Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 1

## Wednesday, October 1

### AS Monaco vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (19:30 CEST)

**Vassilis Spanoulis, Monaco head coach**

"We are eager to start this new EuroLeague season. We have tried to be as ready as possible, mentally and physically, and also in terms of chemistry within the group. Zalgiris is a team that comes with a different mindset this year. They are a talented team with a lot of dangerous options. It's the first game of the EuroLeague season, so we have to be ready for the challenge. We need to focus on this new season, without forgetting what we achieved last year. Of course, we wanted the trophy, and we're coming back with the same goal and the same winning mindset."

**Elie Okobo, Monaco guard**

"It's the start of the season, and we've been preparing for this moment. Our first EuroLeague game, at home: here we are. Zalgiris is always a tough team to play against, so everyone on the roster needs to be 100% ready. Last season, we were just minutes away from winning the title... New season, new team, with the same core players and new recruits who will bring a lot to the table, especially with their experience. It's going to be a long season, all the way to the playoffs. We're focused on ourselves, on developing our cohesion and getting off to a good start."

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Paris Basketball (19:45 CEST)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"We are very excited to start the season at home with the support of our fans. In the EuroLeague, we will face a team that plays some of the most intense basketball and, compared to last season, has especially grown at the 2, 3, and 4 positions. It will be important to control the rebounds and stop their fast breaks, as those are areas where they have been quite successful."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce forward**

"Since we will be starting the season at home, I’m very excited. I have no doubt that our fans will once again create an extraordinary atmosphere. I invite them to come to the arena once more and support us. It’s going to be a tough game. We will face a team that plays fast in transition and is very active on the boards. By sticking to our game plan, I hope we can make a strong start to the season."

**Justin Robinson, Paris guard**

"Grateful, excited for the long season. Excited to see how we stack up against the best. I'm just ready to go along for the journey with this great group of guys."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Valencia Basket (20:00 CEST)

\--

## Tuesday, September 30

### Dubai Basketball vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (18:00 CEST)

**Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach**

"We played \[five games against Partizan\] in ABA league last year, more or less their team stayed the same. They added a couple of very, very quality and talented players. This year there are 20 teams in the EuroLeague, I think everybody is expecting a lot from themselves. I think that it is the toughest, the strongest league until now with a lot of quality players. So, in the beginning it is very important how you want to react and you need to think more about yourself than the about the others in the beginning of the season. After a couple of rounds, it's going to be more clear how somebody wants to play, and in which kind of way.

For me it’s just the next day, and to stay healthy. If we stay healthy we can do great things here. But I'm not that good at predicting, I'm not Harry Potter. So, for us, we are sure we have a quality team. I'm sure of this and we just need to stay healthy to work together and to be the best when the time comes."

**Filip Petrusev, Dubai forward**

"I think it's a big day for Dubai, for Dubai Basketball and for us. I think it's the start of something new and I think we have a great chance to make something great this year. It all starts \[with this game\]. So, it's a big day and we're all really excited and ready to play. Partizan is a very experienced team. They've been together all year last year, so it's going to be a tough game, but we focus on ourselves and we are going to do everything we can in order to win."

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach**

"We have the experience from last season of just how balanced the EuroLeague is, and how little we were missing, considering that we lost some games by just one shot. I hope that this experience, along with the ambitions we have, will help us turn it into something that we would all like to see happen in the EuroLeague at the end. As for Dubai, they have a large number of players, without juniors, which clearly shows the kind of team they have built. In what lineup they will appear is still unknown. We have to believe in ourselves, to have motivation, and for the players to be as motivated as they have been in the last two days of practice, and I have great confidence in them. Of course, I have to mention our fans. They are the ones who drive us, and I always thank them for what they do for us. Even in preseason they created a spectacle, so we know what to expect throughout the season."

**Aleksej Pokusevski, Partizan forward**

"They're in a similar boat to the one we were in last year, because they've added a lot of reinforcements. Dubai is an excellent team, so a demanding match awaits us. However, I believe our familiarity with each other gives us a slight edge. We know what to expect, and we're physically and mentally ready. All that's left is to prepare tactically."

