Panathinaikos Athens has announced the signing of Olek Balcerowski on a two-year deal. Balcerowski (2.15 meters, 22 years old) became a EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria last season. The two-time winner of the EuroCup Rising Star award (2021, 2023) briefly played in the EuroLeague with Gran Canaria in the 2018-19 season, but he now returns to the competition with the aim of making his mark at Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos adds size with Olek Balcerowski

Panathinaikos Athens has announced the signing of [Olek Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/) on a two-year deal, with the Greens having paid his buyout clause to lure him away from Dreamland Gran Canaria. Balcerowski (2.15 meters, 22 years old) became a BKT EuroCup champion with Gran Canaria last season, averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and a 10.6 PIR in 22 games, 16 of which were as a starter. The two-time winner of the EuroCup Rising Star award (2021, 2023) briefly played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Gran Canaria in the 2018-19 season, featuring in six games, but he now returns to the competition with the aim of making his mark at Panathinaikos.

The best plays of new Panathinaikos Athens signing Aleksander Balcerowski in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup for Gran Canaria.

Aleksander Balcerowski's top plays in 2022-23

### Honing his trade in the EuroCup

Before Balcerowski made his EuroLeague debut, he played very, very limited minutes in two EuroCup fixtures in the 2017-18 campaign. Since returning to the EuroCup in the 2020-21 season, though, Balcerowski has gone from strength to strength. Coming off the bench, he helped guide Gran Canaria to a semifinal finish in 2020-21 against AS Monaco, having improved his averages at each stage of the campaign: in the regular season, the top 16, the quarterfinals and then the semifinals. As such, he was rewarded for his play with his first Rising Star award.

An injury meant that Balcerowski did not play until Round 14 in the 2021-22 regular season, but he hit the ground running after his return, posting 9.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and a 7.2 PIR in the team's five remaining fixtures before the playoffs. That year, Gran Canaria made it to the quarterfinals, with the Polish international's final averages standing at 8.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and a 6.4 PIR. Then, last season, Balcerowski shined as a starter – albeit sharing minutes once again with Khalifa Diop – as Gran Canaria went on to win its first-ever EuroCup title.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to our Green squad, Aleksander Balcerowski ☘️💪🏼<br><br>Read more 👉 <a href="https://t.co/H9julNF7ZB">https://t.co/H9julNF7ZB</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/xq9OQuTz1n">pic.twitter.com/xq9OQuTz1n</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1684942239317766144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

### A star for Poland

At the international level, Balcerowski didn’t take long to establish himself as a player for Poland. The 22-year-old was part of the Poland team that finished in eighth place at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, where he was the youngest player competing. Over eight games, he averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds. Three years later, at EuroBasket 2022, Balcerowski showed that he had taken a big step forward in his development by posting 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists as Poland made it to the semifinals.

More Panathinaikos News

New Panathinaikos Athens signing Olek Balcerowski celebrates a made bucket for Gran Canaria in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

Last season, Virtus Segafredo Bologna finally returned to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time since 2008. The team won the EuroCup in 2022 and earned the right to return to the top stage, where it finished 14th with a 14-20 record. For the new season, Virtus underwent a bit of roster turnover, but Coach Sergio Scariolo retained a fair amount of the core of the team that brought the Black V back to the elite. Here are some of the most interesting games the team will encounter in 2023-24 as it seeks to make a run at the playoffs:

Virtus Segafredo Bologna: 2023-24 games to watch 

Last season, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2023-24) finally returned to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for the first time since 2008. The team won the EuroCup in 2022 and earned the right to return to the top stage, where it finished 14th with a 14-20 record. For the new season, Virtus underwent a bit of roster turnover, but Coach Sergio Scariolo retained a fair amount of the core of the team that brought the Black V back to the elite. Here are some of the most interesting games the team will encounter in 2023-24 as it seeks to make a run at the playoffs:

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/games/vir/?season=2023-24)

### Another edition of a classic Italian derby

[Round 8: Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/68/#comparison)

Virtus and Milan combine for a total of 46 Italian League titles and when they meet for the first time for the mid-November game, it will be a rematch of last season's Italian League finals. Virtus swept the two EuroLeague regular season encounters: 59-64 in Round 7 and 89-84 in Round 34, last season, though neither managed to make the playoffs. In domestic competition, Milan took its sweet revenge by lifting the title in the final game of the series, so expect a new level in this classic rivalry for the new season.

