players having retired, Rubio led his nation to gold with a 75-95 victory over Argentina as tournament MVP. Rubio also won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, EuroBasket 2013 and EuroBasket 2017.

The only thing left to say is... Welcome back, Ricky!

More Barcelona News

Ricky Rubio (center) celebrates alongside Juan Carlos Navarro (left) and Roger Grimau (right) after FC Barcelona became the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in the 2009-10 season.

The 33-year-old was a member of the Blaugrana’s EuroLeague title-winning roster in 2009-10.

Ricky Rubio seals return to the EuroLeague with Barcelona

There's great parity this season in the EuroLeague where anything can happen. Still, winning at home remains a must for the top teams.

Trademarks: Home cooking is the difference for the top six

This year's race towards the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs and the Play-In Showdown has been more unpredictable than ever.

While there's finally some distance from the 12th spot toward the play-in line, even if mathematically nothing is decided, there's also a clear distinction between the teams that currently occupy the top six spots in the standings and the rest.

There's an old EuroLeague adage about winning at home and making it far and this has not changed.

And while, especially this season, anybody can win on the road and nothing is taken for granted, building a fortress on your home court pays off.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1624875/home-wins-difference-euroleague/)

Zalgiris Kaunas announced that shooting guard Karolis Lukosiunas is returning to the club after starting the season in the G-League. 

Zalgiris brings Karolis Lukosiunas home

Zalgiris Kaunas announced that shooting guard [Karolis Lukosiunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/karolis-lukosiunas/006158/) is returning to the club after starting the season in the G-League. Lukosiunas (1.95 meters, 26 years old) spent four seasons with Zalgiris before heading overseas last summer. He appeared in five games with the Salt Lake City Stars and averaged 3.8 points in limited minutes.

Last season he averaged 1.8 points in 22 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague appearances off the bench for Zalgiris with the vast majority of his shot attempts coming from behind the arc. In 64 career EuroLeague games, Lukosiunas has attempted 131 triples and just 12 two-pointers. He began his career in the Rytas Vilnius youth system and played for several other Lithuanian clubs before joining Zalgiris in 2019. He helped Zalgiris win three national championships and four Lithuanian Cups in his time there.

Big three-pointers by Karolis Lukosiunas

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karolis Lukosiunas is back to the Zalgiris team for the rest of the season. 🤝<br><br>Welcome back, Karolis! 🎯 <a href="https://t.co/Ntz36av1EX">pic.twitter.com/Ntz36av1EX</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1754853579335008505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The shooting guard returns to his former club after time in the G-League.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-02-09T19:00:00.000Z)

The Panathinaikos BC guard came back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last summer after a stellar season in the BKT EuroCup. Now he is shining again with the Greens.

Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos BC: 'Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works'

Last season was a big one for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/). He was named MVP of the BKT EuroCup as he took Turk Telekom Ankara to the final. It was no surprise to anyone when it was announced that he was returning to the EuroLeague through Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to join the new project led by new coach Ergin Ataman.

Grant had already made his EuroLeague debut in 2021-22 with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, but his impact was not felt to the same degree as a EuroLeague rookie.

"Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works," Grant says. "You have to play your role and eventually, as your role gets bigger, you can blossom into being a star."

His impact on the biggest basketball stage in Europe has been immediate in his second stint. With the Greens, he is averaging 8.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals in almost 30 minutes on the court as a regular starter and Panathinaikos is currently fourth in the standings.

And that's no small feat because, as Grant himself acknowledges, switching competitions is like entering a completely new world.

"In the EuroCup, you have three or four players on a team that can really do some special things," Grant explains. "Here in the EuroLeague, every player - even players that come off the bench and only play 5 minutes - can really help the team and do special things."

Now Grant is an integral part of a team that is looking to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. For Grant, the key could be that this Panathinaikos team has managed to find chemistry among its members, on and off the court.

"We have guys that really like each other, that really get along," Grant concludes. "We're still learning each other and that shows on the court as we get better and better."

Last season was a big one for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard Jerian Grant. He was named MVP of the BKT EuroCup as he took Turk Telekom Ankara to the final. It was no surprise to anyone when it was announced that he was returning to the EuroLeague through Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to join the new project led by new coach Ergin Ataman.

Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos: 'Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works'

The Panathinaikos guard came back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last summer after a stellar season in the BKT EuroCup. Now he is shining again with the Greens.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.

Round 25 disciplinary sanction

- Mr. Wade Baldwin IV, player of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, has been sanctioned with a fine of €3,500 for a lack of respect towards a member of the officiating crew on the occasion of its road game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €4,500 for the throwing of objects on to the playing court on the occasion of its home game against FC Barcelona under Article 29.2.h) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Mr. Zoran Savic, Sports Director of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for the lack of respect towards a member of the officiating crew on the occasion of its road game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Mr. Mike James, Player of AS Monaco has been sanctioned with a fine of €2,500, for repeated public statements, Round 15 and Round 21,  related to the performance of the referees, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000, for its public statement related to the performance of the referees following EuroLeague Regular Season Round 11, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanctions pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.

Round 25 disciplinary sanctions

Looking for some ideas to improve your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge team? Javier Gancedo has you covered. 

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Round 26: One more before the break!

Round 26 is the last one before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season takes a two-week break for domestic cups and national team competitions. It is also critical in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home), as managers will have unlimited trades during that two-week break, but the usual three this week. Here are some recommendations from Javier Gancedo on ways to make your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge teams stronger this week. 

[Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (5.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/)

Baskonia is facing significant injury problems with Tadas Sedekerskis and Khalifa Diop unavailable. That means that other players have to step up. Rogkavopoulos has done so, going for 13 points and a PIR of 11 in Round 25 against Maccabi and a PIR of 22 in Spanish League action. All for less than 6 credits!

[Wade Baldwin, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (16.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/)

Baldwin should be your superstar of choice in Round 26. In the last three games, Baldwin averaged 25.0 points on 8-of-14 three-point shooting and 17-of-18 on free throws plus 6.7 assists for a PIR of 29.3. Over the last six games, Baldwin has had a PIR of at least 16 in each game. Baldwin is simply a solid fantasy choice.

Mike Scott, Semi Ojeleye, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Aleksa Avramovic and Wade Baldwin are the players featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 26

[Mike Scott, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (9.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/)

Right under 10 credits, Scott is a hidden gem in the game. He has been outstanding over the last two games, averaging 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 23.5, while making 13 of 20 two-pointers and 12 of 13 free throws. An increase in playing time is all it took for Scott to do better.

[Semi Ojeleye, Valencia Basket (11.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/)

Valencia keeps winning games despite being without its two main centers, Brandon Davies and Boubacar Toure. Ojeleye's versatility has allowed Valencia to stay competitive. He's had a double-digit PIR in 10 of his last 11 games and had a PIR of 22 in less than 18 minutes in Round 25 against ALBA.

[Aleksa Avramovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (5.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/)

He was the most-bought player at the start of the season and all of a sudden, Avramovic's fantasy popularity is on the rise again. In his last two games, Avramovic has averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists for a PIR of 13.5. His price makes him very attractive as a key backup player. 

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: The storm before the quiet

With unlimited trades and a two-week hiatus just around the corner, Round 26 could be a pivotal time for [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) managers. Thus, Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs, co-hosts of the Fantasy Challenge Podcast, are here to talk you through the right moves to make.

Both are coming off very good weeks – they averaged more than 200 points between them! With teams so hot, what are the best moves? Is Shane Larkin must-own this week? Who are best centers to get? Which Baskonia players should you pick up? All these topics are discussed and more. Listen now before you make your  EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge lineup for Round 26. 

The final set of games before the mid-season break features many matchups between direct rivals in the race for the playoffs. Here's the menu for Round 26.

This week: Key matchups up and down the standings

### Thursday, February 8

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/227/)

New Efes (10-15) coach Tomislav Mijatovic will look to start his reign with another win against 10th-placed Maccabi (13-12). The Turkish team will hope to build on last week's success against Milan, once again led by [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) with 19 points. Maccabi has struggled on the road, especially defensively, with five straight losses allowing at least 88 points. Efes will target a win of 10 points or more after suffering a 95-86 loss at Maccabi in December, with [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) producing one of his many excellent performances by pairing 19 points with 7 rebounds. That game also featured 21 points from [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), whose backcourt battle alongside [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) with Larkin and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) will be worth the admission price alone.