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. FC Barcelona (18:00 CEST)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"We’re very excited to begin our EuroLeague journey. We know the challenges ahead – we’re starting against a team that has it all: depth at every position, experience, size, and plenty of EuroLeague mileage. But we’ve come here determined to fight. We’re here to represent all Hapoel Tel Aviv fans – and we’ll do so with pride, giving everything we have on the court."

**Antonio Blakeney, Hapoel guard**

"We are looking forward to going out and competing in our first EuroLeague game. Since this is our first season in the EuroLeague as a team, we are super excited to prove ourselves every game with our competitive spirit and hustle."

**Jan Vesely, FC Barcelona center**

"I feel good. I'm ready. It's a long season, it's hard to expect anything, so we go step by step. Hapoel is a tough team. It's gonna be physical. They are very talented. So we have to be ready for that. For sure they're a very talented team. They have a very deep roster. Again, it's a whole new situation for them also, so they have to get used to each other. So it's for us, it's going to be a challenge. I'm looking forward to this game."

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (19:45 CEST)

**Igor Kokoskov, Efes head coach**

"Starting the EuroLeague, we have a disadvantage that we're gonna play a home game away. But it's it is what it is. We understand that we've not played the perfect game because we only had four practices as a team. That's a big disadvantage. But nobody really cares and asks us about all these issues that we have. We just have to be prepared, focused and give our best. We understand that we don't play a perfect game but hopefully gonna be good enough to win the game."

**Shane Larkin, Efes guard**

"Maccabi is always a challenging team because of the style they play. We have to be focused and make sure we take care of the ball to limit them from getting out in transition. If we do that and compete on the defensive side of the ball, I think we will start our season in a positive way."

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

"Anadolu Efes is very talented, with many creative guards, shooting ability, and a coach who does things differently - very creative. It’s quite clear that we’ll need to stop them on a team level. They also brought in new players, but ones who already know European basketball, which makes it easier."

**Roman Sorkin, Maccabi forward**

"We’re at the beginning of the season, it’s new for everyone. We’re mainly focusing on ourselves. There are players here for whom this is their first year in Europe, so we need to give them time. None of our teams over the years have looked its best at the start. It does matter, but it’s not the main thing - it’s better that we look good later on, in the decisive stages. We need to connect, to play together, and that’s not simple. We’ve got a great group of guys here. The social side is amazing, everyone here is talented, and that’s why they’re here."

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:00 CEST)

**Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Crvena Zvezda head coach**

"We start the season tomorrow and we are very excited. We are playing against a very good opponent, Olimpia Milano. They have a lot of new players. Unfortunately, we have a lot of injuries. We have to fight, we need support, this is a new team. We want to start with a positive result.  We also need the support of the fans. This is a new team and we want to start in the right way. The newcomers are adapting to the team, getting used to the philosophy. We are ready for the first game, but the more we play, the better we will be."

**Dejan Davidovac, Crvena Zvezda forward**

"We play against very good team. The situation with injuries makes it a lot more difficult. We haven't reached the level we want yet, but maybe it's too early to be at 100%. Injuries disturb us, but considering the tight schedule throughout the season, maybe it's not bad to get used to such situations now. We play well in transition, but we need more discipline in the attack. There are a lot of new players, it takes time for everything to fit in, which is normal at this time of the year."

**Ettore Messina, Milan head coach**

"We play a tough game, on a tough court and against a very competitive Red Star team. We face this with the enthusiasm coming from being aware of how good we could be as a team based on defense, rebounding and ball circulation. This is what we are trying to build as an identity. Unfortunately, we will start without Lorenzo Brown but the return of Marko Guduric and the players we couldn't use during the Super Cup weekend give us the confidence of being able to play a very good game."

**Shavon Shields, Milan forward**

"We are starting a very competitive EuroLeague season on the road and Belgrade will test our mental toughness immediately. We will need to stay focus and play hard and together for 40 minutes."

