Roland Garros has long been a stage for tennis greatness, but this weekend it was basketball that took center stage as the French Super Cup made its way to the iconic stadium. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, they may have just witnessed the 2025-26 EuroLeague champion in the making in AS Monaco.

Monaco seeking 'sweet taste' in EuroLeague after French Super Cup triumph

Roland Garros has long been a stage for tennis greatness, but this weekend it was basketball that took center stage as the inaugural French Super Cup made its way to the iconic stadium. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, they may have just witnessed the 2025-26 EuroLeague champion in the making.

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) fans certainly won't forget this weekend in a hurry. After a commanding 25-point win over Boulazac (70-95) in the semifinals, the Monégasque side matched that margin of victory one day later, cruising past Le Mans (104-79) to clinch the Super Cup. The win was particularly sweet for Mike James and his teammates, who avenged two painful defeats to Le Mans in last season’s French Cup and Leaders Cup finals. In fact, Monaco endured a trophyless 2023-24 campaign, having also fallen short to Paris Basketball in the French League Finals.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">SUPERCHAMPIONS DE FRANCE !! 🏆🇫🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperCoupe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperCoupe</a> <a href="https://t.co/kLXFY9mWRd">pic.twitter.com/kLXFY9mWRd</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1969816382041965014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One of the most captivating storylines for Monaco heading into the French Super Cup was the debut of [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), who made his first official appearance in his new team’s jersey. After contributing 13 points in the semifinals, the 34-year-old forward followed up with 11 in the final.

“I never imagined I would play here \[at Roland Garros\]. It’s a huge privilege,” Mirotic said in an interview with L’Equipe before the semifinals. “There are Super Cups in Spain and Italy, but this one will be something special.”

The tournament also marked the return of Mike James to Monaco’s roster, having missed last season's French League Finals due to an internal suspension. Although he wasn’t as prolific in the semifinals, scoring just 6 points, he still showcased his elite playmaking skills with 8 assists. He stepped up when it mattered most in the final, contributing 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Now 35, James is eager to make this season one to remember as he and Mirotic both aim for their first EuroLeague title.

However, the weekend wasn’t just about the veterans. Two players who truly stood out were [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/), proving the incredible depth of Monaco’s squad. Okobo had 15 points and 8 assists against Boulazac before following it up with 16 points and 7 assists against Le Mans. Diallo was equally impactful, doing a bit of everything with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the semifinals, then adding 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in the final. While they don’t always grab the headlines, Okobo and Diallo are indispensable contributors to Monaco’s success.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">😤💥 Alpha Power !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperCoupe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperCoupe</a> <a href="https://t.co/mJrzRy4BoF">pic.twitter.com/mJrzRy4BoF</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1969803900544065850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We respected our opponents, played with the right intensity, shared the ball and trusted our teammates,” Okobo said to L’Equipe after the Super Cup win. “Everyone is contributing well in their role, and we need to keep it going. We have a very talented team.”

New backup center [Kevarrius Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevarrius-hayes/010390/) also showed his worth with strong performances off the bench, while [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) – fresh off his EuroBasket 2025 title – notched 12 points in the final as he added another piece of silverware to his trophy cabinet. Hayes contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds against Le Mans, proving that Monaco’s center rotation is in capable hands. This 1-2 punch will be crucial as it frees up space for James, Okobo, Mirotic and the rest of Monaco’s dynamic roster to shine.

With Vassilis Spanoulis capturing his first trophy as a head coach, the next goal will be to avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the EuroLeague Championship Game. But this was a strong start.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">👑 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝<br><br>Vassilis Spanoulis remporte son premier titre avec la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> 🏆🇲🇨<br><br>Félicitations coach ! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperCoupe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperCoupe</a> <a href="https://t.co/WxAOXqQZXl">pic.twitter.com/WxAOXqQZXl</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1969826260487643321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We want to win everything,” Okobo also told L'Equipe following the title decider. “After coming so close last season in the EuroLeague final and the French League Finals, it left a bitter taste. We want this season to have a sweeter ending.”

Monaco’s quest for that “sweet taste” begins with back-to-back home games to open the EuroLeague season – against Zalgiris Kaunas on October 1 and Dubai Basketball on October 3.