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/230/)

Ninth-placed Baskonia (13-12) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from lowly ASVEL (5-20). Baskonia took an 81-88 win in France earlier this season thanks to its usual leaders: a personal best 35 points from [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and 19 points plus 13 rebounds from [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), which was enough to overcome 22 points from ASVEL sharpshooter [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/). Baskonia has been inconsistent in recent weeks and will view this as a must-win game against a visiting team that suffers from the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league (33.0%).

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. FC Bayern Munich ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/229/)

After a pair of road defeats last week, Partizan (13-12) will hope for home comforts with a visit from Bayern (10-15). [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) will look to maintain his magnificent form after scoring 28 and 22 points in last week's losses in Monaco and Bologna, while Bayern has [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) in great shape with double-digit scoring in six consecutive games. He also netted 17 points when Bayern beat Partizan 94-85 in November, supplemented by 21 points from backcourt teammate [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/). Bayern won its last road game, 65-82 at ALBA, and needs a similarly strong defensive performance to take a vital victory on Thursday.

It's a meeting of coaching masters as Pablo Laso welcomes Zeljko Obradovic with Bayern, eager to end a four-game losing slide, takes on a Partizan team boosted by a thrilling win over Fenerbahce. Is this to be determined by the tacticians or will the skills on show prove to be the ultimate difference?

FC Bayern Munich-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | Round 8 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Valencia Basket vs. Olympiacos Piraeus ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/228/)

It's eighth versus seventh in a crucial clash as Valencia (13-12) welcomes Olympiacos (14-11). The Spanish team has won three of its last four, showing its defensive excellence by holding opponents to 66, 62 and 72 points in that trio of wins. Valencia produced a similar display to win 56-63 in Piraeus two months ago, so the Reds will hope [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) will again lead the offense with the same effectiveness that saw him pair 16 points with 8 assists in last week's victory at Bayern. He also has the task of slowing down Valencia playmaker [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), who had 14 points plus 8 helpers to send his team to victory at ALBA last time out.

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Real Madrid ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-real-madrid/E2023/226/)

Reigning champion Real (22-3) will look to seal playoff qualification by overcoming a Milan team (10-15) desperate to push closer to the top 10. Fit-again [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) will try to punish his former club in what promises to be a bruising head-to-head battle with [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/). Real had no trouble in claiming a comfortable win, 88-71, when the teams met in Round 4, led by 19 points on 5 three-pointers from [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/). The Italian team has slipped down the standings by winning just one of its last five games and has lost four straight on the road, while Real is the only team in the competition with a perfect home record.

Real Madrid-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Friday, February 9

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-zalgiris-kaunas/E2023/231/)

After grabbing two great home wins last week, Zalgiris (10-15) will try to keep moving up the standings with a trip to direct rival Zvezda (10-15). The visitors will be wary of the shooting threat posed by [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/), who netted 27 and 21 points in last week's two games, helping to beat Valencia, but not enough to overcome Barcelona. Zalgiris can rely on the inside presence of [Laurynas Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/), who has averaged 14.3 points in the last four games. [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) was the key man in the Round 2 meeting between the teams, netting 18 points with 7 rebounds to set up a 79-74 Zalgiris victory. 

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/233/)

A big matchup with a playoff feel will see fourth host sixth as Panathinaikos (15-10) welcomes Fenerbahce (15-10). The Turkish team claimed a commanding victory when the teams met in Round 3, with 15 points from [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) leading the way to an 83-69 success. He and the red-hot [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), who has five consecutive games of double-digit scoring, will look to give Fenerbahce the physical edge against a Panathinaikos team eager to bounce back from last week's loss at Zalgiris. The Greens have won five straight in Athens and will be able to count upon an electric atmosphere that will also be enlivened by two of the league's most demonstrative coaches, Ergin Ataman and Sarunas Jasikevicius.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-Panathinaikos Athens | Round 3 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. AS Monaco ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-as-monaco/E2023/234/)

Another high-powered matchup will see fifth-placed Monaco (15-10) aim to become the first visiting team since October to triumph at third-placed Virtus (16-9). Monaco is in great form with four straight victories, but was shocked by the Italian team, 59-83, when the teams met in October. Virtus claimed a massive 46 rebounds in that game, so the visitors will look for [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) and [Donatas Moteijunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) to protect the backboards more strongly as they confront [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). The game also features two of the league's most potent long-range shooters, [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) (2.8 triples per game) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (2.7).