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:15 CEST)

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach**

"Important thing is to be ready mentally after a long break. It does not matter which team we play, we must be ready. That’s the reality. It’s the beginning of the season. Bayern has a lot of new players, but we also have a lot of key new players that will their official home game. It will be important to play aggressive on defense and find a way to win the game. We are 40% ready, but we know even when we are at 40% we must play aggressive. We also need the help of our supporters, because OAKA is always a hot arena, and that will be our advantage. I am not optimistic about playing great basketball, but I am sure we will play aggressive. Cedi Osman will not play this game. Medical staff will try to \[get him ready\] for Barcelona on Friday. Mathias Lessort, they say \[he will return in\] November, so I don’t know when he will join team practices and play games."

**TJ Shorts, Panathinaikos guard**

"I am doing good, definitely ready to play now. The team is also ready to play. It was a very different preseason, with guys playing in the EuroBasket, the guys travelling to Australia and then the other group coming a little later. And myself, I got very sick. It was an up and down preseason for everybody. To have the last four days of practice and actually being together, we had some time to kind of gel, get to know each other, figure out how we are going to play off each other. I am definitely prepared. There is still a lot to learn, and as a season goes on it will get better."

**Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach**

"It's an interesting situation and also a good challenge to come together as a team. Yes, we are only at the beginning of a process, but the guys have trained very well. To a certain extent, I will again be careful not to overload them. And our offensive package will certainly develop slowly at first."

**Vladimir Lucic, Bayern forward**

"I've been a pro for 18 years now, but I've never seen 80 percent of the team missing in preseason because of national teams or injuries. We've had a week and a half of training together and on Tuesday we start on one of the toughest EuroLeague courts, against perhaps the most talented team ever. Our initial goal is to adapt to the tough schedule with eleven double weeks and little training. We have to get through the games, and there will certainly be bumps in the road, especially away from home, on this wild ride. But we just have to stick together and trust the process of getting better every day."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CEST)

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

"Without a doubt, the game against Baskonia is dangerous. Neither I nor anyone on our team sees it as if there’s a favorite. It’s a tough road game in the EuroLeague. Things are uncertain regarding what each team will bring. We don’t think of ourselves as the favorite. We really have to work very hard on the court to beat a team that presses all over the floor, sets traps, plays man-to-man defense, and imposes a tempo on the game that you have to control. I don’t think there’s any danger of underestimating the opponent. That’s not in our minds."

**Saben Lee, Olympiacos guard**

"It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a strong, aggressive team. We need to keep following the coach’s plan. As for us, I think we’ve made great progress in our preparation. I trust the team. The coaching staff has prepared us very well, and I’m excited to get started."

### Virtus Bologna vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"We start the EuroLeague against one of the best teams in the competition, with a truly complete roster. They play hard and use transition a lot as an offensive solution. We need to improve on a few things from our last game against Milan, playing better defense, and being more present on the rebounds."

**Alessandro Pajola, Virtus guard**

"We begin our EuroLeague campaign at home in front of our fans, and that should help us against a top-level team, one of the best in the EuroLeague. It will be a game that we need to approach with concentration from the outset, especially starting with our defense, which must be our trademark for the entire 40 minutes."

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

"It's certainly a tough away game against a very athletic team, with players with tremendous scoring talent, in a very atypical environment, on a small court with a lot of passion and warmth surrounding the players throughout the game. It's the first EuroLeague game, with all the unknowns, with a team that's still developing, that doesn't have its mechanisms perfectly oiled and that is often resolved with effort, aggression, rebound control, one-on-one defense, desire, and concentration to play those late games, making few mistakes and forcing the opponent to make mistakes."

**Gabriel Deck, Real Madrid forward**

"Obviously, it's very important to try to get off on the right foot, with a win, and we hope to do so, but it will be a very tough game against a good team. We hope to rise to the occasion and bring the victory home. They'll have the added bonus of being at home in this first game, so we'll have to put in a lot of effort."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 1: 'Excited to see how we stack up against the best'

Virtus Bologna v Real Madrid (2025-09-30T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-09-30T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v FC Bayern Munich (2025-09-30T18:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-09-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-09-30T17:45:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v FC Barcelona (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-10-01T17:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Paris Basketball (2025-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Valencia Basket (2025-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 1

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Shane Larkin is questionable while PJ Dozier and Vincent Poirier are ruled out for Efes's Round 1 clash against Maccabi on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Vincent Poirier is out for [4-6 months after knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/).

