Name: Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals Round 1 | Final Four Abu Dhabi
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Day 1 of NextGen Finals started on Thursday morning with Group A action, a game between U18 Dubai Basketball and U18 FC Barcelona followed by U18 Emporio Armani Milan vs. U18 Mega Super Belgrade.

Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals Round 1 | Final Four Abu Dhabi

NextGen Finals underway in Abu Dhabi

With the arrival of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to Abu Dhabi, the lineup for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four is complete

Fenerbahce receives joyous welcome to Abu Dhabi 

With the arrival of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to Abu Dhabi, the lineup for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four is complete. The Turkish champs joined Olympiacos Piraeus, AS Monaco, and their semifinals opponents Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, all of whom arrived on Tuesday.

Like for the first three teams, the locals rolled out the proverbial red carpet for their guests with the Al-Ayyala, a traditional Emirati cultural performance. Members of the Mubarak Al Atiba Group, complete with singers, drummers and two falcons with their handlers, performed the ritual.

Fenerbahce's big men in particular seemed intrigued by the welcome with Jilson Bango and Khem Birch among those who pulled out their phones to record the moment, while Nicolo Melli accepted the traditional Arab coffee that was poured for him.

The falcons were a big draw for some with Wade Baldwin, Bonzie Colson and head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius all stopping to hold the birds. 

Originally a ceremony used to welcome victorious warriors home from battle, today the Al-Ayyala is often performed to greet honored guests, such as the teams coming to Abu Dhabi to compete for the EuroLeague crown.

And with Fenerbahce now on the ground, the focus in Abu Dhabi is about to switch to basketball. The first official event of the Final Four, the Opening Press Conference, will take place on Thursday morning. And the semifinals are less than 48 hours away!

With the Turkish champs on the ground, the Final Four is set

AS Monaco guard Matthew Strazel spoke with Euroleague.net about a number of subjects the day after the Monegasques' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

At the Final Four: Matthew Strazel, AS Monaco

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) guard [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) about a number of subjects the day after the Monegasques' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

Olympiacos Piraeus v AS Monaco (2025-05-23T18:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos BC center Omer Yurtseven spoke with Euroleague.net about a number of subjects the day after the Greens' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

At the Final Four: Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos BC

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) about a number of subjects the day after the Greens' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

At the Final Four: Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-05-23T15:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus guard Saben Lee spoke with Euroleague.net about a number of subjects the day after the Reds' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

At the Final Four: Saben Lee, Olympiacos Piraeus

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) guard [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) about a number of subjects the day after the Reds' arrival in Abu Dhabi.

U18 Overtime Elite has become a strong contributor in the youth development game in the United States over its span of four years on the market, and the Atlanta-based league is thrilled to showcase itself for a second time at the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals. 

OTE honored to build on development strategy at its second NextGen Finals

[U18 Overtime Elite](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/teams/u18-overtime-elite/joe/) has become a strong contributor in the youth development game in the United States over its span of four years on the market, and the Atlanta-based league is thrilled to showcase itself for a second time at the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals. 

OTE showed last spring in Berlin that it can keep up with the strongest in Europe as the team surprised U18 FC Barcelona in a thrilling 102-98 victory for its first-ever win. The Americans followed that a day later by knocking off U18 ALBA Berlin 99-91 for a 2-1 record in its debut in the competition. 

“Being here last year was a great experience but the second time around now I don’t think it’s gonna be a shocker that we’re gonna play hard and play with pace, we’re gonna play fast and we have athletes,” said Corey Frazier, the head coach of the OTE team who served as an assistant last season. 

“We talked about the opportunity to be on the world stage. They guys respect that and honor that and are gracious of the opportunity. For me the main thing is they go out and play and be at their best and let everything happen organically.”

Things will definitely not be easy in Abu Dhabi in the team’s second appearance. The team will face three former U18 continental champions, starting off against two-time defending winner and record five-time champion U18 Real Madrid. 

A day later OTE squares off against two-time winner and last season’s finalist U18 Pole France INSEP Paris. And the Group B stage finishes off with a showdown against U18 Zalgiris Kaunas, another two-time continental champ which also reached three more championship games.

“It’s a great opportunity for our guys but more importantly for our league of OTE to showcase our league but also give us the opportunity to play against some of the best in the world,” Frazier said. “We are very happy to be here and glad that we got chosen.”

Despite only finishing its fourth season, OTE already has its share of famous alumni. The twins Amen and Ausar Thompson were selected No. 4 and 5 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. French star talent Alexandre Sarr spent one season with OTE before moving to the Perth Wildcats of the Australian NBL and then being picked No. 2 overall in the 2024 Draft. 

Other ex-OTE players to get drafted are Rob Dillingham and Tyler Smith while Jean Montero, Izan Almansa, Dominik Barlow, Jaylen Martin and Jazian Gortman all played in the league as well.

OTE was founded in 2021 by Dan Porter, the founder of the digital sports media company Overtime, and Zack Weiner, who like Porter was a former executive at the talent agency William Morris Endeavor. Early investors in the project included Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ investment firm, global entertainer Drake, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and several NBA players. 

