The EuroLeague's October MVP, Tornike Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, sat down with EuroLeague.net to talk about his and his team's accomplishment last month.

Tornike Shengelia, Virtus, October MVP: 'Keep the engine going'

[Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) led Virtus Segafredo Bologna to a 4-1 start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, averaging 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a PIR of 23.6. That allowed him [to be chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for October](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mvp-of-october-tornike-shengelia-virtus-segafredo-bologna/). We traveled to Bologna, Italy to interview Shengelia at Palestra Porelli, Virtus's practice facility, and talked not just about his achievements on the court, but also off the court.

Shengelia gave a lot of credit to his teammates for putting him in the situation to play well. "It looks like it is a personal award, but if my team didn't succeed as well as we did, we wouldn't be sitting here. And all the credit should go to my team and my coaches, putting all this trust in me and the confidence in me," Shengelia said. "But without them, I couldn't have done it."

Virtus did not have an easy start of the season. It had a coaching change on September 15, bringing Luca Banchi in. It lost its first EuroLeague game at home against Zalgiris Kaunas, which rallied from a double-digit deficit. Things got even worse when Achille Polonara had to undergo surgery due to a testicular tumor. Shengelia told us how the team regrouped in that tough moment.

"It was common sense to go out there and win the games for him. You know, he's going through some stuff, but like I said, we are a team and we are going through it together. And some guys, we had to step up even more physically and mentally for the games," he said, before talking about Coach Banchi. "He brought a great positivity. He makes us believe again in ourselves. And overall, I want to say that even for me, that personally I wouldn't be sitting here having this interview without him."

In 2022, Shengelia obtained ISDE's Global Master in Sports Management course. He was the first EuroLeague players to graduate from the program. Shengelia told us how hard it was to work on it while playing professional basketball. "It was a great experience. It was something different from outside of the sports," Shengelia said. "I had many, many times that I wanted to drop out because it was very difficult. But at the end of the day, I'm very happy that I kept going."

Shengelia has expressed interest in owning and managing a EuroLeague or EuroCup team in his native Georgia. 

"Yes, that's my dream," he said, before explaining what he has in mind. "Unfortunately, in the past, if you had the talent and then if you don't get out from our country and go somewhere else at the age of 15, 16, 17, then your talent would die, basically. And there was no bright future for you. That's what I want to change, and I want to give the guys opportunity to pursue their careers and have a team there in Georgia which will compete at a higher levels of basketball in Europe."

About his great moment on the court, Shengelia believes that being focused and mentally ready made the difference and led him to play so well.

"I'm happy because I'm getting a lot of confidence from \[the\] coaching side, from my teammates," Shengelia said. "When I'm at my best mentally, that's when I play the best, with freedom and with confidence."

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season to get your Fantasy Challenge teams up to date.

Latest EuroLeague injury news

Follow here all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season as reported by the clubs and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

[Yanni Wetzell will be out until mid-November with an ankle injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/albas-yanni-wetzell-out-six-weeks/)

Elias Rapieque suffered a broken hand and will be out until a least November.

Marcus Eriksson is out indefinitely with plantar tendonitis.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Erkan Yilmaz is questionable for Round 6 at Virtus.

Salih Altuntas, Efe Demirel, Melih Tunca and Burakcan Yildizli are not active in Round 6.

**AS Monaco**

[Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/monaco-loyd-2-3-months-out/), who has been out following a mid-August back surgery, is set to make his season debut against Milan in Round 6.

Kemba Walker is listed as questionable for Round 6.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Nikos Rogkavopoulos, expected to miss several weeks with a right calf injury, won't plan in Round 6 vs. Partizan.

Khalifa Diop missed the last two games with back problems.

Chima Moneke, after missing Round 5 with a hip injury, played limited minutes in a domestic game.

Nico Mannion did not appear in that domestic game over the weekend.

Dani Diez has been out with a soleus injury in his right leg.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Nemanja Nedovic, who missed Round 5 with a leg injury, will be a game-time decision for Round 6 vs. Bayern.

Adam Hanga, who has a knee injury, will also be a game-time decision in Round 6.

Branko Lazic won't play in Round 6 due to a broken rib.