### AS Monaco

Yoan Makoundou remains unavailable for Monaco's game against Zalgiris on Wednesday, the club has confirmed, but Mike James, Daniel Theis and Donatas Motiejunas are all available.

- Mike James, Yoan Makoundou, Daniel Theis and Donatas Motiejunas missed Monaco's French League opener this past weekend.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Olympiacos on Tuesday.

- Rodions Kurucs is questionable for Round 1.
- Hami Diallo could not finish Baskonia's last preseason game due to a sprained ankle. He is questionable for Round 1.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Ognjen Dobric, Isaiah Canaan, Devonte Graham and Uros Plavsic will all miss Crvena Zvezda's game against Milan on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is awaiting a surgery in the USA
- Devonte Graham will miss Round 1 due to a contusion.
- Uros Plavsic is out for Round 1 due to an ankle sprain.
- Ognjen Dobric is out with an injury suffered during the EuroBasket 2025

### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Partizan on Tuesday.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Lorenzo Brown and Leonardo Tote’ are ruled out for Milan’s game at Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Armoni Brooks, Marko Guduric, Vlatko Cancar and Bryant Dunston missed Milan's two Italian Super Cup games this past weekend.
- Ettore Messina confirmed that Guduric will travel for Milan's two road games to start the EuroLeague season and that Lorenzo Brown will not play this week.

### FC Barcelona

Juan Nunez is ruled out for Barcelona's game at Hapoel on Tuesday, the club has confirmed. The Blaugrana will travel to Sofia with 13 players.

- Juan Nunez is out indefinitely due to a knee injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Justus Hollatz, Johannes Voigtmann, Elias Harris, Rokas Jokubaitis and Aleksa Radanov are all ruled out for Bayern's game at Panathinaikos on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Johannes Voigtmann will miss the start of the season after he suffered a knee injury during EuroBasket 2025 that required surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.
- Justus Hollatz is not expected to suit up for Round 1.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Scottie Wilbekin and Arturs Zagars are both ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against Paris on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Barcelona on Tuesday.

- [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoels-yam-madar-goes-under-the-knife/) is not expected to play during the opening week of the season after undergoing an appendectomy.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Valencia on Wednesday.

- Thomas Heurtel missed ASVEL's French League opener this past weekend.

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

According to the club, Maccabi has no injuries for its game at Efes on Tuesday.

- Uros Trifunovic missed two domestic games last week with a sprained ankle, but is available for Round 1.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos reported that it will be without Shaquielle McKissic, Keenan Evans and Moustapha Fall for its game at Baskonia on Tuesday.

- Keenan Evans will miss the start of the season with a knee injury.
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.
- Recently signed Frank Ntilikina has travelled with the team.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Cedi Osman and Mathias Lessort are ruled out for Panathinaikos's game against Bayern on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

### Paris Basketball

Lamar Stevens and Enzo Shahrvin are unavailable for Paris's game at Fenerbahce on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Sebastian Herrera is available after being out with an abdominal contusion.
- Daulton Hommes made his return from injury in Paris's French League opener this past weekend.
- [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-duo-lamar-stevens-sebastian-herrera-out-for-weeks/) is out for 'several weeks', Paris confirmed on September 19.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Mario Nakic will miss Partizan's season opener at Dubai on Tuesday due to a knee problem, the club has confirmed.

- Miika Muurinen did not travel with the team.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Virtus on Tuesday.

- Theo Maledon did not travel with the team for the game against Virtus.
- Gabriele Procida did not play against Virtus due to an ankle problem. He is doubtful in Round 2. 

### Valencia Basket

Valencia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at ASVEL on Wednesday.

- Jean Montero, Xabi Lopez Arostegui and Brancou Badio are out with different injuries.
- Yankuba Sima missed the Spanish Super Cup due to a leg injury.

### Virtus Bologna

Virtus has listed Nicola Akele as the only unavailable player for its game against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

- [Brandon Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/brandon-taylor-sidelined-with-minor-knee-issue/), who had been dealing with inflammation in his knee, missed Virtus's Italian Super Cup semifinal defeat to Milan this past weekend, but is available for Round 1.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Monaco on Wednesday.

