Monaco Basket has reached an agreement with center Donatas Motiejunas over a new two-year contract. Motiejunas (2.13 meters, 32 years old) is set to start his third season with Monaco, which he helped win the French league and cup double and reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four last season. In 38 EuroLeague games in the 2022-23 campaign, the Lithuanian big man averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and a 10.0 PIR.

Monaco Basket re-signs center Donatas Motiejunas

AS Monaco has reached an agreement with center [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) over a new two-year contract. Motiejunas (2.13 meters, 32 years old) is set to start his third season with Monaco, which he helped win the French league and cup double and reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four last season. In 38 EuroLeague games in the 2022-23 campaign, the Lithuanian big man averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and a 10.0 PIR.

Donatas Motiejunas helped AS Monaco reach the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

Donatas Motiejunas: 2022-23 EuroLeague highlights

### An ANGT star and a EuroLeague record

 

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Motiejunas joined Zalgiris Kaunas's youth program at a young age. He led Zalgiris to the 2007 ANGT title in Athens, Greece, averaging 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games to earn tournament MVP honors. He had 20 points and 9 rebounds in the championship game against FMP.

Motiejunas made his EuroLeague debut with Zalgiris in the 2007-08 season. He also played for Aisciai Kaunas of Lithuania and Benetton Treviso of Italy before returning to the EuroLeague with Polish side Asseco Prokom Gdynia. He averaged 12.5 points in 10 EuroLeague games with Prokom in the 2011-12 campaign, ranking second in rebounds (7.9 rpg.). Motiejunas set a record for most defensive rebounds in a EuroLeague game, grabbing 18 with Prokom against Union Olimpija Ljubljana on December 7, 2011 – a record that still stands to this day.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Donatas Motiejunas poursuit l&#39;aventure ! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Pour sa 3️⃣e saison consécutive avec la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a>, DMO continuera d&#39;apporter sa science du jeu et sa combativité 🛡 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StillARocaBoy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StillARocaBoy</a> 🇲🇨<br><br>🗣 La réaction de Donatas Motiejunas 👇<a href="https://t.co/go5sDoqZwx">https://t.co/go5sDoqZwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/3lPuURdePB">pic.twitter.com/3lPuURdePB</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1682331065971531776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### All over the world

Motiejunas also played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G League, the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, as well as the Shandong Golden Stars, the Shanghai Sharks and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China before joining Monaco in 2021.

He was chosen as the 2010-11 EuroCup Rising Star, averaging 10.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16 games with Treviso. Motiejunas helped Zalgiris win the Lithuanian League and the Baltic League titles in 2008, while he also lifted the Polish League trophy with Prokom in 2012.

He has been a member of the Lithuanian national team, helping it get a silver medal at the 2013 EuroBasket tournament. Motiejunas also collected respective silver medals in 2008 at the U18 and U20 European Championship. In 92 EuroLeague games with Zalgiris, Prokom and Monaco, Motiejunas has averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Monaco News

Donatas Motiejunas makes a signal during an AS Monaco game in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Monaco re-signs center Donatas Motiejunas

Olympiacos Piraeus has confirmed that shooting guard Giannoulis Larentzakis has signed a new three-year contract at the club. Larentzakis (1.96 meters, 29 years old) averaged 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and a 4.8 PIR in 41 bench appearances last season as Olympiacos reached the EuroLeague Championship Game. 

Giannoulis Larentzakis, Olympiacos finalize three-year contract extension

Olympiacos Piraeus has confirmed that shooting guard [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) has signed a new three-year contract at the club, with his new deal set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. Larentzakis (1.96 meters, 29 years old), who had one year left on his contract heading into the upcoming campaign, averaged 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and a 4.8 PIR in 41 bench appearances last season as Olympiacos reached the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. Particularly in the regular season, Larentzakis had his best campaign to date and proved to be a vital member of the Reds' bench unit.

