The latest EuroLeague team to get their training camp underway is Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, which had its first training session of preseason on Friday, August 25. Unlike many of the other squads in the EuroLeague, Maccabi does not have any players competing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, meaning that head coach Oded Kattash has all of his players available, injuries permitting.

Maccabi Tel Aviv begins training camp at full strength

The latest Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team to get their training camp underway is Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, which had its first training session of preseason on Thursday, August 24. Unlike many of the other squads in the EuroLeague, Maccabi does not have any players competing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, meaning that head coach Oded Kattash has all of his players available, injuries permitting.

### [See Maccabi's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Basketball IQ in this pic🤯 <a href="https://t.co/yKz2XlaHjG">pic.twitter.com/yKz2XlaHjG</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1695015533194711091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One Maccabi player who was expected to be at the World Cup was Spain's [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), but he took the decision not to compete in the tournament in order to let an injury heal that he picked up during last summer's EuroBasket. He was, however, one of those who took part in Friday's training session. Maccabi fans will also be glad to hear that new signings [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-pens-tamir-blatt-to-two-year-deal/), [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jasiel-rivero-heads-to-maccabi-tel-aviv/), [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-spins-james-webb-into-frontcourt/) and [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-tel-aviv-brings-in-defensive-star-antonius-cleveland/) all took part in the session with their new team.

Last season saw Maccabi secure the fifth seed entering the postseason following a 20-14 regular-season record, which included going 15-2 at home, but it lost in the playoffs to AS Monaco after a thrilling five-game series. Maccabi made several signings during the last offseason, including Brown, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/), and they have the chance to build on their impressive performances as they enter their second year in Tel Aviv.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stronger together! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/j2Z44vQoaW">pic.twitter.com/j2Z44vQoaW</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1695014334412304393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

The hope for everyone involved at Maccabi is that the team can take another step forward and reach the EuroLeague Final Four, having last got there in the 2013-14 season, 10 years ago. That year, curiously, is when Maccabi last became the EuroLeague champion.

### Maccabi's preseason schedule

The first preseason game that Maccabi has scheduled is against fellow Israeli side Hapoel Holon on September 7. From there, Coach Kattash's squad will take part in a preseason tournament, with games scheduled against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on September 15 and Panathinaikos Athens on September 17. Maccabi gets its EuroLeague campaign underway on October 5 when [it faces Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/4/) at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv news

Maccabi begins training camp at full strength

Four years ago, Stefano Tonut and Giampaolo Ricci had to watch on from home as the Italian national team fell in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Fast-forward to Friday, August 25, and the two Olimpia Milano players came up big for Italy as it opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 67-81 win over Angola in Bulacan, Philippines.

Olimpia Milano duo Stefano Tonut, Giampaolo Ricci stepped out of the shadows to guide Italy past Angola

Four years ago, [Stefano Tonut](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/stefano-tonut/006509/) and [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) had to watch on from home as the Italian national team fell in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Fast-forward to Friday, August 25, and the two EA7 Emporio Armani Milan players came up big for Italy as it opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 67-81 win over Angola in Bulacan, Philippines.

The game between Italy and Angola was a tight affair throughout almost the entire contest, with the African team largely doing enough to prevent Gianmarco Pozzecco's side from pulling away. Yet, in the final quarter, Italy outscored Angola 10-20 to secure its first victory of the tournament.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Una vittoria sudata. <br>Una vittoria costruita un passo alla volta. <br>Una vittoria 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲 ✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italbasket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italbasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinForItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinForItalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5V7Esck4S0">pic.twitter.com/5V7Esck4S0</a></p>&mdash; Italbasket (@Italbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/Italbasket/status/1695015690367877260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tonut's rise to stardom

One of the players that helped to ensure Italy had a slender 57-61 lead entering the fourth quarter was Milan guard Tonut, as he had scored 14 points through the first three quarters. The Angola defense struggled mightily to contain Tonut, who went on to finish with 18 points and 2 assists. Over the last few years he has seen his stock rise and rise, and now he is flourishing in a leading role for the *Azzurri*.