Two Italian stallions of European basketball collide for an intriguing derby to close out their respective seasons. Progress to the knockout phases isn't possible for either, yet expect plenty of devotion and pride on display in this tussle for bragging rights.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs EA7 Emporio Armani Milan - Round 34 - Highlights

### A rematch of the continental final from 1981

[Round 13: Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/116/#comparison)

The year was 1981 and Maccabi Tel Aviv and Virtus Bologna were facing each other in the EuroLeague final. The game was close until the end, and when the dust settled, Maccabi lifted the title with an 80-79 win. Now, more than 40 years later we will see another rematch of that classic night. In 2022-23 each team managed to win its home game. Virtus won in Bologna, 78-73, but then Maccabi came back hard at them in Tel Aviv with a commanding 111-80 victory.

A rivalry that goes back almost five decades is revived with Virtus striving to build upon a morale-boosting win over ALBA when they entertain a Maccabi roster targeting another successful Italian job since emerging victorious away in a hard-fought showdown with Milan.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Round 14 - Highlights

### Coach Scariolo returns to Vitoria

[Round 14: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/120/#comparison)

It is no secret that coach Sergio Scariolo has strong ties with Spain. He coached there from 1997 to 2008 with Baskonia, Real Madrid and Unicaja Malaga. He returned to Baskonia in 2013-14 and he has coached the Spanish national team during two stints, including currently. Moreover, Virtus outlasted Baskonia in the best-of-five EuroLeague Finals in 2001 and point guard Nico Mannion, who spent the last two seasons in Bologna, is now with Baskonia. Last season, these teams split their regular season meetings, which were their first games against one another since 2007. A new chapter of the rivalry between these two classic teams is on the line.

A crucial clash in the race for the playoffs awaits as Baskonia, who boast EuroLeague's most potent offense with a 85.4 ppg average, travel to a Virtus group with an impressive perimeter defense, allowing opponents to make just 33.2% of their three-point shots thus far.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - Round 25 - Highlights

### A duel of recent EuroCup winners

[Round 26: Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/15/#comparison)

Two of the last three EuroCup champions will square off in the season's second round. Monaco won its first European trophy through the 2021 EuroCup and Virtus captured the crown the following season. When Virtus won, it was led by  French center Mam Jaiteh, who this summer left Bologna to sign for Monaco. Last season, Monaco won both meetings between these teams by an average of 15 points. Virtus will try to turn things around when it hosts Monaco in this late-season clash that could have an impact on the playoff races for both teams.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna - AS Monaco | Round 1 | Highlights

Virtus Segafredo Bologna news

Virtus Segafredo Bologna: 2023-24 games to watch

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has added another weapon to its backcourt by signing shooting guard Antonius Cleveland for the coming season. Cleveland (1.96 meters, 29 years old) finished the previous season in Israel with Hapoel Eilat. Cleveland will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut next season.

Maccabi Tel Aviv brings in defensive star Antonius Cleveland

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has added another weapon to its backcourt by signing shooting guard Antonius Cleveland to a two-year contract. Cleveland (1.96 meters, 29 years old) finished the previous season in Israel with Hapoel Eilat. He averaged 17.6 points on 40.7% three-point shooting, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 11 games. Cleveland would have ranked third in the league in scoring if he had played enough games to qualify for the leaderboard. He also was the Israeli League slam dunk contest champion. Cleveland will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut next season.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✒️ <a href="https://twitter.com/ac_uno1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ac_uno1</a> <a href="https://t.co/pxk5Wfbxpk">pic.twitter.com/pxk5Wfbxpk</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1684615962148970517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Two successful years in Australia

Cleveland started the 2022-23 season with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian League. There, he averaged 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals in 28 appearances. Cleveland repeated as the winner of the Damian Martin Trophy as the Australian League's Defensive Player of the Year. He won it in his first season in Australia, 2021-22, with the Illawarra Hawks, too.