The best plays of Olympiacos Piraeus shooting guard Giannoulis Larentzakis in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Giannoulis Larentzakis's top plays in 2022-23

### His best statistical season so far

In just under 16 minutes per night, Larentzakis posted 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and a 6.0 PIR in the 2022-23 regular season, which was comfortably his best statistical campaign to date. He saw his numbers take a dip in the postseason right across the board, but Larentzakis was a key reason behind why Olympiacos secured the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs.

The Greece international has gone from strength to strength since joining Olympiacos in the summer of 2020. In his rookie EuroLeague season in 2020-21, the Reds' guard averaged 4.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and a 3.5 PIR across 21 appearances. Then, the following campaign, 2021-22, saw Larentzakis average 4.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 2.6 PIR as Olympiacos made it all the way to the Final Four, falling in the semifinals to Anadolu Efes Istanbul and then to FC Barcelona in the third-place game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">✍️🏽 Η ΚΑΕ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΣ ανακοινώνει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον Γιαννούλη Λαρεντζάκη έως το 2026. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a><a href="https://t.co/8nn13YKtm3">https://t.co/8nn13YKtm3</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1682314626334093312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A charismatic player

Larentzakis, who has previously played for Aigaleo (2010-11), Ikaros Kallitheas (2011-13), Aris Thessaloniki (2013-14), Kolossos Rodou (2014-16), AEK Athens (2016-19) and UCAM Murcia (2019-20), has become a real fans' favorite among Olympiacos fans since joining the club. He is never afraid to start trash talking opposition players, while there are few players in the EuroLeague who can catch fire as quickly as him. Now, the Reds' supporters can continue to watch Larentzakis for another three years.

Olympiacos News

Giannoulis Larentzakis celebrates a made basket for Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

FC Bayern Munich has signed Carsen Edwards. Edwards (1.80 meters, 25 years old) becomes the first signing of the Pablo Laso era at Bayern. After a turbulent debut season in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, in which he averaged 8.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 4.9 PIR in 15:21 on the floor, Edwards now heads to Germany with the hope of establishing himself as one of the competition's best guards.

Bayern Munich lands point guard Carsen Edwards

FC Bayern Munich has signed [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) on a one-year deal, the club confirmed on Friday. Edwards (1.80 meters, 25 years old) becomes the first signing of the Pablo Laso era at Bayern. After a turbulent debut season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, in which he averaged 8.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 4.9 PIR in 15:21 on the floor, Edwards now heads to Germany with the hope of establishing himself as one of the competition's best guards.

The best plays of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul guard Carsen Edwards during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Carsen Edwards's top plays in 2022-23

### Getting to know the EuroLeague

Edwards made a total of 34 appearances in his first EuroLeague campaign, starting just twice, and he showed plenty of signs of the player that he could be. During the regular season, the American hit double figures for points in 12 out of 29 appearances. His season high came in Round 21 when he scored 22 points against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, while his best stretch of performances came between Rounds 12 and 14 as he netted at least 10 points in three straight games. Edwards twice chained back-to-back games with a double-digit number of points in Rounds 8 and 9 and Rounds 23 and 24, too.

In the postseason, Edwards erupted for 16 points in Game 2 of Fenerbahce's playoff matchup against Olympiacos Piraeus, which ensured that the series returned to Istanbul with the score at 1-1. In the decisive do-or-die Game 5, he scored 10 points, but it came in a losing effort as Fenerbahce failed to make it to the EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👋 Welcome to Munich, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cboogie_3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cboogie_3</a>! We sign the former <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerBall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoilerBall</a> standout for the upcoming season! More info ⤵️<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/FCBayernUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPainter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachPainter</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1682314722060775425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A chance to shine

At Bayern, Edwards will be given an opportunity to display his talents on a more consistent basis. Following a season that saw the ex-Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons guard come in and out of Fenerbahce's rotation, with head coach Dimitris Itoudis often preferring the likes of Nick Calathes, Scottie Wilbekin and Tyler Dorsey, Coach Laso is expected to provide the 25-year-old with more minutes and a more defined role on the court. Heading into next season, Bayern fans will hope that Edwards can now fulfil his clear potential and become a star in Munich.