Last summer, the 29-year-old earned a spot on Italy's EuroBasket 2022 roster after shining with Umana Reyer Venice in the 2021-22 BKT EuroCup season, averaging 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Those performances also resulted in him moving to Milan, which gave Tonut the chance to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time.

Although he had to make do with a role off the bench under Milan boss Ettore Messina, his ability was clear to see. Notably, Tonut scored 14 points against eventual champion Real Madrid in Round 29, but a strong showing at this World Cup should give him a strong platform to build on as he enters his sophomore EuroLeague season.

### Ricci's energy and passion

The confidence garnered by coming up against elite-level competition in the EuroLeague has obviously paid dividends for Tonut, and the same can also be said for Ricci. After all, the 31-year-old forward has spent the last two years with Milan in the EuroLeague and previously displayed his quality during a two-year stint in the EuroCup with Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

During the 2022-23 EuroLeague campaign, Ricci showed himself to be a valuable glue guy for Coach Messina in what was a difficult season for the team, with his energy and passion on the court being one of the key factors behind the Italian side's late resurgence.

Ricci's numbers were not exactly spectacular entering the fourth and final period of Friday's contest against Angola, but he stepped up with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block in the final 10 minutes of play. As such, his final numbers stood at 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks – a pretty complete display. While Ricci's scoring is not one of the more well-known parts of his game, his hustle was clear to see with the 1 steal and 2 blocks.

Both Tonut and Ricci have had to make do as role players in Milan, but coming against the best of the best in the EuroLeague has clearly helped them to develop as players. Italy showed a lot of grit and determination to defeat Angola, and those two qualities perfectly exemplify what Tonut and Ricci bring not only to the Azzurri but also to Milan.

Stefano Tonut gets to the basket during Italy's 67-81 win against Angola in the opening game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Milan duo Tonut, Ricci stepped out of the shadows to guide Italy past Angola

Bryant Dunston has taken his talents to Italy by joining Virtus Segafredo Bologna on a one-plus-one-year deal, following an eight-year spell with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Dunston (2.03 meters, 37 years old) won back-to-back EuroLeague titles with Efes in 2021 and 2022. He is Virtus's sixth signing so far this summer.

Virtus Bologna lands two-time EuroLeague champ Bryant Dunston

[Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) has taken his talents to Italy by joining Virtus Segafredo Bologna on a one-plus-one-year deal, following an eight-year spell with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Dunston (2.03 meters, 37 years old) won back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles with Efes in 2021 and 2022. The veteran center is coming off a EuroLeague season in which he averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and a 6.8 PIR in 13:35 minutes across 29 games, most of which were off the bench. He is Virtus's sixth signing so far this summer, following the additions of [Bruno Mascolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-reels-in-guard-bruno-mascolo/), [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/achille-polonara-returns-to-italy-with-virtus-bologna/), [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devontae-cacok-heads-to-the-euroleague-with-virtus/), [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-bologna-inks-swingman-ognjen-dobric/) and [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jaleen-smith-signs-for-virtus-bologna/).

The best plays of new Virtus Segafredo Bologna signing Bryant Dunston since the 2020-21 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Bryant Dunston's top plays since 2020-21

### A EuroLeague legend

A 10-year veteran in the EuroLeague, there's no denying that Dunston is a modern-day legend in the competition. In addition to lifting two EuroLeague titles with Efes, the 37-year-old has twice been named the EuroLeague Best Defender (2014, 2015) and has twice been the EuroLeague leader for blocks (2014, 2018). Dunston was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2017, too.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🔏 BRYANT DUNSTON ARRIVA A BOLOGNA, UNO DI NOI!<br><br>Welcome to Bologna ⚪️⚫️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZvyZwYsV10">pic.twitter.com/ZvyZwYsV10</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694999223899418906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dunston made his EuroLeague debut with Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2013-14 season and made an instant impression, as is evidenced by his Best Defender trophy and the fact he led the league in blocks. He remained at Olympiacos for the following season, once again securing the Best Defender accolade, before heading to Efes in the summer of 2015. Dunston played 58 games for Olympiacos across two seasons and then suited up for Efes 236 times over the next eight years.

