AS Monaco has had an almost perfect Turkish Airlines EuroLeague run over the two seasons it has taken part in the competition. In the first season, the team fell short of making the Final Four in the last game of a five-game playoff series and in 2022-23, it managed to qualify for the Final Four for the first time. Monaco has made headlines this summer with the signing of Kemba Walker from the NBA, too. Here is a look at some of the most interesting games on the Monaco schedule in 2023-24:

AS Monaco: 2023-24 games to watch

AS Monaco has had an almost perfect Turkish Airlines EuroLeague run over the two seasons it has taken part in the competition. In the first season, the team fell short of making the Final Four in the last game of a five-game playoff series and in 2022-23, it managed to qualify for the Final Four for the first time. Monaco has made headlines this summer with the signing of Kemba Walker from the NBA, too. Here is a look at some of the most interesting games on the Monaco schedule in 2023-24:

[AS Monaco regular-season schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/games/mco/?season=2023-24)

### Coach Obradovic returns to his former home

[Round 3: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-as-monaco/E2023/25/#comparison)

Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic has history with Zvezda. He made his debut as a pro player there in 1987 and played in Belgrade until 1993. He was back to the team for a couple more stints and then, when he switched roles and became a coach, he would be boss of his beloved team in 2020. That's why it was no surprise that, when Monaco visited Belgrade last season to play Zvezda, Obradovic kneeled in the middle of the court and kissed the huge logo of the team. This will be another special game for Coach Obradovic and there's no doubt that the Zvezda fans will receive him with another standing ovation.

Following a disappointing outing versus Real Madrid, consistency once again plagued Zvezda's bid to reach the postseason. They seek reprieve at the expense of co-leaders Monaco, whose aspirations for continental glory were cemented through a notable victory over Olympiacos.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs AS Monaco - Round 19 - Highlights

### A French League derby to try to turn the tide

[Round 7: AS Monaco vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/62/#comparison)

There is no denying that in the French League derby between AS Monaco and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, the latter is the team with the most tradition on the European stage. However, over the last seasons, Monaco exploded in the EuroCup and managed to lift the title in 2021 (something ASVEL never did) and in its two EuroLeague campaigns, the team from the principality has won three of the four encounters they have had so far while placing above ASVEL in the standings both years. It is clear that Monaco is trying hard to change the status quo in the French League - as a matter of fact, the team just lifted its first French League title last June - and this derby against the other powerhouse in France will be a new opportunity to reach that goal.

All eyes turn to France for a derby that sees both targeting a return to winning-ways. ASVEL’s hopes of hitting the postseason are fading fast following a run of two wins in nine, while Monaco attempt to to harden the defense after allowing 95 points in a defeat to Real Madrid.

AS Monaco vs LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Round 24 - Highlights

### A new rivalry takes a few more steps

[Round 11: AS Monaco vs. Olympiacos Piraeus ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/91/#comparison)

When Monaco advanced to the playoffs in its maiden EuroLeague season, many were suprised, but coach Georgios Bartzokas and Olympiacos were ready for the challenge because they knew what was at stake. And indeed, the series proved to be a long-distance test that went to Game 5, which Olympiacos won 94-88 in Piraeus. It was the spark that started it all. Last season, Monaco came back hard and swept their regular season games, but fate would have another game between these two teams in store: no less than a EuroLeague semifinal in Kaunas. In that game, Monaco led by 12 points at the halftime break, but a 27-2 third quarter allowed the Reds to jump ahead for good. The principality will be waiting for Olympiacos to show that it was just a temporary setback.

Two of the five teams tied for first place collide for a high-powered showdown that leaves the head-to-head advantage up for grabs. Will Monaco produce a stellar-showing in front of their home fans? Or can Olympiacos steal the glory to cement their championship-credentials?

AS Monaco vs Olympiacos Piraeus - Round 18 - Highlights

### A rematch of one of the hottest playoff series from 2023

[Round 18: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-as-monaco/E2023/155/#comparison)

Last season, fate would have it that Monaco would face Maccabi in the best-of-five playoff series that granted a Final Four ticket to the winner. The series was a thrilling back-and-forth one in which Maccabi won the first game in Monaco, but then, Coach Sasa Obradovic's team went on to win Games 2 and 3 to take the lead in the series and be in a position to get one step further than the previous season. Game 4 was hell for Monaco: a 104-69 loss in Tel Aviv that seemed to give Maccabi all the momentum to win the series. However, Monaco stood proud at home led by Jordan Loyd and Mike James with 21 points apiece. The final 97-86 was decisive and Monaco punched the ticket to Kaunas. There's no doubt that Maccabi and its fans will be waiting eagerly for this game.