Bayern Munich News

New FC Bayern Munich signing Carsen Edwards in action for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Bayern lands point guard Carsen Edwards

After Real Madrid captured the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season, much was said and written about Los Blancos' old guard. The likes of Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez and Fabien Causeur all played key roles in the march to the championship. And while that quartet will be back this season, their influence will only diminish with time. 

Real Madrid's new 'old guard' begins with Facu Campazzo 

After Real Madrid captured the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season, much was said and written about *Los Blancos*' old guard. The likes of Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez and Fabien Causeur all played key roles in the march to the championship. And while that quartet will be back this season, their influence will only diminish with time.

The signing of Facu Campazzo, who begins his third stint with the club, offers Real Madrid someone to serve as the face of the new “old guard". At the age of 32, Campazzo brings everything needed to step into a leadership position in the Spanish capital.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACUISBACK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACUISBACK</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/qnK8mbKXPN">pic.twitter.com/qnK8mbKXPN</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1681367039091302400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Campazzo has a wealth of EuroLeague experience, which includes five seasons and two EuroLeague championships with Real. Last season, he learned what it meant to be a team's go-to player when he joined Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade mid-season and tried to lead it to a playoff berth. Campazzo also felt what it meant to be at the heart of controversy when sanctions imposed on Zvezda forced him to sit on the sidelines until Round 26. Before that, Campazzo played two and a half seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.

"I feel good physically. I consider myself to be a better player since I left and now I have to show it on a day-to-day basis," Campazzo told Real Madrid's official media earlier this week. "You have to work hard, keep trying to achieve your goals, fight for titles, be part of this team that always tries to achieve everything."

In a nutshell, that comment shows what Real Madrid is getting in Campazzo this time around. His tough on-ball defense, crafty playmaking, speed in transition, creative finishing and clutch shot-making have been Campazzo's calling card throughout his career. The road he has traveled since leaving Real in November 2020 has seen him grow as a player and a leader, on and off the court, too. 

Facundo Campazzo | Best Plays | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines Euroleague

After playing all over the world, the native of Argentina is at home in Madrid.

"It means a lot to both me and my family to return to what I feel is my home. I always had good times here. They gave me the opportunity to show me the player that I am and I will always be grateful," Campazzo said.

"People with whom I am in contact with since I left until this day, such as the president, the management, friends, players, staff, people from the club… I have kept in touch with many people. The relationships that I have left here, friends and colleagues, are the ones that I missed the most and that has also pushed me to return. My family loves Madrid, the team, my daughter was born here and the comfort of the family was very important to be calm and they are happy."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">HERMANOS <a href="https://t.co/OnwsqVXv0u">pic.twitter.com/OnwsqVXv0u</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1681299091194793984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All of that helps explain why Campazzo penned a four-year deal, meaning at the end of it he will be similar in age to Real's current old guard. For now, he arrives to stand front and center alongside current stars Walter Tavares, Dzanan Musa, Mario Hezonja and countryman Gabriel Deck, who is also committed to the club on a long-term contract, as Real seeks to defend its EuroLeague title.

"Whenever you talk about Madrid, you talk about titles and with each opportunity for a title, you have to try to achieve it. We are going to work every day throughout the season to win each title that comes our way, we are going to try to give everything in each game so that we can fight for the important things again and we are going to give everything for that goal," Campazzo summed up.

And perhaps in 2027, when Campazzo’s deal is nearing its end, he and Deck will be part of Real's next old guard who brings the magic for the next generation that Llull, Chacho, Causier and Rudy have for theirs.

Real Madrid News

Facundo Campazzo celebrates with Sergio Llull (right), Walter Tavares (center) and Fabien Causeur (left) during his first stint at Real Madrid. 

Now that the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season calendar is public, fans will immediately start looking for the big games. And what is bigger than a derby? There are seven such matchups in the cards this season and here is a look at each of them. 