NBL23 MVP: Defensive Player of the Year Antonius Cleveland

After starring at Southeast Missouri State University, Cleveland spent the first four years of his professional career in the NBA and the G League. He played for both the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA and for the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Texas Legends and the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League. Cleveland is Maccabi's third signing of the summer, following the additions of James Webb and Tamir Blatt.

More Maccabi Tel Aviv News

Antonius Cleveland, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's third signing of the summer, in action for Hapoel Eilat in the Israeli League last season.

Maccabi brings in defensive star Antonius Cleveland

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has been punching above its weight since reaching the last games of the finals of the new EuroLeague in 2001. Five subsequent Final Four appearances, including another runner-up finish, have only shown that Baskonia never backs down. Missing the playoffs last year by one spot was a rarity for Baskonia. Its goal in 2023-24, as always, will be to relentlessly battle the big boys and do so showing its trademark fighting character every step of the way.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz: 2023-24 games to watch

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has been punching above its weight since reaching the last games of the finals of the new EuroLeague in 2001. Five subsequent Final Four appearances, including another runner-up finish, have only shown that Baskonia never backs down. Missing the playoffs last year by one spot was a rarity for Baskonia. Its goal in 2023-24, as always, will be to relentlessly battle the big boys and to do so showing its trademark fighting character every step of the way.

Check out [Baskonia's full schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/games/bas/?season=2023-24)

### A rival visits on opening night

[Round 1: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-real-madrid/E2023/8/#comparison)

It may not be *El Clásico*, but it's pretty close in terms of competitive fervor and fan anticipation. Among their many great games over the years, Baskonia has given better than it has gotten from the all-time most successful EuroLeague giants. In fact, after becoming the only team to go unbeaten against Real in the EuroLeague last season, Baskonia now leads their pan-European head-to-head games 9-7. All those games have been played since 2016 and rarely do they fail to deliver drama, regardless of their positions in the standings. Expect nothing less when Real visits Vitoria-Gasteiz in the season opener for both teams.

With Edy Tavares expected to miss out through injury, league-leading Real attempt to extend their winning-sequence to six when they entertain a Baskonia group confronting Spanish oppositon for the second round in succession after blasting 114 points ina triumph over Valencia.

Real Madrid vs Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - Round 27 - Highlights

### Deserved optimism and a former teammate in Istanbul

[Round 16: Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/140/#comparison)

Historically, home teams win 62.7% of all EuroLeague games. What to make, then, of road teams having won 60% of the 25 games this century between Baskonia and Efes? For Baskonia, that spells opportunity. Baskonia would have made the playoffs last spring if not for having suffered the worst road record (4-13) among the top 14 teams. Its first task next season is to win some more games away. With a 5-7 record on Efes's court to date, Baskonia should smell blood en route to this Round 16 trip to Sinan Erdem Sports Hall to face its former point guard, [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/anadolu-efes-inks-all-euroleague-playmaker-darius-thompson/).

Efes resume their quest for a third crown in three years while in pursuit of a sixth win in succession. Their opponents Baskonia also hold a 7-5 account and appear as outside-contenders for glory come the postseason, Who will advance with an upper-hand after this encounter?

Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - Round 13 - Highlights

### Matching up with the mighty Reds

[Round 21: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/188/#comparison)

Baskonia missed the playoffs in the final round of the last regular season by losing to eventual finalist Olympiacos Piraeus. After signing its first Greek player, [Nikolaos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/baskonia-tabs-forward-nikos-rogkavopoulos/) since Ioannis Bourousis took the team to the Final Four in 20016, Baskonia would like nothing better than for history to repeat itself. Nothing would boost Baskonia's confidence to take a step higher next season than stealing a win from the mighty Reds. That is most likely to happen at home in Round 21  but will require an extra-sharp Baskonia and all the help that Buesa Arena can offer.