Mike James became the star of the show as a dazzling display in Game 3 handed Monaco the series lead for the first time. The Maccabi faithful played their part in creating a ferocious atmosphere, but can they roar their team on to bring the showdown to a final decider?

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs AS Monaco - Playoffs Game 4 - Highlights

AS Monaco News

When Kemba Walker makes his EuroLeague debut in October with Monaco Basket, he will join a long list of former NBA lottery picks to compete in Europe's premier club basketball competition. And he is clearly among the most accomplished. Here’s a look back at some of those players who came before him.

Kemba Walker the latest former NBA lottery pick to come to the EuroLeague

When Kemba Walker makes his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut in October with AS Monaco, he will join a long list of former NBA lottery picks to compete in Europe's premier club basketball competition. And he is clearly among the most accomplished. Here’s a look back at some of those players who came before him.

To date, 28 players who were top 10 picks in the NBA Draft have played in the modern EuroLeague. The highest drafted players were [Andrea Bargnani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andrea-bargnani/bwz/) and [Anthony Bennett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/anthony-bennett/007615/), who were both No. 1 overall selections. Bargnani, the top pick in the 2006 draft by the Toronto Raptors, finished his professional career with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2016-17. Bennett, meanwhile, was taken first in 2013 by the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for Fenerbahce Istanbul in 2017, when it won the EuroLeague.

Walker will become the fifth player to appear in the EuroLeague after being named to an All-NBA team, though two of those played in the previous era of the EuroLeague. They are Dominique Wilkins, who won the 1996 EuroLeague with Panathinaikos Athens, and Tom Chambers, who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv that same season. Joining them in the modern era were [Amar'e Stoudemire](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/amar-e-stoudemire/007069/) and [Pau Gasol](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/pau-gasol/adf/).

Stoudamire, a five-time All-NBA selection and six-time All-Star, played for Maccabi in the 2019-20 season. Gasol, a two-time NBA champion, four-time member of the All-NBA team and six-time All-Star, returned to his roots and completed his professional career with boyhood club FC Barcelona in 2021.

The former NBA lottery picks that have found the most success on the old continent are [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Ekpe Udoh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ekpe-udoh/006503/), who won the EuroLeague together with Fenerbahce in 2017. Vesely, who was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2011, returned to the EuroLeague when he signed with Fenerbahce in 2014. He is a three-time All-EuroLeague selection and the 2019 EuroLeague MVP. Udoh was also picked sixth overall, with the Golden State Warriors drafting him in 2010. He was the 2017 Final Four MVP and was named to the All-EuroLeague Team in both of his seasons with Fenerbahce.

Reigning EuroLeague champion [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) was taken fifth by the Orlando Magic in the 2015 NBA Draft. He spent five seasons in the NBA. [Ricky Rubio ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rubio-ricky/lfw/)also won the EuroLeague after being drafted fifth overall. However, Rubio, who was taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009, opted to remain in Europe for two more seasons after being drafted. Thanks to that decision, he won the 2010 EuroLeague with Barcelona.

Other former lottery picks to have reached the EuroLeague Final Four include [Josh Childress](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-childress/001225/) (sixth by the Atlanta Hawks in 2004) with Olympiacos Piraeus in 2010, [Dante Exum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dante-exum/profile/011302/) (fifth by the Utah Jazz in 2014) with Barcelona in 2022, Bennett with Fenerbahce in 2017 and Gasol with Barcelona in 2021.

[Marcus Fizer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marcus-fizer/tfs/) (fourth by the Chicago Bulls in 2000) played for Maccabi during the 2007-08 season, when it reached the championship game, but Fizer was injured and did not take part in the Final Four.

The most recent lottery pick to play in the EuroLeague was [Dragan Bender](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dragan-bender/profile/004549/). He was drafted fourth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2016 and returned to the EuroLeague with Maccabi for the 2020-21 campaign.

Walker will join this distinguished group this season, and time will tell whether he joins the likes of the greats or the also-rans.

Monaco News

Amar'e Stoudemire looks to dunk the ball in a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the 2019-20 season.

ALBA Berlin enters its fifth consecutive season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with the goal of reaching the playoffs for the first time. Over that stretch, it has compiled a 44-80 record. Let's take a look at some of the most important games on ALBA's schedule as it chases the playoff dream.

ALBA Berlin: 2023-24 games to watch

ALBA Berlin enters its fifth consecutive season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with the goal of reaching the playoffs for the first time. Over that stretch, it has compiled a 44-80 record. Let's take a look at some of the most important games on [ALBA's schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/games/ber/?season=2023-24) as it chases the playoff dream.