- Dovydas Giedraitis is sidelined indefinitely.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 1: Mike James available; Lamar Stevens, Wilbekin out

FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that point guard Juan Nunez underwent surgery at the Hospital de Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for the next six months. The procedure was an arthroscopic examination of his right knee. 

Barcelona guard Juan Nunez to miss 6 months

FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that point guard Juan Nunez underwent surgery at the Hospital de Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for the next six months. The procedure was an arthroscopic examination of his right knee. A meniscal cyst was removed and the sutures from the initial surgery performed on March 11 were reinforced.

Nunez made a recovery from the March operation and began preseason training, even excelling in an exhibition game against Paris Basketball. However he then experienced an inflammatory reaction in his knee. It was decided that he would undergo an exploratory arthroscopy at the Hospital de Barcelona by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of FC Barcelona's medical services.

Last season was Nunez's first with Barcelona and he averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 assists over 25 EuroLeague games before sustaining the injury.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">[𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐄̀𝐃𝐈𝐂]<br><br>El jugador Juan Núñez s’ha sotmès aquest dimarts a una revisió artroscòpica del seu genoll dret. S&#39;ha procedit a extreure un quist meniscal i s’han reforçat els punts de sutura del menisc practicats en la primera artroscòpia realitzada l’11 de… <a href="https://t.co/WlmnBj4gok">pic.twitter.com/WlmnBj4gok</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1973306983374581889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More FC Barcelona news

The 21-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday

If Davis Bertans had tried to script his EuroLeague return, it probably wouldn’t have gone any better than this.

Davis Bertans had a dream EuroLeague return

If [Davis Bertans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/davis-bertans/003458/) had tried to script his EuroLeague return, it probably wouldn’t have gone any better than this.

The sharpshooting forward – playing in Europe’s top competition for the first time since the 2016 Final Four with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz – made his comeback on Tuesday night, and the moment couldn’t have been more meaningful.

Not only was he returning to the EuroLeague but he was doing so in Dubai, with a brand-new team making its competition debut, and [against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dubai-tops-partizan-89-76-in-historic-debut/), the club where he became a fan favorite and is still considered “one of their own”.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LatvianLaser8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LatvianLaser8</a> is living the <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a> dream! 🫡<br><br>20 PTS, 5/7 3FG, 4 AST, 26 PIR<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/bF4OFONK0F">pic.twitter.com/bF4OFONK0F</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973114362937352445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But if Bertans felt any nerves, nostalgia, or pressure – from making his EuroLeague return after nearly a decade, from facing his former team, or from stepping into a pioneering moment for basketball in the Gulf region – it didn’t show.

In fact, if any of his teammates were overwhelmed by the spotlight, all they had to do was follow his lead.

Bertans, who turns 33 later this month, was locked in from the opening tip. Just 20 seconds into the game, he nailed a turnaround jumper – nothing but net – on Dubai’s first possession. Not only did it make him the first-ever scorer in club history at the EuroLeague level, but it also opened the floodgates.

He followed up with three straight three-pointers and had 11 points in the first five minutes alone, pushing Dubai to an early double-digit lead and injecting the team with confidence and rhythm.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">D. Bertans firing on all cylinders at the moment!<br><br>🔥 3/3 3FG in the first Q<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJY1F6R5R1">pic.twitter.com/rJY1F6R5R1</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973063696717853122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dubai rode the momentum, draining its first seven three-point attempts – six of them in the first quarter – and setting the tone with crisp ball movement and fearless shot-making.

“It gives us confidence,” Bertans said afterward in a EuroLeague TV interview. “If we play the right way, we share the ball – the offense is going to be good most nights.”

Partizan did claw back, even briefly taking the lead early in the third quarter, but from that point on it was all Dubai.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The storyline of <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a>&#39;s win over Partizan in Round 1 💬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGvQnDDxpJ">pic.twitter.com/rGvQnDDxpJ</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973100109714874793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bertans led the way, finishing with 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep, along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

He was one point shy of his EuroLeague career high, tied his personal best for threes made in a game, and posted a career-high 26 PIR – all in a 13-point win in the club’s EuroLeague debut.

