AS Monaco Basket guard Nick Calathes will miss the start of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season after suffering a knee injury.

Nick Calathes out 3-4 weeks with knee injury

AS Monaco has confirmed that guard [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) will miss the start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season after suffering a knee injury, which will keep him sidelined for the next three to four weeks.

Calathes joined Monaco in the summer after spending two years with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. The EuroLeague's all-time assists leader has reunited with former Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens teammate [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) by signing for Monaco, while [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/) also made the switch from Fenerbahce to Monaco this offseason.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ℹ️ En raison d’une blessure au genou, Nick Calathes sera éloigné des terrains pour les 3-4 prochaines semaines. 🚑<br><br>Nous souhaitons un prompt rétablissement à notre meneur et meilleur passeur de l’histoire de l’Euroleague. Toute la Roca Family est avec toi. Daghe Nick ! 👊… <a href="https://t.co/mLZIJGUCI5">pic.twitter.com/mLZIJGUCI5</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1840713638950076498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With Calathes expected to miss three to four weeks, he should be in line to return in Round 5 against Paris Basketball. Before then, Monaco face EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at home in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively, before travelling to take on FC Barcelona in Spain in Round 3 and heading back to Salle Gaston Medecin for a Round 4 clash against Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

More Monaco News

AS Monaco guard Nick Calathes passes the ball during the annual Turkish Airlines EuroLeague media day.

He will miss Monaco's opening four games at least

The EuroLeague is back for its 25th season, ladies and gentlemen! Round 1 is full of incredible matchups, and here we will talk you through them.

At a glance: The world's most passionate basketball league is back!

We’re back! The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns on Thursday and Friday with nine tantalizing matchups, including a EuroLeague debut for a rising force and a big showdown between last season's beaten semifinalists. Here’s your guide to Round 1.

## Thursday, October 3

### ALBA Berlin vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CEST)

Reigning champ Panathinaikos makes an immediate return to the scene of May’s Final Four triumph with a trip to face ALBA Berlin. The Greek giant has strengthened an already formidable roster with the introduction of explosive guard [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-lorenzo-brown/) and two players who have returned to Europe after long spells in the United States: all-action forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/cedi-osman-joins-panathinaikos-bc/) and big man [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-lands-omer-yurtseven/). ALBA has retained the vast majority of last season’s squad which finished rock bottom with a disappointing 5-29 record, and coach Israel Gonzalez will hope to become more competitive through two new signings: [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-grabs-all-eurocup-center-trevion-williams/), last season’s rebounding leader in the EuroCup, and Australian guard [Will McDowell-White](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ru/euroleague/news/will-mcdowell-white-joins-alba-berlin/). Taking on the title holders could not be a tougher start for the German team.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Procida vs. Grant

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona (19:00 CEST)

New Barcelona coach [Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/barcelona-names-joan-penarroya-as-head-coach/) faces his first test with a trip to Andrea Trinchieri’s Zalgiris. The hosts will look for instant impact from a long line of summer arrivals, including veteran big man [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bryant-dunston-heads-to-zalgiris-kaunas/), scoring threat [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-deal-with-scorer-sylvain-francisco/), hard-working [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-lands-explosive-big-man-alen-smailagic/) and talented guard [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-tabs-eurocups-top-scorer-deividas-sirvydis/), who excelled in last season’s EuroCup. In addition to their new man on the sidelines, Barca will give debuts to scoring star [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-adds-scoring-threat-in-kevin-punter/) and rebounding specialist [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barca-rebuilds-frontline-with-youssoupha-fall/). Another summer arrival, young guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-makes-juan-nunez-its-playmaker-of-the-future/), will look to underline his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting rising talents alongside the scoring talent of [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), but Barca will also have to confront the always-electric atmosphere of Zalgirio Arena.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Ulanovas vs.Parker

### AS Monaco vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (19:00 CEST)

After falling just short of a place in last season’s Final Four, Monaco will aim for a strong start at home to powerfully rebuilt Milan. Roca Team superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is doubtful for Round 1 after undergoing surgery in the summer, while new signing [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-tabs-euroleague-assists-king-nick-calathes/) is out for three to four weeks. It will likely be the task of [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) to find giant [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-signs-georgios-papagiannis-away-from-fenerbahce/), who will hope to quickly develop an effective one-two big man punch with the returning [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/). Milan boss Ettore Messina has added plenty of experience during the off-season, including last season’s rebounding leader [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-tabs-rebounding-leader-josh-nebo/). [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zach-leday-seals-return-to-olimpia-milano/) and [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-seals-move-for-leandro-bolmaro/) will add hustle to support star men [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), and the cool experience of [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-tabs-two-time-champion-fabien-causeur/) will be crucial in quickly setting Milan on the right path.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Diallo vs. Shields

