Name: EuroLeague 25 Moments: When Panathinaikos took Virtus’s crown in 2002
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

The BKT EuroCup Finals get underway on Tuesday with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv hosting Dreamland Gran Canaria for the first game of this best-of-three series. Here’s your guide to what promises to be a thrilling title showdown.

Game Center: Hapoel Tel Aviv, Gran Canaria meet in Game 1 of the finals

## Tuesday, April 8

[**Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv 74-65 Dreamland Gran Canaria**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/game-center/2024-25/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2024/195/#boxscore) 

Hapoel won Game 1 of the BKT EuroCup Finals over Gran Canaria at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria to move within a single win of the crown. The best-of-three series will continue in the Canary Islands on Friday, where Gran Canaria will try to even things.

Johnathan Motley scored 12 of his game-high 18 points in the third quarter as Hapoel turned a 3-point halftime edge into a double-digit advantage. The lead reached 15 in the fourth quarter as Hapoel put the game to bed early. Antonio Blakeney added 17 points for the winners and Yam Madar and Marcus Foster contributed 10 each, with the former dishing 5 assists.

George Conditt paced the Gran Canari attack with 12 points and 8 rebounds,  Caleb Homesley tallied 11 points and 6 assists and John Shurna and Andrew Albicy contributed 10 points apiece. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LIVECAST: Welcome to Game 1 of the BKT EuroCup Finals!<a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HapoelTLVBC</a> takes on <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GranCanariaCB</a> in Samokov Arena.<br><br>This is a thread to tell you all about it as it happens LIVE!<br><br>Stay tuned for facts, info and analysis!<br><br>It will be a great game. HERE. WE. GO. <a href="https://t.co/BAZ8hPC8DC">pic.twitter.com/BAZ8hPC8DC</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1909644817514049571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The best-of-three series will determine the 2025 EuroCup champion

Game Center: Hapoel wins Game 1 of finals 74-65 over Gran Canaria

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-04-08T17:00:00.000Z)

The 2002 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game will forever be remembered by the three-point shot Ibrahim Kutluay made to give Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens a decisive five-point lead against reigning champion Virtus Segafredo Bologna inside the last minute.

EuroLeague 25 Moments: When Panathinaikos took Virtus’s crown in 2002

The 2002 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game will forever be remembered by the three-point shot [Ibrahim Kutluay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ibrahim-kutluay/abi/) made to give [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) a decisive five-point lead against reigning champion Virtus Segafredo Bologna inside the last minute.

Virtus was playing on its home floor and had the hope of becoming back-to-back champs, but Zeljko Obradovic’s Panathinaikos stepped up late to secure an eventual 83-89 victory. That was the Greens’ first EuroLeague championship in the modern era.

Hear from Ibrahim Kutluay, [Darryl Middleton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darryl-middleton/apo/), Zeljko Obradovic and [Fragiskos Alvertis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/fragiskos-alvertis/aph/) as they reflect on that famous 2002 title success in the latest episode of the EuroLeague 25 moments series.

You can also watch [episode one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTOQS-w-PNs&t=86s), [episode two](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHqpRVU6VVs&t=518s), [episode three](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QutvKk9HswQ) and [episode four](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by3jL3O0jYo) now.

The Greens defeated the reigning champion on the road

- Make sure you don’t miss the championship stage of Euroleague Basketball’s 3x3 content creators’ tournament and secure your spot [**here**](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045)**!** 

After two epic Qualifier Events in [Bologna](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TGn93TQbWU) and [Athens](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHgzjZAubeM/), Hoop District – the basketball competition featuring top European creators, presented by Turkish Airlines – will finally have its champion crowned at the Final in Barcelona! The event, which will also be seasoned with a blend of entertainment, live DJs and plenty of surprises, will be [FREE to attend](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045) (with limited capacity) and will take place on April 12 at [Hivernacle - Poble Espanyol](https://poble-espanyol.com/espacio/hivernacle/) from 17:00 to 22:00 CEST. 

Hoop District 2025: Bologna and Athens Qualifiers Recap

Five teams have fought their way to the Final, and now they’re ready to battle it out for the ultimate prize: a €10,000 cash reward. Last year's champion, [Tresco,](https://www.instagram.com/tresco_ball/) will attempt to defend his title by playing at home against fierce contenders Team [Munich](https://www.instagram.com/zacxcviii/), Team [Sevilla](https://www.instagram.com/espe/), Team [Bologna](https://www.instagram.com/aledellagiusta/), and Team [Istanbul](https://www.instagram.com/alperbicen24/). The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown! 