Overall, Dunston has played 294 games in the EuroLeague, starting 185 times, and his overall totals stand at: 2,457 points, 1,350 rebounds, 300 assists, 231 steals, 322 blocks and a 3,527 PIR. Historically, he ranks 33rd for the most points this century and could break into the top 30 with a similar season to last year, when he netted 125 points. He is fifth all-time for offensive rebounds (558), 23rd for defensive rebounds (792) and 11th overall for total rebounds. Until last season, Dunston was the all-time record holder for blocks, but he is now in second place behind Real Madrid's Walter Tavares, who is now 50 blocks ahead (322 vs. 372).

More Virtus News

Bryant Dunston in action for Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Virtus lands two-time EuroLeague champ Bryant Dunston

Following a summer in which Ergin Ataman and Vasilije Micic left the club, a new-look Anadolu Efes Istanbul side got its preseason training camp underway on Thursday. Efes is now turning the page in the hope of creating a new dynasty, led by new head coach Erdem Can and 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team guard Darius Thompson, who has joined from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. 

Anadolu Efes's journey back to the top starts now

Following a summer in which head coach Ergin Ataman and star guard Vasilije Micic left the club, a new-look Anadolu Efes Istanbul side got its preseason training camp underway on Thursday evening. Efes is now turning the page in the hope of creating a new dynasty, led by new head coach [Erdem Can](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-erdem-can-as-its-new-head-coach/) and 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team guard [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/), who has joined from Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Both Coach Can and Thompson were two of the prominent figures from Day One of Efes's training camp.

### [See Efes's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-istanbul-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yüzlerin güldüğü keyifli bir gün geçirdik! 😊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/pFpodLXdw1">pic.twitter.com/pFpodLXdw1</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1694772555188453452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

They were not the only new faces in training camp, though, as [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-turkish-league-mvp-tyrique-jones/) and [Erkan Yilmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/erkan-yilmaz-reunites-with-erdem-can-at-efes/), who followed Coach Can from Turk Telekom Ankara to Efes, also had plenty of prominence in the photos posted by the club's social media team. This summer, Efes has also signed [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-brings-in-power-forward-derek-willis/), [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-lands-young-big-man-ercan-osmani/), [Burak Can Yildizli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-adds-power-forward-burak-can-yildizli/), [Justus Hollatz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-grabs-talented-point-guard-justus-hollatz/) and [Dogus Ozdemiroglu, who is out with a long-term injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-loses-guard-ozdemiroglou-to-acl-injury/) after tearing his ACL in early August.

 

Efes may have said goodbye to Micic this summer, but plenty of the squad's best players are returning, including forward Will Clyburn and guard Shane Larkin. Following a season in which Efes's three-peat effort saw the team finish with a 17-17 record and fail to make the playoffs, hopes are high for what the new Big Three of Thompson, Larkin and Clyburn could look like in the upcoming campaign.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New lad in the town! 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/nYFjukvmJM">pic.twitter.com/nYFjukvmJM</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1694700292795715704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Elsewhere, the likes of Elijah Bryant, Rodrigue Beaubois and Tibor Pleiss, all members of the back-to-back champion side with Larkin, bring a level of experience and know-how to the locker room, which will be key as Coach Can enters his first season as a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coach.

### Efes's preseason schedule

Efes's first game of preseason gets underway on next Friday, September 1, as it faces Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in the Slovenian town of Kranjska Gora. After, it goes on to play against Lokomotiv Kuban (September 7), Zenit St. Petersburg (September 8), AS Monaco (September 10), Tofas (September 12), Pinar Karsıyaka (September 14), CSKA Moscow (September 15) and Besiktas (September 17). Efes starts its EuroLeague campaign [on the road at FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/2/) on October 5.

More Efes News

The Anadolu Efes Istanbul players come together as part of a preseason training exercise.

Efes's journey back to the top starts now

ALBA Berlin was another Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club that hit the hardwood to start getting ready for a new season with the start of its training camp on Thursday. ALBA ranked 16th overall last season with an 11-23 record and underwent substantial roster changes in the off-season. ALBA has put together a very young, talented roster that should get its fans excited, led by third-year head coach Israel Gonzalez.