More AS Monaco News

With new additions and key veterans stepping up, the Monégasque side aims to carry its Super Cup success into a promising EuroLeague campaign

The seventh annual Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament came to a close with a double-header on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney with EuroLeague sides Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade returning home as winners

Panathinaikos, Partizan leave Australia on winning note

The seventh annual Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament came to a close with a double-header on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney with EuroLeague sides Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade returning home as winners. The Greens recorded a 106-89 victory over the Adelaide 36ers and Partizan bested the Sydney Kings 93–90.

Reigning EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn ran riot with 26 points and Nikos Rogkavopoulos posted 14 points and 8 rebounds to lead Panathinaikos. Adelaide started strong and led for most of the two and a half quarters. It was 39-47 at the break before Panathinaikos went on a 10-2 run to even things and eventually pulled ahead 73-68 by the end of the third quarter. The Greens then scored the first 8 points of the fourth quarter and cruised the rest of the way.  

Richaun Holmes added 14 points for the winners, Kostantinos Mitoglou scored 12, Jerian Grant netted 11, Juancho Hernangomez 10 and Vassilis Toliopoulos contributed 9. Bryce Cotton paced Adelaide with 24 points and Dejan Vasilievic had 22 in defeat.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game Stats 📊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adelaide36ers</a> 106-89<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PavlosGiannakopoulosTournament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PavlosGiannakopoulosTournament</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvMBwEqGxA">pic.twitter.com/rvMBwEqGxA</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1969736663304712506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the other game, Sydney jumped ahead early before Jabari Parker gave Partizan its first lead, which became 30-23 after 10 minutes. Partizan extended it to double digits in the second quarter and with Uros Danilovic and Uros Mijailovic connecting from deep, Partizan rolled on before Sydney trimmed the gap to 50-46 at halftime.

Partizan extended the lead to 10 again in the third only to see Sydney come back and tie it. A three-quarter's court heave by Vanja Marinkovic left Partizan up after three quarters. After Sydney took a 76-78 lead, Sterling Brown heated up and Carlik Jones helped put the game away.

Parker paced the Partizan attack with 24 points, Shake Milton was good for 21, Jones scored 18 and Brown 17. In addition to the injured Frank Ntilikina, Tyrique Jones, Mario Nakic and Aleksej Pokusevski, who did not travel for the game, Duane Washington and Dylan sat out this game. Jaylin Galloway led Sydney with 20 points and Kendric Davis added 19.

The Greens bested Adelaide and Partizan triumphed over Sydney

He holds the NCAA Tournament single-game assist record

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz strengthened its backcourt by inking playmaker Markquis Nowell.

Nowell (1.73 meters, 25 years old) arrives from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he averaged 16.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.0 steals in 50 G League games last season. 

Baskonia bags backcourt boss Markquis Nowell

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz bolstered its backcourt with the signing of playmaker Markquis Nowell, the club announced Sunday.

Nowell (1.73 meters, 25 years old) joins from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he posted averages of 16.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 2.0 steals across 50 G League games last season. He played collegiate basketball at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Kansas State University, famously setting the NCAA Tournament single-game assist record with 19 dimes against Michigan State.

Nowell began his professional career with the Toronto Raptors and also suited up for Raptors 905 in Mississauga before moving to Rio Grande. He is now poised to make his EuroLeague debut with Baskonia.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🚨✍️ Baskonia incorpora al base Markquis Nowell hasta 2027 <br><br>📰 <a href="https://t.co/EhGV1PCbQV">https://t.co/EhGV1PCbQV</a><br><br>Ongi etorri, Markquis 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/qahSoHxoy2">pic.twitter.com/qahSoHxoy2</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1969707543032115530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Baksonia news

The diminutive playmaker signed through the 2026-27 season

It defeated both Baskonia and Breogan on consecutive days to get the EncestaRias tournament trophy 

Valencia Basket took the 10th edition of the EncestaRias tournament with two very convincing victories over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Rio Breogan. Valencia downed Breogan 78-101 behind 15 points from Josep Puerto. Matt Costello added 12 while Sergio De Larrea had 11 and 7 assists, providing a highlight with a big dunk off the baseline. 