Calendar highlights: The derbies

**Now that the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season calendar is public, fans will immediately start looking for the big games. And what is bigger than a derby? There are seven such matchups in the cards this season and here is a look at each of them.** 

#### Rounds 1 and 29: The Derby of eternal rivals

No matter how these teams are doing, and both [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2023-24) and [Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2023-24) have had their share of great success and low points over the years, meetings between the Reds and the Greens are the talk of the basketball world whenever they happen. For all the good and the bad that their Greek derbies bring, there is nothing sweeter for each of these clubs than to beat its archrival in the arena packed with passionate home fans. That passion is also exactly how these games are played, and that's why these games go into the category that no basketball fan wants to miss.

Olympiacos are to prepare for the playoffs in the best possible style by testing themselves against fast-improving, but already-disqualified Panathinaikos, who can be solely motivated by securing the bragging rights and disrupting the momentum of their rivals.

Olympiacos Piraeus vs Panathinaikos Athens - Round 32 - Highlights

#### Rounds 1 and 22: The German Derby

[ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/roster/ber/?season=2023-24), Germany's winningest basketball team, has had its share of domestic rivals over the years and over the last decade it has been [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2023-24) that has successfully played the part. ALBA and Bayern have taken this rivalry a step further and made this the first German derby in the EuroLeague. Their games never disappoint, the road team has won five of seven games these two teams have played in the EuroLeague to date. Expect nothing less this season, too.

A German derby awaits on the continental stage with Bayern out to reform defensively after conceding over a century to Olympiacos, whereas rock-bottom ALBA go in search of respite from a troublesome campaign and amend a concerning sequence of a solitary win in ten EuroLeague outings.

FC Bayern Munich vs ALBA Berlin - Round 29 - Highlights

#### Rounds 5 and 18: El Clasico

For two consecutive seasons, we have been treated to [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/roster/mad/?season=2023-24) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2023-24) playing each other three times on EuroLeague floors. In both of the last two campaigns, Barcelona was the better side in the regular season and held a lead against Real Madrid in the Final Four semifinal matchups, only for Los Blancos to be the team playing the championship games two days later. Such outcomes in recent years, where one team has an upper hand in the regular season but the other ends up being more successful at season's end, have added even more meaning to these EuroLeague clashes.

One of European basketball's fiercest rivalries reignites for another instalment of el clásico, one that sees the foes collide as co-leaders of the standings. Can Barça continue to reign in Spain or will Los Blancos soar to a statement of intent here?

Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona - Round 21 - Highlights

#### Rounds 5 and 19: Serbia's eternal derby

The two regular season battles between [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2023-24) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2023-24) last season were the first times ever that these two teams from the Serbian capital faced off outside their domestic competitions. The derbies had all one could have expected: big emotions, tensions, incredible atmospheres and thrilling game endings. Each of the two clashes also had something that we might not have expected – slim victories by the visiting teams. A EuroLeague encore of this amazing rivalry is eagerly awaited. 

A rivalry renews for a unique chapter as the Belgrade derby arrives on the EuroLeague stage for a first occassion. Partizan aim to arrest a run of three defeats, while Zvezda are 4-0 under new head coach Duško Ivanović. Who can snatch the bragging-rights in Serbia?

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - Round 12 - Highlights

#### Rounds 7 and 32: The French League Derby

The rivalry between [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/roster/asv/?season=2023-24) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2023-24) might be the freshest on this list, but it has plenty of zest. The two sides never played each other in the EuroLeague before 2021, when Monaco made its competition debut, and had not even played domestically for decades with Monaco playing in the French lower divisions until 2015. Historically, ASVEL has had the upper hand, but the tables have turned the past two years with Monaco reaching the EuroLeague Playoffs in 2022 and then last season becoming the first French League team to reach the Final Four since ASVEL in 1997. 

