 A high‑intensity comeback in Sofia saw Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv overturn a double‑digit deficit to defeat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 71–66, powered by Ish Wainright’s two‑way surge and Chris Jones’s late‑game execution.

Wainright, Jones Spark Hapoel’s gritty comeback over Efes

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv didn’t just survive — it roared back to life in Sofia. In a bruising, momentum‑swinging battle, Coach Dimitris Itoudis’s squad erased a double‑digit deficit and powered past Anadolu Efes Istanbul 71–66 at Arena 8888. With the pressure rising, Hapoel delivered exactly the kind of resilient, hard‑nosed response you expect from a team sitting firmly at the top of the standings.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement about toughness and identity. Efes punched first, imposing its rhythm and freely exploiting mismatches inside as Pablo Laso’s power‑forward‑driven game plan opened cracks in Hapoel’s two‑center lineup. Ercan Osmani ignited a 2–13 run, Isaia Cordinier piled on, and suddenly Hapoel looked stuck searching for answers.

Then Saben Lee entered and the tension spiked. After a rough Round 22 showing, he came off the bench firing — and Efes rode that momentum. Lee buried shots, stretched the floor, and pushed his tally to 15 points by halftime, while Osmani’s interior scoring kept Hapoel off balance. At the break, Efes had all the control, and Hapoel had a mountain to climb.

"We had a bad approach for most of the time in the first half. I think we got it on in the third quarter and managed to keep them below 10 points after allowing 24 and 19 in the first two quarters," Coach Itoudis said. "Sometimes it looks like we play with fire, but we do have a defensive identity and don't bring it on the court from the beginning. That's another challenge. This is another lesson for us. But congratulations to the team that found a way to get another W because this is important as well."

Needing a more balanced lineup, Hapoel turned to Ish Wainwright, who played the entirety of the second half, except for the final 8 seconds. Wainwright delivered, scoring 11 of his 13 points after the break to put Hapoel on the right track. Once Wainright started to excel on defense, switching in pick-and-roll plays to go against guards and hitting three-pointers, everybody followed. Elijah Bryant and Dan Oturu helped Hapoel climb from a 35-45 deficit to go up 55-54 - its first lead since the first quarter.

Efes fought back and stayed in the game. Bryant split free throws to tie the game, 62-62, in the next-to-last minute. Coach Itoudis needed a go-to guy to finish the game, and Chris Jones took the role to lead Hapoel to a much-fought victory.

"As a player, you kind of hate being in those situations, especially at home, like late-game situations. But we were very resilient and believe in each other. It came to the end and I have great teammates around me. So it makes the offense a little easier," Jones said after the game. "I made a tough shot at the end, but you work on it. So went through and I'm happy we won."

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvs0DbDJGN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvs0DbDJGN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvs0DbDJGN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝘃 𝗕𝗖 (@hapoeltlvbc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Wainright dove for a loose ball to force a jump ball situation against Osmani. Even though Osmani won the tip, the ball went straight to Jones, who scored at the other end. After Nick Weiler-Babb split foul shots, Jones buried a critical three-pointer off the dribble for a 67-63 score with 24.4 seconds left. Jones soon added a pair of free throws, which allowed the Hapoel fans to celebrate.

"I think we did a really good job of getting defense. Chris was able to lead us in the second half, organize us and most importantly, get the win," Bryant said. "We've always got to share the ball, trust each other more and get more stops on defense and then get out and run."

The win saw Hapoel remain atop the standings with its record improving to 16-6, while Efes dropped to 6-17, which is tied for last in the table.

Efes will try to end its seven-game losing streak at home against Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday. A day later, Hapoel visits Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

Game News

Ish Wainright’s two way impact and Chris Jones’s clutch shooting fuel a comeback that keeps Hapoel in control of the race at the top

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2026-01-20T17:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas breezed to a 77-96 road win at LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and improved to 13-10 while the French side slipped to 6-17 after a fourth successive loss left the hosts languishing among the EuroLeague’s bottom teams.