[Round 10: Real Madrid vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-alba-berlin/E2023/85/#comparison)

ALBA Berlin finds it harder to win in certain courts and WiZink Center in the Spanish capital has been one of them. In fact, Real has been virtually impossible for ALBA and even tougher in Madrid. Real is 10-0 against ALBA at home since the teams met each other for the first time back in 1998. In its last five visits, ALBA has lost by an average margin of 22.2 points. If ALBA wants to take a step forward and challenge the big names in the competition, putting on a strong performance in Madrid would be a good start.

Despite several injured absentees, Real have adapted and soared to monumental successes over Milan and Efes. They seek another advancement when confronting ALBA, who are aspiring to rediscover their early-season form after suffering four straight defeats.

Real Madrid vs ALBA Berlin - Round 8 - Highlights

[Round 15: ALBA Berlin vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-fc-barcelona/E2023/127/#comparison)

To reach new heights, staying strong at Mercedes-Benz Arena, home of the 2024 Final Four, will be crucial. Historically, Barca has been among its toughest obstacles. Since the turn of the millennium, Barca is 6-1 against ALBA in the German capital and 13-1 overall. ALBA's only win came in 2015 when it topped Barca 80-70 at home. Last season's game at Mercedes-Benz Arena was a thriller: Barca edged ALBA 86-88, but the hosts kept their chances alive until the final seconds. Over the last three seasons, ALBA is 1-11 at home against teams that eventually made it to the Final Four and of course, 0-3 against Barca.

Two teams at opposing ends of the standings and on contradictory trajectories collide. ALBA are looking to arrest an alarming losing run, whilst high-flying Barça  are equipped with a blossoming Oscar Da Silva, who returns to face his former employers.

ALBA Berlin vs FC Barcelona - Round 11 - Highlights

[Round 22: ALBA Berlin vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/190/#comparison)

The German derby in the country's capital is always a top-class showdown, and this should be extra special due to the identities of the men at the head of the teams' benches. Two-time EuroLeague champion Pablo Laso joined Bayern this summer after a year off and should be ready for a tough tactical test against Israel Gonzalez, who is in his third campaign with ALBA. It should be interesting to see how Laso's run-and-gun mentality works against ALBA's fun-to-watch basketball, which focuses on moving the ball as much as possible.

The stage is set for a pair of German-giants in the midst of contrasting fortunes as ALBA strive to restore optimism and end a three-game losing streak, whilst Bayern chase more progress after finally launching their crusade with a monumental win over Efes.

ALBA Berlin vs FC Bayern Munich - Round 7 - Highlights

[Round 28: Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-alba-berlin/E2023/252/#comparison)

There has been a lot of transit between these teams in recent years: Simone Fontecchio. Landry Nnoko, Rokas Giedraitis and Jayson Granger have all played for both ALBA and Baskonia in consecutive seasons. ALBA has been quite competitive against Baskonia in recent seasons. In 2021, ALBA grabbed a 77-84 road victory at Buesa Arena. Last season, Baskonia had to battle to edge ALBA 93-87 behind 23 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high PIR of 40 by Maik Kotsar. Both teams like to play at a high rhythm and this late-season game could have ramifications for both sides as ALBA seeks a statement win in one of the toughest courts in the competition.

A run of three without a win leaves Baskonia in treacherous territory for the postseason. They aim to bolster their prospects versus ALBA, who seek more encouragement following a triumphant evening at the expense of Efes.

Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs ALBA Berlin - Round 31 - Highlights

ALBA Berlin News

FC Bayern Munich has secured the signing of Devin Booker, who has penned a two-year contract at Audi Dome. Booker (2.05 meters, 32 years old) returns to Bayern after previously playing for the club between 2016 and 2019. Last season, Booker averaged 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 6.6 PIR across 31 EuroLeague games for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, mostly from the bench. 

Devin Booker returns to Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Munich has secured the signing of [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), who has penned a two-year contract at Audi Dome. Booker (2.05 meters, 32 years old) returns to Bayern after previously playing for the club between 2016 and 2019. During his time at the German club, he was named to the 2017-18 All-EuroCup First Team. Last season, Booker averaged 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 6.6 PIR across 31 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, mostly from the bench.