Get ready for an epic showdown on the court with a thrilling Turkish Airlines dunk contest, breakdancers, and exclusive challenges. Meanwhile, a variety of stands will be waiting around every corner, offering non-stop excitement and interactive experiences. 

If you're ready to test your skills, head over to the Motorola stand for a chance to win 2 tickets to an FC Barcelona game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. 

The EuroLeague 25th Anniversary stand, presented by BKT, will make you relive the EuroLeague’s most legendary moments... And to mark the occasion, for the first time they gathered the three most iconic EuroLeague trophies! A unique chance to immerse yourself in a truly unique basketball experience. 

Make sure to enjoy the ultimate Adidas & Basketball Emotion experience, a super cool stand featuring exclusive products, interactive experiences, and on-court activities for fans to participate in. 

And when you’re ready to recharge, the Food District will be waiting to fuel you up. It’s the perfect spot to relax, refuel, and get back in the game. 

Local influencers will also be part of the action, adding their energy to the event, including [Justbasket7](https://www.instagram.com/justbasket7/), [Pól Forres](https://www.instagram.com/polforess/), and [Herson.](https://www.instagram.com/hers0n_/) 

**FREE event – book your spot now!** 

With an action-packed day ahead, the Hoop District Final is an event you won't want to miss. Be sure to secure your spot [HERE](https://euroleague.tbits.me/tb_app/518045)! 

And if you can’t join us in person, be sure to tune in from 21:00 CEST to our [TikTok Live](https://www.tiktok.com/@euroleague?lang=fr), where you can catch all the excitement and action. From thrilling moments to behind-the-scenes highlights, you won’t miss a thing! 

**Event timeline:**  

17:00: Opening Doors to the Public 

· 17:30: Team’s Presentation 

· 17:45: Game #1: Team Istanbul – Team Sevilla 

· 18:05: Game #2: Team Munich – Team Bologna 

· 18:25: Adidas Challenge “Too Big” 

· 18:40: Game #3: Team Barcelona – Winner G1 

· 19:00: Game #4: Loser G1 – Loser G2 

· 19:20: Motorola VIPs Challenge 

· 19:35: Game #5: Winner G2 – Winner G3 

· 19:55: Breakdance Show 

· 20:10: Game #6: Winner G4 – Loser G3 

· 20:30: 1v1 Adidas Challenge 

· 20:45: Game #7: Winner G6 – Loser G5 

· 21:00: TikTok Stream Begins 

· 21:05: Turkish Airlines Dunk Show 

· 21:25: Finals Game #8: Winner G5 – Winner G7 

IF WINNER G5 WINS: END OF TOURNAMENT 

· 21:45: Trophy Ceremony + Greetings 

· 21:55: Closing Ceremony 

IF WINNER G7 WINS: ONE MORE GAME 

· 21:45: Finals Game #9: Winner G5 – Winner G7 (repeat) 

· 22:05: Trophy Ceremony + Greetings 

· 22:15: Closing Ceremony 

Hoop District: The grand finale arrives in Barcelona! 

Hapoel Tel Aviv BC star Johnathan Motley spoke with Euroleague.net's Geoff Gillingham ahead of the team's BKT EuroCup Finals series against CB Gran Canaria.

Johnathan Motley: From a near-death experience to dreaming of EuroCup glory with Hapoel Tel Aviv

It all could have been so different for [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/).

Back in high school, basketball was the last thing on the mind of the [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) center and [2024-25 All-EuroCup First Team](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bkt-all-eurocup-2024-25-first-team/) selection. For a while, at least.

Prior to his junior year at high school, Motley’s appendix burst and he had to spend 18 days at the Texas Children's Hospital. For any aspiring athlete, a setback like that could be incredibly damaging.

“That was one of the weirdest moments in my life,” Motley tells [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)’s Geoff Gillingham. “It was a really crazy situation and I could have almost died.