Zalgiris storms through to demolish lackluster ASVEL 

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) breezed to a 77-96 road win at [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) and improved to 13-10 while the French side slipped to 6-17 after a fourth successive loss left the hosts languishing among the EuroLeague’s bottom teams.

ASVEL had won four of the previous five meetings between the two sides, but most recently lost this season’s reverse fixture in Kaunas 96-59 in October. Tuesday’s matchup in France was almost a carbon copy, with Zalgiris forging an insurmountable lead in the third quarter.

The visitors romped into a 2-17 lead and could do no wrong in the opening exchanges, whereas ASVEL looked all at sea at both ends of the court. The hosts then regained some of their composure and put together a 12-0 run which slashed the deficit to 41-45 at halftime, as [Thomas Heurtel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-heurtel/klt/) led the charge to counter [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/)’s dominance in the paint for Zalgiris.

Any hopes the home team might have had of staging a comeback vanished in thin air in the third quarter as Zalgiris went on a 2-18 streak to lead 55-75 ahead of the final 10 minutes, with Wright toying with his markers. [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) netted ruthlessly from mid-range and downtown, emerging as the winning team’s top scorer on 20 points to go with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne-Zalgiris Kaunas | Round 23 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

It was the unstoppable Wright who claimed the player of the game accolade, however, racking up 18 points and 7 boards while fellow big man [Azuolas Tubelis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/azuolas-tubelis/008192/) amassed 14 and 4. Wright acknowledged the fast and furious start by Zalgiris was crucial in forcing ASVEL on to the back foot for the rest of the contest.

“We played hard and physical, we got four steals early on and scored some easy transition baskets,” Wright said in his postgame comments. “We all came together in the locker room and talked about what we needed to do, then we executed. We’ll now try to put together a string of wins to get our momentum going.”

Francisco added: “We started really well but we’ve got to keep up the consistency. In the third quarter we took the game to them and we were aggressive, we punished them for their mistakes on offense. We’ve got to stay locked in because the upcoming game at Milan in less than 48 hours is going to be hard.”

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTv4h2WDYBU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTv4h2WDYBU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTv4h2WDYBU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiriskaunas)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

It was a disappointing night for the home team and its head coach Pierric Poupet, who stopped short of blasting his men for lack of guile after last week’s valiant effort on home court against league leader Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, when ASVEL ran out of steam in the home stretch.

“It’s probably the first time this season that I didn’t recognize my team,” Poupet said. “I don’t think we came ready to play a game of EuroLeague intensity, so of course you get smacked. Somehow we succeeded not to lose by 40 points but the difference was huge today.”

Heurtel finished as the game’s top scorer on 21 points but to little avail as Zalgiris won the battle of the boards 34-27 while ASVEL committed 14 turnovers and managed only as many assists, playing second fiddle to the visitors who took better care of the ball (18 assists, 12 turnovers).

The Lithuanian side produced a pair of decisive runs in each half to subdue the home team

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Zalgiris Kaunas (2026-01-20T19:00:00.000Z)

With Joel Bolomboy nearing a full return, Ebuka Izundu’s minutes could soon be under threat. But if his performance in Monaco is any indication, the EuroLeague rookie is not going to give them up easily.

Ebuka Izundu, Crvena Zvezda defense step up in OT win at Monaco

Just 11 days ago, [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) looked to have hit a wall. A 32-point drubbing at Zalgiris Kaunas, coming on the heels of a 17-point home loss to Valencia Basket three days earlier, raised real questions about where Sasa Obradovic’s team was headed.

Those doubts have eased quickly.

Crvena Zvezda showed its resilience last Thursday with a 96-104 road win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. That was followed by [the return of Joel Bolomboy from a long-term injury in ABA League action](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-bolomboy-makes-injury-return-after-10-month-absence/) over the weekend. While Bolomboy was not on the game-day roster Tuesday night – meaning EuroLeague fans will have to wait a little longer to see him back – Zvezda delivered one of its most impressive results of the season: a 96-100 overtime victory at [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/).

The win came against the hottest team in the EuroLeague, as Monaco entered the night riding a six-game winning streak.