Yes, that’s what you call a dream game.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge W in their EuroLeague debut! 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a> made a statement.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3GhXuvW8T">pic.twitter.com/N3GhXuvW8T</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973106859788869906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Dubai Basketball News

The Latvian sharpshooter started the game hot and led Dubai to a historic victory

Nikola Milutinov dominated like his old self on opening night

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/) escaped Vitoria-Gasteiz with [a 96-102 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-escapes-baskonia-in-a-shootout-96-102/) in a shootout, and to do so it needed a team effort.

The type of an effort in which [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) had 21 points, after averaging just 10 minutes per game last season. Or [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) orchestrating the offense to the tune of 8 assists. Or [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) and [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) each collecting a double-double, making sure Olympiacos outrebounded Baskonia by 8 boards for the night.

Or the type of calm and focus where the team made its first 30 free throws, before Dorsey missed one in final seconds when the game was already decided.

“We have so many good players on this team, and we need everybody to win games”, Milutinov said after the win. “Every team this year has so much quality, there will not be one easy game. We really need all 12 players.”

One of those players certainly is Milutinov, who stepped up on the opening night of the 2025-26 campaign with 12 points and 14 rebounds, including 7 on the offensive end.

Game Videos

“He is one of the best centers in the EuroLeague, he is crucial for us”, Sasha Vezenkov praised Milutinov.

What is especially significant for the Reds is that this Milutinov’s performance comes with Moustapha Fall facing a long absence after suffering a bad injury late last season.

Olympiacos acquired Donta Hall over the summer, and he chipped in with 8 points in 16 minutes on the floor on this night when he returned to city where he played last season, but once the ball was tipped off, it was Milutinov who was in the spotlight.

Milutinov started this game, after starting just 8 games over the last two seasons since returning to Piraeus from CSKA Moscow. It was also the first time he grabbed at least 10 rebounds since Game 5 of the 2024 EuroLeague playoffs.

This was a performance fully reminiscent of the days when Milutinov dominated under the rims. The knowledge that Milutinov looks like that old, dominant self, is probably what Olympiacos and its fans will love the most about the opening night of the new season.

Game News

The veteran big man had a key role in Olympiacos’s road win in Round 1

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan leaned on Zach LeDay to make a good start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this term with a fine display at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, as the Italian outfit celebrated an 82-92 win in the Serbian capital on the opening night of the season.

Zach LeDay comes up big as Milan cruises to smooth win at Crvena Zvezda

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) leaned on [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) to make a good start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this term with a fine display at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, as the Italian outfit [celebrated an 82-92 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-hits-the-ground-running-to-sink-zvezda-82-92/) in the Serbian capital on the opening night of the season.

LeDay shot 7 of 11 from the floor and 6 of 7 from the line to rack up 21 points and 5 boards, helping the visitors to a perfect start with their sixth successive road win over Zvezda and their ninth in the last 10 meetings with the Serbian side.

The 31-year-old drew on his vast experience, notably against Zvezda as he produced yet another vintage performance against a rival he is all too familiar with. LeDay fought countless battles with Zvezda during a 2021-2024 stint with bitter city foes Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Europe as well as in the regional ABA League, where the two teams engage in a perennial battle for supremacy.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Jibed and taunted by a vocal home crowd throughout, the unfazed LeDay held his nerve from start to finish and stood tall at both ends of the court whenever Zvezda threatened to turn the tide.

“It’s a blessing to come to this tough and hostile environment and get a big with a great group of guys,” LeDay said in a flash courtside interview after putting Zvezda to the sword. “We are a brand-new team, we’ll take it day by day and just keep going. Belgrade is like a second home to me so it’s always good to be back in the gym. I called this place home for three years.”

LeDay’s effort was complemented by [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/), who celebrated his return to action after being sidelined by a year-long injury as he racked up 12 points and five boards, as well as by a fine effort from [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), who netted 13 points including eight in the first quarter.

Shields produced an effective performance as he shot 5 of 8 from the floor and picked up 4 rebounds, managing 2 assists and a steal to make sure Milan stayed in front pretty much throughout the contest as he helped the visiting team carve out an early 20-22 advantage.