Valencia gets two convincing wins in Pontevedra

Valencia Basket won the 10th edition of the EncestaRias tournament with two convincing victories over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Rio Breogan. In the final, Valencia defeated Breogan 78-101, led by Josep Puerto’s 15 points. Matt Costello added 12, while Sergio De Larrea contributed 11 points and 7 assists, including a highlight-reel dunk off the baseline. Valencia jumped out to a 28–12 lead after the first quarter and maintained a comfortable margin through to the final buzzer.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Una de pillo de Larry 🧠 <a href="https://t.co/j0FUXaRYh3">pic.twitter.com/j0FUXaRYh3</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1969499078699467030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


Earlier on Saturday, Real Madrid secured third place by beating Baskonia 87-80. Gabriele Procida and Andrés Feliz each scored 14 points, Trey Lyles had 13, Chuma Okeke 12, Walter Tavares 11, and Facu Campazzo 10. Okeke also grabbed 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Clement Frisch led Baskonia with 20 points, followed by Trent Forrest with 14, Luka Samanic with 13, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot with 12, and Matteo Spagnolo with 11.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📰 Crónica<br><br>🏆 Pret. masculina<a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Baskonia</a> 84<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 99<br>📍 Pontevedra<br><br>Cas 👉 Valencia Basket vence al Baskonia en la semifinal del torneo EncestaRías<a href="https://t.co/2a3TMyMtEJ">https://t.co/2a3TMyMtEJ</a><br><br>Val 👉 Valencia Basket venç al Baskonia en la semifinal del torneig EncestaRías… <a href="https://t.co/7Jmvu8Ze8B">pic.twitter.com/7Jmvu8Ze8B</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1969115526367756601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


On Friday, Valencia opened the tournament with an 84-99 win over Baskonia in the first semifinal, building a 37-60 lead by halftime. Kameron Taylor paced the team with 17 points, Puerto added 15, De Larrea had 12, and both Costello and Nate Reuvers scored 11. Omari Moore chipped in 10. Luwawu-Cabarrot led Baskonia with 14 points, Forrest had 13, Hamidou Diallo 12, and Stefan Joksimovic 10. In the second semifinal, Breogan came back from a 19-point deficit to force overtime and edge Real Madrid 83–78, with Aleksandar Aranitovic scoring 15 points. Okeke and Campazzo led Real with 14 points each.

It defeated both Baskonia and Breogan on consecutive days to get the EncestaRias tournament trophy 


Anadolu Efes Istanbul has added a proven scoring threat to its backcourt with the signing of experienced guard Jordan Loyd, the club announced Saturday.

Efes inks Jordan Loyd away from Monaco

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) has added a proven scoring threat to its backcourt with the signing of experienced guard [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) on a one-year deal, the club announced Saturday.

Loyd (1.93 meters, 32 years old) is a six-year EuroLeague veteran who has amassed nearly 2,000 career points in the competition. He arrives in top form after a standout performance at EuroBasket 2025, where he led Poland to the quarterfinals and finished as the tournament’s fifth-leading scorer with 22.5 points per game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Jordan Loyd’un takımımıza transferi için AS Monaco ile anlaşma sağlanmıştır.<br><br>Oyuncunun sağlık kontrollerinin ardından kendisiyle sözleşme imzalanacaktır. <a href="https://t.co/ib2AmHmH1F">pic.twitter.com/ib2AmHmH1F</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1969306903348928544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Loyd spent the majority of the past three seasons with AS Monaco, where he was also under contract for the current campaign. After briefly joining Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv last summer – appearing in just two games – he returned to Monaco in October 2024. His return proved pivotal as he helped the team reach its first-ever EuroLeague Championship Game this past May in Abu Dhabi. Loyd also played a key role in Monaco's first Final Four appearance in 2023 and a playoff run in 2024.

Across 159 career EuroLeague games, Loyd has averaged 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He made his EuroLeague debut with Valencia Basket in the 2019–20 season and has since suited up for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Zenit St. Petersburg, Monaco and Maccabi.