AS Monaco-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 23 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

With Bolomboy nearing a full return, [Ebuka Izundu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ebuka-izundu/014029/)’s minutes could soon be under threat. But if his performance in Monaco is any indication, the EuroLeague rookie is not going to give them up easily.

In 21 minutes, Izundu recorded the first double-double of his EuroLeague career: 22 points and 12 rebounds for a PIR of 36 – all career highs. He added 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. While [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/), on loan at Zvezda from Monaco, did early damage in the paint, it was Izundu who took over from the second quarter onward.

Later, after [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/)’s turnaround jumper gave Monaco an 87-77 lead with 4:42 remaining, Izundu sparked the comeback. He followed with a tip-in, then finished through contact on a dunk, converting the free throw to make it a five-point game.

[Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) – better known for his scoring than his defense – came up with a huge block on [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) and split a pair of free throws to pull Zvezda within four.

[Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/)’s three threatened to halt the momentum, but [Jared Butler](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jared-butler/014163/) responded with a triple of his own despite a quiet night by his standards. Izundu then outworked everyone for a powerful put-back dunk to make it a one-possession game at 90–88 with 33 seconds left.

Strong defense from [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) forced a five-second violation on Monaco’s inbound, and Butler struck again, shaking Diallo and finishing off the glass to tie the game. [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but his three-point attempt came up short.

In overtime, Nwora – who had gone 0-for-4 from deep in regulation – knocked down two huge three-pointers to give Crvena Zvezda a 92-96 edge. [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) followed with a dunk off a clever [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) pass, and Kalinic effectively sealed the win with a fastbreak layup as Zvezda closed it out 96-100.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge, huge, huge credit to @iam_buka15 tonight. 💪🏻<br><br>What a game from him! 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kwaca9hm5G">pic.twitter.com/Kwaca9hm5G</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/2013712285768770014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“A little bit stressful for us, and for me personally,” Izundu said afterward. “We had the lead, and if we kept it we wouldn’t be in this position. But they’re a really good team, one of the top four in the league. I’m just happy we were able to fight back, take the lead and win. It was very important for us. Now we have to put it behind us and move on to the next one.”

Obradovic, making his first return to Monaco since mutually agreeing to part ways in November 2024, was particularly encouraged by how his team elevated its defense late in regulation and into overtime. From Mirotic’s jumper with 4:42 remaining that made it 87–77 to [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevarrius-hayes/010390/)’s layup nearly two minutes into overtime, Monaco scored just three points – Diallo’s three.

“I would say we are in a different moment,” Obradovic said. “Especially in these two games – Milan and this one – the team showed great character at the end. If I’m not mistaken, in the last seven minutes or more they scored just six points, which is amazing for our defense. Everybody contributed. We have to continue with this confidence.”

The win moved Crvena Zvezda back into the play-in positions at 13-10. It will look to extend its resurgence Friday at Virtus Bologna.

Monaco, meanwhile, saw its six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 15-8, allowing Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (16-6) to slightly widen its gap atop the EuroLeague standings. Vassilis Spanoulis’s team will try to respond Thursday night when it hosts Real Madrid.

Sasa Obradovic's team appears to have turned a corner

AS Monaco v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2026-01-20T17:45:00.000Z)

Get set for a blockbuster double round in the EuroLeague and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of EuroLeague.net, and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza return for Episode 15 to tackle the madness of nine Tuesday games and their strategic nightmares ahead of Rounds 23 and 24.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: 9-game Tuesday chaos, Musa mania, and Niang's trust factor

Get set for a blockbuster double round in the EuroLeague and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net), and Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) return for Episode 15 to tackle the madness of nine Tuesday games and their strategic nightmares ahead of Rounds 23 and 24.

With a packed slate, the crew debates Saben Lee’s bounce-back potential, whether Kendrick Nunn’s absence forces a backcourt shakeup, and if Iffe Lundberg is now the must-own in Maccabi’s guard rotation. Javi confesses how an MVP’s injury secretly powered his fantasy surge, while Vassiliki risks jinxing a key player live on air.

They break down the returns of Dzanan Musa and Joel Bolomboy — and how Musa’s Dubai comeback could sideline other stars — plus whether Rising Star Trophy candidate Saliou Niang is finally trustworthy for your roster.