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CEST)

Pablo Laso makes his coaching debut for Baskonia with a visit from another legendary play-caller, Partizan’s Zeljko Obradovic. Baskonia sharpshooter [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) will receive last season’s Top Scorer Trophy before tip-off, and denying Howard open looks on the perimeter will be a major focus for the Partizan defense. A big summer signing for Baskonia is [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-announces-luwawu-cabarrot/), who will attempt to maintain the electric form he showed last season with ASVEL. Partizan has an almost entirely new roster, with only two players remaining. EuroLeague experience is provided by big men [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-brandon-davies-at-center/) and [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-reels-in-isaac-bonga-to-belgrade/), along with guards [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizan-puts-iffe-lundberg-into-backcourt/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kk-partizan-adds-scoring-threat-sterling-brown/). And if any coach can quickly craft a winning team out of so many new pieces, it’s surely the incomparable Obradovic.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Howard vs. Lundberg

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

Last season’s runner-up Real will aim for a winning start with a tough trip to ambitious Bayern. After losing the vast experience of [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/three-time-euroleague-champ-sergio-rodriguez-retires/) and [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rudy-fernandez-calls-time-on-a-glittering-career/) to retirement, *Los Blancos* will look for returning stars like [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) and [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to take on even bigger leadership roles, while backcourt creativity and dominance in the paint are respectively guaranteed from [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/). New Real signing [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-serge-ibaka-reunite/) faces an immediate matchup with his former team, and he faces another big man with long-range scoring capability in the form of new Bayern arrival [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/johannes-voigtmann-returns-to-germany-joins-fc-bayern-basketball/). New coach [Gordie Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-tabs-world-champion-gordie-herbert-as-head-coach/) will hope for backcourt chemistry between new guards [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-bags-2023-euroleague-rising-star-yam-madar/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fc-bayern-basketball-signs-point-guard-shabazz-napier/), and leadership will still be provided by the hustle of [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/).

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Lucic vs. Deck

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (21:00 CEST)

After losing several key performers during the summer, Maccabi will hope that new stars will immediately be born with a visit from retooled ASVEL. [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/rokas-jokubaitis-seals-move-to-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-deal-2-year-deal-with-jordan-loyd/) provide an intriguing new backcourt combination with plenty of EuroLeague experience, but Maccabi cannot call upon another new signing, center [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-unveils-signing-of-wenyen-gabriel/), due to injury. After a tough couple of seasons, ASVEL will be desperate to enter the new campaign on a more optimistic note and coach Pierric Poupet can continue to put the team in the hands of backcourt stars [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) – who led the league in steals last season – and [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/). Centers [Tarik Black](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tarik-black-strengthens-asvels-frontline/) and [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-inks-big-man-neal-sako/) are among half a dozen new signings hoping to make ASVEL more competitive this time around.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Blatt vs.Lee

## Friday, October 4

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

Last season’s beaten semifinalists start the campaign with a bang as Fenerbahce confronts Olympiacos in Istanbul. It’s an immediate repeat of last season’s third-place game, narrowly edged by the Reds. Both teams boast exciting summer signings, headlined by Fenerbahce bringing giant [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/boban-marjanovic-returns-to-europe-with-fenerbahce-beko/) back to Europe after a decade away. [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-bonzie-colson-at-forward/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-signs-star-guard-wade-baldwin/) will aim to repeat the excellence they routinely displayed for Maccabi last season, and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-reunites-with-nicolo-melli/) will be eager to make a positive start to his second spell at Fenerbahce. For Olympiacos, there’s a very welcome return for former EuroLeague MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-seals-return-to-olympiacos-bc/) after just one year away, and an array of new backcourt stars including [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-adds-star-guard-evan-fournier-to-backcourt/) and [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-tyler-dorsey-reunite/) join a formidable roster.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Hayes-Davis vs. Vezenkov

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (21:00 CEST)