The best plays of new FC Bayern Munich signing Devin Booker during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

Devin Booker's top plays in 2022-23

### Heading 'home' with more experience

Booker played one season in the EuroLeague with Bayern in the 2018-19 campaign, posting 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a 9.8 PIR in 16 appearances, before heading to Khimki Moscow Region in the summer of 2019. The American center spent two seasons with Khimki, enjoying an impressive debut campaign with the Russian club in 2019-20 as he averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a 13.9 PIR across 28 contests. He managed to better those numbers in the following season, though, as he averaged 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and a 15.3 PIR in 15 games, although it proved to be an injury-affected season for the big man.

After impressing with Khimki, Fenerbahce moved to sign Booker in the summer of 2021. As a starter, he posted 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a 10.9 PIR through 29 appearances. Then, last year, he played behind Johnathan Motley and fought for minutes with Tonye Jekiri, which resulted in lower averages. Nevertheless, Booker is still in the prime of his career at 31 and has a lot to offer Pablo Laso's Bayern.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🙌 BOOK is BACK! Ihr wollt ihn, Ihr kriegt ihn: <a href="https://twitter.com/DevinBooker31?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DevinBooker31</a> ist zurück im <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a>-Dress! Alle Infos ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Booker2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Booker2025</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1683396600595640320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</center>

### His first spell at Bayern

Having played for Bayern between 2016 and 2019, Booker spent his first two seasons with the club in the BKT EuroCup. Over that period, he averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a 15.9 PIR in 38 games, of which 26 were as a starter. Bayern reached the EuroCup Quarterfinals in Booker's first year at the club, before ending the season with a semifinal finish in 2017-18. Upon Bayern's jump to the EuroLeague in 2018, Booker and his teammates had a respectable 14-16 record, finishing 11th in the standings.

Before playing in Europe with Bayern, Khimki and Fenerbahce, the Clemson University graduate made his professional debut with French first division side SLUC Nancy in the 2013-14 season, but he spent the majority of that campaign with a team in France's second tier, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse. After securing promotion with Bourg, Booker remained with the team on its return to the top flight in 2014-15. He signed for fellow French first division team Elan Chalon in the 2015-16 season, then in the summer of 2016 he joined Bayern and began his journey in the EuroCup and the EuroLeague.

Bayern Munich News

Devin Booker, who has returned to FC Bayern Munich, in action for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Devin Booker returns to Bayern

Olimpia Milano has confirmed the arrival of Maodo Lo. Lo (1.91 meters, 30 years old) has spent his entire EuroLeague career playing in Germany, most recently averaging 11.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a 10.6 PIR for ALBA Berlin. The Berlin-born point guard has spent the last three seasons with ALBA, having previously played in the EuroLeague with Brose Bamberg (2016-18) and FC Bayern Munich (2018-20).

Maodo Lo moves from ALBA Berlin to Olimpia Milano

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has confirmed the arrival of [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/), who has penned a two-year deal with the Italian side. Lo (1.91 meters, 30 years old) has spent his entire Turkish Airlines EuroLeague career playing in Germany, most recently averaging 11.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a 10.6 PIR for ALBA Berlin. The Berlin-born point guard has spent the last three seasons with ALBA, his hometown team, having previously played in the EuroLeague with Brose Bamberg (2016-18) and FC Bayern Munich (2018-20). Lo now heads to Milan and, at 30, will test himself away from Germany for the first time in his pro career.

The best plays of new EA7 Emporio Armani Milan signing Maodo Lo during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons with ALBA Berlin.

Maodo Lo's top plays in 2021-22 and 2022-23

### A reliable option on offense

In each of the last two seasons, Lo has averaged double-digit points in the EuroLeague. In the 2021-22 campaign, the guard posted career-high averages of 13.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a 14.8 PIR. In fact, that season, Lo scored 10 points or more on 25 occasions across 33 appearances. His performance in a 90-75 home win against Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 29 was particularly impressive, as he had 27 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and a 34 PIR, [good enough for MVP of the Round honors](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/round-29-mvp-maodo-lo-alba-berlin/).

During the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 11.6 points per game, Lo again managed to score in double digits in the majority of his games, doing so 17 times in 26 appearances. While he got above the 20-point mark on seven occasions in 2021-22, he managed to do so twice last season, scoring 25 points at home to Valencia Basket in Round 21 and 24 points on the road at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 25. Prior to the last two campaigns, Lo's best points average had been the 9.5 he posted in his first year at ALBA in 2020-21.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo fino al 2025 con Maodo Lo. ⚪️🔴<br><br>Benvenuto Lo➡️ <a href="https://t.co/kbQs9UQvTT">https://t.co/kbQs9UQvTT</a><br>Welcome Lo ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Qt4afMh8zH">https://t.co/Qt4afMh8zH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forzaolimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forzaolimpia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeLo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeLo</a> <a href="https://t.co/CHHTA3A4Qy">pic.twitter.com/CHHTA3A4Qy</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1682680172988735488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Plenty of EuroLeague experience