Baskonia embark on a monumental challenge of gaining the coveted win they need to secure a playoff place by visiting league-leaders Olympiacos, who can guarantee themselves top seed status for the postseason via yet another homecourt triumph.

Olympiacos Piraeus vs Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - Round 34 - Highlights

### Is a dish of revenge on the menu for the regular-season finale?

[Round 34: Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/303/#comparison)

If Baskonia's season goes like the last one and it dominates at home while struggling on the road, its fate could well come down to visiting Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 34 to close the regular season. It will be the last of four road games Baskonia plays in the final five rounds. The same game late last season would have helped Baskonia's cause, but its first loss in Bologna since the [title-deciding fifth game of the 2001 finals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2000-01/kinder-virtus-bologna-tau-ceramica-vitoria-gasteiz/E2000/169/#boxscore) was another opportunity that got away for a team that finished ninth. The season finale might be the right moment for Baskonia to avenge both of those past defeats.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz news

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade announced a signing of experienced center Ognjen Kuzmic to a new contract.

Crvena Zvezda keeps veteran big man Ognjen Kuzmic

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade announced that experienced center [Ognjen Kuzmic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-kuzmic/003479/) has agreed to terms on a two-year contract. Kuzmic (2.13 meters, 33 years old), a veteran of eight Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons and 167 career appearances in the competition, is in his third stint with Zvezda, which began in the summer of 2020. The new contract will give Kuzmic seven seasons in a Zvezda jersey. 

Last season Kuzmic started in 16 of his 21 appearances. He played just over 9 minutes per game averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds. He has career averages of 5.2 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Ognjen Kuzmic highlights in 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons

Ognjen Kuzmic highlights since 2021-22 season

### His EuroLeague career

Kuzmic made his EuroLeague debut with Panathinaikos Athens in 2015. His first stint with Zvezda was in the 2016-17 campaign, which was his best season to date, he averaged 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. He then spent two injury-plagued seasons with Real Madrid, with which he won the 2018 EuroLeague. Kuzmic returned to Zvezda for the 2019-20 campaign which he split between Zvezda and on-loan at FMP Zeleznik.

### The early years

Before arriving to the EuroLeague, Kuzmic won the 2015 NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors and G-League championship with Santa Cruz. Earlier in his career, Kuzmic also played for Borac Nektar Banja Luka and Celik Zenica in his native Bosnia and Herzegovina, UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki and Lapuan Korikobrat in Finland, as well as Clinica Rincon Axarquia and Joventut Badalona in Spain.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Centar Crvene zvezde mts Ognjen Kuzmić produžio je ugovor sa crveno-belima! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Sa KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet Ognjen Kuzmić je osvojio čak 11 trofeja: 4 ABA lige, 3 nacionalna šampionata i 4 Kupa Radiivoj Korać. U crveno-belom dresu odigrao je čak 297 utakmica i postigao 1727… <a href="https://t.co/7feF1OMNoX">pic.twitter.com/7feF1OMNoX</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1684519936784302082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Crvena Zvezda News

Crvena Zvezda re-signs Ognjen Kuzmic for 2 more seasons

Juancho Hernangomez, also known for his role as Bo Cruz in the movie "Hustle", has returned to Europe by signing with Panathinaikos Athens on a deal through the end of the 2024-25 season. Hernangomez (2.06 meters, 27 years old) has played in the NBA ever since being selected with the 15th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Having never played in the EuroLeague before, he will make his competition debut with the Greens this season.