OTE is housed in a 103,000-square-foot campus complex in Atlanta, offering players personal living space and room for education courses. The building has three NBA regulation-sized courts that can seat up to 1,300 spectators. The building also has a 7,000-square-foot fitness center, a hydrotherapy room, classroom spaces, a dining hall and locker rooms. 

The league, in which players aged 16 to 20 compete, started in 2021 with three teams – Team Elite, Team OTE  and Team Overtime – playing against each other as well as prep schools and high schools. For season two, the league expanded to six teams. Team Elite, Team OTE, and Team Overtime were rebranded as the City Reapers, YNG Dreamerz and Cold Hearts, respectively. Joining the league were high school teams high school teams Hillcrest Prep Bruins from Phoenix, Arizona, Our Saviour Lutheran (OSL) Falcons in the Bronx, New York City, and the Word of God Holy Rams of Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Season three (2023-24) saw the expansion of two more teams to eight – City Reapers, YNG Dreamerz and Cold Hearts while OSL was branded as JellyFam; Hillcrest as Blue Checks; and Word of God as Diamond Doves. Joining OTE were RWE (Rod Wave Elite), an AAU team created by YouTube star Came Wilder and located in the league facilities in Atlanta; and Rolling Loud, which is described as the world’s largest hip-hop festival located in Los Angeles and partnered with the league. 

There was one change for the 2024-25 lineup with Rolling Loud being replaced by Fear of God Athletics, affiliated with Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and partnered with fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo.

Team Elite won the first OTE title in 2022 with City Repears taking the crown in 2023 and becoming back-to-back winners in 2024. YNG Dreamerz lost in the 2022 finals and got their revenge in the 2025 finals, beating City Reapers to claim their first championship. 

The OTE players and staff now shift their focus to the organization’s second NextGen Finals. It will be another chance for OTE to learn from Euroleague Basketball and its teams.  

“What it does for us is give perspective on building programs long term,” Frazier said. “We’ve had guys with us a couple of years and you can see they have gotten better. Our development is more important than anything. Where their development is more as a team, our development is more of an individual. We’re just trying to bridge that gap. It gives us a perspective on team development.”

OTE will intend on taking those lessons back to the United States. 

Overtime Elite is in Abu Dhabi to showcase the talent from the USA

U18 Real Madrid v U18 Overtime Elite (2025-05-22T12:45:00.000Z)

U18 Overtime Elite v U18 Pole France INSEP Paris (2025-05-23T12:45:00.000Z)

U18 Zalgiris Kaunas v U18 Overtime Elite (2025-05-24T12:45:00.000Z)

Making a case for AS Monaco as the 2025 EuroLeague champion isn't much of a stretch at all.

2025 Final Four: The case for... Monaco

Can you imagine a scenario where [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) plays his best basketball at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four?

Can you envision [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/) and [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/)'s defense wreaking havoc on the opponents' top scorers?

Can you see [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/)'s savvy making things difficult for the opposition in the paint?

What about [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/) standing tall? And [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) doing the blue-collar work? And [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) making clutch shots?

If this seems feasible to you, then making a case for [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) as the 2025 EuroLeague champion isn't much of a stretch at all.

### Monaco’s winning record vs. the Final Four teams

Monaco defeated each of the other three Final Four teams – Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens – on the road this season. And whatever atmosphere their fans create this weekend at Etihad Arena, it is sure to be less intimidating than what the Roca team experienced at Peace & Friendship Stadium or Ulker Sports and Event Hall or OAKA Altion.

Just about whatever you think it takes to win a championship, Monaco has it.

Defense wins championships? Diallo was third in voting for the 2025 Best Defender Award and Papagiannis led the league in blocked shots.

For you is it about offensive firepower? The Monaco attack begins with the EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer, Mike James, and continues with three more players averaging double figures in points.

Experience? This team has seven players remaining from its previous Final Four run in 2023 as well as former champs on the bench in [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and [Petr Cornelie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/petr-cornelie/004790/).

### The only real Monaco question mark

Vassilis Spanoulis is in his first season coaching in the EuroLeague. Thus, this will be his first Final Four on the sidelines, after five as a player. His semifinals counterpart, Georgios Bartzokas, won the EuroLeague with Spanoulis as his star player in 2013. Another coach in the semis, Ergin Ataman, has hoisted the trophy in three of the last four seasons. And Sarunas Jasikevicius is coaching at his fifth straight Final Four.

Spanoulis is the outsider. That said, there is no reason to doubt his coaching acumen. Or his heart. Or the magic that he managed to conjure up as a player. Can he sprinkle that fairy dust on Mike James and co.? If so, Monaco is a sure thing!

The argument that Spanoulis would be Monaco's weak link is just that. A weak argument. He indeed lacks Final Four experience as a coach, but his overall experience and basketball IQ were taken into account when Monaco hired him. Who would be surprised to see Spanoulis translate his talents into a EuroLeague crown as a coach?