Lo may be coming into his own in terms of scoring the basketball, but the point guard has also racked up plenty of EuroLeague experience over the last seven seasons. He played 56 games in the competition for Bamberg, 57 for Bayern and then 86 for ALBA, so he heads to Milan with 199 games – and 100 starts – of know-how behind him. Across those games, Lo has scored a total of 1,788 points, grabbed a combined 321 rebounds, dished 515 assists, recorded 120 steals and accumulated a total PIR of 1,537. As such, his career averages stand at 9.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a 7.7 PIR.

Maodo Lo, ALBA: 'My mother's passion for art is parallel to my passion for basketball'

A member of the German national team, Lo will join up with fellow teammate Johannes Voigtmann at Mediolanum Forum, as well as former Bamberg teammate Nicolo Melli.

Milan News

New EA7 Emporio Armani Milan signing Maodo Lo in possession of the ball during an ALBA Berlin game in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Maodo Lo moves from ALBA to Milan

Zalgiris Kaunas announced that it has signed big man Brady Manek, who will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut this season with the Lithuanian champs. 

Zalgiris adds Brady Manek to frontline

Zalgiris Kaunas has announced that Brady Manek has joined the club on a one-year contract with an option for a second season. Manek (2.06 meters, 24 years old) arrives from Tofas Bursa, where he played the tail end of last season. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 13 Turkish League games. Manek began his professional career in Australia with the Perth Wildcats. He was worth 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 30 appearances in Australia, too. The American forward will make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut in the 2023-24 season.

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### Making a name in college

Manek played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma and the University of North Carolina prior to turning professional. At Oklahoma, he became a star and impressed in all four of his years there. In the 2017-18 season, he posted 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games. He swelled those numbers to 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds across 34 appearances in 2018-19, before earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors in 2020 after averaging 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 31 contests. In his final year at Oklahoma, Manek averaged 10.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in 25 games.

In the summer of 2021, Manek took the decision to transfer to North Carolina. There, he had his best scoring season to date, averaging 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 39 appearances. In particular, he is remembered by North Carolina fans for his 28-point outing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Marquette University. North Carolina was eliminated in the second round, but in April 2022, Manek was named as the winner of the Riley Wallace Player of the Year Award, which is given to the top transfer player in college basketball.

Manek will be hoping to not only find a home at Zalgiris but remind the world what he is capable of as he embarks upon a new journey in the EuroLeague.

Zalgiris Kaunas news

Brady Manek, Zalgiris Kaunas's latest signing, in action for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League.

Zalgiris confirms the signing of Brady Manek

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has been rich historically in rivalries. While some are born out of geography, like the many derbies played out every season, there are many others whose roots come from repeated high-stakes contests. Here are some budding rivalries that have heated up over the last couple of years and are certain to bring excitement to the 2023-24 season. 

Calendar highlights: Budding rivalries

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has been rich historically in rivalries. While some are born out of geography, like the many derbies played out every season, there are many others whose roots come from repeated high-stakes contests. Here are some budding rivalries that have heated up over the last couple of years and are certain to bring excitement to the 2023-24 season. 

### Rounds 5 and 18: AS Monaco vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

This was one of three quarterfinals series that went the distance last season and the parties involved walked away with mutual respect. That said, Maccabi sill surely see Monaco as a team it must hurdle past as it looks to end a decade-long Final Four drought. Monaco, on the other hand, got the best of Maccabi in the playoffs, but little separated them during the regular season as the teams split their games and Monaco finished with just one win more. The battle of the Israel and French League champs should be exciting. 

Maccabi aim to seal a first Final Four appearance since 2014 with a decisive visit to Monaco, who are striving to reach European basketball's biggest event for the very first time. Who will be celebrating come the final buzzer and have their hopes of glory still intact?

AS Monaco vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

### Rounds 6 and 34: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Despite these teams being among the top teams in the EuroLeague over the last decade and facing off in the 2017 championship game, it would have been a stretch to call the games between them a rivalry. Then Fenerbahce went "Green" last season with Coach Itoudis and Nick Calathes coming aboard and then it signed Tyler Dorsey, who had previously been with the Reds. After all that, they went the distance in a thrilling five-game playoff series. What's next?