Juancho 'Bo Cruz' Hernangomez joins Panathinaikos Athens

Juancho Hernangomez, also known for his role as Bo Cruz in the movie "Hustle", has returned to Europe by signing with Panathinaikos Athens on a deal through the end of the 2024-25 season. Hernangomez (2.06 meters, 27 years old) has played in the NBA ever since being selected with the 15th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Spaniard is coming off a season with the Toronto Raptors in which he averaged 2.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.6 minutes across 42 appearances. Having never played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before, he will make his competition debut with the Greens this season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hey Greens, how about some <a href="https://twitter.com/juanchiviris41?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juanchiviris41</a> energy? 🔋<br><br>New member on our family ☘️<br><br>Read more 👉🏼 <a href="https://t.co/gu0kdtwZHs">https://t.co/gu0kdtwZHs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/2OLJLSgNFw">pic.twitter.com/2OLJLSgNFw</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1684468760822923265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Juancho Hernangomez's journey to Athens

A regular member of the Spanish national team, Juancho is the younger of the two Hernangomez brothers; his brother, Willy, 29, joined FC Barcelona earlier this summer. Juancho started his career with Estudiantes in his hometown of Madrid before his NBA career got underway. Hernangomez was drafted by the Denver Nuggets ahead of the 2016-17 season and then remained with the team until February 2020, when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The forward went on to have the best period in his NBA career, averaging 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals across 14 games in the 2019-20 season, which led to him re-signing with Minnesota on a three-year deal in November 2020. 

The following August, Hernangomez was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and then one month later to the Boston Celtics. He remained with Boston until January 2022, when he was once again involved in a trade, this time to the San Antonio Spurs. But, he was traded again one month later, as he saw out the season with the Utah Jazz. Last summer, Hernangomez joined Toronto on a one-year contract. Now, seven years after leaving Europe, Hernangomez is coming back to play for Panathinaikos. 

### A European and world champion

Hernangomez helped Spain win a bronze medal at the 2013 U18 European Championship and then a silver at both the 2014 and 2015 U20 European Championships. As a member of the senior national team, he has been a member of some teams that will never be forgotten. After winning a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2017, Hernangomez came away with a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup and then EuroBasket 2022.  Hernangomez scored 27 points in last summer's EuroBasket championship game as Spain defeated France 88-76. 

Juancho Hernangomez, Panathinaikos Athens's new signing, celebrates a made three-pointer in a game for the Spanish national team.

Juancho 'Bo Cruz' Hernangomez signs with Panathinaikos

FC Bayern Munich played the role of protagonist in the EuroLeague summer market last week, bringing in four new players. Bayern focused on getting young talents who are ready to grow under head coach Pablo Laso's guidance, with the club signing three new guards who matched that profile: Carsen Edwards, Leandro Bolmaro and Sylvain Francisco.

Bayern Munich fills its backcourt with endless combinations

FC Bayern Munich played the role of protagonist in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague summer market last week, bringing in four new players. One of them, center [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/devin-booker-returns-to-bayern-munich/), is back in Munich and knows everything about the club and the city. Elsewhere, Bayern focused on getting young talents who are ready to grow under head coach [Pablo Laso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/pablo-laso-a-two-time-euroleague-champ-becomes-bayern-head-coach/)'s guidance, with the club signing three new guards who matched that profile: [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-lands-point-guard-carsen-edwards/), [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/leandro-bolmaro-completes-move-to-bayern/) and [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-adds-france-international-sylvain-francisco/).

They join a backcourt that already featured Nick Weiler-Babb, Andreas Obst and Isaac Bonga. All six players are less than 28 years old; Weiler-Babb at 27 is the oldest of the group. Coach Laso likes high-tempo basketball and with so many fresh legs in Bayern's backcourt, the German side's fast pace should make it one of the go-to teams to watch on EuroLeague TV next season.

### Last year's survivors

The best thing about it is that all six players are very different from each other. Bayern already had a do-it-all playmaker with strong defensive skills in Weiler-Babb, a tall ballhandler with great passing skills in Bonga, and a three-point specialist in Obst. Particularly in the case of Obst, he could play a similar role for Laso like Jaycee Carroll did at Real Madrid: coming off the bench as the team's first option to score the basketball as much as possible. This summer, it was important for Bayern to diversify its backcourt – and it did just that.

Isaac Bonga made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with FC Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season.