After falling in the first edition of the play-in tournament last season, Virtus is hungry for even more as it welcomes the always dangerous Efes. Luca Banchi’s team still has the backcourt experience of [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/), [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/), along with the inside presence of [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/). Joining them are exciting new signings [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/) and [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-unveils-roster-with-will-clyburn-among-new-six-faces/), who faces an instant reunion with his former Efes teammates. [Shane Larkin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/)is an injury doubt for the Turkish team, which still has plenty of talented guards with [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/), [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/). Coach Tomislav Mijatovic will also hope that new arrivals [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-picks-up-high-flying-center-vincent-poirier/) and [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rolands-smits-signs-for-anadolu-efes/) can give his team more power in the paint to prevail in this season opener.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Bryant

### Paris Basketball vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (21:00 CEST)

After a scintillating season of success in the EuroCup, Paris is more than ready for its EuroLeague debut with a visit from new-look Zvezda. The French club has retained last year’s star guard duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), while [new head coach Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-appointed-tiago-splitter-as-head-coach/) has also retained big men [Leon Kratzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/leon-kratzer/004512/) and [Bandja Sy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/bandja-sy/005793/). Joining them are fresh faces with EuroLeague experience like [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maodo-lo-heads-to-paris-basketball/), [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-picks-up-veteran-guard-yakuba-ouattara/) and [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-basketball-fortifies-frontline-with-kevarrius-hayes/). Zvezda coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has recruited several proven performers such as shooting star [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/isaiah-canaan-joins-kk-crvena-zvezda/), last season’s leading assists provider, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-lands-playmaker-codi-miller-mcintyre/), and the returning [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-reunites-with-nikola-kalinic/). Power in the paint comes from [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) and long-serving [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/), but [Milos Teodosic will miss the game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/round-34-disciplinary-sanctions/) through suspension.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | Round 1 Head-to-Head: Shorts vs. Miller-McIntyre

Some 130 days after Panathinaikos lifted the EuroLeague title in Berlin, the new season is ready to get underway

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-04T17:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (2024-10-03T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-03T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Barcelona (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-03T16:45:00.000Z)

Geoff Gillingham has recommended five players to select in Round 1 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Will you listen to his advice?

Fantasy tips, Round 1: Some under-the-radar picks to consider

The start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign means the beginning of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. In the absence of fantasy expert [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto), who will be doing these columns during the season, I am here to point you in the right direction.

It is always a difficult task recommending players for Round 1 as head coaches are still finalizing their lineups, but my job is to try to make some recommendations based on the previous season, as well as what to expect in the coming campaign.

### Jordan Nwora, Anadolu Efes Istanbul – 13.1 credits

A new name for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers, Jordan Nwora has what it takes to shock EuroLeague fans this year. Efes teammate Shane Larkin seems to agree, telling the YouTube channel Amerikanos24: "I'm very excited for him. He might be the best pure scorer that I've played with in Europe so far.” Nwora has been one of the leading lights of Efes’s preseason campaign and with the Turkish club set to play on the road at Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 1, I think he’s worth a shot.

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### Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball – 11.4 credits

For anyone who did not get a chance to watch Paris during its BKT EuroCup-winning campaign in 2023-24, I am sorry. Why? The backcourt duo of TJ Shorts and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) dominated on a night in, night out basis and were must-see TV. In Round 1, I expect Hifi to put on a show when Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade visits Adidas Arena. Paris’s version of Kyrie Irving, Hifi has what it takes to score at the EuroLeague level and become a thorn in the side of opposition defenses.

The best plays of Nadir Hifi as Paris Basketball went on to become the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup champion.

Hifi's top plays in 2023-24

### Sterling Brown, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade – 9.4 credits

A natural scorer, [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) should make an immediate impact in Round 1 at home to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Last year, he averaged 11.2 points per game for an ALBA Berlin side that struggled, but surrounded by a better roster at Partizan, the platform is there for the 29-year-old to become one of the team’s leading scorers, starting this week. At 9.4 credits, Brown feels like a solid choice to have in your fantasy team.

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### Jaron Blossomgame, AS Monaco – 8.5 credits

One of the most consistent performers in the EuroLeague, [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) will be tasked with doing it on both ends as Monaco welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan to the principality in Round 1. Particularly in the latter part of last season, Blossomgame improved his scoring average and, in turn, became a much more favorable player for those playing the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. For the price of 8.5 credits, he seems like a good player to have.

### Sertac Sanli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul – 6.3 credits

Sometimes, EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers will be scrambling around to see which cheap players they can find to fill their roster. Well, [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) could be an interesting option, especially after impressing with 11 points in each of his two games against Fenerbahce’s Round 1 opponent, Olympiacos Piraeus, last season. Importantly, him playing in Turn 2 should further increase his value to your team.

