Javier Gancedo makes his picks for which unheralded players might be the biggest difference makers in Abu Dhabi
Who might be an X-factor at the Final Four?
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5 Mins read
When it comes to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, the unexpected has almost become expected. Over the years, many role players have taken on key roles and surprised opponents and casual fans alike to become difference-makers at Final Fours. Why should the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi be an exception? Before I examine who those X-factors might be this year, let's take a look back at recent Final Fours.
Sleepers: A look back
You only need to check the list of champions to find who, against all odds, helped lead their teams to the title. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans probably remember Nestoras Kommatos's iconic performance in the 2005 championship game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and how Aleksey Savrasenko surprised their team a year later as CSKA Moscow claimed the 2006 crown. Fabien Causeur may be the king of all Final Four sleepers; he played a big role for Real Madrid at the 2018 and 2023 Final Fours. Causeur had 17 points and a PIR of 21 in the 2018 championship game against Fenerbahce Istanbul and - despite averaging 4.0 points in the 2022-23 campaign, he scored 11 points in the 2023 final against Olympiacos Piraeus.
Last season, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis gave Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens the energy it needed in both the semifinals and the final to average a PIR of 6.5 in barely 7 minutes per night. In 2022, Tibor Pleiss had an iconic performance to lead Anadolu Efes Istanbul to a 57-58 win over Real Madrid: 19 points and 7 rebounds for a PIR of 24. Even when Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin got all the credit in the 2021 championship game, Adrian Moerman took care of all the dirty work, amassing 6 points and 8 boards for a PIR of 12. Whenever a team wins the EuroLeague, there is always an unsung hero. Here are four players I will have my eye on in Abu Dhabi.
Saben Lee, Olympiacos Piraeus
It has been a rollercoaster season for Saben Lee; he started it with Turkish side Manisa Basket, made a stunning EuroLeague debut with Maccabi that included poster dunks and even a game-winner against Real Madrid, returned to Manisa only to join Olympiacos a little later. Energy guys are a must to succeed in the Final Four, plus Lee has been playing better lately. Lee averaged 5.2 points and a PIR of 7.9 in the playoffs series against Real despite playing less than 12 minutes per game. If Olympiacos goes all the way, Lee would put an incredible end to one of the most eventful seasons any player ever had in the competition.
Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
Nicolo Melli knows what it takes to do well at the Final Four, even though he's never lifted the trophy. In 2018, he posted 28 points and 6 rebounds for a PIR of 27 in the championship game against Real Madrid. Seven years later, Melli is still a reliable scorer and a key player in Fenerbahce's frontcourt defense. He is one of many seasoned Fenerbahce veterans looking to win their first EuroLeague title after many years in the competition. A fierce competitor, Melli should be ready to bring out his best as a rock-solid defender who can score from anywhere and use his off-the-charts basketball IQ to take care of the important small details.
Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens
Though eyes will be on other players, Jerian Grant always seems to get the job done. He scored only 3 points in Game 1 of the playoffs, but hit the game-clinching corner three-pointer in the final minute. In the do-or-die Game 5, he made the difference with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. Grant always takes on a critical role on defense and he brings experience from last year's Final Four. He was all over the place in the 2024 championship game with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals against Real Madrid. In big games, Grant can fix almost any problem Coach Ataman may have.
Jordan Loyd, AS Monaco
Jordan Loyd is an experienced player who should find his groove in Abu Dhabi. And when he is in good rhythm, he can be just as deadly a scorer as any of his backcourt teammates, whether looking for his own shots off the dribble or coming off screens to use his quick release. Loyd should be ready to bounce back after the playoffs (4.6 ppg., 22.2% 2FG, 30.8% 3FG). A veteran of six EuroLeague seasons, this is Loyd's best shot to win the EuroLeague and he will be sure to make the most of it.