Nemanja Bjelica (leg) has not played yet this season.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

[Billy Baron will be out until mid-December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/billy-baron-olimpia-milano-elbow-surgery/) following elbow surgery.

**FC Barcelona**

Nico Laprovittola is doubtful to feature in Round 6 vs. Panathinaikos due to a muscle injury.

Michael Caicedo is sidelined indefinitely with a broken right foot.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Vladimir Lucic has yet to play this season but is practicing individually. His availability for Round 6 is uncertain.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Yam Madar is set to return to action in Round 6 vs. Olympiacos.

Metecan Birsen remains inactive for Round 6 due to injury.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

Noam Yaacov will miss the Round 6 game at Zalgiris with a foot injury.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

[Wade Baldwin is out indefinitely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabis-baldwin-out-for-opening-night/) with a back injury.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

[Luke Sikma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) will be out for Round 6 vs. Efes with a leg injury.

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable/) is also unavailable for Round 6 due to a leg injury.

Panagiotis Tsamis is out until mid-November with an injury.

Veniami Abosi is inactive for Round 6.

**Panathinaikos Athens**

Kostas Sloukas, ill with gastroenteritis, did not travel to play at Barcelona in Round 6.

Luca Vildoza, nursing an ankle injury, is doubtful for Round 6.

[Ioannis Papapetrou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-papapetrou-out-two-more-months/), out since Round 2, is expected to miss two more months with a knee injury.

Panathinaikos singed Kendrick Nunn but he has yet to join the team.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Mateusz Ponitka, who hasn't played since Round 2 due to a shoulder injury, will miss Round 7 at Baskonia.

[Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/partizans-kevin-punter-out-at-least-two-weeks/) will miss Round 7, as well, due to leg injuries.

**Real Madrid**

Carlos Alocen is sidelined indefinitely with an injury.

**Valencia Basket**

Xabi Lopez-Arostegui returned to action in the domestic league and is expected to play in Round 6 vs. ALBA.

[Martin Hermannsson underwent knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencias-martin-hermannsson-is-recovering-after-knee-surgery/) and is due out until December.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

[Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtuss-polonara-to-undergo-surgery/) is out indefinitely after undergoing testicular surgery.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

Danielius Lavrinovicius won't play in Round 6 vs. ASVEL due to an ankle injury.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague injury report for the 2023-24 season.

Check out all the injuries and absences expected in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before the Fantasy Challenge deadline.

FC Bayern Munich v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-10-27T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-10-27T18:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2023-10-27T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Valencia Basket (2023-10-27T17:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2023-10-26T18:45:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-10-26T16:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-10-26T18:00:00.000Z)

The arrival of Bayern Munich to the Serbian capital to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade will mean another matchup between big men Joel Bolomboy and Devin Booker. Thursday's clash will be the seventh time these two players go head-to-head since the 2019-20 season.



Bolomboy, Booker clash for a fifth straight season

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and FC Bayern Munich entered this season with big ambitions, but the two teams have combined for only one win in the last four rounds. While both  have struggled to register victories, each has been able to get a steady contribution from their veteran big men.

Joel Bolomboy is one of four Zvezda players scoring in double figures, with 10.2 points per game. He's converting 77.8% of his two-point attempts, often with powerful dunks. He also pulls down 3.8 rebounds and has 1.2 assists for Zvezda's second-best average PIR so far, 14.2.

Meanwhile, Devin Booker has been Bayern's leader in minutes played (25:15 per game), starting in all five games. He averages 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists, posting an average PIR of 10.6.

Head-to-head: Joel Bolomboy vs Devin Booker

### Booker and Bolomboy's previous meetings

Thursday will mark the seventh time that these two players go against one another in the EuroLeague. In their six previous head-to-head games, all in the regular season, Bolomboy and his teams have 5-1 records when Booker is on the other side. They played at least one game in each of the past four seasons

Both players made their competition debuts in the 2018-19, but crossed paths for the first time in the EuroLeague only a season later, when Booker was with Khimki Moscow Region and Bolomboy with CSKA Moscow. In that first game, Booker shined with 18 points. In the second, he collected 6 points and 10 rebounds, but Bolomboy took both victories despite totaling just 6 points and 7 rebounds in those two clashes..