Focus turns to France for a derby between two familiar-foes. ASVEL are enduring a troublesome crusade in Europe and are winless in their last five attempts, whereas Monaco are on course to repeat the feat of the previous season and cement their playoff-place.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs AS Monaco - Round 11 - Highlights

#### Rounds 8 and 33: The Derby of Italy

For the first time this century, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2023-24) and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ax-armani-exchange-milan/roster/mil/?season=2023-24), the two most decorated Italian basketball clubs, faced off against one another in the EuroLeague last season. The Derby d'Italia has it all, including history that dates back to the 1940s when this rivalry started. What makes these clashes between Milan and Virtus so specific is that for more than a decade these two teams were not been the most dominant forces in Italy, but have now restored their roar. How can one not like a derby that is so vintage, but also kind of new?

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

#### Rounds 17 and 33: Battles on the Bosphorus

The past decade has been the golden age of the Turkish basketball and [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/?season=2023-24) and [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2023-24) are at the front and center of it all. Since 2017, the EuroLeague has been won by one of these two clubs in half the seasons. Fenerbahce took the trophy to the Asian side of Istanbul in 2017, while Efes made history by winning back-to-back crowns in 2021 and 2022. That has elevated the importance of the games between these two teams to another level, and winning these Turkish derbies carries extra weight for each team.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul - Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 33 | Highlights

Virtus Segafredo Bologna has confirmed the signing of Jaleen Smith, who has penned a two-year contact with the Italian club. Smith (1.90 meters, 28 years old) has spent the last two seasons playing in the EuroLeague with ALBA Berlin. This move to Virtus will see the American-born Croatia international play outside of Germany for the first time in his professional career.

Jaleen Smith heads to Virtus Bologna

Virtus Segafredo Bologna has confirmed the signing of [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaleen-smith/011192/), who has penned a two-year contact with the Italian club. Smith (1.90 meters, 28 years old) has spent the last two seasons playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with ALBA Berlin, most recently averaging 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a 10.7 PIR across 31 games in the 2022-23 campaign. This move to Virtus will see the American-born Croatia international play outside of Germany for the first time in his professional career.

The best plays of new Virtus Segafredo Bologna signing Jaleen Smith during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Jaleen Smith's top plays in 2022-23

### Another scoring threat for Virtus

 

Smith has displayed his ability to score from all three levels over the last couple of seasons, regularly getting to the rim, knocking down three-pointers and hitting his free throws. During the 2022-23 campaign, for example, he went 47.1% on two-pointers, 37.4% from distance and 83.6% on free throws. With Virtus guard Marco Belinelli getting up there in age, Smith gives head coach Sergio Scariolo another weapon to either dovetail with the veteran or carry the load when he is resting on the bench.

What's more, following his rookie EuroLeague season in 2021-22 when he posted 8.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a 6.6 PIR, Smith was able to improve on all of those numbers in his sophomore campaign in the competition (11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 10.7 PIR). Virtus fans – and Coach Scariolo – will be hoping for another jump from the 28-year-old again, as the club looks to make the EuroLeague Playoffs and win back its Italian League crown, having lost to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in a seven-game finals series.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🔏 JALEEN SMITH ARRIVA A BOLOGNA, UNO DI NOI!<br><br>Welcome to Bologna ⚪️⚫️<a href="https://twitter.com/JaleenSmith0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaleenSmith0</a> <a href="https://t.co/xTzwgq2SIW">pic.twitter.com/xTzwgq2SIW</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1681952577192095746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Smith adds to a wealth of options

 

In addition to Smith and Belinelli, Virtus and Coach Scariolo can also call upon the likes of Alessandro Pajola, Isaia Cordinier and Daniel Hackett at the two guard spots, as well as new signings Ognjen Dobric and Bruno Mascolo. Once training camp begins and the upcoming season gets even closer, these players will all be battling to try and force their way into the starting lineup, and Smith will no doubt fancy his chances.

Virtus News

New Virtus Segafredo Bologna recruit Jaleen Smith in action for ALBA Berlin during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Jaleen Smith heads to Virtus

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has announced the signing of Paris Lee on a one-year deal. Lee (1.84 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Panathinaikos Athens, where he averaged 11.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and a 10.3 PIR in 33 EuroLeague games last season. The 2022-23 campaign was his second in the EuroLeague, having made his competition debut one season prior with Monaco Basket. Lee is ASVEL's fifth signing so far this summer.