I could go on and on singing Monaco's praises, but the bottom line is that the team reached Abu Dhabi deservedly. The other three teams did as well. Monaco may not be the overwhelming favorite to celebrate on Sunday. But it is by no means a massive underdog, either.

More Monaco News

Frankie Sachs explains why you should believe in Vassilis Spanoulis's men too

Olympiacos BC is ready to break that curse after a fantastic regular season in which the team was incredibly solid, finishing above the rest with a 24-10 record before eliminating Real Madrid in the playoffs. Those are the facts. Let's analyze now why Olympiacos should be ahead of the pack in Abu Dhabi.

2025 Final Four: The case for… Fenerbahce

I am sure most Turkish Airlines EuroLeague connoisseurs have spoken about it before this year's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. Since the current round-robin format started in the 2016-17 season, the first-ranked team after the regular season never won the EuroLeague championship. 

Olympiacos is ready to break that curse after a fantastic regular season in which the team was incredibly solid, finishing above the rest with a 24-10 record before eliminating Real Madrid in the playoffs. Those are the facts. Let's analyze now why Olympiacos should be ahead of the pack in Abu Dhabi.

### Finally healthy

Alec Peters was the only Olympiacos player to take part in all 38 EuroLeague games this season. Olympiacos comes into the Final Four without severe injury problems – even Keenan Evans, who has not played a EuroLeague game this season, could be available in Abu Dhabi. Olympiacos has a deep roster that only got better after adding combo guard Saben Lee, an explosive athlete with great energy at both ends. That allows the Reds to play with high intensity on defense, keeping the intensity for all 40 minutes.

Real Madrid had the chance to see it with their own eyes. After averaging 85.1 points, 37.0 rebounds, 18.7 assists and 13.2 turnovers in regular-season action, good for a PIR average of 97.7, things were tougher against Olympiacos's defense in the playoffs. Real went on to average 76.8 points, 34.5 rebounds, 17.0 assists and 15.2 turnovers in four games against the Reds for a PIR average of 82.5. Olympiacos showed its best defense in the playoffs and should keep going at Etihad Arena.

Sasha Vezenkov is looking for his first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title in Abu Dhabi.

2024-25 highlights: Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos

### Here to succeed

It is not just about the numbers, as there are a lot of very hungry players in Olympiacos looking for their first EuroLeague title. Sasha Vezenkov came back from the NBA after one season with the Sacramento Kings with one goal in mind – to win the EuroLeague. Forget MVP trophies or other accolades, Vezenkov's sole objective is to be standing on top of the podium on Sunday, May 25. He is actually posting better numbers than in his 2022-23 MVP season, too, playing with outstanding confidence and consistency. After losing the 2023 championship game at the buzzer, Vezenkov wants his hands on the trophy no matter what.

The same can be said about Evan Fournier, who had expressed his intention to play for Olympiacos one day during his 12-season NBA career. He got the opportunity to do so this season and not only adjusted really well to the EuroLeague level but also embraced the Greek culture, food and built a special relationship with Olympiacos's fans. Fournier is determined to make his EuroLeague debut season one to remember. Other Olympiacos stars like Nikola Milutinov, Thomas Walkup, Shaquielle McKissic and Moustapha Fall have not won the EuroLeague yet, either. The Reds have experience and hunger, a deadly combination in a Final Four environment.

Moses Wright, Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall give Olympiacos Pireaus head coach Georgios Bartzokas plenty of options in the middle of the paint.

Olympiacos's center depth

### Depth is a key advantage

Olympiacos has made sure to have at least two good players, sometimes more, per spot, and that could pay off at the Final Four, as coach Georgios Bartzokas can spot a mismatch and run his team's offense through that player, taking into account that Vezenkov always delivers and is a reliable choice on offense at all times. At center, Olympiacos can go big and physical with Fall, use Milutinov to crash the boards or go with a more mobile center like Moses Wright. Vezenkov and Peters, two of the best stretch power forwards in the game, can (and will) play together at some point for extra firepower.

At guard, Walkup is set to play a crucial role in the semifinal against AS Monaco as the team's primary on-ball defender. Fournier is a terrific one-on-one player, but Olympiacos can also count on two energy guys like McKissic and Lee to shake things up at both ends. Luca Vildoza and Nigel Williams-Goss are former EuroLeague winners with great basketball IQ, and two-time champion Kostas Papanikolaou is the glue guy, taking care of all small details and make sure as team captain that all players have their eyes on the prize.

So, it's true, no regular-season champion won the EuroLeague under the new format. It is also true that since the round-robin format was chosen, the winner has always been either Real Madrid or the team that eliminated *Los Blancos*. Superstitions aside, Olympiacos has the talent, Final Four experience and willingness to go all the way. Very often, it just goes down to who wants it more and in that sense, the Reds will be ready to leave it all on the court. Don't be surprised if Olympiacos is the last team standing this season.