A 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, Loyd brings scoring firepower, playoff experience and veteran leadership to an Efes squad aiming to return to the top of European basketball.

More Efes News

This will be the 32-year-old's sixth EuroLeague club

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul added another weapon to its backcourt by signing a two-year deal with guard Talen Horton-Tucker, the club announced Saturday.

Talen Horton-Tucker joins EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) has strengthened its backcourt by signing guard Talen Horton-Tucker to a two-year deal, the club announced on Saturday.

Horton-Tucker (1.93 meters, 24 years old) joins the reigning EuroLeague champion from the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and is set to make his EuroLeague debut this season. He appeared in 59 games for the Bulls last year, averaging 6.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Over five seasons in the NBA, he played in 305 regular-season games with the Bulls, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers, compiling career averages of 9.2 points and 2.8 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Talen Horton-Tucker Fenerbahçe Beko’da! 💛💙✍️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeTHT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeTHT</a><br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/fEuSeOAAMS">https://t.co/fEuSeOAAMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZMH6lo3LyR">pic.twitter.com/ZMH6lo3LyR</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1969313449487294939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A product of Iowa State University, Horton-Tucker entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2019. He made an early impact with the Lakers and was part of their 2020 NBA championship team. His most productive season came in 2022–23 with the Jazz, when he averaged 10.7 points and 3.8 assists across 60 games.

Known for his physicality, defensive versatility and ability to create off the dribble, Horton-Tucker brings depth and dynamism to Fenerbahce’s perimeter rotation. His addition reflects the club’s continued ambition to defend its EuroLeague title, and fans in Istanbul will be eager to see how his skill set adapts to the European game.

More Fenerbahce News

The combo-guard spent the last five seasons in the NBA and won the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2020

After some impressive performances as a EuroLeague debutant with Zalgiris, new Maccabi Tel Aviv BC shooting guard Lonnie Walker is aiming for even bigger things this season.

Lonnie Walker 'a thousand times better' prepared for his second EuroLeague campaign

"Even we don't know what we have in our hands," [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) head coach Oded Kattash said during media day on Thursday.

The coach was referring to the great potential there is on the roster, which features only six returning players. Among their new faces, eight are EuroLeague rookies, half of those are new to European basketball and two arrive directly from the NBA. 

As far as that preparing them for the intensity of the EuroLeague, Kattash said: "The EuroLeague and NBA are almost different sports."

Indeed, history has shown that many American players have struggled in their debut EuroLeague campaigns. And then there is [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/). Walker needed just two games to adjust after joining Zalgiris Kaunas early last season. Then he put together a run of six straight games in which he scored at least 18 points. 

Everybody Loves Lonnie, But Lonnie Loves Basketball

Walker went back to the NBA later in the season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played alongside his new Maccabi teammates [Jeff Dowtin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/jeff-dowtin-jr-becomes-the-latest-piece-in-the-maccabi-puzzle/) and [Oshae Brissett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-brings-oshae-brisset-to-the-euroleague/). And Walker seems to be a lot more confident and a lot more dangerous ahead of his second EuroLeague season. 

Asked how much better prepared he is to play in the EuroLeague now with Maccabi than he was when he arrived in Kaunas, Walker responded "a thousand times better" to Euroleague.net's Frankie Sachs. While he also spoke about the defensive adjustments he had to make and the psychological adjustments to having a larger offensive role, the biggest change between Year 1 and Year 2 for Walker is something else entirely. 

"I think the level of intent is a lot different. Everyone knew what my agenda would be going into Europe last year," Walker explained. "Really, I wanted to get back to the NBA, so I think my way of playing was a little bit different. It was more, 'let me showcase my skills' rather than 'let's get some wins as a team'. And I think that's a big difference maker. 

"Going into this season, I'm here. I have a contract. Now, I want to win. I want to make Maccabi back to what they once were, and I take that very seriously. And I think just getting a taste of the EuroLeague last year. Oh, I'm starving. I'm excited."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You have to be as confident in life as Lonnie. 🤞<br><br>PS: He picked someone in the end <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EBF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EBF</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxjZNm4N0k">pic.twitter.com/uxjZNm4N0k</a></p>&mdash; Euroleague Fantasy Challenge (@EBF_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/EBF_Official/status/1968969067164758214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having made that adjustment last season, Walker is doing his best to prepare Dowtin, Brissett and the rest of his teammates for what comes next. He also credited the reigning EuroLeague MVP for Walker's own quick adjustments last season. 