Bolomboy got the better of Booker in their lone meeting in 2020-21, scoring 10 points in another CSKA win over Khimki. A year later, Booker helped Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to a win in Moscow, and his only victory against Bolomboy, collecting 13 points, 5 rebounds and a career-high 5 assists. Bolomboy has 6 points and 7 rebounds.

These two centers also met last year, with Bolomboy and Olympiacos Piraeus sweeping two games against Fenerbahce. He averaged 5.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in those wins, while Booker had 8.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.

In all six games between them, Booker averaged 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists, making 63.0% of two-point shots. Meanwhile, Bolomboy managed 5.2 points and 4.0 rebounds, making 14 of 17 two-point shots in games when Booker was on the opposite side.

Bolomboy will hope to improve on those numbers, but more importantly, continue the high-level performances he has displayed so far this season to end Zvezda's four-game losing streak with another win against Booker. On the other hand, in his team-leading role, Booker would certainly love to change his fortunes against Bolomboy on Thursday night.

Bayern's arrival to the Serbian capital to face Crvena Zvezda will mean another matchup between big men Joel Bolomboy and Devin Booker.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2023-11-02T17:30:00.000Z)

John Brown of AS Monaco Basket sits down with Euroleague.net for an interview, in which he discusses the EuroLeague Best Defender Trophy, focusing on defense, and his past as a scorer.

John Brown, AS Monaco Basket: 'I'm the best defender in the EuroLeague'

Great teams always seem to have some glue guys. Blue-collar types who will do whatever is needed to help the team win. For AS Monaco, [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-brown/010588/) fits the bill.

The 31-year-old is acclaimed as one of the best defensive players in the competition. At 2.03 meters, he is a natural power forward who can also play as a small '5'. Even so, his impact on the game is rarely seen through the stats normally ascribed to big men, such as rebounds and blocks. Brown makes his impact by stopping other scorers and creating steals.

### Finding a way to get onto the court

Growing up, of course, the goal was not to become an elite defender, though Brown was always one of the best defensive players on his teams, going all the way back to high school. In those days, he was a dangerous scorer, too. That pattern continued through college and into his first few stops in Europe. 

"When I went to UNICS \[Kazan in 2020\], we had a lot of scorers. And I came back the second year, we had more scorers. So, you know, you got to do something to get on the floor. So that's what I had to do," Brown said of his time with the Russian club, when he decided to put more of a focus on the defensive end of the floor.

"I was upset I wasn't getting as many shots up,” he recalled. “And I'm just like, ‘Okay, JB, you're on a good team. If I just can focus on one thing, like what? Like would I win a championship?’"

The answer was yes. By focusing on defense, Brown set a EuroLeague record for steals in a season when he averaged 2.8 per night for UNICS in 2021-22. Then he joined Monaco, where last season he won the French League and reached the EuroLeague Final Four.

"A lot of young guys really need to understand that, yes, I was a scorer. In my past, I was a scorer in my first four years professionally. But, you know, things change," he said.

It wasn't easy to give up his dream of scoring more. But discussions with friends and former teammates, including Jamon Gordon, Jamar Smith, Adrian Banks and Kevin Martin, helped Brown come to peace with the notion.

"I know I can contribute more offensively. But sometimes less is more. And I just really had to understand that," Brown explained. "When you're on a good team, you're not going to have to do everything. So now I just focus on defense."

### Earning respect on defense

That mental switch has also led Brown to aspire to be recognized for his defensive excellence. Last season he placed third in the voting for the EuroLeague Best Defender Trophy, but Brown wants more.

"I haven't won a Defensive Player of the Year \[trophy\] and I feel like I'm one, if not the, best defender \[in the EuroLeague\]," he commented. "I'll get that respect once I win the Defensive Player of the Year award. So that's when I will feel like, ‘Okay, now I'm here.’"