More Olympiacos News

Javier Gancedo explains why this could be the Reds' year

2025 Final Four: The case for... Olympiacos

Euroleague Basketball unveils a groundbreaking lineup of content and social media experiences for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the league's remarkable growth across platforms where global fans spend much of their time. 

Euroleague Basketball announces its live content lineup for Final Four Abu Dhabi

Euroleague Basketball unveils a groundbreaking lineup of content and social media experiences for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the league's remarkable growth across platforms where global fans spend much of their time. 

### Tip-Off Celebration and Press Conference

Euroleague Basketball will launch an unprecedented tip-off celebration on Thursday, May 22. Live coverage begins with red carpet arrivals hosted by Deniz Aksoy and Shani Blatt. Following the red carpet, basketball enthusiasts can tune in to YouTube for panel conversations featuring legendary EuroLeague figures. The festivities culminate with the Opening Press Conference, where head coaches and star players from all of the Final Four teams will address the media.

### Star-Studded Live Shows with Basketball Legends

On Friday, May 23, EuroLeague will deliver special live pre-game and post-game shows hosted by influential female basketball voices Vasiliki Karamouza from Greece and Deniz Aksoy from Turkiye. They will be joined by three-time EuroLeague champion and All-25 EuroLeague Team member Mike Batiste, and iconic coach David Blatt. Both Batiste and Blatt will serve as main analysts alongside veteran broadcaster Dane Arlauckas for comprehensive coverage of the semifinals on Friday and the Championship Game on Sunday, May 25, offering unparalleled insights and analysis of the Final Four action. 

### Innovative "Live PodCourts" experience 

In a testament to EuroLeague's commitment to innovative storytelling, the league will host "Live PodCourts" on YouTube on Saturday and Sunday during the adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals. This pioneering format will feature live commentary delivered courtside from specially designed couches created for the occasion, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. 

### Exclusive TikTok access 

Breaking new ground in digital fan engagement, the EuroLeague will deliver live pre-game streams for both Semifinals and a live post-game Championship Game celebration stream exclusively on TikTok. Hosts SBB_UK will take viewers behind the scenes of European basketball's premier event, offering previously unheard-of access to the Final Four experience.

The extensive content strategy reflects EuroLeague's vision to remain at the forefront of sports entertainment in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, consistently pushing boundaries to enhance the fan experience across all platforms on a global scale.

Sports fans can enjoy content tailored for TikTok, YouTube, and other social media platforms that have become central to the fan experience

Eight years since last lifting the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophy, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is ready to do it again in Abu Dhabi.

Eight years since last lifting the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophy, [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) is ready to do it again in Abu Dhabi.

The Turkish giant suffered heartbreak in last year’s semifinal, losing to Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, but it responded by putting together a very solid regular season campaign – securing the second seed – and then sweeping Paris Basketball in the playoffs. Now, it is out to exact revenge against the Greens at the Final Four – and it has bigger plans than just the semifinals.

One of the standout features of Fenerbahce this year has been its depth. All-EuroLeague forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) earns a lot of the headlines, yet Fenerbahce can also call upon [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), [Errick McCollum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/), [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/), [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/), among others. On any night, someone can go off.

That makes Fenerbahce a major threat in a single-elimination game. After falling last year to Panathinaikos with a backcourt of Nick Calathes and Scottie Wilbekin, Saras Jasikevicius brought in Baldwin and Hall last summer before picking up McCollum midseason. Together with Guduric, they help make Fenerbahce a more dangerous outfit on both ends of the floor against the Greens’ trio of Kendrick Nunn, Kostas Sloukas and Jerian Grant. The same applies in a potential championship game appearance against Olympiacos Piraeus or AS Monaco.

At forward, Hayes-Davis has enjoyed a career year on offense and will be circled on Panathinaikos’s scouting report in the semifinals… but that focus on him may allow [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) to shine. Biberovic really came into his own in the playoff series against Paris and he enters the Final Four full of confidence. As Coach Jasikevicius put it after the Paris series, the 24-year-old sharpshooter is no longer an X-factor – he is the real deal.

Fenerbahce has gone to three Final Fours (2018, 2019, 2024) since it became the first Turkish team to win the EuroLeague, but everything points to 2025 being a year to remember for the club’s supporters. Coach Jasikevicius, a four-time EuroLeague champion as a player, is chasing his first EuroLeague title as a head coach and he has a group of players who are starving for EuroLeague success, just like Panathinaikos last season. The Yellow Nation are ready – and so is this team.

More Fenerbahce News

Geoff Gillingham explains the reasons why Saras Jasikevicius’s men can go all the way in Abu Dhabi

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals are just two days away and Nick Weiler-Babb, this season’s EuroLeague Best Defender, may have the solution for stopping – or at least limiting – four of the key players involved: Kendrick Nunn, Wade Baldwin, Evan Fournier and Mike James.

How Nick Weiler-Babb would stop the Final Four stars

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals are just two days away and [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), this season’s EuroLeague Best Defender, may have the solution for stopping – or at least limiting – four of the key players involved.

