Name: Lietkabelis's Trey Drechsel previews the new EuroCup season
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

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’

London Lions ink Karolis Lukosiunas short term

London Lions announced the addition of shooting guard [Karolis Lukosiunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/karolis-lukosiunas/006158/) to the roster through November, as Ryan Mikesell recovers from surgery.

Lukosiunas (1.95 meters, 28 years old) spent last season with Juventus Utena where he averaged 4.9 points and 1.3 assist in the Lithuanian League action. In the 2023-24 season, he played in the G-League with Salt Lake City Stars before joining Zalgiris Kaunas.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">London Lions have signed Lithuanian international Karolis Lukosiunas on a short-term deal through November as Ryan Mikesell recovers from surgery.<br><br>The forward reunites with Coach Tautvydas Sabonis after their time together at Zalgiris, bringing EuroLeague, G League and… <a href="https://t.co/Ije6HEkEQZ">pic.twitter.com/Ije6HEkEQZ</a></p>&mdash; London Lions Basketball (@LondonLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonLions/status/1970074628694380745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lukosiunas previously spent four seasons with Zalgiris Kaunas, between 2019 and 2023, and has appeared in 65 EuroLeague games with the Lithuanian powerhouse. In London, he reunites with Coach Tautvydas Sabonis who served as Zalgiris assistant during the time Lukosiunas played there.

He began his career in the Rytas Vilnius youth system and played for several other Lithuanian clubs before joining Zalgiris in 2019. He helped Zalgiris win three national championships and four Lithuanian Cups in his time there.

The shooting guard will play with the Lions to start the season

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).

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<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

More Hapoel Jerusalem news

Carrington scored 21 points to capture MVP honors

It is the club's fourth Lliga Catalana title, its first since 2021 

AXI Manresa claimed its fourth Lliga Catalana title, and its first since 2021, by defeating Joventut Badalona 83-79 in the final held in Tarragona. Agustin Ubal and Hugo Benitez led the team with 14 points each. Benitez also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists, earning the tournament's MVP honors. Gustav Knudsen added 10 points for Manresa, which previously won the competition in 1997, 1999, and 2021.

BAXI Manresa wins Lliga Catalana title 

BAXI Manresa claimed its fourth Lliga Catalana title, and its first since 2021, by defeating Joventut Badalona 83-79 in the final held in Tarragona. Agustin Ubal and Hugo Benitez led the team with 14 points each. Benitez also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists, earning the tournament's MVP honors. Gustav Knudsen added 10 points for Manresa, which previously won the competition in 1997, 1999, and 2021.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🥳 La BOGERIA!<br>🏆 CAMPIONS!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOMHIManresa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOMHIManresa</a> <a href="https://t.co/cn89tbXA3E">pic.twitter.com/cn89tbXA3E</a></p>&mdash; BAXI Manresa (@BasquetManresa) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasquetManresa/status/1969845340640817266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Benitez sparked the team early with 8 quick points, helping Manresa build a 21-11 lead. They maintained a 40-35 advantage at halftime, and after Joventut tied the game at 48-48, a 7-0 run gave Coach Diego Ocampo's squad a 55-48 edge heading into the final quarter. Joventut mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 81-79 with just 22 seconds remaining. Dani Perez split a pair of free throws, Sam Dekker missed a three-point attempt, and Perez secured the win from the foul line. Manresa will kick off its first-ever BKT EuroCup campaign with an away match against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on October 1.

It is the club's fourth Lliga Catalana title, its first since 2021

Trey Drechsel, new to Lietkabelis Panevezys and the EuroCup, is gearing up for the 2025-26 season by focusing on the toughest challenges ahead.

Lietkabelis's Trey Drechsel previews the new EuroCup season

[Trey Drechsel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-drechsel/013865/), new to [Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/lietkabelis-panevezys/lkb/) and the EuroCup, is gearing up for the 2025-26 season by focusing on the toughest challenges ahead.

The versatile guard is studying key matchups to ensure he's ready for the competition.

Check out what Drechsel is most looking forward to this season by watching the video above.

More Lietkabelis News

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 


Tomas Masiulis grabbed his first official victory as Zalgiris head coach

Zalgiris Kaunas started the 2025–26 Lithuanian League season with a convincing 78-87 road win over Jonava on Saturday. Coach Tomas Masiulis’s squad took control early, building momentum through a dominant first half. Moses Wright led the charge with 18 points and a performance index rating of 22 in under 22 minutes. Azuolas Tubelis contributed 14 points, Nigel Williams-Goss added 11, and both Deividas Sirvydis and Ignas Brazdeikis chipped in 10. Zalgiris outmuscled Jonava on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 28-46, and shot an impressive 63.5% on two-pointers, converting 33 of 52 attempts.