Brown said he believes that we all have what it takes to be good defensive players because the main ingredient is effort: "Either you want to be \[a great defender\] or you don't want to be…

"You can teach positioning on defense. You can say, ‘Okay, if the ball's here, you need to be here.’ But all the extra stuff, talking, you know, communicating with your teammates, trying to see what patterns they're running in the plays just in case you can get an easy steal here… Effort is probably 90% of it."

John Brown, AS Monaco: 'I feel like I'm the best defender in the EuroLeague'

### Earning adulation, despite his unseen stats

Brown is sometimes frustrated that his contributions might get overlooked by others because they don't always show up in the box score.

"You know, I wish \[they recorded\] charges, some of the stats deflections, just setting your teammate up for a charge, you know,” Brown laments. “It's a lot of things that's not on paper that people – some, I'm not saying all – some people look at. Some people understand and some people are just like, ‘Okay, if his stats doesn't show he's doing something on the floor, like, okay, he's not doing anything.’"

What is most important for Brown is that he feels the love of his teammates and coaches for all he does on the floor. And he does.

"I do that, I get turnovers, you know? Even a deflection off the leg. We get the ball, we get another possession, you know? We’ve got amazing scorers on our team. That just makes it even better. Now you’ve got to come and guard these guys. Good luck!"

And it is that attitude that has not only made John Brown one of the most dangerous defenders in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, but has also made AS Monaco a EuroLeague contender.

The American forward, now in his second year with Monaco, has been a key reason behind the team’s recent success in the competition.

After losing at home against Maccabi on Tuesday despite 22 points and 8 assists from Shavon Shields, Milan (1-4) will be quickly back in action with another home game as Monaco (3-2) visits on Thursday. 

Pre-game quotes: Milan vs. Monaco

Elie Okobo was one of six double-digits scorers in Monaco's spectacular victory over Maccabi last week, posting his best game of the season with 17 points and 6 assists without a turnover. If he can maintain that form alongside the always electric Mike James, who will be returning to face his former club, the men from the principality will be confident of extending their impressive three-game winning streak. Milan will be desperate to avoid repeating last season's poor start (3-10) which ultimately scuppered realistic playoffs ambitions, and needs to improve on the 18 turnovers committed against Maccabi to get back on track.

### Ettore Messina, Milan head coach

"We are coming off three mediocre games in a row, including the Italian League one, so we need to earn our fans' trust back by playing with courage, determination, team spirit, traits that have been historically part of this club's DNA and this particular team has to promptly recapture."

### Sasa Obradovic, Monaco head coach

"Milan is a team with great potential, who suffered quite a few injuries at the start of the season and are looking for the best chemistry. They've played some big games but are looking for confidence, so I'm expecting a big response from them. As for us, we're growing with every match and every training session, and we have to do everything we can to go to the next level. Jordan Loyd is supposed to be a key player in our system, but he's also an example to us all. Nikola Mirotic and recent world champion Johannes Voigtmann, in particular, are performing very well at the moment. Milan has a lot of experience, players who know how to turn a match around. With a top-class coach, of course. We can't afford to think we're up against a weakened team. We'll have to be very focused."

### Jordan Loyd, Monaco guard

"I'm very happy to be back on the court, and I'd like to thank the staff and the club for supporting me... It's a unique feeling to play again. Basketball is my life with my family. I've still got a lot of work to do, but I'm ready. I couldn't wait any longer anyway! We've got big ambitions this season, but we're working hard to grow step by step. The chemistry is taking shape and the team is moving forward, which is very positive. The fact that there's only one ball for all of us? We showed that last season, it went really well, and it will be the same this season. We love the game, we want to win, and there's a great atmosphere in the group."

### Mam Jaiteh, Monaco center

"We're taking Milan very seriously, and the context makes this team even more dangerous. We'll have to set the bar high. We have to stop them getting comfortable, and try to play our fast game. What about me personally? I'm still fighting to find my best rhythm and help my team as much as possible. We're a group with a lot of talent, and you have to give credit to the coach for managing to create a great alchemy, even though everyone wants more playing time."

Game Videos

Game News

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2023-11-02T19:30:00.000Z)

After suffering a heartbreaking loss in last week's Belgrade derby, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (1-4) will look to respond against an FC Bayern Munich (2-3) team which is also hurting after consecutive losses.