On Friday night, [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) and [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) face off in the first semifinal before [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) lock horns in the second semifinal clash. With a spot in the EuroLeague Championship Game up for grabs, [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) have come under the microscope.

Ahead of these games, FC Bayern Munich’s Weiler-Babb spoke exclusively to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham to offer some tips on how to stop these four superstars.

But first, what is the most important thing to bear in mind in these win-or-go-home contests?

“Attention to detail,” Weiler-Babb said. “Every possession matters. You don’t have a second game to make adjustments, so just paying attention to details and the scouting report because you don’t have a second chance.

### Kendrick Nunn (Panathinaikos)

The 2024-25 EuroLeague MVP also led the league in scoring, taking home the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer trophy as a result, and Weiler-Babb is a fan of his game.

“Just the way he can score at all three levels – he can get to the rim, he can also score from the mid-range, and he makes a bunch of tough shots,” he said.

So, how would the EuroLeague Best Defender go about stopping Nunn?

“He’s tough. He’s a high-level player, he goes both ways – he goes right just as well as he can go left. I think the best way to attack that is to keep forcing him inside. I think it’s easier to get a rhythm hitting tough shots from the outside than it is getting into the paint. I think that changes the momentum a lot more.”

### Wade Baldwin (Fenerbahce)

A former teammate of Weiler-Babb’s at Bayern in the 2020-21 season, the Germany international has little doubt about Baldwin’s quality.

“I think he’s one of the best mid-range pull-up shooters in the EuroLeague, for sure,” he said.

All those battles in training, and in the four seasons that have followed on EuroLeague floors, make Weiler-Babb well-informed to discuss the ways in which Baldwin can be frustrated.

“I think just limiting his downhill ability, make him hit tougher shots and not let him get downhill.”

### Evan Fournier (Olympiacos)

A newcomer to the EuroLeague, Fournier only faced off against Weiler-Babb once – in Round 5 – as he missed the Round 20 matchup between the teams, but one thing really stuck with Weiler-Babb from that night: the Frenchman’s mentality.

“His confidence really stands out,” he said. “I’ve seen games when he’s missed four or five shots in a row, but all it takes is one or two for him to turn it on.”

The Olympiacos star has an array of skills that make him one of the deadliest scorers in the EuroLeague, yet Weiler-Babb may have the recipe for frustrating him after holding him to just 4 points in Round 5.

“Just forcing him to use the dribble a lot more and not letting him get to his stepbacks or give him any space to shoot,” he said. “Just make him play off the dribble, more downhill.”

### Mike James (Monaco)

Last season’s MVP is the all-time leading scorer in the EuroLeague for a reason, but Weiler-Babb is equally impressed by James’s playmaking skills.

“He’s got the ability to make tough shots,” he said. “He’s an underrated passer, for sure. People try to double-team him and he’s not afraid to make the pass to the open guy.”

Despite that, Weiler-Babb thinks restricting James scoring-wise is the key for anyone facing him.

“A guy like him, you’ve just got to make shots tough,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’ve just got to contest the shot and hope he misses it.”

The newly crowned EuroLeague Best Defenders offers his advice on limiting four elite players at the Final Four

The 30th and final episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is upon us with co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of EuroLeague.net and Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza preparing themselves – and you – for what to expect this week in Abu Dhabi.

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast presents the Final Four episode

The 30th and final episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is upon us with co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fganchetto&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cd31497b64394488cb00c08dd8bb37e6b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638820325223923622%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5tNH%2BQWNoYSgCFd0ChRRhky4K9vFi3ebTNQT8Dwp1zQ%3D&reserved=0) and [Frankie Sachs](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FMrEuroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cd31497b64394488cb00c08dd8bb37e6b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638820325223944385%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IGy%2BEGWZkAc794Ikvk2coJH9JO1ZniZQzAvgXeHl4GY%3D&reserved=0) of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) and Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cd31497b64394488cb00c08dd8bb37e6b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638820325223955177%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iWMdkeGl8BL43%2FwZ10BoQVxeAiWr2tTRDPAml3GIwl8%3D&reserved=0) preparing themselves – and you – for what to expect this week in Abu Dhabi.

The gang discusses who they like from all four teams – [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25), [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25), [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2024-25) and [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25). How will the potential return of [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) from injury affect things? Where does "Final Four Nunn" rank among "home Nunn" and "new-contract Nunn"? Why does Frankie like [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) most of all players at the Final Four? And why do they all like [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/)?

All of these topics were discussed – and more – in the Final Four episode. Take note, while Javi shares some excellent advice about the third-place game, it appears that Frankie has already wrapped up the win in the race between the three of them. So who do you trust the most? With only two games nights left this season, choose wisely with your final picks. And as always, good luck to our fantasy friends. And we'll see you next season!

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast presents the Final Four episode 

Frankie, Javi and Vasiliki join forces for the last episode of the season

For the first time ever, more than 20 influencers from around the world are coming together for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi as part of the EuroLeague’s Amplifier Program.

