Vildoza and head coach Dusko Ivanovic have reunited at Virtus Bologna.

They say the third time’s a charm, and that’s exactly what Luca Vildoza is hoping for with his move to Virtus Bologna. It’s another opportunity to work with Dusko Ivanovic, following previous player-coach stints at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade. Ivanovic has always found a way to bring out the best in Vildoza, so their reunion feels natural. This time, however, there’s a twist: working with Ivanovic was one of the main reasons Vildoza chose to join Virtus. When asked, he was clear about it.

Luca Vildoza: "Dusko made me play my best basketball"

They say the third time’s a charm, and that’s exactly what [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/) is hoping for with his move to Virtus Bologna. It’s another opportunity to work with coach [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko), following previous player-coach stints at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Ivanovic has always found a way to bring out the best in Vildoza, so their reunion feels natural. This time, however, there’s a twist: working with Ivanovic was one of the main reasons Vildoza chose to join Virtus. When asked, he was clear about it.

"This time, it was my decision to meet him again. I think the first two times I worked with him, he came after a coach cut," Vildoza told [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) during Virtus's media day. "He's really important in my career. Dusko made me play my best basketball, so that's why I decided to come here."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐃𝐎 🇦🇷<br>Luca Vildoza è un nuovo giocatore dei Campioni d&#39;Italia 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/G0g3Lej4TO">pic.twitter.com/G0g3Lej4TO</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/1937868841117233655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


Baskonia was Vildoza’s first European club. Fellow Argentine [Pablo Prigioni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/pablo-prigioni/cbx/) - a two-time All-EuroLeague Second Team guard under Ivanovic at Baskonia - brought him over from Argentina to be the team’s floor general. Before Ivanovic returned in December 2019, Baskonia had hired [Pedro Martinez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/martinez-pedro) and [Velimir Perasovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/it/euroleague/players/velimir-perasovic/profile/laf/).

That season ended in style for Baskonia, with Vildoza catching a brilliant pass from [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) to score a backdoor layup that clinched the 2020 Spanish League championship against FC Barcelona.

"Dusko helped me to get 100% physically and that's what made me play my best basketball. We won the \[Spanish\] League in 2020, so I owe it to him," he said.

Vildoza is one of many Argentinians who elevated their game under Ivanovic. Prigioni, [Luis Scola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/luis-scola/ajg/) and [Andres Nocioni](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/andres-nocioni/profile/apr/) all earned their first All-EuroLeague honors while playing for him at Baskonia. With Ivanovic as head coach, Baskonia reached the 2005 EuroLeague Championship Game with three Argentine players: Scola, Prigioni, and [Roberto Gabini](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/roberto-gabini/jkn/). Scola and [Fabricio Oberto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/fabricio-oberto/aje/) were also part of the team that made the 2001 EuroLeague finals.

Vildoza doesn’t see this as a coincidence and points to a current EuroLeague star as an example.

"\[Ivanovic\] really likes the character and personality of Argentinians. In Crvena Zvezda we also had [Facu \[Campazzo\]](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/it/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) and I think he really liked the way Facu plays and his personality on the court. He knows that Facu is a killer on the court. Mentally, he's always at 100%, fighting for every position," Vildoza said.

"With me, I feel that we have a good connection on the court. I feel good playing for him."

&lt;center&gt;&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="<https://www.youtube.com/embed/lr7Y3eq24Lc?si=-JRy8UiY0TXlXcb7>" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/center&gt;

Naturally, Vildoza has spoken often about Ivanovic with members of Argentina’s Golden Generation who also played under him. As basketball has evolved over the past 25 years, Ivanovic has adapted his coaching style to remain relevant and influential in Europe’s top club competition.

"The number of games is not the same, so you can't train the way you used to. There are things that maybe he wants to do today, but we can't because we have games in two days. So it's a bit difficult," Vildoza said.

"I know that despite being a very hard coach in terms of practice, he is also intelligent. And he knows when to push a player and when not. So I think that he also had to adapt to the current league."

When asked about Ivanovic’s greatest strengths, Vildoza echoed what many experts believe. Ivanovic demands intensity and focus from his players, especially on defense. His defensive philosophy has made him one of Europe’s top coaches and influenced the way other teams approach physicality.

"I think his defense allowed him to keep being successful all these years. Defensively, he has some rules that bother the other teams. And then offensively, he always finds a way for the team to work," Vildoza explained.