Isaac Bonga: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

### An all-action international

Francisco, who has arrived from Greek side Peristeri, is an intriguing player who is set to make his EuroLeague debut next season. The France international adds plenty of defensive intensity and has improved his court sense and basketball IQ by playing for coaching dean Pedro Martinez and former EuroLeague superstar Vassilis Spanoulis in the last two seasons. He can now read the game better, but make no mistake, Francisco is a physical player who puts pressure on opposition defenses and is explosive at both ends of the floor.

 

### Unlocking potential

Bolmaro, an addition from Lenovo Tenerife, played in the 2021 EuroLeague Championship Game with FC Barcelona, losing against Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Back then, as a 20-year-old, he showed signs of the player he could become: a tall guard with long arms who can be a nuisance on defense but also use his body to attack the rim with very solid driving skills.

Now 22, the Argentine is very different from all of his new teammates and that gives him even more value. Bolmaro can be the team's glue guy, able to play in multiple spots, while he – like fellow versatile swingman Isaac Bonga, who is 23 – still has plenty of room for improvement. Expect Coach Laso to try and unlock Bolmaro's potential over the next two years.

Leandro Bolmaro helped FC Barcelona reach the 2021 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. His role in the team improved during the season.

Leandro Bolmaro: 2020-21 EuroLeague highlights

### A top scorer candidate with lots of upside

Edwards is arguably the most interesting signing and, with more playing time, he could become an underdog candidate to claim the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy. Edwards has been an accomplished scorer in college, averaging 24.3 points in 36 games with Purdue University in the 2018-19 season.

He also found ways to score in the NBA and especially the G League, but the 25-year-old did not have a star role with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul last season, averaging 8.0 points in 34 games. Just like Bonga, Edwards now has a year of EuroLeague experience under his belt and knows the competition well. Don't be surprised to see him bounce back in Munich and prove that he can be an elite scorer at this level.

Carsen Edwards made his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2022-23 season.

Carsen Edwards: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

### A fun season is in store

Looking at the picture as a whole, Bayern has a mix of great ballhandlers, sticky defenders, long-distance shooters and dangerous slashers in its backcourt, and that's even without mentioning its superstar and franchise player, forward Vladimir Lucic.

Players like Lucic, Booker and shot-blocking ace Freddie Gillespie can all finish above the rim, which is a perfect complement for Bayern's backcourt signings. If Coach Laso manages to make it work, Bayern has what it takes to be really competitive against anyone in the EuroLeague.

Bayern Munich News

Carsen Edwards, one of FC Bayern Munich's star summer signings, in action for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

With one of the youngest backcourts in the competition, Bayern could be a problem for any opponent in the EuroLeague due to its physicality, versatility and scoring punch.  

Bayern fills its backcourt with endless combinations

ALBA Berlin will continue to rely on center Christ Koumadje after he signed a new three-year contract extension, the club confirmed Wednesday. Koumadje (2.23 meters, 27 years old) has spent the last three seasons playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for ALBA, most recently averaging 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and a 7.8 PIR across 31 games in the 2022-23 campaign.

Christ Koumadje re-ups at ALBA, signs three-year contract extension

ALBA Berlin will continue to rely on center [Christ Koumadje](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/christ-koumadje/010791/) after he signed a new three-year contract extension, the club confirmed Wednesday. Koumadje (2.23 meters, 27 years old) has spent the last three seasons playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague for ALBA, most recently averaging 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and a 7.8 PIR across 31 games in the 2022-23 campaign.

The best plays of ALBA Berlin center Christ Koumadje in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Christ Koumadje's top plays in 2022-23

Since joining ALBA midway through the 2020-21 season, the Chadian big man has shown a constant evolution in his game, resulting in career-best averages last year. What's more, he set personal-best marks across the board in 2022-23 for games played (31), games started (17), points (186), offensive rebounds (46), defensive rebounds (71), rebounds (117), assists (7), steals (9), blocks (32) and PIR (241).