ALBA gets preseason camp going

ALBA Berlin was another Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club that hit the hardwood to start getting ready for a new season with the start of its training camp on Thursday. ALBA ranked 16th overall last season with an 11-23 record and underwent substantial roster changes in the off-season. ALBA has put together a very young, talented roster that should get its fans excited, led by third-year head coach [Israel Gonzalez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/gonzalez-israel/?season=E2023).

[See ALBA's 2023-24 EuroLeague Games to Watch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-2023-24-games-to-watch/)

### World Cup absentees

ALBA has started its preseason camp without five players who are competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup: forward [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) and combo guard [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-signs-promising-guard-matteo-spagnolo/) with Italy, center [Yanni Wetzell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/) with New Zealand, center [Johannes Theimann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) with Germany and point guard [Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ziga-samar/007550/) with Slovenia. Spagnolo is one of the team's four true newcomers. [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-picks-up-sharpshooter-matt-thomas/), [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-wraps-up-justin-bean-signing/) and [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-brings-on-nba-veteran-sterling-brown/), who are already practicing with the team, are the other three. Samar returns to ALBA from having been loaned last season to EuroCup side Veolia Towers Hamburg.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🗣️ „I‘m here, let‘s have some fun!“<br><br>Sterling Brown ist gut in Berlin angekommen und hat beim Start des Teamtrainings gleich mal so richtig losgelegt. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/7cmj8WcuyC">pic.twitter.com/7cmj8WcuyC</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1694726997627593036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

As such, some of ALBA's youngest players have a golden chance to impress Coach Gonzalez in these opening days. [Malte Delow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/malte-delow/008211/) is fully established in ALBA's rotation, [Kresimir Nikic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/) is also back after a season on loan, and [Elias Rapieque](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elias-rapieque/011631/) has been promoted to the first squad. ALBA's most experienced players – like [Jonas Mattisseck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jonas-mattisseck/007025/), [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/), [Tim Schneider](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tim-schneider/006251/) and [Christ Koumadje](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/christ-koumadje/010791/) – are set to play an important role early on to establish a good team chemistry.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🚀 Preseason, here we go! 🚀<br><br>Beim heutigen Start des Teamtrainings trafen die neuen und alten Gesichter des Teams zusammen und absolvierten gemeinsam erste Drills. In knapp vier Wochen beginnt die neue Saison. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/eqdem5CP1A">pic.twitter.com/eqdem5CP1A</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1694791565632328188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Preseason schedule

ALBA has scheduled a first preseason game against Hamburg on Sunday, September 3 at MBS Arena in Oranienburg. A week later, ALBA plays on the road against Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Up next, ALBA plays a four-team preseason tournament, the MagentaSport Cup 2023 in Munich, with three other Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams: FC Bayern Munich, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Virtus Segafredo Bologna. [ALBA opens the EuroLeague season playing the German derby on the road against Bayern at BMW Park on October 5](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-alba-berlin/E2023/3/#roster).

ALBA Berlin news

ALBA puts its preseason into motion

Excitement is building ahead of the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign for everyone at Virtus Segafredo Bologna. On Thursday, the club's supporters got a first chance since last spring to see their team's players, new and old, as the Virtus training camp started at Porelli gym. In a commendable decision by the club, Virtus opened its doors to let fans attend the first training session. Their appreciation was more than clear as a robust crowd of 1,000 packed the gym and sang their club songs as the players entered the court to get training camp underway!

 Virtus opens training with 1,000 fans on hand! 

Excitement is building ahead of the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign for everyone at [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/games/vir/?season=2023-24). On Thursday, the club's supporters got a first chance since last spring to see their team's players, new and old, as the Virtus training camp started at Porelli gym. In a commendable decision by the club, Virtus opened its doors to let fans attend the first training session. Their appreciation was more than clear as a robust crowd of 1,000 packed the gym and sang their club songs as the players entered the court to get training camp underway!

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are back 😍 <a href="https://t.co/e0UtUwuOMM">pic.twitter.com/e0UtUwuOMM</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694733618705301910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### World Cup absentees

Virtus head coach [Sergio Scariolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/scariolo-sergio/?season=E2023) is away with the Spanish national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as are new signings [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-bologna-inks-swingman-ognjen-dobric/) (Serbia) and [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/achille-polonara-returns-to-italy-with-virtus-bologna/) (Italy). Elsewhere, [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (France), [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) (Georgia) and [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) (Italy) will also be representing their nations at the tournament, so they were not present for the first day of training camp.