"Dusko always makes some of his players take a step forward, he always makes some of them work a little more. And that's what I highlight about his process as a coach."

Under Ivanovic’s leadership, Vildoza earned EuroLeague MVP honors in December 2022, averaging a PIR of 17.7 and 15.8 points per game. He shot 63.0% on two-pointers, 42.9% from three, and 94.1% from the free-throw line, while also contributing 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Ivanovic had joined Crvena Zvezda just two weeks earlier, on November 14, 2022.

Vildoza, meanwhile, went on to play for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, winning the EuroLeague title in 2024, and Olympiacos Piraeus before joining Virtus.

From title-winning moments to standout individual performances, Vildoza has consistently thrived under Ivanovic. As the 2025–26 EuroLeague season begins, keep an eye on this player-coach duo. Virtus Bologna opens the season at home against Real Madrid on September 30.

Vildoza and head coach Dusko Ivanovic have reunited at Virtus Bologna


Luca Vildoza: ‘Dusko made me play my best basketball’

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has signed Leonardo Tote, marking a new chapter for both the club and the Italian big man

Big Leonardo Tote bags deal with Milan

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/roster/mil/) has signed [Leonardo Tote](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/leonardo-tote/006277/) to a multi-year deal, marking a new chapter for both the club and the Italian big man.

Tote (2.11 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Napoli Basket, where he averaged 14.0 points on 63.4% shooting, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 30 Italian League appearances last season. He ranked ninth in the league in average PIR (17.3).

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Totè: “Tradizione e obiettivi, Milano per me è un sogno che si avvera”<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo pluriennale con Leonardo Totè, centro di 2.11, nato a Negrar, in provincia di Verona, l’8 luglio 1997, proveniente da Napoli.<br><br>🇮🇹… <a href="https://t.co/3xR2Eoz0dB">pic.twitter.com/3xR2Eoz0dB</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1970065547330306522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I am happy, proud, and honored to join a prestigious and successful club like Olimpia Milano, with its tradition and goals," Tote said after the signing was announced. "For me, it's like a dream come true. I can't wait to start working with my new teammates, the coaching staff, and finally play in front of the Olimpia fans.”

The big man began his professional career with Brescia in 2015, where he helped the team gain promotion from Serie A2 to the top flight. He then spent time with Verona and Jesi in the Italian second division before joining Pesaro for a breakthrough campaign in Italy’s top division. Over subsequent years, Tote featured for Fortitudo Bologna and Pesaro – with a stint in Spain with Bilbao Basket in between – before moving to Napoli last summer.

Tote has also been a regular on the Italian national team in recent years, after representing his country at the U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels. For Milan the signing of Tote adds another weapon to a frontline that has dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

More Milan news

The Italian national team center arrives to a EuroLeague club for the first time

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem took control midway through the third quarter and held off a late Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv rally to win the Israeli SuperCup 79-84 on Sunday night at Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv

Jerusalem sinks Maccabi to win Israeli SuperCup

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem took control midway through the third quarter and held off a late Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv rally to win the Israeli SuperCup 79-84 on Sunday night at Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv. Khadeen Carrington was named MVP of the game after scoring 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Roman Sorkin dominated early for Maccabi, which led 22-17 after 10 minutes and 42-35 at halftime. Carrington tied it for Jerusalem in the third quarter and some big shots by Roy Paretsky helped stretch the lead to 56-61 entering the fourth quarter. Jerusalem kept the pressure on and an Anthony Lamb triple with 2:08 remaining made it 70-81, seemingly wrapping up the win. Maccabi caught fire with the next 9 points and had the ball down 3 with 8.5 seconds remaining, but Carrington stole the ball from Jimmy Clark and made 2 free throws to ice the game.

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"The guys that we brought in are buying in," Carrington said in crediting his new teammates. "We want to win championships. We don’t just want to win games, we want championships."

Reigning EuroCup MVP Jared Harper tallied 20 points and 4 assists for Jerusalem, Anthony Lamb added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Justin Smith contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds. Roman Sorkin stood out with 22 points for Maccabi and Clark, Oshae Brissett and John DiBartolomeo scored 12 each.

Maccabi was without Uros Trifunovic, who is recovering from a sprained ankle, and Lonnie Walker, who rested because of back pain. Clifford Omoruyi was also left off the roster due to the restrictions on foreign players.

More Maccabi news

Roman Sorkin's 22 points were not enough for Maccabi

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.

<center>
<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