With the series equal after Fenerbahçe's impressive road win in Piraeus, the Turkish titans aim to utilise home-court advantage against an Olympiacos team bidding to bounce back and unleash the supreme talents of the season's leading scorer, Sasha Vezenkov.

Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul vs Olympiacos Piraeus - Playoffs Game 3 - Highlights

### Rounds 11 and 19: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. AS Monaco 

Monaco's last two seasons have come to an end at the hands of Olympiacos and fans in the principality must surely feel it could have been the other way. Monaco led by as many as 11 and was still ahead with less than 5 minutes to go in Game 5 of their 2022 playoff series and it had a 29-41 halftime advantage at last season's semifinals in Kaunas before the Reds took charge in the second half.  After playing each other 10 times over the past two years, it is safe to say that a rivalry is brewing. 

The action begins with Regular Season standings-leaders Olympiacos, who are gunning for a fourth EuroLeague title, taking on Final Four newcomers Monaco. Both had to go the distance in their respective playoff series, but who can offer one extra push to make the final?

Olympiacos Piraeus vs AS Monaco - Semi-Final - Highlights

### Rounds 12 and 20: Panathinaikos Athens vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul

The Ergin Ataman Show has left Istanbul and moved to Athens, but left behind at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall are no fewer than seven players from Coach Ataman's tenure, including five who celebrated winning the EuroLeague with him in 2022. After missing the playoffs together last season, the Efes players will want to rebound and would naturally rejoice at claiming victories at the expense of their old coach. The meetings between them this season should be spicy. 

Panathinaikos coach Christos Serelis targets a monumental triumph, and his first win in charge, at the expense of reigning-champs Efes, who aim for consecutive away triumphs for the first time since December 2022 to repair their faltering title-defence.

Panathinaikos Athens vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Round 26 - Highlights

### Rounds 16 and 21: Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Barcelona

Even though Sarunas Jasikevicius is no longer standing on the sidelines for Barça, the ties between these two teams remain with Rokas Jokubaitis and Rolands Smits set to face their former clubs. The real hunger for Zalgiris is the fact that it has lost its last four games against Barcelona, including a three-game sweep in the playoffs. Three of those losses were by double figures and the Lithuanian champs want to change things this season. 

Two defeats mean Žalgiris face the mountainous task of needing three consecutive victories over Barça. They can count on the backing of a sold-out crowd, but local hero Šarūnas Jasikevičius should have no mercy as his team seeks a quick return to Žalgirio Arena for the Final Four.

Žalgiris Kaunas vs FC Barcelona - Playoffs Game 3 - Highlights

### Rounds 16 and 27: Valencia Basket vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Valencia is the winningest team in EuroCup history. But its last game in that competition is one that still burns some Valencia fans. There was a feeling that it was headed to a fifth EuroCup crown in 2022 as it entered the playoffs tied for the best record in Group B. Two its 12 regular season wins came against Virtus, but when then met at La Fonteta in the semifinals, midseason additions Toko Shengelia and Daniel Hackett carried Virtus to victory. And the Valencia fans have not forgotten. 

Watch the Game Highlights from VALENCIA BASKET vs. Segafredo Virtus Bologna, 05/04/2022

Valencia Basket vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Highlights | Semifinals

### Rounds 16 and 31: Real Madrid vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

After their historic playoff series last season, every game between these two teams will have added meaning for some time. The players and coaches put aside any ill will caused by the on-court altercation in Madrid that caused Game 2 of the series to be abandoned, however, suspensions and injuries left both teams at less than full strength as Los Blancos won the last three games to overturn a 0-2 deficit. Their meetings this season should be drama-filled.

Real attempt to become the first team to ever recover from 0-2 down in a playoffs series by making it three straight wins against Partizan, who are significantly bolstered by the return of backcourt-leader Kevin Punter from a two-game suspension.

Real Madrid vs Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

Kemba Walker has officially joined Monaco Basket in one of the biggest transfers in EuroLeague history. Walker (1.83 meters, 33 years old) has signed a one-year deal with Monaco, following a glittering 12-season career in the NBA. Walker now brings his talents to the old continent as he prepares to play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career.