Zalgiris starts Lithuanian League with road win 

Zalgiris Kaunas started the 2025–26 Lithuanian League season with a convincing 78-87 road win over Jonava on Saturday. Coach Tomas Masiulis’s squad took control early, building momentum through a dominant first half. Moses Wright led the charge with 18 points and a performance index rating of 22 in under 22 minutes. Azuolas Tubelis contributed 14 points, Nigel Williams-Goss added 11, and both Deividas Sirvydis and Ignas Brazdeikis chipped in 10. Zalgiris outmuscled Jonava on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 28-46, and shot an impressive 63.5% on two-pointers, converting 33 of 52 attempts.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highlights from Lithuanian league 1st road game, where Zalgiris defeated Jonava 87-78. 🎞️ <a href="https://t.co/whh9vrU08m">pic.twitter.com/whh9vrU08m</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1969438320502481390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Sirvydis and Wright each scored eight points in the opening quarter, helping Zalgiris to a 14-22 lead after ten minutes. Tubelis capped the first half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, extending the advantage to 25-41. Zalgiris widened the gap to 21 points early in the third quarter and maintained control throughout, with Jonava only mounting a late rally once the result was no longer in doubt. Zalgiris will host Siauliai on Wednesday before traveling to face Neptunas Klaipeda on Saturday, ahead of the start of its EuroLeague campaign.

Tomas Masiulis grabbed his first official victory as Zalgiris head coach

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

Trey Drechsel and his almost 70,000 YouTube subscribers will be all eyes as he plays in his rookie EuroCup season with Lietkabelis Panevezys.

EuroCup debutant Trey Drechsel inspiring other players with YouTube videos

[Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/lietkabelis-panevezys/lkb/) didn't just sign a versatile shooting guard this summer who can light it up from the outside. In [Trey Drechsel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-drechsel/013865/), the Lithuanian club added a player who has built up a strong following with a YouTube channel that helps shine a light on what it’s like to be a professional basketball player in Europe. 

Drechsel will be making his BKT EuroCup debut this season and the 29-year-old American is thrilled to live in a country where the people are so excited and knowledgeable about the game.

"I came here because it's a basketball country. Somewhere where basketball is like a religion. So I’m super excited about it. You can already tell everybody here actually knows basketball at a high level,” Drechsel, who played the last two seasons in Portugal, told David Hein.

Then again, it was in Portugal where Drechsel not only became a leading player with SL Benfica but also became a bit of a YouTube star. He regularly chronicled his time in the country and his channel – TreyDrechsel5 – grew from about 5,000 subscribers to more than 60,000 after his second season there. 

“I'm just really trying to provide tools and value and real insight that other athletes can apply. So not only am I sharing my journey and the cultural experiences of living overseas and what goes into being a professional, but what truly being a high-level professional looks like,” said Drechsel, who has built out his brand which he calls Atypical.

THIS is the difference between basketball in USA vs Europe

His now wife – then girlfriend – had been doing a vlog about exploring Serbia and experiencing the culture in Serbia during their time there in 2020-21, and Drechsel would appear in the episodes.

“She started a YouTube channel, and in Serbia if you talk about their country at all, your channel blows up,” Drechsel said.

Her channel was getting a lot of momentum in three months or so and he started enjoying the process of making the videos and then also having the videos to look back on.

Drechsel started his video blog before the 2021-22 season in Poland, doing so while he was back in the United States recovering from a broken hand. The videos recalled his process of coming back from that and preparing for his third season as a professional in Europe.

“I was going through a lot like just like every athlete does when they get injured,” he said. “I knew a lot of other athletes are experiencing something like this so I just wanted to start documenting this journey so that other athletes can feel less alone.”

There was another reason, too.

“I've always been a big family guy. I wanted my future kids to be able to see some of the stuff that I went through while I was playing overseas, to see that their dad was a dog overseas.”

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Drechsel says he can’t really watch the really raw videos from his time back in Poland with Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski. Things got a bit better during the 2022-23 season in Germany at EWE Baskets Oldenburg, but they really took off when he got to Benfica in Portugal. In January 2024 he hired an editor from Portugal. He later added a Turkish graphic designer living in France, who Drechsel calls his "solver" in terms of logo and website design and leveling up the brand as a whole.

The third member of the team is kind of a YouTube consultant – kind of like a brand consultant. The person was living in Athens but is actually from the same area in Washington where Drechsel is from. The company, Audience Labs, supports a bunch of other creators in the space such as EuroLeague stars [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) and [Shaq McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/).