As always, the hosts reveal their lineups (no Vezenkov regrets this time!), react to listener feedback in the “Get Featured, Get Rewarded” segment, and drop sleeper gems to dominate the double week. If you’re chasing fantasy glory, this podcast is your cheat code!

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Frankie’s math, Saben Lee’s breakthrough and the rise of inexpensive centers

Javi’s lucky break, Vassiliki’s jinx and must-haves for Rounds 23-24 double trouble


Virtus Bologna v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2026-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2026-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v FC Barcelona (2026-01-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2026-01-23T17:45:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v AS Monaco (2026-01-22T19:45:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Dubai Basketball (2026-01-22T20:00:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Zalgiris Kaunas (2026-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Valencia Basket (2026-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2026-01-22T19:05:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2026-01-22T17:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Bologna v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2026-01-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2026-01-20T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2026-01-20T19:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Paris Basketball (2026-01-20T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Dubai Basketball (2026-01-20T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2026-01-20T19:15:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2026-01-20T17:15:00.000Z)

Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for the coming week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

Fantasy tips, Rounds 23-24: A very difficult week

Here comes another double-round week in the EuroLeague Regular Season. It is arguably the most difficult one thus far. Round 23 features nine first-turn games, with only Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Virtus Bologna playing on Wednesday. There are unlimited trades after Round 24, so it could be time to risk a little bit. This week, I am offering you four affordable players and a must-have superstar to enhance your team for Rounds 23 and 24.

A quick review of my suggestions from last week. Wade Baldwin and Andreas Obst did well and we can consider them wins. Richaun Holmes scored 10 fantasy points and dropped 0.1 credits, which is a loss. And Saben Lee and Armoni Brooks performed well under expectations. Overall, a losing week. I will be better this time!

Mbaye Ndiaye, Saliou Niang, Justinian Jessup, Wade Baldwin and Duane Washington are featured in this week's article. 

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 23-23

### Duane Washington, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (9.7 credits)

Partizan is not winning games, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have any fantasy value. [Duane Washington](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/) had 19 fantasy points against Barca and did even better against Olympiacos. Against a team that is notorious for stopping guards, Washington had 23 fantasy points against the Reds. He's in good momentum right now.

### Mbaye Ndiaye, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (8.8 credits)

A good, cheap center is always a valuable asset in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. [Mbaye Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mbaye-ndiaye/012731/) has been rock solid in the last six games, averaging 17.0 fantasy points in a great stretch in which his lowest score was 9.0. He had a season-high 28.8 fantasy points against Efes. All for less than 9.0 credits!

Justinian Jessup has been amazing since Coach Pesic took over in Munich

### Justinian Jessup, FC Bayern Munich (7.5 credits)

Many Bayern players have stepped up or changed their roles since Coach Svetislav Pesic brought his wisdom back to the club. While [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) is the most obvious choice, [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) has been amazing, too. Jessup has posted double-digit fantasy points in the last four games, peaking at 24.2 in a home win over Baskonia.

### Saliou Niang, Virtus Bologna (9.7 credits)

[Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) comes off a career-best game with 39.6 fantasy points against Dubai. He plays in the second turn, which allows you to fix things if he plays well. Earlier this season, he had 35.0 fantasy points and underperformed after that. Niang surely learned from that and will be ready against Fener and Zvezda.

### Wade Baldwin, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (14.6 credits)

It is the same argument, really. Unless you nail it in the first turn, you will need good, consistent players in the second one and this is where [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) is the best option available. His last four games? 31.9, 28.6, 26.0 and 22.0 fantasy points. Easily your go-to guy for a potential second-turn captain in Round 23.

More EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge News

Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for the coming week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv will be without its captain for a few games after the club announced that John DiBartolomeo will miss about two weeks with an injury suffered in an Israeli League game on Saturday night

Maccabi captain DiBartolomeo to miss time with groin injury

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv will be without its captain for a few games after the club announced that John DiBartolomeo will miss about two weeks with an injury suffered in an Israeli League game on Saturday night. After an examination, DiBartolomeo was diagnosed with a small tear in his groin muscle.