This week, Geoff Gillingham is in the hot seat to give his five fantasy players you should choose in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

Zalgiris Kaunas will be without Brady Manek for the next three weeks, with the forward set to miss the first four games of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Brady Manek out for three weeks with ankle injury

Zalgiris Kaunas confirmed on Sunday afternoon that forward [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brady-manek/012715/) will be out for the next three weeks, meaning he will be unavailable for the start of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Manek is entering his sophomore EuroLeague campaign, having averaged 7.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 28 games for Zalgiris last year.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zalgiris will miss Brady Manek for the next 3 weeks, as he suffered an ankle injury during practice. <a href="https://t.co/bt46hhR8l7">pic.twitter.com/bt46hhR8l7</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1840397126582386947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zalgiris has a tough start to the new EuroLeague campaign as it hosts FC Barcelona in Round 1 before travelling to Greece to take on Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 2. It will then stay in Italy for the first double-round week of the season as it faces Virtus Segafredo Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively.

If everything goes to plan, Manek should be back in time for Round 5 at home to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv on October 24.

More Zalgiris News

Brady Manek in action for Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

He will miss Zalgiris's first few games of the EuroLeague season

In his final ANGT appearance, Luka Doncic inspired U18 Real Madrid to the title and received the ANGT MVP award.

When Luka Doncic earned MVP honors in his final ANGT game

These days, [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) is known right around the world for leading Real Madrid to a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship and starring for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. But back in the 2014-15 season, European basketball fans got their first glimpse of Luka magic when he was playing for *Los Blancos* in the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament.

Doncic’s first ANGT appearance came at the U18 Hospitalet event at the age of 15 years, 10 months and seven days old, with the U18 Real Madrid forward finishing with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with 1 assist and 1 steal [in a dominant 38-69 win over U18 CB L’Hospitalet on January 4, 2015](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-cb-l-hospitalet-u18-real-madrid/JT14/17/#boxscore). The U18 Real squad went on to win that qualifying tournament, [beating archrival U18 FC Barcelona 87-55 in the final](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-real-madrid-u18-fc-barcelona/JT14/33/#boxscore), with Doncic scoring 17 points.

His ninth and final ANGT appearance came on the weekend of the 2015 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Madrid, Spain, as reigning champion U18 Real looked to defend its title. There was already plenty of noise around Doncic and he was certainly delivering the goods. Aged 16 years, two months and 19 days on the day of the ANGT final against U18 Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, Doncic played 34:41 minutes and recorded a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, in addition to dishing 5 assists, making 1 steal and blocking 1 shot. [U18 Real ended up coming out on top, 73-70](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-real-madrid-u18-crvena-zvezda-telekom-belgrade/JT14/78/#boxscore), meaning that Doncic secured the first major trophy of his fledgling career. He earned ANGT MVP honors, too.

Rare Luka Dončić game footage aged 16

The following season, 2015-16, Doncic would make his EuroLeague debut for Real’s senior side aged 16 years, seven months and 18 days old on the road at Khimki Moscow Region in Round 1. He played 12 games that season, including twice in the playoffs, before establishing himself as a key member in *Los Blancos*’ rotation in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns. His final EuroLeague season ended just like his ANGT career did – with the MVP award and championship trophy under his arm.

More Luka Doncic News

Luka Doncic (right) hugs Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (left) after helping the U18 Real Madrid team win the 2015 Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament championship.

He played nine games in Euroleague Basketball’s junior tournament

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC has fortified its frontline with the signing of Alpha Kaba on a six-week contract. 

Maccabi inks rebounding ace Alpha Kaba

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has fortified its frontline with the signing of [Alpha Kaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alpha-kaba/profile/007855/) on a six-week contract. 

Kaba (2.08 meters, 28 years old) is poised to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut after dominating the glass everywhere else he has played. The big man has led the Turkish and Chinese Leagues, as well as the BKT EuroCup, in rebounding. Last season he averaged 16.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks for the Jiangsu Dragons in China.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✒️ <a href="https://t.co/jyqzxqSpqO">pic.twitter.com/jyqzxqSpqO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1839677877601571224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kaba is a name that will be familiar with fans of the EuroCup, as he played in the competition for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2017-19), Nanterre (2020-21) and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2022-23).

Alpha Kaba of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica is the EuroCup's best rebounder at 11.3 boards per night.

2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup highlights: Alpha Kaba, Buducnost

The French-Guinean center is a product of the Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez youth system and has played professionally for ASVEL, Boulazac and Nanterre in France, Mega Leks in Serbia, Gaziantep in Turkiye, Buducnost in Montenegro, and Valencia Basket in Spain. 