[FC Barcelona vs. ALBA Berlin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-alba-berlin/E2023/232/)

Second hosts second-bottom as Barcelona (17-8) looks for a sixth straight home win with a visit from ALBA (5-15), which has just one road victory all season. The Spanish side won't be taking the task lightly after suffering a shock defeat in Berlin, 74-70, in December. Barca will look to control the outside shooting threat of [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/), who led ALBA with 13 points on that occasion and has netted multiple triples in seven of the last 11 games. The host will also hope that shooting guard [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) can stay in his sweet moment after scoring 20 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting in last week's solid win at Zvezda.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2024-02-09T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v ALBA Berlin (2024-02-09T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-02-09T19:15:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-02-08T17:30:00.000Z)

Much like the one before it, 2024 has begun as a very good year for Real Madrid and its dynamic swingman, Dzanan Musa, who has been selected by EuroLeague Basketball as the MVP for January in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

January MVP: Dzanan Musa, Real Madrid

Real shook off a year-opening loss to archrival FC Barcelona to finish January 5-2 and retain its five-victory advantage at the top of the standings. [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) was exceptional every step of the way, finishing second among all EuroLeague players last month in both scoring, with 19.9 points per game, and average performance index rating, at 22.1. He posted double digits in each statistic in all seven games in January. His consistency was highlighted by a 40-point performance in [Real's epic 130-126 quadruple overtime win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/170/) over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, the longest game in EuroLeague history. Not only did he become just the 10th 40-point scorer in the modern EuroLeague – and second in the last decade – but he set a club single-game record for Real scorers this century.

### The youngest monthly MVP since Luka Doncic

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. Last month's award covered the seven games played by all teams between Tuesday, January 2 and Wednesday, January 31.

Musa, 24, becomes the MVP of the Month honoree for the first time in his four EuroLeague seasons to date. He's the eighth current Real player so honored, following [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/november-mvp-facundo-campazzo-real-madrid/) in November and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mvp-for-december-mario-hezonja-real-madrid/) in December, making them the first trio of teammates to win the award in successive months. He becomes the first player born in Bosnia and Herzegovina to win the MVP of the Month award. At 24 years, 8 months and 29 days old, he is also the youngest such honoree since Luka Doncic won it with Real in October of 2017.

Dzanan Musa | January MVP | Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Real bounced back behind Musa's consistency

On January 3, Musa led Real with 19 points including his career high of 5 three-pointers made despite [an 83-78 loss at Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-real-madrid/E2023/159/), the team's first loss in regulation time all season. Two nights later came the epic against Efes, with Musa playing over 45 minutes while scoring 40 points and dishing a career-high 8 assists for a 45 PIR. His 13 two-pointers made in 15 attempts was another club record this century. Next, Musa posted 16 points as [Real humbled host FC Bayern Munich 71-92](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-real-madrid/E2023/178/). He had 13 points to go with 4 rebounds and 2 assists as Real won again in overtime, [96-86 over Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-valencia-basket/E2023/184/). He followed with a team-high 12 points and 4 rebounds despite [a 98-74 road loss at AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-real-madrid/E2023/195/), then put up 20, another team-high to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, as [Real turned back visiting Olympiacos, 90-85](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/203/). Musa finished January with another team-high in scoring, 19 points in [a 106-101 victory against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/212/).

### Musa defined scoring efficiency in January

Musa's high production last month was just as remarkable for his scoring efficiency. He made 31 of 42 two-point shots, a rate of 73.8% that ranked fourth in the league last month; 15 of 36 three-pointers at 41.7%; and 32 of 37 free throws at 86.5%. And despite having all that scoring responsibility, Musa made just 7 turnovers in more than 200 minutes on court last month. 

And now, for a third month in a row, Real Madrid fans will get to honor another of their own, Dzanan Musa, when he is given the first  EuroLeague MVP of the Month award for 2024 at an upcoming home game.