Pre-game quotes: Zvezda vs. Bayern

Zvezda, playing its first home game under new coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos, is starting to find leadership from its new backcourt pairing of Shabazz Napier and Yago Dos Santos, who combined for 25 points and 9 assists in the derby. Bayern is the league leader in rebounding with 40.4 per game, led by 7.5 from Serge Ibaka, but must start to find better outside looks after converting a competition-worst 24.2% of three-point attempts so far. Andreas Obst, in particular, would love to start firing after making just 8 of his 28 long-range attempts so far.

### Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda head coach

"We have to have energy from the first until the last minute of the game. Now we shift our attention and our focus completely on the next opponent, on Bayern. Now it is more important to be more consistent and to improve our defensive game. I don't want us to allow so many easy points, and as far as our offense is concerned, it's important to have a team game."

### Marko Simonovic, Zvezda center

"The coach told us to forget previous matches and that our season is just starting. I hope for a win and a good atmosphere in the stands. We didn't start as we wanted, for sure there is pressure, but now we are playing in front of our fans. The right time to show a reaction and play a good game."

### Pablo Laso, Bayern head coach

"Crvena Zvezda has always been a classic team in the EuroLeague for me. They play at home in a fantastic atmosphere and are very aggressive. They've recently changed their coach, which always provides a boost because players want to prove themselves anew. Ioannis has probably made some changes. He has outstanding players at every position, such as Teodosic, Napier, Hanga, Davidovac, Bolomboy and Tobey. We know how tough it is to play in Belgrade and that we need to reach our top level to bring the victory back to Munich."

### Sylvain Francisco, Bayern guard

"The fans there are very loud, and playing in front of such a large crowd is big and exciting for me. They are currently in a tough position and want to get out of it quickly. We need to be ready and stay close to them in the first 10 minutes. Defense, rebounds, and minimizing mistakes will be the key."

### Andreas Obst, Bayern guard

"The atmosphere in Belgrade is always unique, so we need to defend very well, especially since they have many players who can make the difference. It's going to be tough there, but these are the exact kind of games that define the EuroLeague."

Pre-game quotes: Crvena Zvezda vs. Bayern

After going to five games in last season's playoffs, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Olympiacos Piraeus hold their first re-encounter of the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season in Round 6 on Thursday.

Fenerbahce vs. Olympiacos: Many crossed paths

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul hosts Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/50/) in Round 6 in a game with multiple storylines.

Mainly, this is the first time Fenerbahce and Olympiacos meet in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague since last season's playoffs. In an exciting series, both teams won at home and on the road to force [a do-or-die Game 5](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/olympiacos-piraeus-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2022/323/) in which Olympiacos prevailed, 84-72. [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) buried a game-winning three-pointer in Game 3 that gave Olympiacos [a 71-72 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-olympiacos-piraeus/E2022/315/), regaining the home-court advantage in the series, and had 22 points in Game 5. Sloukas, who has played for both Fenerbahce and Olympiacos, is now with the Reds' archrivals Panathinaikos Athens.

### 2017 finalists meet again

Olympiacos has a 16-15 winning record against Fenerbahce since the EuroLeague started with the new millennium. Fenerbahce claimed the biggest victory in the series, conquering its only continental title by topping Olympiacos [80-64 in the EuroLeague Championship Game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2016-17/fenerbahce-ulker-olympiacos-piraeus/E2016/263/) in Istanbul. It was the first-ever EuroLeague title for a Turkish team and Fenerbahce's only continental crown to this date.

Lookback: 2017 Championship Game, Fenerbahce-Olympiacos

Team captain [Melih Mahmutoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/melih-mahmutoglu/002969/) is the only current Fenerbahce player who was also there in 2017. In fact, he had the honor to lift the trophy. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) and [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) were then and now with the Reds, too.

This game is also a chance to see arguably the two most successful Greek coaches of the 21st century go face to face. Georgios Bartzokas and Dimitris Itoudis are the only coaches from their country ever win the EuroLeague. Bartzokas did it with Olympiacos in 2013 and Itoudis won two titles as head coach with CSKA Moscow in 2016 and 2019, as well as five as an assistant with Panathinaikos between 2000 and 2012.