His trophy case includes winning national championships in France and Montenegro and cups in Serbia and Montenegro.

More Maccabi News

New Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv center Alpha Kaba in action for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

The short-term deal comes after Wenyen Gabriel suffered a knee injury

Paris Basketball was only founded in 2018, yet it now finds itself preparing to play in the EuroLeague for the first time. Follow the club's journey in ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’, a Euroleague Basketball Originals documentary series.

Watch the journey of Paris Basketball in ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’

Paris Basketball was founded just six years ago and has only spent three seasons in the French top flight, yet it now finds itself preparing for its first campaign among Europe’s elite – in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The journey has been stratospheric, and ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’, a documentary series by Euroleague Basketball Originals, takes viewers behind the curtain as Paris prepares for its debut EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague fans have already been able to watch [episode one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW8WDmbzqYA) and [episode two](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8R8THwlzhE) on YouTube, with the remaining three episodes set to be released on September 27 (21:00 CEST), October 6 (21:00 CEST), and October 13 (21:00 CEST). The entire series, which provides unprecedented access to all areas of Paris Basketball, will be available to stream via [the EuroLeague’s official YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague).

New Era, New Heights: Paris Basketball's Quest for EuroLeague Glory | Episode 3

The first episode features some of last season’s protagonists, namely [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/), [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) and [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyson-ward/012610/), explaining what it meant to be crowned the 2023-24 EuroCup champion, as well as footage from some of the key moments during their run to the title.

David Kahn and Eric Schwartz, Paris’s owners, are the stars of the second episode, before the club’s history and the current landscape of French basketball takes center stage in the third episode.

As the EuroLeague season nears ever closer, the preparations Paris is undertaking is focused on in the fourth episode, then the fifth and final episode closely looks at how [new head coach Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-appointed-tiago-splitter-as-head-coach/) is getting his troops ready for what awaits in the EuroLeague.

‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’ by Euroleague Basketball Originals is the perfect series for any basketball fan to watch, wetting the appetite for what should be a thrilling 2024-25 season.

The Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament, featuring Panathinaikos BC, Anadolu Efes SK, KK Partizan and Maccabi Tel Aviv BC, saw 42,000 fans embark upon the legendary Panathenaic Stadium for an incredible preseason tournament.

A night to remember: 42,000 in attendance for a preseason tournament in Athens

Last weekend saw one of the most impressive events in the recent history of European basketball.

On Saturday, September 21, a preseason tournament organized by [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/?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%22pan%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Panathinaikos%20AKTOR%20Athens) – named the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament – was held at the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was first constructed around the year 330 BC. Alongside the Greens, fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague clubs [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/?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%22par%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Partizan%20Mozzart%20Bet%20Belgrade), [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/anadolu-efes-istanbul/?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%22ist%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Anadolu%20Efes%20Istanbul) and [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/?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%22tel%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Maccabi%20Playtika%20Tel%20Aviv) also featured.

Some 42,000 fans embarked upon Athens' most famous arena for a fun-filled day of basketball. Even the players themselves were in shock at the beauty of the Panathenaic Stadium and the fact that they could play in front of an audience like this – and even more so in an outdoor setting.

Basketball like never before at Panathenaic Stadium | EuroLeague Preseason Show

Efes and Maccabi were the first to get a taste of the atmosphere, with everyone being ever so quick to get out their mobile phones and record footage of what they were seeing. They knew that this is something they may not get to experience again. Efes went on to win the game 89-66, with [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) netting a game-high 16 points. [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) and [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) had 14 points apiece for Efes, while [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) was Maccabi's leading scorer with 14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best tunnel <a href="https://twitter.com/shanelarkin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shanelarkin</a> has ever seen? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnderTheStars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnderTheStars</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnadoluEfesSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/QHKGCvIr2z">pic.twitter.com/QHKGCvIr2z</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1837515614526587042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later that night, it was the turn of the home team Panathinaikos to take center stage. The reigning EuroLeague champion received a warm reception from the crowd as the players and coaches made their way onto the court, as did former Greens boss Zeljko Obradovic, who won five EuroLeague titles while at OAKA and now coaches Partizan. Although [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) scored 16 points, more than anyone else, Partizan grabbed a 64-75 victory on the back of 13 points by Duane Washington and 12 by [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An UNBELIEVABLE pre-season tournament in Athens 🇬🇷 <a href="https://t.co/oNEuJuM8IO">pic.twitter.com/oNEuJuM8IO</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1837584569899372811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the impressive performances on the court, the real stars of the show were the fans. [Partizan hosted a stunning outdoor event](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-gifts-fans-a-preseason-night-to-remember/) during preseason last year, but as several players were insisting after the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament, hopefully this will not be the last time we see something like this.