"It all really started because of [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/). He's one of the pioneers of this all as far as Americans feeling or seeing more comfortability coming over here. He's shown that it's possible," Walker said. 

"When you have a player like that. It's kind of just a domino effect. I came next up in line. Now you have more and more players as far as Americans coming in now, so I just try to be my best as far as answering questions the best I can, and making them understand the difference between the NBA and the EuroLeague."

Walker and Nunn have known each other since before they were in the NBA and the two shared a locker room in as teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season. 

"To this day, we still talk about things," Walker said of his relationship with Nunn. "He's a great human being. I'm very grateful to have someone like that in my corner."

Whether or not Walker follows Nunn’s MVP path, his hunger for EuroLeague success — and his leadership within Maccabi — suggest he’s ready to make a serious impact.

More Maccabi Tel Aviv News

After some impressive performances as a EuroLeague debutant with Zalgiris, the shooting guard is aiming for even bigger things this season

As Achille Polonara faces one of the toughest battles of his life, Euroleague Basketball stands strong alongside him. From ex-teammates and coaches to referees, team presidents, and fans around the world, the basketball community is sending an outpouring of love, strength, and solidarity.

Euroleague Basketball unites in support of Achille Polonara

As [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) faces one of the toughest battles of his life, Euroleague Basketball stands strong alongside him. From ex-teammates and coaches to referees, team presidents, and fans around the world, the basketball community is sending an outpouring of love, strength, and solidarity.

Euroleague Basketball CEO Paulius Motiejunas, Union of EuroLeague Basketball Officials President Sreten Radovic, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board President Dimitris Itoudis, and many of Achille’s former teammates – including Vasilije Micic, Marco Belinelli, and Toko Shengelia – have all shared heartfelt messages of support.

Diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, Achille is set to undergo a transplant in the coming days. A warrior on the court, Achille now faces a different kind of battle. But with the unwavering support of the entire basketball community, he is not alone.

Stay strong, Achille. We’re with you every step of the way. Together, we send you all our love, strength, and hope.

FC Barcelona swingman Nikola Kusturica has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to wear the team’s jersey in an official game.

Nikola Kusturica makes Barcelona debut, breaks record

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) swingman Nikola Kusturica has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to wear the team’s jersey in an official game.

At just 16 years, four months, and 17 days old, Kusturica took the floor in an 81-90 victory over MoraBanc Andorra in the Catalonian League semifinals. The previous record was held by Eric Vila, who made his Barca debut at 16 years, six months, and 29 days old.

The Serbian prodigy contributed two points in the game. However, his record might soon [be surpassed by Mohamed Dabone, who already played in a preseason game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mohamed-dabone-makes-fc-barcelona-debut/) at the age of 13 earlier this month.

"I feel great and am happy to be with the first team this season. It’s an amazing experience," Kusturica said after the game. "I want to thank coach Joan \[Penarroya\] and the entire coaching staff for trusting me. Now, it's time to keep working."

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<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🔵🔴 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐊𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, el més jove en debutar amb el Barça <br> <br>✅ El serbi s’ha convertit en el jugador més jove de la història en debutar oficialment amb el primer equip blaugrana (16 anys, 4 mesos i 17 dies). Ha superat el registre d’Èric Vila (16 anys, 6 mesos i… <a href="https://t.co/9SgUxVgECx">pic.twitter.com/9SgUxVgECx</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1968412902089429136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Kusturica is currently in his third season with FC Barcelona and is expected to play in the Spanish U22 League next season. He recently led Serbia to a gold medal at the 2025 U16 EuroBasket, earning MVP honors. Over seven games, Kusturica averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In the Championship Game against Lithuania, he came close to a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals as Serbia triumphed 99-88.

Looking ahead, Kusturica is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming Adidas NextGen EuroLeague tournament.

More FC Barcelona News

He is now the youngest players to play for the Blaugrana in an official game – for now