Monaco Basket signs four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker has officially joined AS Monaco in one of the biggest transfers in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history. Walker (1.83 meters, 33 years old) has signed a one-year deal with Monaco, following a glittering 12-season career in the NBA. The American guard averaged 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals over 750 regular-season games in the NBA, while he posted 19.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 31 playoff games across four seasons. Walker, an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2019, now brings his talents to the old continent as he prepares to play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ᴋᴇᴍʙᴀ ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇʀ ᴇsᴛ ᴍᴏɴéɢᴀsǫᴜᴇ 🔴⚪️<br><br>✍️ L&#39;AS Monaco est heureuse d&#39;annoncer la signature pour la saison à venir du meneur américain 🇺🇸<br><br>4️⃣ fois All-Star 🌟 le meilleur marqueur de l&#39;histoire des Charlotte Hornets (12 009 points) a disputé 750 matchs en NBA 🔛<br><br>🚀… <a href="https://t.co/FYFX1ionHh">pic.twitter.com/FYFX1ionHh</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1682371254076973057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A four-time NBA All-Star

Ever since his arrival in the NBA in the 2011-12 season, having earned much acclaim in the United States for guiding the University of Connecticut to the 2011 NCAA title, Walker thrilled fans with his scoring in the league. The former ninth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft played a total of 616 games with the Charlotte Hornets between 2011 and 2019, averaging at least 17.0 points per game in seven of his eight seasons with the franchise. Walker also began to receive more acclaim from the NBA fans as a whole, being named as an NBA All-Star in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, with the last of those selections coming as a Boston Celtics player.

### Taking Charlotte to the playoffs

Walker first guided Charlotte to the playoffs in the 2013-14 season, posting 17.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals in the regular season before averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals in the postseason as the Hornets fell 0-4 to the Miami Heat.

Then, in the 2015-16 campaign, Walker averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals, but he narrowly missed out on making the All-Star team. He did, however, guide Charlotte to the playoffs, with his team narrowly losing in a seven-game series against Miami.

### All-Star recognition

By that point, Walker was renowned inside the league for his ability to score the basketball, and he continued to average over 20 points per game over the next three seasons, posting 23.2 points in 2016-17, 22.1 points in 2017-18 and a career-high 25.6 points in 2018-19. As such, he earned three All-Star appearances in each of those three years.

Kemba Walker 2019 All-Star Starter | 2018-19 NBA Season

The summer of 2019 saw Walker leave for Boston in a sign and trade deal, following the exit of Kyrie Irving to the Brooklyn Nets. Walker retained his average of scoring at least 20 points per night, averaging 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his first year in Boston as he became an NBA All-Star for the fourth time in his career.

Kemba Walker 2020 All-Star Starter | 2019-20 NBA Season

### Back in the playoffs

The 33-year-old also returned to the playoffs with the Celtics and got past the first round for the first time in his career. Walker shined for Boston, averaging 19.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 17 games as the Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Following an injury-affected start to the 2020-21 campaign, Walker made his season debut in mid-January and went on to post 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 43 regular-season contests. In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, however, he could only play the first three games of Boston's series against Brooklyn due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Despite that ailment, he still averaged 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists between Games 1 and 3.

### The last two years

Walker decided to return to his hometown of New York to join the New York Knicks in the offseason of 2021, with the guard posting 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 37 regular-season games. Unfortunately for the Charlotte legend, he missed the second half of the campaign due to knee problems.

Kemba Walker's HISTORIC Knicks Christmas Day Triple-Double

Last season, Walker signed with the Dallas Mavericks in late November suited up for the franchise nine times, in which time he averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists off the bench.

### A European adventure

Before the signing deadline in the 2022-23 EuroLeague Regular Season, Walker had been rumored with a move to Italian side EA7 Emporio Armani Milan following his exit from Dallas in January 2023. Nothing came of it at the time, but now Walker can look ahead to his first taste of EuroLeague basketball in the upcoming campaign.

Monaco is coming off a season in which it reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in the club's history, and the French club is showing that it truly means business by signing a player of the caliber of Walker. Kemba, welcome to the EuroLeague, your new home.

Kemba Walker, the biggest signing in AS Monaco's history, in action for the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018-19 season, his final year with the franchise.

Monaco signs four-time NBA All-Star Kemba Walker

The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be full of interesting coaching matchups. Whether it is an emerging coach facing his former boss, legendary masterminds clashing or recently created coaching rivalries, the coaches will be part of the storylines on a weekly basis. In the EuroLeague, every game matters and coaches have plenty to do with each game's outcome. Here are some of the matchups to look forward to:

EuroLeague calendar highlights: Coaching showdowns

The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be full of interesting coaching matchups. Whether it is an emerging coach facing his former boss, legendary masterminds clashing or recently created coaching rivalries, the coaches will be part of the storylines on a weekly basis. In the EuroLeague, every game matters and coaches have plenty to do with each game's outcome. Here are some of the matchups to look forward to:

### Rounds 1 and 29: Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos Athens vs. Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus

Ataman and Bartzokas have had several great tactical basketball battles in the past, none bigger than the 2022 EuroLeague semifinal. Ataman took Efes to the championship game, downing Bartzokas's Olympiacos on a game-winning, iconic three-pointer by Vasilije Micic. This time, Ataman and Bartzokas are taking that rivalry up a notch, sharing the court in the Greek derby. Ataman joining Panathinaikos makes it even more interesting.