Nevertheless, the Virtus fans in attendance were able to get a glimpse of new signings [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jaleen-smith-signs-for-virtus-bologna/), [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devontae-cacok-heads-to-the-euroleague-with-virtus/) and [Bruno Mascolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-reels-in-guard-bruno-mascolo/), in addition to returning players such as veterans [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/), guard [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) and forwards [Awudu Abass](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/awudu-abass/003527/) and [Jordan Mickey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-mickey/008847/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🙌🏼❤️ <a href="https://t.co/b3uxIQCMrW">pic.twitter.com/b3uxIQCMrW</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1694763796819034590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### EuroLeague encore for former champs

Virtus returned to the EuroLeague last season after a 15-year absence and finished with a 14-20 record, but there is plenty of hope in Basket City heading into the new campaign. As a two-time former continental champion, in 1998 and 2001, there are always big goals at Virtus. And with that in mind, Coach Scariolo and his team will be determined to do whatever it takes to make the second year of the club's EuroLeague return a success, ideally with a spot in the playoffs.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna news

If Spain captures another gold medal, Real Madrid's swingman Rudy Fernandez would become the first player in basketball history to win the World Cup three times. Fernandez doesn't need a third World Cup title to cement his legendary list of honors, but a third such medal would put him in a league of his own.

 At World Cup, Rudy Fernandez aims for the unprecedented 

Spain heads into the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup as the defending champion with a chance to become the fourth team to win back-to-back titles after Brazil (1959, 1963), Yugoslavia (1970, 1974, 1978; 1998, 2002) and the United States (2010, 2014). If Spain captures another gold medal, Real Madrid's swingman [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/carousels/rudy-fernandez/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_PLAYER%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22bmt%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=RUDY%20FERNANDEZ) would become the first player in basketball history to win the World Cup three times.

Just 18 players have won the competition twice, and the list includes basketball greats such as Sergei Belov, Kresimir Cosic, Vlade Divac, Dejan Bodiroga, Stephen Curry, Derrick Rose and Marc Gasol, the latter of whom won it alongside Fernandez in 2006 and 2019.

Fernandez doesn't need a third World Cup title to cement his legendary list of honors, but a third such medal would put him in a league of his own.

### A chance to make more history

Fernandez is already in some rare company. He's among just three players - with Belov and Bodiroga - who have won multiple EuroBasket, EuroLeague and World Cup titles. Rudy lifted EuroLeague trophies with Real in 2015, 2018 and 2023 and earned EuroBasket gold medals in 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2022. If Rudy wins another World Cup, he would have reached glory in all three competitions on at least three occasions.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🤩🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/rudy5fernandez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rudy5fernandez</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZvwNT5ZBfb">pic.twitter.com/ZvwNT5ZBfb</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1660601400219541504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


The World Cup gives Fernandez another opportunity to make history at the Olympics, too, as the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will produce seven directly qualified national teams for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, France. Two teams will be European, and France is already qualified as the host squad.

If Spain makes it to the 2024 Olympics and Fernandez is among the players called up, he would be the first player to compete in the men's basketball tournament six times. Only seven basketball players have been to the Olympics five times, three of whom are Spanish: Fernandez, Juan Carlos Navarro and Pau Gasol. The other four players are: Teo Cruz of Puerto Rico, Oscar Schmidt of Brazil, Andrew Gaze of Australia and Luis Scola of Argentina. That would give Rudy a chance to win a fourth Olympic medal, joining Belov, Carmelo Anthony and Gennadi Volnov on that short list.

### Success is never far away from Rudy

At age 38, Fernandez is one of the most successful players in basketball history. His personal roll of honors includes six Spanish League trophies, six Spanish Cups and eight Spanish Super Cup titles, as well as the EuroCup crown with Joventut Badalona in 2008, the Intercontinental Cup with Real in 2015 (in his only appearance in that tournament) and the FIBA EuroChallenge trophy in 2006 with Joventut. A two-time All-EuroLeague First Team selection, Fernandez was also chosen as the 2006-07 EuroLeague Rising Star.