EuroLeague Amplifier Program is ready to leave its mark at Final Four in Abu Dhabi

For the first time ever, more than 20 influencers from around the world are coming together for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi as part of the EuroLeague’s Amplifier Program.

This crew of creators—from basketball content savants to lifestyle and travel trendsetters—has a combined reach of almost 15 million followers on Instagram (14,985,400) and over 19 million on TikTok (19,326,800). They’re flying in from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Turkiye and the United Kingdom to join their UAE counterparts, and they’ll be giving their communities a front-row seat to everything happening at the Final Four and beyond. Among the 18 influencers are [Elvis Ude](https://www.instagram.com/thatkidelvis/) (Spain), [Ovie Soko](https://www.instagram.com/oviesoko/) (UK), [Valentina Vignali](https://www.instagram.com/valentinavignali/) (Italy), [Berk Keklik](https://www.instagram.com/uberkuloz/) (Turkiye) and [Shehab Alhashemi](https://www.instagram.com/shihabkoo/) (UAE).

In Abu Dhabi, these content creators will be able to experience sport, culture, and entertainment, all while showing the world what the EuroLeague is all about: passion, fun, and bringing people together. With exclusive access to the event and behind-the-scenes moments, these creators will dive into everything the league has to offer—from the Final Four games to the FanZone and the adidas NextGen EuroLeague—and bring fans along for the ride.

Away from the court, the partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi will allow the content creators to explore local culture, visit iconic landmarks, and try some of the exciting attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer, as they capture the full vibe of the city and share it with millions of fans across the globe.

The goal of their presence is to help bring in a younger audience and provide a different perspective at the Final Four, which in turn will help boost the reach of the EuroLeague. [Brisco](https://www.instagram.com/brisco_s3/), a former world champion freestyle basketball performer, will also perform during the NextGen EuroLeague Championship Game. 

The EuroLeague Amplifier Program will allow the EuroLeague to open up to new communities, connect cultures, and turning the Final Four weekend into something bigger than basketball. The influencers will help spread the energy of #EveryGameMatters during their stay in Abu Dhabi.

List of content creators heading to Abu Dhabi as part of the Amplifier Program:

[Ovie Soko (UK)](https://www.instagram.com/oviesoko/)

[Valentina Vignali (Italy)](https://www.instagram.com/valentinavignali/)

[Berk Keklik (Turkiye)](https://www.instagram.com/uberkuloz/)

[Shehab Alhashemi](https://www.instagram.com/shihabkoo/) (UAE)

[Elvis Ude (Spain)](https://www.instagram.com/thatkidelvis/)

[Tresco (Spain)](https://www.instagram.com/tresco_ball/)

[Pol Fores (Spain)](https://www.instagram.com/polforess/)

[Marta Diaz (Spain)](https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/)

[Reda Ouahbi (France)](https://www.instagram.com/rookicks_/)

[Brice Coyere (France)](https://www.instagram.com/brisco_s3/)

[Joanna Hanna (France)](https://www.instagram.com/joanahanna/)

[SBB (UK)](https://www.instagram.com/sbb_uk/)

[George Lentzas (Greece)](https://www.instagram.com/george_lntz/)

[Amal Bin Haider (UAE)](https://www.instagram.com/amalbinhaider/?hl=fr)

[Andrej Mangold (Germany)](https://www.instagram.com/dregold/)

[Marco D’Uva](https://www.instagram.com/__iyb__/) (Italy)

[Tommaso Marino (Italy)](https://www.instagram.com/tommy_marino1/)

This initiative will deliver the #EveryGameMatters essence to a wider audience

AS Monaco has provided its fans with some more good news ahead of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four by confirming the renewal of Matthew Strazel's contract until 2029.

Matthew Strazel renews at Monaco until 2029

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) has provided its fans with some more good news ahead of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four by confirming the renewal of [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/)'s contract until 2029.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🚀 En route vers le Final Four de l&#39;Euroleague, Matthew Strazel prolonge l&#39;aventure avec la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> ! 💎<br><br>🌟 Le médaillé d&#39;argent olympique et quadruple champion de France reste sur le Rocher jusqu&#39;en 2029 🇲🇨🔒<br><br>🗣 Communiqué et réaction à retrouver sur notre site 📝… <a href="https://t.co/b9KZZ7reT9">pic.twitter.com/b9KZZ7reT9</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1924831500333109615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Strazel is enjoying a career year in his sixth EuroLeague campaign to date, having averaged 8.4 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists while playing in all 39 games for Monaco this season. He has the chance to build on his numbers at the Final Four, with Monaco taking on Olympiacos Piraeus in the semifinal.

The 22-year-old spent the first three years of his EuroLeague career with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne after coming through the club's youth academy, then in 2022 he moved to the principality by joining Monaco.

Matthew Strazel's best plays of the 2024-25 season

“I feel at home here in Monaco. That's all I want, to find a home with an organization and a club that's ambitious," Strazel told Monaco's club website. "The management are ready to invest in me, which is why I decided to sign a new contract. I want to continue to progress, both individually and collectively, with this team. I'm looking forward to continuing and seeing what the club will become over the next few years.”