Now in his ninth EuroLeague season - all with Maccabi, DiBartolomeo has averaged 4.3 points on 43.6% three-point shooting, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal over 14:29 minutes in 15 games off the bench. His absence adds to a shorthanded Maccabi backcourt, as Lonnie Walker, who is suffering from a shoulder injury, will not travel with the team to Greece for Tuesday's game against Olympiacos Piraeus. Walker is Maccabi's top scorer this season with 15.3 points per game.

Maccabi center Zach Hankins, who is suffering from a bone contusion above the ankle, has not recovered from his injury and is expected to miss an additional two weeks.

More Maccabi news

Lonnie Walker will also be out for Tuesday's game in Piraeus

The latest double-round week tips off on Tuesday, with the race for the playoffs continuing to take shape. Here’s your guide to Round 23 on the regular season.

At a glance: A lopsided round to begin this week's action

The latest double-round week tips off on Tuesday, with the race for the playoffs continuing to take shape. Here’s your guide to Round 23 on the regular season.

## Tuesday, January 20

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (18:15 CET)

Two teams looking to build more momentum meet in Piraeus as Olympiacos (13-8) welcomes Maccabi (9-13). The Reds are in their best form of the season after stringing together five wins out of six, culminating in a dominant performance at Partizan last week. Thomas Walkup set the tone by delivering 12 points and 7 assists without a turnover, and he’ll look to be similarly effective against Maccabi guard Jimmy Clark, who played a big role in his team’s victory over Zalgiris with 17 points and 5 assists. That much-needed Maccabi victory also featured strong contributions inside the paint from Marcio Santos and TJ Leaf, who will need to maintain a similar level of performance to compete with a formidable Olympiacos frontcourt which could be augmented by a EuroLeague debut for recent signing Tyrique Jones.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (18:30 CET)

A game to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, will pit together two teams heading in different directions as Hapoel (15-6) faces Efes (6-16). The Turkish team’s slide continued with a home loss to Baskonia last week, making it six straight losses for Pablo Laso’s team. His long-time coaching rival Dimitris Itoudis is enjoying a much better time with Hapoel, which has won its last two games to stay in first place. A trio of ex-Efes players will aim to inflict more pain on their former employers, with playmaker Vasilije Micic, swingman Elijah Bryant and center Dan Oturu all taking central roles. To subdue them, Efes will look for leadership and scoring from fit-again Isaia Cordinier, while Nick Weiler-Babb needs to control the tempo and set the tone on defense.

### AS Monaco vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (18:45 CET)

It’s a red-and-white battle with plenty of significance in the race for the playoffs with Monaco (15-7) welcoming Zvezda (12-10). Vassilis Spanoulis’s team is looking like the best in the competition right now after grabbing six straight victories, propelled by a series of MVP-level performances from all-time scoring king Mike James. His backcourt battle with Codi Miller-McIntyre will be a key to this game, and Zvezda will also hope for another burst of scoring from Jordan Nwora after his 22 points helped seal a hard-earned win at Milan last week. Former Monaco coach Sasa Obradovic will be challenged to find a game plan to disrupt Monaco’s rhythm, and could be lifted by the return of fit-again big man Joel Bolomboy for the first time this season.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:00 CET)

Playoff-chasing Zalgiris (12-10) will look to get back on the winning path with a trip to joint-last ASVEL (6-16). The Lithuanian team needs to recover its usual defensive standards after allowing 100 points in a loss at Maccabi last time out, and ASVEL is also looking to bounce back from a three-game losing slump. The key to the outcome could lie in three-point shooting: ASVEL ranks last in the league in long-range conversion (31.5%), while Zalgiris tops the rankings in that category (39.6%). So the hosts need a good night from shooters like Zac Seljaas and Glynn Watson, whilst also finding a way to minimize the impact of visiting star Sylvain Francisco, who has gone 10-of-21 from beyond the arc in the last three games.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:15 CET)

Panathinaikos (13-9) is aiming to get back to winning ways as it hosts a Baskonia (8-14) gunning for a second straight road success. The Spanish team finally ended its barren run away from home by downing Efes last week, and backcourt orchestrator Trent Forrest – who had 17 points and 7 assists in that win – will look to again control the tempo in a tough matchup with veteran master Kostas Sloukas. Both teams are hoping that key scorers can recover fitness, with Kendrick Nunn and Markus Howard both missing out last week. Nunn hit a game-winning triple on the final buzzer to give the Greens victory in Vitoria in October, and Baskonia would love to keep the game so close again to test the confidence of a Panathinaikos team which has lost three of the last four.