### Dorsey faces his former team

There are more crossed paths, of course. Fenerbahce sharp shooter [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) played for Olympiacos in the past. In his first season with the Reds, Dorsey started in all 38 games he took part of, averaging 12.8 points and helping Olympiacos make it to the Final Four, losing there against Fenerbahce's rivals Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Tyler Dorsey is one of 11 players to wear both teams' jerseys.

Fenerbahce's Tyler Dorsey plays against former team Olympiacos

Dorsey is one of 11 players who have worn the jerseys of both teams this century. Two of them, Sloukas and [Pero Antic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/pero-antic/bae/), won EuroLeague titles with both Olympiacos and Fenerbahce. The list also includes three players who reach the Final Four with one of these teams: [Lynn Greer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lynn-greer/crr/) (Olympiacos 2009), [Erick Green](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/erick-green/005159/) (Fenerbahce 2019) and [Linas Kleiza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/linas-kleiza/001925/) (Olympiacos 2010).

Fenerbahce arrives to Thursday's showdown on a three-game winning streak. Olympiacos has won its last two games and will look for its second road victory of the EuroLeague season, after beating Panathinaikos [78-88](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-athens-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/7/) in overtime in the season opener. Both coaches know each other well and last season's fantastic playoffs series only made this sports rivalry even better.

After going to five games in last season's playoffs, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos hold their first re-encounter of the new season on Thursday.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-11-02T17:45:00.000Z)

A heavyweight battle between title candidates will see Fenerbahce (4-1) attempt to extend its three-game winning run with a visit from reignited Olympiacos (3-2), which has won two in a row. 

 Pre-game quotes: Fenerbahce vs. Olympiacos 

The Reds got back to basics with a smothering defense to defeat Efes 75-57 last week, and the endlessly energetic Kostas Papanikolaou will try to have the same effect against in-form Scottie Wilbekin, who has scored 18 and 17 points in the last two games. In the paint, there's a battle of giants as Nikola Milutinov (12.4 ppg., 5.4 rpg.) goes up against a familiar foe in former Panathinaikos man Georgios Papagiannis (9.6 ppg., 2.8 rpg.), who is gradually settling in his new home.

### Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce head coach

"Olympiacos's team has been built for the Final Four. They have tons of experience. They play good basketball. They have size, shooting, creation, and they always go for offensive boards. We need to match all these in order to be competitive. We have to be competitive from the beginning."

### George Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach

"We are going to play against a talented and high-quality team. They have an exceptional record in the EuroLeague, so we must play brilliantly if we want to beat them. We definitely need to perform better than we did against Panathinaikos in the Greek League. It's always hard to play there, the atmosphere is always intense. In the end, it's about basketball, so if you play well, you'll win."

### Nate Sestina, Fenerbahce player: 

"It is going to be a big game against Olympiacos on Thursday. We have to be focused for 40 minutes. We need to follow the game plan, what the coaching staff needs from us. I also want to call our fans to be here with us and be loud. With their support behind us, we want to get the win against a very good team."

### Alec Peters, Olympiacos player

"Fenerbahçe played us hard last year and we expect nothing less now. It will be a tough game in a great atmosphere, and we will have to try to play better than our last game in the Greek League. There are many reasons for the lack of productivity on offense, but we have no excuse. We haven't found a rhythm yet. We've had some good moments and great games, but also some bad moments. This is part of a new season, some guys are back and I think we will slowly start to find a rhythm. We will then be able to show what we can do, because I believe we have shown it, and if we start doing it consistently all these questions will disappear."

Pre-game quotes: Fenerbahce vs. Olympiacos

KK Crvena zvezda welcomes FC Bayern Munich to Stark Arena in Round 6 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season, with this game pitting Ioannis Sfairopoulos and Pablo Laso up against one another on the sidelines.

Sfairopoulos, Laso meet again as Crvena zvezda hosts Bayern

Ioannis Sfairopoulos and Pablo Laso, two of the most esteemed coaches in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, are now overseeing two new projects. As such, when Sfairopoulos’s Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (1-4) welcomes Laso’s FC Bayern Munich (2-3) to Stark Arena this Thursday evening (18:30 CET), it will be a good litmus test to judge where the two teams stand.