A few days away from the Final Four, the talented guard has committed his future to the club

The first team to land in Abu Dhabi for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four was AS Monaco, and it was greeted by loud and harmonious song. Members of the Mubarak Al Atiba Group were on hand to perform the Al-Ayyala, a traditional Emirati cultural performance.

Monaco welcomed to Final Four with Al-Ayyala ceremony

The first team to land in Abu Dhabi for the [2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/final-four/) was [AS Monaco,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) and it was greeted by loud and harmonious song. Members of the Mubarak Al Atiba Group were on hand to perform the Al-Ayyala, a traditional Emirati cultural performance. The same process was repeated when [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25) and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2024-25) touched down a few hours later.

Originally a ceremony used to welcome victorious warriors home from battle, today the Al-Ayyala is often performed to greet honored guests, such as the teams coming to Abu Dhabi to compete for the EuroLeague crown.

The ceremony consists of roughly 20 men in two rows facing each other, holding thin bamboo sticks that represent spears or swords. In between them are musicians beating drums, while the men chant melodic greetings. There were two falcons, with their handlers, among the performers.

The players were also offered traditional Arab coffee as part of the welcome ceremony.

The Monaco players were caught off guard by the ceremony with [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/), [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) quickly whipping out their phones to film the ongoings.

While most of the players headed to their rooms after arriving, a few stopped by the cameras to answer a couple of questions. Monaco superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/)  expressed how happy he is to be here.

His Panathinaikos counterpart and EuroLeague MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) sounded confident when it was his time to talk: "I feel great being here in Abu Dhabi. During our playoff run, I told my team we can't miss it. We have to be there. It's a great feeling. We will play two more games now and potentially win the championship. 

"Ultimately, you have to go out there and put your best efforts to win the game and get a victory. It will be a team effort, but for sure, I will be ready. We have much more experience this year. It's my second year in the EuroLeague. I know what to expect a little bit more, so I'm going in with a little bit more experience, which helps."

All of them were greeted with the traditional Emirati Al-Ayyala performance

Three teams have already touched down in Abu Dhabi

Pau Ribas has announced that he will retire from the game of basketball at the end of the season. 

Two-time EuroCup champion Pau Ribas announces his retirement

[Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) has announced that he will retire from the game of basketball at the end of the season. The 38-year-old combo guard decided to finish his 20-year playing career, in which he won titles with all four teams he played for: [Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/roster/jov/?season=2024-25), Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/roster/pam/?season=2024-25) and FC Barcelona.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">💚🖤 𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚚𝚞𝚒́<br><br>Gràcies, <a href="https://twitter.com/PauRibas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PauRibas</a> <br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gr%C3%A0ciesP4U?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GràciesP4U</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Vvm6leOlt">pic.twitter.com/4Vvm6leOlt</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1924787327517290787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ribas joined Joventut at age 4. His parents became Joventut season ticket holders right after he was born. After playing for all of the team's youth categories, Ribas made his first-team debut in 2005. He became a full-time member of Joventut's first team before the start of the 2007-08 season and helped the team win the Copa del Rey and the EuroCup. He also won the FIBA EuroChallenge with Joventut in 2006.

Ribas went on to play for Baskonia, with which he won the Spanish League in 2010. He claimed a second EuroCup crown, this time with Valencia in 2014. Ribas made a series-winning shot late in the second leg of the two-game, total points eighthfinals against Khimki Moscow Region, which eventually allowed Valencia to lift the trophy. Ribas later won back-to-back Copa del Rey titles with Barça in 2018 and 2019. He was also a member of the Spanish national team, which he helped to win gold medals at EuroBasket 2015 and the 2019 Basketball World Cup.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🧡 Qué día aquel que cuenta <a href="https://twitter.com/ganchetto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ganchetto</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PauRibas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PauRibas</a>. Con la voz de <a href="https://twitter.com/LaloAlzueta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaloAlzueta</a> para superar la primera de cuatro eliminatorias seguidas sin ventaja de campo. <a href="https://t.co/OhXzQFJQyV">https://t.co/OhXzQFJQyV</a> <a href="https://t.co/ku5eZfCGJZ">pic.twitter.com/ku5eZfCGJZ</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1924806237406871878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In 132 EuroCup career games with Joventut and Valencia, Rivas averaged 7.9 points and 2.9 assists. He made 41.5% of his three-point shots. Ribas ranks 10th in games played and three-point shots made (182), as well as 27th in points scored (1,049). Ribas also took part in 165 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games with Baskonia, Barca, Valencia and Joventut, amassing 901 points and 371 assists.

The guard won the BKT EuroCup with both Joventut and Valencia

For those without tickets to the sold-out 2025 EuroLeague Final Four games, Euroleague Basketball is proud to announce four specially selected bars where fans can experience the drama, intensity, and passion of the Final Four in unforgettable fashion.