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Bayern (8-14) will hope to continue its recent resurgence against a Partizan (6-16) that desperately needs a win of its own. The Serbian team’s painful season took another turn for the worse with last week’s 38-point home blowout against Olympiacos, while Bayern enjoyed different fortunes against a Greek giant by downing Panathinaikos. The three-point shooting of Andreas Obst was again central to that triumph, and he will look to feast against a poor Partizan perimeter defense that has allowed a league-high 40.7% on three-point conversions. The form of Duane Washington, with 28 and 20 points in the last two games, is one bright spot for the Serbian team. Bayern’s red-hot man is Justinian Jessup, who will look to help his team keep climbing the standings after stringing together four consecutive double-digit scoring nights.

### Valencia Basket vs. Paris Basketball (20:30 CET)

Faltering Valencia (14-8) will look to get its top-four challenge back on track with a visit from similarly fast-paced Paris (7-14). The Spanish team has lost its momentum by suffering two straight losses, and will also be motivated by revenge after losing a thriller, 90-86, in Paris in Round 11. Entertainment is guaranteed in a matchup between the third and second highest-scoring teams in the EuroLeague (89.8 vs 90.0 points per game), and the battle of the boards will also be spectacular – only Paris (14.7 per game) averages more offensive rebounds than Valencia (13.5). On a personal level, there will be a stellar backcourt matchup between two of the league’s brightest young talents as Jean Montero (averaging 18.0 points and 4.0 assists over the last three games) faces league-leading scorer Nadir Hifi (20.3 points per game).

### FC Barcelona vs. Dubai Basketball (20:30 CET)

Barcelona (14-8) will look to bounce straight back from last week’s *Clásico* disappointment by overcoming Dubai (10-12). The visiting team has struggled on the road, winning just two of 11 away games, but can take confidence from its 83-78 victory over Barca in Round 5. Filip Petrusev inspired that triumph with 23 points and 8 rebounds, and his battle for control of the paint with Toko Shengelia – who has six straight double-digit scoring nights – will be one of the highlights of this encounter. The Spanish team needs to recover its usual offensive fluidity after dishing just 9 assists in last week’s loss in Madrid, while Dubai will rely on another big contribution from Dwayne Bacon, who has averaged 18.6 points in the last six games. Dzanan Musa, out since Round 3, is expected to make his return to action for Dubai after featuring in the ABA League this past weekend.

### Real Madrid vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:45 CET)

Milan (11-11) will attempt to climb into the top 10 with a tough road trip to Real Madrid (14-8). The Spanish team will be confident after outplaying rival Barcelona last week, and will look for another burst of energy from Usman Garuba to keep Milan on the back foot. The Italian team has struggled for consistency recently, and needs defensive improvement after allowing 103 points in last week’s loss to Zvezda. The all-round scoring threat of Shavon Shields (13.3 points per game) will be one of the biggest threats to the home defense, while Gaby Deck will look to continue his remarkable long-range accuracy after making 8-of-8 three-pointers in the last three games. Real leads the league in defensive rebounding (25.8 per game), so Milan will need to make the most of its scoring opportunities.

## Wednesday, January 21

### Virtus Bologna vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:30 CET)

In Wednesday’s only game, Virtus (11-11) will keep pushing for the all-important top 10 with a visit from high-flying Fenerbahce (14-7). Disrupting the visiting team’s rhythm will be the task of Round 22 MVP Saliou Niang, who has grabbed at least 7 rebounds in four straight games. Virtus is one of the league’s best home teams (8-2), and maintaining that will need another big night from former Fener star Carsen Edwards (24 and 21 points in the last two games). But it won’t be easy against a visiting team which has become even more complete with the addition of Nando De Colo, and can increasingly rely on strong contributions from Talen Horton-Tucker after eight straight double-digit scoring nights. Fener edged Virtus 66-64 in November, and this one could be just as tight.