Over his 56-game career in the EuroLeague, Koumadje has posted averages of 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and a 7.8 PIR. Now, the hope will be for him to continue his upwards trajectory over the next three seasons.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">💛 BIG NEWS 💙<br><br>Christ Koumadje hat einen neuen Vertrag bei uns unterschrieben. Auf die nächsten drei Saisons im ALBA-Trikot! 🤜💥🤛<br><br>Alle Infos und Statements: <a href="https://t.co/dzO5ycdhKs">https://t.co/dzO5ycdhKs</a> <a href="https://t.co/tTUxr4sKmz">pic.twitter.com/tTUxr4sKmz</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1684142399327555585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Quotes on the renewal

 

"In two and a half memorable seasons with ALBA, I have come to appreciate the philosophy and honesty of the club, as well as the historically good team chemistry," noted Koumadje. "I'm already looking forward to the upcoming season and to seeing our fans again at Mercedes-Benz Arena."

"We are pleased that we were able to extend Christ Koumadje's contract for three more years," said ALBA sports director, Himar Ojeda. "When we brought Christ here in the middle of the 2020/21 season, we took a gamble, because previously it had not worked out for him in a short time with two teams. But we saw Christ's potential and believed in him. Our trust was rewarded: Christ has developed very well in his two and a half years with us and has shown what a big factor he can be in our style of play. We will continue to follow this path and continue to work with him on his skills."

More ALBA Berlin News

Christ Koumadje dunks the ball in a game for ALBA Berlin in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Christ Koumadje signs three-year contract extension at ALBA

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) of Real Madrid has been chosen as the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Best Defender for the third time in his career.

Tavares becomes the third player to be chosen as the EuroLeague Best Defender three times. The first was Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011), who won the award six times. Kyle Hines also received the award three times: with CSKA Moscow in 2015 and 2018, and with Milan last season. Bryant Dunston of Efes received the award in consecutive seasons with Olympiacos in 2014 and 2015. In addition to the aforementioned winners, CSKA players Victor Khryapa and Andrei Kirilenko secured the award in 2010 and 2012, respectively, Stephane Lasme was the 2013 winner with Panathinaikos and Adam Hanga, then of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, took home the trophy in 2017.

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2004-05

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2005-06

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2006-07

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2007-08

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2008-09

Victor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2009-10

Dimitris Diamantidis - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2010-11

Andrei Kirilenko - CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2011-12

Stephane Lasme - Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2012-13

Bryant Dunston of Olympiacos Piraeus - EuroLeague 2013-14

Bryant Dunston - Olympiacos Piraeus - EuroLeague 2014-15

Kyle Hines - CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2015-16

Adam Hanga - Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - EuroLeague 2016-17

Kyle Hines - CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2017-18

Walter Tavares - Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2018-19

Walter Tavares - Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2021-22

Walter Tavares - Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2022-23

The EuroLeague Best Defender winners List:

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2004-05

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2005-06

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2006-07

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2007-08

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2008-09

Victor Khryapa of CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2009-10

Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2010-11

Andrei Kirilenko of CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2011-12

Stephane Lasme of Panathinaikos Athens - EuroLeague 2012-13

Bryant Dunston of Olympiacos Piraeus - EuroLeague 2013-14

Bryant Dunston of Olympiacos Piraeus - EuroLeague 2014-15

Kyle Hines of CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2015-16

Adam Hanga of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz - EuroLeague 2016-17

Kyle Hines of CSKA Moscow - EuroLeague 2017-18

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2018-19

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2020-21

Kyle Hines of Milan - EuroLeague 2021-22

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid - EuroLeague 2022-23

Panathinaikos adds size with Olek Balcerowski

Virtus Segafredo Bologna: 2023-24 games to watch

Maccabi brings in defensive star Antonius Cleveland

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz: 2023-24 games to watch

Crvena Zvezda re-signs Ognjen Kuzmic for 2 more seasons

Juancho 'Bo Cruz' Hernangomez signs with Panathinaikos

Bayern fills its backcourt with endless combinations

Christ Koumadje signs three-year contract extension at ALBA

EuroLeague Best Defender Gallery