“I am super happy,” said Shields. “I am proud of everybody in the locker room, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we stuck together in some of the tough moments and got it done. We made shots and everybody stepped up at different moments.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">L’Olimpia parte con il botto, vince a Belgrado 92-82<br><br>Game recap 👉🏻 <a href="https://t.co/JEmtahaHJL">https://t.co/JEmtahaHJL</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://t.co/8ogu7M8YAU">pic.twitter.com/8ogu7M8YAU</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1973129052258181627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Milan head coach Ettore Messina was pleased with his team’s effort. “We made the right decisions with the right players at crucial moments,” he said. “The ball was always in the right hands and you’ve got to have that kind of discipline if you’re going to have a good season. Everybody contributed and that will help us build some more chemistry,” added Messina, who was given a perfect 66th birthday gift by his players.

His counterpart Ioannis Sfairopoulos had little to cheer about. “We were not tough defensively and we lost a lot of one-on-one battles,” said the Greek tactician. “Just as we found our way back into the game, they scored two tough shots to build a six-point lead and that restored their confidence.”

Milan’s visit to Belgrade continues with Thursday’s matchup against Partizan in Round 2 while Zvezda faces a tough outing at Bayern Munich in a rematch of last season’s Play-In Showdown, when the German side prevailed on home court.

The visiting team’s forward produced a flawless performance in a cracking atmosphere in Belgrade

There was plenty of anticipation surrounding how Virtus Bologna forward Saliou Niang would adapt to the EuroLeague level following a strong showing at EuroBasket 2025 with the Italian national team. On Tuesday night, Niang left no doubt about his talent, refined skill set, and high ceiling, delivering an impressive performance to lead Virtus to a 74–68 opening-night win over Real Madrid.

Saliou Niang makes a statement on his EuroLeague debut

There was plenty of anticipation surrounding how [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) forward [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) would adapt to the EuroLeague level following a strong showing at EuroBasket 2025 with the Italian national team. On Tuesday night, Niang left no doubt about his talent, refined skill set, and high ceiling, delivering an impressive performance to lead Virtus to [a 74–68 opening-night win over Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-snaps-losing-streak-against-real-74-68/).

Niang came off the bench early in the first quarter and needed a few minutes to settle in. His first basket – a tip-in that brought Virtus within 14–19 at the end of the opening period – marked the beginning of a confident display. He soon Euro-stepped his way to the rim for a smooth driving layup, making a tough move look effortless. Later in the second quarter, he repeated the move, this time finishing through heavy contact.

Just after halftime, Niang found space for a backdoor slam before heading to the bench for a breather. He played the entire fourth quarter and delivered the game’s biggest highlight: a powerful dunk over Gabriel Deck that gave Virtus a 68–61 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Real made a late push and even had a chance to tie, but Virtus held firm down the stretch.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SALIOU NIANG, what a way to announce yourself! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MotorolaMagicMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MotorolaMagicMoment</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/Moto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moto</a> <a href="https://t.co/Njk58aA7Gg">pic.twitter.com/Njk58aA7Gg</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973133444763824354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Niang finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from two-point range, along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal for a game-high PIR of 16.

“It was a crazy night. I was a little bit nervous – it was my first time in the EuroLeague – but it went really well and I’m very happy,” Niang said after the game. “I’m very proud of the team. Now we have to stay focused and keep pushing.”

Saliou Niang had 12 poitnts and a game-high PIR of 16 to lead Virtus Bologna to a 74-68 home win over Real Madrid. 

Niang has stellar EuroLeague debut 

Niang has immediately positioned himself as one of the top contenders for the EuroLeague Rising Star award this season. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he moved to Italy at the age of two and developed through Fortitudo Bologna’s youth system. After two seasons with Dolomiti Energia Trento, he’s now ready for bigger challenges and remains committed to daily improvement.

“I just try to help my teammates, bring energy to the court, and do the little things that help the team. That’s what I do,” Niang said. “I’m very happy – it gives me even more energy to keep pushing and keep doing what I’m doing.”

The 21-year-old forward stood out in his first EuroLeague appearance



Kendrick Nunn did not wait long to show he could be a contender for back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards as he guided Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to a season-opening 87-79 victory over FC Bayern Munich. 