Catch all the Final Four action at the four official Abu Dhabi viewing venues

As the excitement builds for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, Euroleague Basketball is bringing the action closer to fans across Abu Dhabi. We’re happy to announce four specially selected locations where fans can experience the drama, intensity, and passion of the Final Four in unforgettable fashion.

Each venue offers a unique flavor, from authentic charm to upscale viewing vibes—ensuring every type of basketball fan can find their perfect spot.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens WatchPoint: Panathinaikos Athens

##### [49’ers (LEAF Tower: Lower Ground Floor Leaf Tower - Al Reem Island – Tamouh)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KgDdg4P5Tkt6j9rs9)

Fit with the largest LED screen to watch the games, 49'ers promises a lively atmosphere filled with energy and great food. As a bonus, it is walking distance from the FanZone. Known for its classic grill, lively crowd, and rustic charm, this is where die-hard fans can feel right at home.

### Olympiacos Piraeus WatchPoint: Legend

##### [The G.O.A.T. & Bambu (Cristal Hotel: Zayed The First St - Al Danah - Zone 1)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vDYqbxFcX4ysRjh27)

Get ready for a vibrant experience. The G.O.A.T. lives up to its name—serving up gourmet bites and dynamic beverages in a sleek setting. Attached to Bambu, a stylish lounge, this venue blends the best of sports viewing with upbeat nightlife vibes for an all-in-one experience.

### AS Monaco WatchPoint: Roca Zone

##### [The Brown Lion (Marriott Hotel: Marriott Hotel Downtown - Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St - Al Manhal - Al Tibbiya)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/axhb7PYTkqY2RBN49)

The Brown Lion offers warm hospitality, comfort food, and the perfect pint to go with every three-pointer. With 13 screens, you can find a comfortable seat with friends and see the game from every angle. It’s ideal for fans looking for a laid-back yet passionate space to watch the games and connect with fellow supporters.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul WatchPoint: Yellow Legacy

##### [The Irish Vickers (The Hub – Level 6 - World Trade Center Mall. Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St - Al Danah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi​)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmffDUNgiJWNcZHdA)

With multiple screens, hearty Irish fare, and an unbeatable central location, it’s a go-to game-night destination for spirited group viewing and unforgettable Final Four moments.

Don’t miss a second of the action—join fellow fans and experience the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four at these incredible venues across the city.

Each team’s fanbase will have a dedicated WatchPoint at stunning locations around Abu Dhabi

Igor Petrinovic explains why Panathinaikos BC should not be underestimated at the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four.

2025 Final Four: The case for... Panathinaikos

A sign of a great team is knowing how to win. That means not just playing well and winning when things are clicking, but even more so, it means pulling out victories when not everything is going your way. The reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) checks all those boxes.

The defending champs obviously proved their greatness last season, but every campaign is a new story. With the expectation and goal of repeating their climb to the throne, the Greens showed on occasions during the regular season how dominant and seemingly unbeatable they can be.

However, what made Panathinaikos great is its fair share of bumps and obstacles along the way, which it managed to overcome to find its way to Abu Dhabi.

The 7th Star | “We Broke the Curse” - How Panathinaikos Made History Again | Documentary

### The injuries and the struggles

Coach Ergin Ataman's squad, with every single important piece of the championship team returning this season, had a slow start in October and November. They had just eight wins after 15 rounds to start the season and sat 10th place in the standing. Then came a gruesome leg injury to All-EuroLeague center and the team’s main source of energy, [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), to start the 2025 calendar year. Then [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) got injured, too, so the Greens had to bring in two centers – [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) and [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/) – just to have a big body in the paint.

But Panathinaikos got safely to the harbor thanks to EuroLeague MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) taking the reins and putting on display some remarkable performances. [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) had the best season of his career, while [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) was showing up in big games, the best of them being against Friday's semifinal opponent, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. With the likes of [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/), [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), Gabriel and once recovered Yurtseven stepping up in their roles, the Greens guaranteed home-court advantage for the playoffs.

There, they showed more know-how against a gritty Anadolu Efes Istanbul, with [Konstantinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) stepping up alongside Nunn in a key Game 3, and Osman finishing the job with a career performance in Game 5.

### Right where they want to be

So, Panathinaikos advanced to Abu Dhabi. Was it in impressive fashion? No. Was it dominant? No. Were there worries about the team’s lack of size behind Hernangomez? Absolutely. Were there doubts from outside looking in? Every step of the way.

But, Panathinaikos overcame it all.

And that is exactly what makes this team even more dangerous.

They had their injury problems. Their stars had off nights in important games. They had many games where they struggled offensively, or defensively, for great portions of the night.

Yet, they would produce big fourth-quarter comebacks. Their stars would ignite at just the right time. Players would step up to fill in for the injury absences.

And the Greens got back to the Final Four, where Coach Ataman confirmed to SKWEEK that they will be counting on the services of Mathias Lessort once again.

With or without the big man from Martinique, who wants to bet against the defending champ back at the Final Four, a place where it aimed to be all along?

Me neither.

Igor Petrinovic explains why the Greens should not be underestimated at the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four