Paris Lee signs for LDLC ASVEL

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has announced the signing of [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) on a one-year deal. Lee (1.84 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Panathinaikos Athens, where he averaged 11.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and a 10.3 PIR in 33 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season. The 2022-23 campaign was his second in the EuroLeague, having made his competition debut one season prior with AS Monaco. Lee is ASVEL's fifth signing so far this summer.

The best plays of new LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne signing Paris Lee in action for Panathinaikos Athens in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Paris Lee's top plays in 2022-23

### A force on the defensive end

 

Lee may be among one of the smaller players in the EuroLeague, but you wouldn’t know that when he is defending some of the best guards in the competition. The American-born Cameroon international finished last season with the third-most steals by a guard – and seventh overall – with a total of 45, while he had the sixth most by a guard – and eighth overall – in the 2021-22 season with Monaco, having recorded 41. Lee will be hoping to now set the tone in the jersey of ASVEL, alongside legendary star Nando De Colo and ex-NBA guard Frank Jackson, who has joined the club this summer.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Here we go ✔️<br><br>Paris Lee renforce LDLC ASVEL, le meneur de jeu arrive en provenance du Panathinaikos et fera partie de l’effectif villeurbannais la saison prochaine ! 💪<br><br>🗞️ Plus d’infos : <a href="https://t.co/P49AGT5Fwp">https://t.co/P49AGT5Fwp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc39d5JgIE">pic.twitter.com/Fc39d5JgIE</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1681943055484571648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Another side to Lee's game

Many EuroLeague fans associate Lee with defense, and rightly so, but he showed last season that he is constantly evolving as a scorer. For example, in 16 games between Rounds 18 and 34, Lee posted 14.1 points per night, having not reached double digits just four times. That average, if Lee had maintained it over a full season, would have been good enough for 13th in the EuroLeague.

### His journey to the EuroLeague

Prior to his experiences with Monaco (2021-22) and Panathinaikos (2022-23), Lee began his professional career with the Antwerp Giants in Belgium, where he remained between 2017 and 2019. From there, he joined Brose Bamberg for the 2019-20 season and then signed for Orleans Loiret Basket in France for the 2020-21 campaign. Now, after one year away from France, Paris heads to Lyon to join ASVEL.

LDLC ASVEL News

Paris Lee, who has joined LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, in action for Panathinaikos Athens in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Paris Lee signs for ASVEL

FC Bayern Munich has announced the arrival of Sylvain Francisco, as the German team continues to put its roster together for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. Francisco (1.85 meters, 25 years old) is a France international who last played for Peristeri. Heading into the next campaign, Francisco will make his EuroLeague debut with Bayern.

Bayern Munich adds France international Sylvain Francisco

FC Bayern Munich has announced the arrival of [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) on a two-year deal, as the German team continues to put its roster together for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. Francisco (1.85 meters, 25 years old) is a France international who last played for Peristeri, averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 31 Greek League games. He posted 16.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals in nine Basketball Champions League fixtures during the 2022-23 season, too. Heading into the next campaign, Francisco will make his EuroLeague debut with Bayern.

The best plays of Sylvain Francisco with Metropolitans 92 in the 2017-18 edition of the BKT EuroCup.

Sylvain Francisco's best plays, 2017-18

### A point guard who can do a bit of everything

Francisco began his career with Metropolitans 92 in his native France, making his BKT EuroCup debut with the team in the 2017-18 season. That year, the point guard posted 7.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a 7.0 PIR across 10 appearances, of which two came as a starter. He struggled a little more in the French League, posting 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24 games, but ever since a spell with Paris Basketball in the French Second Division in the 2018-19 campaign, Francisco has been on the up and up.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">👋 Willkommen in München, <a href="https://twitter.com/S_CISCO_2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@S_CISCO_2</a>! Der französische Nationalspieler 🇫🇷 verstärkt uns auf den Guard-Positionen! 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></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1681940757907636224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the summer of 2020, Francisco joined French top flight side Roanne and averaged 14.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals through 32 French League games. He was able to play in Europe once again in the 2021-22 campaign after joining Spanish team Manresa, posting 11.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals across 16 Basketball Champions League fixtures and 10.7 points, 1.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 30 Spanish League games. Last season, Francisco moved to Greece by joining Peristeri, where he displayed once again that he can thrive in a new country and make his mark at the European level.