### Rounds 4 and 29: Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin vs. Sasa Obradovic, AS Monaco

It is always special when Sasa Obradovic faces ALBA Berlin. Obradovic led ALBA to its only continental title, the 1994-95 Korac Cup. He played a big role, too, averaging 23.0 points in the final against Milan. He also coached ALBA from 2012 to 2016, winning a German League and three German Cup titles. In two seasons with ALBA, Gonzalez led the team to a German League and Cup double in 2022. He is on his way into the history books.

### Rounds 7 and 20: Dimitris Itoudis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

It is a well-known history. Obradovic and Itoudis worked together for 13 years, leading Panathinaikos to five EuroLeague crowns and many other domestic titles. Itoudis became a head coach and went on to win EuroLeague titles with CSKA Moscow in 2016 and 2018. Obradovic added a ninth EuroLeague trophy in 2017, and now Itoudis is with that team. The games between Obradovic and Itoudis are tactically rich as they put aside their great friendship to battle for the win.

### Rounds 7 and 25: Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade vs. Roger Grimau, FC Barcelona

Another case of a EuroLeague rookie coach going against one of his mentors. Grimau played for Ivanovic for the best part of three seasons. It was Ivanovic who made Grimau team captain in 2007, and that allowed him to have the privilege to lift the EuroLeague title with Barca in 2010. It has been a while, but Grimau and Ivanovic know each other very well and that makes this coaching matchup a must-follow one.

 

### Rounds 8 and 33: Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Sergio Scariolo, Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Milan and Virtus have been to each of the last three Italian League finals and have been the two Italian teams in the EuroLeague the last couple of years. Scariolo and Messina have had a lot to do with their team's success. Messina led Milan to back-to-back Italian League titles and the club's first EuroLeague Final Four appearance in 1992. Scariolo helped Virtus win the EuroCup and the club's first Italian championship in 20 years. Expect great tactical battles between two well-known, decorated coaches.

### Rounds 9 and 28: Roger Grimau, FC Barcelona vs. Alex Mumbru, Valencia Basket

Grimau and Mumbru have a lot in common: they started their careers with Joventut Badalona and played there together in their late teens, were also Bilbao Basket teammates for three seasons at the end of their playing careers and even played together in the Spanish national team in the 1998 U22 European Championships. It should be an exciting matchup for both of them: going against each other as head coaches in the EuroLeague!

 

### Rounds 10 and 27: Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Erdem Can, Anadolu Efes Istanbul

There are so many ways to connect Obradovic with other coaches. His matchup against Can is special because it is the first time they will face each other in the EuroLeague. Can worked for Obradovic as an assistant; together they won four Turkish championships and three Turkish Cups as well as helping Fenerbahce become the first Turkish team to win the EuroLeague. Can now get his shot to go against the EuroLeague coaching legend.

### Rounds 12 and 20: Erdem Can, Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos Athens

Ataman led Efes to new heights, allowing his former team to win back-to-back EuroLeague titles. After more than a decade as an assistant, Can comes off a successful season with Turk Telekom Ankara, earning EuroCup Coach of the Year honors after leading his team to the Finals. Can has replaced Ataman on Efes's bench, trying to keep the team's championship window open. Ataman opened that window for Efes and wants to do the same in Athens.

 

### Rounds 13 and 22: Joan Penarroya, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade

Penarroya comes off a fantastic first season with Baskonia, in which the team thrilled fans and experts alike with its fun-to-watch, aggressive basketball. He wants to be the next great Baskonia coach but has some big shoes to fill. Ivanovic led Baskonia to EuroLeague finals in 2001 and 2005 and won three Spanish championships and three Spanish Cups. Both are energetic coaches full of character, which makes their matchup even more interesting.

### Rounds 14 and 20: Chus Mateo, Real Madrid vs. Pablo Laso, FC Bayern Munich

Mateo worked for Laso from 2014 to 2022, helping Los Blancos win EuroLeague titles in 2015 to 2018. When Laso had to step down due to a medical problem, Real handed the team's reins to Mateo and he led it to a Spanish League title. Laso and Real parted ways, Mateo was promoted to the head coach spot and led the team to the EuroLeague crown last season. Laso is back in action with Bayern, and all eyes will be on them when their teams cross paths.