Drechsel’s episodes are a mix of storytelling about things he experiences on and off the court as well as assistance for other players, looking at his routines on the court and in the weight room.

He says doing the videos also benefit him in a couple of ways. The first of which is reflection on his own life.

“I film and then look at the rough cut from the last couple of days and think, 'What was I getting out of that time?' It makes me just live a lot more intentional because I have to be intentional about the stories I want to tell and the life I want to live,” he said.

Drechsel also talked about him watching the game footage helps him level up his film study.

“I watch over my games way more because I'm telling the story of each game. So I have to watch the film, see what I learned, see what I did good, see what I did bad. So I'm a big proponent of this. I think this has absolutely helped my basketball career, just in terms of thinking more retrospectively and objectively.”

I moved 5,000 miles away from home to play pro basketball in Lithuania | My first impressions

When Drechsel started the vlog in Poland there were not many other athletes documenting their journeys. But he is excited about seeing more players doing so on various media channels now, such as McKissic, Bryant, [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) and [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/).

After spending two seasons in Portugal, Drechsel is still trying to get a feel for how much he can film at his new team in Lithuania. Another change coming up soon is that Drechsel’s wife is expecting the couple’s first child. It’s unclear how fatherhood will change his videos and storylines.

“That's a hill that we're going to have to climb once we get there because I have no idea. I wish I knew how my son is going to change my life,” he said.

One change for sure is that Drechsel will be collaborating with the EuroCup this season through video content.

EuroCup fans will get a chance to experience what makes Drechsel’s videos so good – the vulnerability that shines through in them.

“That is one of the things I got, why my channel has been successful and why I got over it early is accepting that vulnerability and not really caring what people are going to think or say and just being open about your struggles, your good moments, your bad moments. I think that's the most relatable aspect,” he said.

The videos Drechsel said also allow him to look at things from a different perspective.

“It gives me a way to step away from basketball, a way to level myself up as a well-rounded human being…  You can take a step back from the day-to-day intensity of practices and games and big wins, big losses. It helps you float above the wave rather than getting trapped underneath the wave. And it's just so free mentally to have a creative outlet and to kind of inspire people along the way.”

Lietkabelis fans, get ready as Drechsel looks to inspire with his play on the court and through his videos about life off the court.

The EuroCup debutant has gained stardom through his successful YouTube channel

Trey Drechsel inspiring other players with YouTube videos

Euroleague Basketball and Dubai Media, through its flagship channel Dubai Sports TV, have announced a landmark agreement to broadcast the EuroLeague across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for the next five seasons.  

Dubai Media secures landmark broadcast agreement to air EuroLeague across the MENA region

Euroleague Basketball and Dubai Media, through its flagship channel Dubai Sports TV, have announced a landmark agreement to broadcast the EuroLeague across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for the next five seasons.  

The deal, secured by Euroleague Basketball’s strategic partner IMG, will bring the excitement and intensity of the premier basketball competition to more than 100 million households across the region on a free-to-air basis. 

Under the agreement, Dubai Sports TV will broadcast all Dubai Basketball games as well as a curated selection of the top games from across the league every week, offering audiences unparalleled access to one of the world’s most prestigious basketball competitions. Special focus will be placed on fixtures featuring Dubai Basketball, which will make its highly anticipated debut this season in an expanded 20-team format. The EuroLeague includes powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich, Olympiacos Piraeus, Panathinaikos Athens, and reigning champions Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. 

Speaking on the announcement, Mohamed AlMulla, CEO of Dubai Media, said: “This partnership reinforces Dubai Media’s commitment to delivering world-class sporting content to audiences across the region. Broadcasting the EuroLeague aligns with our vision of positioning Dubai as a global hub for premier sports and entertainment. With the debut of Dubai Basketball in the EuroLeague, this agreement not only elevates the competition’s presence in the region but also inspires a new generation of fans and athletes.” 

“I would like to thank Dubai Media and the Dubai Sports Council for their commitment to making the EuroLeague accessible to the widest possible audience in the MENA region,” said Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO. “In recent years, we have prioritized our strategic goal of expanding the EuroLeague into new territories, creating opportunities for more fans to experience the competition. Following last season’s outstanding Final Four in Abu Dhabi and this season’s debut of Dubai Basketball, this agreement is both a milestone and a significant step in our global growth strategy, ensuring the highest broadcast standards for fans across the region.” 

The EuroLeague 2025–26 season tips off on September 30, with seven games on opening night. Dubai Basketball will make history in its first EuroLeague appearance at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, facing off against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. 

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.