Andy West previews Round 23 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

A deep statistical breakdown of Saliou Niang’s Round 22 MVP explosion and what it reveals about the shrinking window for young talent in a EuroLeague dominated by veteran experience. Includes team age trends, rising star usage, and the emerging contributors shaping the league’s future.
Tags: EuroLeague, Rising Stars, Virtus Bologna, Saliou Niang, Valencia Basket, Jean Montero, Sergio De Larrea, Mouhamed Faye, ASVEL, Young Players, Analytics, Round 22, MVP

Stats Review: In a league ruled by experience, Niang’s 17–17 statement stands tall

[Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) took home Round 22 MVP honors following a 17-point, 17-rebound performance in [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2025-26)’s [road victory over Dubai Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/saliou-niang-makes-history-as-virtus-drops-dubai-on-the-road/). At 21 years old, the young forward beat the odds with the best performance of his career in an important win and one of the better performances by a Rising Star Trophy candidate of the last several seasons.

To put Niang’s performance in perspective, it is critical to understand the EuroLeague landscape. With parity and efficiency at all-time highs, experience is nearly an imperative as teams construct their rosters. The average age of a player checking into a EuroLeague game this season reflects that at 28.5 with the average age on the floor sitting at a whopping 29.4 on the year so far. As hard as it is to crack a roster at this level for young players, playing time is even tougher to come by — 12 teams have had a Rising Star eligible player on the floor less than 1% of the time this season and they have played only 2.4% of minutes across the league this season.

That does not, however, mean that there are not young players breaking the mold and even contributing at a high level on winning teams. The table above lists the oldest and youngest teams in the EuroLeague this season based on the average age of a player on the floor at any given point. As the numbers suggest, even this season’s youngest team, [Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/kosner-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/), is not an outlier relative to the league averages, nor are they relying on players in their early 20s. That puts the caliber of the young players earning minutes this season in perspective.

There are six Rising Star Trophy contenders averaging over 10 minutes per game this season, two of which not only play regular minutes for fourth-seeded [Valencia Baske](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2025-26)t, but also spend those minutes on the ball. Around a third of Valencia’s ball screen production has come from the combination of 20-year-old [Sergio De Larrea](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-de-larrea/010750/) and 22-year-old [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jean-montero/010042/). No team has played Rising Star-eligible players as often as the Spanish club, which only needed 20 rounds to match its win total from its last EuroLeague campaign.

Niang joins Montero as the Rising Stars Trophy contenders playing over 20 minutes per game this season. After competing in the BKT EuroCup the last two years, Niang has turned a corner in the EuroLeague in recent weeks, embracing an expanded role based around his knack for using his energy and athleticism around the rim. He’s averaged an eye-opening 9.8 rebounds per game over the last four games, cleaning the glass impressively even before his breakout performance last week.

Another young player making an impact around the rim, [Momo Faye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamed-faye/012403/) of [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2025-26), has been one of the EuroLeague’s top-10 players in rebound percentage this season as his combination of reach and leaping ability makes him a presence in close — particularly on the offensive side.

The other two Rising Stars seeing regular action this season play for [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/roster/asv/). [Melvin Ajinca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/melvin-ajinca/010316/) and [Adam Atamna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/adam-atamna/012268/) have both gained valuable experience for stretches this season. It should not be understated how much of an accomplishment that is, given how high the bar players have to clear to even see the floor is in the EuroLeague right now.

From Valencia’s young playmakers to Paris and ASVEL’s emerging talents, Niang’s surge highlights a small but influential group reshaping the league’s youth landscape.

Stats review: In a league ruled by experience, Saliou Niang’s 17–17 statement stands tall

Dubai Basketball v Virtus Bologna (2026-01-15T16:00:00.000Z)

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from Round 22 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week! 