Sylvain Francisco, a new signing at FC Bayern Munich, shoots a three-pointer during a Basketball Champions League game for Peristeri last season.

Bayern adds France international Sylvain Francisco

Petr Cornelie has returned to France by joining AS Monaco on a three-year deal, having become a EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid last season. Cornelie (2.11 meters, 27 years old) showed glimpses of his ability in a bench role for Real during the 2022-23 campaign. New Monaco signing Cornelie now heads into his second EuroLeague season.

Petr Cornelie bolsters Monaco Basket's options

[Petr Cornelie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/petr-cornelie/004790/) has returned to his native France by joining AS Monaco on a three-year deal, having become a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid last season. Cornelie (2.11 meters, 27 years old) showed glimpses of his ability in a bench role for Real during the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and a 6.7 PIR in 14:33 minutes across 33 EuroLeague appearances. He shot 71.4% on two-pointers and 39.5% from behind the arc, making 34 triples for the season, which was third most on Real's championship-winning team. New Monaco signing Cornelie now heads into his second EuroLeague season.

The best plays of Real Madrid forward Petr Cornelie in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Petr Cornelie's best plays, 2022-23

### Cornelie's best moments with Real Madrid

 

It didn’t take long for Cornelie to announce himself to Los Blancos' supporters, as he scored 12 points against FC Barcelona in Round 2 and then 11 points against Olympiacos Piraeus in Round 3. Yet, the only other time he scored a double-digit number of points in back-to-back games came in Rounds 17 and 18, as he had a season-high 18 points against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv before netting 12 points against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

The big man also became known for his three-point accuracy, knocking down shots from distance on a regular basis. In fact, Cornelie had three games last season in which all 9 of his points came from 3 made three-pointers: in Round 5 against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, in Round 25 against Zalgiris Kaunas and in Round 31 against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">ᴘᴇᴛʀ ᴄᴏʀɴéʟɪᴇ ᴇsᴛ ᴍᴏɴéɢᴀsǫᴜᴇ 🇲🇨<br><br>✍️ L’AS Monaco est heureuse d’annoncer la signature pour les trois prochaines saisons du pivot international français (27 ans, 2m11) en provenance du Real Madrid ⚡️<br><br>📰 Le communiqué et ses premiers mots 👇<a href="https://t.co/rGbr7pjXsU">https://t.co/rGbr7pjXsU</a> <a href="https://t.co/peGSdVjSqu">pic.twitter.com/peGSdVjSqu</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1681681398279667713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### A sad end to the season

 

While Cornelie had often provided a spark in a reserve role for Real, he was unable to contribute to the team's Final Four efforts after being declared inactive. He played a total of just 5:29 minutes across Games 3 and 4 in Los Blancos' playoff series with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, too. Now, Cornelie will be hoping to play a bigger role as Monaco looks to return to the Final Four, having reached this stage of the season for the first time in its history last season.

Cornelie has previously played for Le Mans in France (2013-19), while he had a loan spell during that period at Metropolitans 92 (2017-18). He spent two seasons with Elan Bearnais between 2019 and 2021 before heading to the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, where he remained during the 2021-22 season. That year, he also suited up for Denver's G League team, the Grand Rapids Gold. Last summer, he returned to Europe by joining Real and he will now continue his EuroLeague adventure with Monaco. Cornelie has also been a member of the French national team and won a silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

New AS Monaco signing Petr Cornelie celebrates a made basket during a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game for Real Madrid in the 2022-23 season.