'I’m still here' - Nunn ready for another star season 

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) did not wait long to show he could be a contender for back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards as he guided [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/) to [a season-opening 87-79 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-starts-quest-for-home-final-four-with-87-79-home-win-over-bayern/) over FC Bayern Munich.

Nunn led the Greens with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting while dishing out 10 assists and just 2 turnovers for a performance index rating of 29 in the opening game. It was a strong way to start the EuroLeague for the MVP.

“Of course I’m still here. I’m back for another season,” said Nunn, who signed a contract extension last April until 2028. “I said that in the preseason. I am here now. I feel like a kid on the first day of school.”

Kendrick Nunn (21 points) Highlights vs. FC Bayern Munich, 09/30/2025

Kendrick Nunn carried Panathinaikos to season-opening win

Nunn came up big throughout the game, scoring 8 points in the opening frame and adding a big three-point play midway through the second quarter as Bayern was trying to stay close.

The 30-year-old scored three straight baskets as Panathinaikos took control of the game. His drive and dunk provided the first double-digit lead, 58-48, and he added a layup and jumper in the lane to make it 62-50.

Nunn finished with two more scores in the closing minutes to kill off any Bayern hopes of a comeback.

“I feel good. I feel like I left a handful of plays out there, but my teammates get it done. When I deliver the ball, they execute. So the credit goes to them,” Nunn said about his 10 assists, which evened his career high. 

Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman said the team relied on strong individual performances, led by his star Nunn, saying: “We have incredible offensive players like Kendrick, who played a great game.”

Nunn’s performance was all the more needed as star signing [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) was held scoreless in 10 minutes, missing all four of his shots. It was the first time the guard failed to score in the EuroLeague, his previous low being 9 points.

“Once every thing clicks together with all of us, I think it will look a lot better,” said Panathinaikos center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/), who contributed 14 points in the win.

The reigning MVP carried Panathinaikos to a season-opening win

'I’m still here' - Kendrick Nunn ready for another star season 

Smits's 7 straight points in the closing stages sealed the outcome for Efes's victory against Maccabi

Difference-maker Rolands Smits stepped up when it mattered most

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/) had an extraordinary offseason, beefing up a roster that now looks complete with players complementing each other in all positions. On Tuesday evening, the Turkish side [beat Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 85-78](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/anaolu-efes-hold-off-maccabi-85-78/) in its EuroLeague opener, with five players recording double digits in scoring. The one who stepped up when it mattered most was [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/).

In an exciting tug-of-war clash, Efes led 75-67 with 6:28 remaining, but Maccabi went on a 0-9 surge to get back in front with 4:33 left on the clock.

Enter Efes’s game-changer, with Smits drilling a corner triple to put the hosts back ahead. Maccabi didn’t manage to respond and Smits hit again on the other end. Efes circulated the ball smoothly before [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) pulled off a sublime bounce-pass to connect with an incoming Smits for a slam that forced a Maccabi timeout.

Rolands Smits took over late against Maccabi

Rolands Smits took over late against Maccabi_39987917.mp4

This 5-0 run didn’t serve as a wake-up call for the visitors and Efes tightened up its defense, with [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) getting the steal on one end before Larkin fed Smits again on the other, this time for a one-handed slam in transition to make it 82-76.

“I just took my opportunities,” a humble Smits told EuroLeague TV after the game. “My teammates found me and I just needed to score the ball.”

Smits ended the game on 16 points, having gone 5-for-7 from inside the arc and 2-for-3 from deep. He also recorded 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in just 15:50 on the floor. Most importantly, 12 of his points came in the last quarter, bagging almost half of his team’s scoring tally in the fourth (25).

A special mention for one of Efes’s offseason signings, [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), who also grabbed 16 points, having netted 4 of his 8 three-point attempts, including a dagger to seal the outcome in crunch time.

Efes opened the first double-round week of the season with a victory and it will look to make it 2 out of 2 against Israeli teams by beating Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in their Round 2 duel on Friday. In a marathon like the EuroLeague depth matters and Smits demonstrated on Tuesday evening that Efes’s next-man-up mentality could take them far in the competition.

His 7 straight points in the closing stages sealed the outcome against Maccabi