And now, Fernandez going for an unprecedented accomplishment, something that no one else has come close to since the game of basketball was invented in 1891.

Rudy Fernandez lifts the 2019 FIBA World Cup trophy with his Spain teammates in the background.

At World Cup, Rudy Fernandez aims for the unprecedented

Real Madrid and point guard Carlos Alocen will stay together for two more seasons, until 2025, the club said in announcing a contract extension on Thursday. Alocen (1.94 meters, 22 years old) did not play most of the last two seasons due to injury, but is considered a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion after the club lifted its 11th continental trophy last spring.

Real extends Alocen through 2025

Real Madrid and point guard [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carlos-alocen/010623/) will stay together for two more seasons, until 2025, the club said in announcing a contract extension on Thursday. Alocen (1.94 meters, 22 years old) did not play most of the last two seasons due to injury, but is considered a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion after the club lifted its 11th continental trophy last spring.

### Rookie starter in the Euroleague

Alocen joined Real in the summer of 2020 and proceeded to start in 16 of the 28 game in which he appeared during his rookie EuroLeague season. He posted 3.9 points, 2.2 assists and 1.4 rebounds in a little more than 13 minutes per game, matching his high of 6 assists in the Game 4 home victory that kept Real alive in its best-of-five playoff series against eventual champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✨ 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ ✨<br>🪄 <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalocen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CarlosAlocen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aloc%C3%A9n2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alocén2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/fBvA9QfEv5">pic.twitter.com/fBvA9QfEv5</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1694703803290050838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Knee injury has kept Alocen out

Alocen mostly came off the bench for nine more games in the 2021-22 season before suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a Spanish League game. He has been sidelined him since. All told, Alocen already has 37 EuroLeague games under his belt despite the long-term knee injury. In those, he has averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 assists and 1.4 rebounds in under 13 minutes per game. 

"I'm very happy and excited to continue together with this club and all those who are part of it," Alocen posted to social media after the extension was announced. "Thank you for continuing to have confidence in me and for supporting me 100 percent during this process. I can't stop stop thinking about the moment when I will return to the court and reciprocate that trust."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Muy feliz e ilusionado por seguir junto a este club y todas las personas que lo forman. Muchas gracias por seguir confiando en mi y haberme apoyado al 100% durante este proceso. No puedo dejar de pensar en el momento de saltar a la cancha y poder devolver toda la confianza. 🤍 <a href="https://t.co/J4zZdHBhKo">https://t.co/J4zZdHBhKo</a></p>&mdash; Carlos Alocen (@carlosalocen) <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalocen/status/1694697627680481498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Alocen turned pro at 15

Alocen turned professional two months shy of his 16th birthday, playing in the Spanish League his hometown club Zaragoza. He rose to play 20 minutes per game for Zaragoza, averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds while still a teenager in 28 Spanish League games before signing at the end of the 2019-20 season with Real. 

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid added his name to a long list of superstars in May when he was named the MVP of the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. The winners of the Final Four MVP trophy are a who's who of EuroLeague greats. Since the turn of the century, only four players have achieved that feat more than once. Vassilis Spanoulis did so three times and Dejan Bodiroga, Dimitris Diamantidis and Vasilije Micic were each two-time winners. Below is a gallery of all the modern era EuroLeague Final Four MVPs.

 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four MVP Gallery 

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) of Real Madrid added his name to a long list of superstars in May when he was named the MVP of the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. Tavares posted double-doubles in both games at the Final Four in Kaunas and in doing so became the first player with three double-doubles in the modern era of the Final Four.

The winners of the Final Four MVP trophy are a who's who of EuroLeague greats. Since the turn of the century, only four players have achieved that feat more than once. [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vassilis-spanoulis/profile/juo/) did so three times and Dejan Bodiroga, [Dimitris Diamantidis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dimitris-diamantidis/profile/jko/) and [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/profile/002580/) were each two-time winners. Below is a gallery of all the modern era EuroLeague Final Four MVPs.