In the case of Laso, he took charge of Bayern over the summer and has been tasked with trying to turn the German side into one of the EuroLeague’s powerhouse clubs. [Sfairopoulos, meanwhile, was parachuted in at Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-brings-ioannis-sfairopoulos-back-to-the-euroleague/) following a 1-3 start under now departed head coach [Dusko Ivanovic, who has since landed at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/dusko-ivanovic-returns-for-a-fourth-stint-at-baskonia/).

### Sfairopoulos’s first game as Zvezda head coach

In Round 5, Sfairopoulos came ever so close to making the perfect start to his reign as Zvezda boss. Despite falling behind 17-2 to archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade with 3:14 to go in the first quarter, the team responded brilliantly and went into halftime with the score tied at 42-42. Down the final stretch, however, Partizan’s Aleksa Avramovic and Zach LeDay made sure that it was their squad that [grabbed an 88-86 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-partizan-vs-kk-crvena-zvezda/).

Partizan-Zvezda | Round 5 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Nevertheless, there were plenty of positive signs for Sfairopoulos’s Zvezda. On a night when eight players scored 7 points or more, one of the main highlights was the play of Yago dos Santos, who had 11 points and 5 assists. Under Coach Ivanovic, he managed just 4:09 of action, which came in a defeat to Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 4. Comparatively, Coach Sfairopoulos gave Yago just under 21 minutes of game time in the derby.

Looking ahead to Thursday's game, we should get a further glimpse of not only the sort of role that Dos Santos will enjoy, but also how fellow new signings Shabazz Napier, Milos Teodosic, Adam Hanga, Rokas Giedraitis and Joel Bolomboy are adapting to Sfairopoulos’s methods. Zvezda may have lost four straight games in the EuroLeague, but crucially it will be keen to get back on the right track after back-to-back losses to Partizan, having also lost to its archrival in the ABA League, 98-87, on Monday night.

### Bayern looking to right the ship

Bayern, meanwhile, is looking to end its two-game losing streak in the EuroLeague after [falling 98-59 at FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/live-blog-fc-barcelona-basket-vs-fc-bayern-munich-basketball/) and [67-76 against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fc-bayern-munich-vs-fenerbahce-basketball/) in Rounds 4 and 5, respectively. Laso’s squad may be topping the standings in the German League, but it has had a stop-start beginning to the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

FC Bayern Munich-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 5 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Particularly on offense, Bayern is averaging a league-worst 70.6 points per game, which has been a big part of its problem. Last time out against Fenerbahce, only guard Sylvain Francisco reached double digits in points, while center Serge Ibaka was the only player to do so against Barca. Therefore, it will be important that Carsen Edwards, Leandro Bolmaro and others start to step it up offensively, starting on the road at Zvezda.

### The history between Sfairopoulos, Laso

If we go back over eight years ago to the 2015 EuroLeague Final Four in Madrid, Spain, Sfairopoulos had led Olympiacos Piraeus to the championship game in his first season as a EuroLeague head coach. In European basketball’s deciding game, Laso’s Real Madrid was the opponent. The result? A 78-59 win for Los Blancos in the first-ever battle between Sfairopoulos and Laso on the EuroLeague sidelines.

Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos: 2015 Championship Game: 

Since then, they have come up against one another 12 more times, but it is Laso and his Real side that dominated matchups against Sfairopoulos’s Olympiacos (2014-18) and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2018-22), with the Spanish coach having a 9-4 record against his Greek counterpart.

This Thursday night, Sfairopoulos and his new Zvezda squad have the chance to build on the club’s 5-4 all-time record against Bayern in a game that could go either way. Zvezda will be able to lean on its passionate support inside Stark Arena, so will that make the difference? We’ll have to tune in to find out!

Ioannis Sfairopoulos and Pablo Laso during the pre-game press conference before the 2015 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game between Olympiacos Piraeus and Real Madrid.

The two head coaches faced off in the 2015 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game.

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Sfairopoulos, Laso meet again as Zvezda hosts Bayern