Panathinaikos hosted fellow EuroLeague teams Partizan, Efes and Maccabi at the Panathenaic Stadium

Istanbul is certainly a unique place, particularly when it comes to basketball. In ‘Rivalries: Istanbul’, the first episode of a new documentary series by Euroleague Basketball that looks at some of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s fiercest rivalries, the derby between the Europe-facing Anadolu Efes Istanbul and the Asian-facing Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul takes center stage. Discover what makes this rivalry so distinctive, both on and off the court, in ‘Rivalries: Istanbul’, now available on EuroLeague TV.

Delve into the Efes-Fenerbahce derby with ‘Rivalries: Istanbul’

Istanbul is certainly a unique place, particularly when it comes to basketball. In ‘Rivalries: Istanbul’, the first episode of a new documentary series by Euroleague Basketball that looks at some of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s fiercest rivalries, the derby between the Europe-facing [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) and the Asian-facing [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) takes center stage. Discover what makes this rivalry so distinctive, both on and off the court, in ‘Rivalries: Istanbul’, [now available on EuroLeague TV](https://www.euroleague.tv/video/689069?playlistId=26933).

The episode begins with Doğancan Işik, a tour guide in Istanbul, explaining some of the key historical landmarks of Türkiye’s largest city and cultural differences in Istanbul. Then, other individuals, such as music artist Kerem Sedef, an Efes fan, and several basketball enthusiasts provide a sense of the local basketball culture in the city.

From there, we go back in time to reflect on Fenerbahçe’s 2017 title-winning season and hear from three of the star players from that team: [Bogdan Bogdanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bogdan-bogdanovic/002821/), [Ekpe Udoh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ekpe-udoh/006503/) and [Luigi Datome](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luigi-datome/ccd/). Fenerbahçe made history that year by becoming the first Turkish team to win the EuroLeague. Three years later, in 2020, Efes would end up winning a championship of its own – and then again in 2021, making it the third team to go back-to-back this century. Star player [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) and team captain [Dogus Balbay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dogus-balbay/003521/) both attempt to explain just how Efes managed to get over the line in successive years.

As the episode delves back in to the sights of Istanbul, specifically the Grand Bazaar, Fenerbahçe team captain [Melih Mahmutoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/melih-mahmutoglu/002969/) and ex-players Bogdanovic and Udoh state their favorite things about the city, as do former Efes forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) and current guard Larkin. Sports journalist Deniz Aksoy also stresses how Istanbul is a hotbed for basketball with so many teams in the city before we get to relive the first Istanbul derby from last season, which came in Round 17.

Watch 'Rivalries: Istanbul' for free on YouTube

Efes hosted Fenerbahçe on that occasion, but it was the visitors who came out on top. Efes duo Larkin and [Mike Daum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-daum/012786/) comment on the incredible noise that the Istanbul derby provides, while Fenerbahçe head coach Saras Jasikevicius and center [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) were more than happy to play the role of party pooper as their team came away with the win.

One week before Fenerbahçe and Efes met at Ulker Sports and Events Hall in Round 33, the penultimate round of the regular season, Fenerbahçe’s [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) made EuroLeague history by scoring a record-breaking 50 points against ALBA Berlin, leading him to earn the nickname of “Fifty”. He took that record from a man who plays across town, as Larkin had 49 points for Efes in a game against FC Bayern Munich in November 2019.

With Fenerbahçe having already secured a playoff spot and Efes chasing a spot in the brand-new Play-In Showdown, Tomislav Mijatovic’s men secured an important victory. That win means the record between Efes and Fenerbahçe this century is 8-14, and we get to hear from several protagonists from that Round 33 triumph, including Larkin, [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/), [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) and [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/).

The Istanbul derby is not one to be missed and you can see why. Future episodes of ‘Rivalries’ will focus on El Clásico in Spain, the Eternal Derby in Serbia, the Derby of the Eternal Enemies in Greece, and the Derby d’Italia in Italy.

The 'Rivalries' documentary series

The first episode of Euroleague Basketball Originals’ latest documentary series is out now

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-10-10T17:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-03T17:45:00.000Z)