“I had bacteria spreading through my body, that's why I stayed in the hospital so long. They had to connect a PICC line into arm so that the medicine can go straight to my heart. I was on medicine for like couple months or two – it was crazy. I just had to pump constant antibiotics just to kill all the germs because it had actually ruptured, so that was crazy. I wasn’t even worrying about pro at that moment, I was just worried about getting better.”

Naturally, Motley lost a lot of weight during that time. Suddenly, he was having to play catchup.  

“I think I lost like 30 pounds, something crazy,” Motley says. “It was bad. I couldn’t eat for a while because you pump all that medicine into you; the medicine’s got side effects so I wasn’t eating.

“I couldn’t really move that much for a couple of weeks after I got out the hospital. And I had to take a medicine bag home so that the PICC line stayed in my body, so I had to keep it at home and I had to go to school like this and connect bags of antibiotics to me. It was wild.”

Knowing that he needed to put that weight back on once he was given the all-clear, Motley was on a mission. And he had the right people helping him along the way, starting with his mom, Willie.

“She’s always there, man, doing whatever, whatever she can to support me,” he says. “I always give a lot of credit to her. No matter what, she’s always there supporting. She’s actually coming here \[to Bulgaria for Game 1\] so she’s a rider for real, she’s a ride or die. She’s always doing whatever she can to help."

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Different coaches and trainers have played an important role, too.

“I was always in the gym working out and I had a lot of different trainers," he continues. "Coach Byron Smith was one of my main ones at school, Chris Gaston was really big in my development growing up, too. There’s a lot of guys. Sheldon McClellan, he helped me a lot.

“Man, I had a lot of guys help me become the player I am today. I just had to put in the effort, but there were guys willing to get in the gym with me, for sure.”

Another setback came a few years later when the coaches at Baylor University said that they wanted Motley to redshirt for a year. But it was a decision that he understood, and it’s one that has helped his understanding at the professional level.

“For me it was just a weight thing, like I was really skinny,” he admits. “I was always a pretty good basketball player but what separates you from being really good or going up a level is size. I think that’s just the difference between all the levels of basketball.

“The higher the level you go, the more athletic the bigger guys are. Pretty much the skill and the talent are kind of the same. But instead of a 6-foot-1 guard in the EuroLeague that you’re playing against, or in the EuroCup, in the NBA this guy is doing the same thing but he’s 6-foot-6. Or the big man you’re playing against in the EuroCup is 6-foot-7 but in the NBA he’s 7-foot-2 and can run and can move. That, I think, is the difference.

“So I had to get in the weight room, gained like 30 pounds and then after that the game became easier for me. Shout out to coach Charlie Melton at Baylor, he put me through all the work I needed to do to get to where I am today. He helped me gain this weight, we were in the weight room grinding, so shout out coach Charlie Melton, that’s my guy.”

That year watching on from the sidelines paid dividends for Motley, too, as he dominated thereafter, being named an All-American in the 2016-17 season, winning the 2016-17 Karl Malone Trophy, given to the best power forward in the country, and leading Baylor to first place in the national rankings for the first time in January 2017.

“You definitely learn about the game \[during a redshirt year\], you definitely get an advantage because you’re watching,” he says. “You’re not just sitting out, you’re practicing every day, you’re doing all these things. I’m playing against pros every day, so I had no choice but to get better or I was going to get buried.”

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On that successful Baylor team and a teammate of Motley’s for four years was Ish Wainright, his current teammate at Hapoel. When the opportunity came for Motley to reunite with his friend, he didn’t think twice about getting involved in the negotiations.

“That’s my guy. It was fire when he came in the summer,” he says. “I kind of helped because I was one of the first to sign for Hapoel. Then Coach Stef \[Dedas\] was like, ‘I also saw Ish.’ And I was like, ‘Oh yeah, he’s like my brother. I’ve known him since I was 17 years old.’ So it’s crazy that someone I knew for 10 years can also help me win a EuroCup championship, a European championship, make history with Hapoel. That’s so fire.

“I get to do it with somebody I’ve known for a long time, who I was rooting for. He had a crazy journey to get to where he is. It’s just awesome to be a part of it, and to say that we’re still playing and then able to play together and able to win a championship is even crazier. That’s really fire.”

Johnathan Motley (center) and Ish Wainright (right) during their days at Baylor University.

Motley, now 29, is now in his fourth season in Europe, but his rookie campaign on the old continent with Lokomotiv Kuban in 2021-22 was key in getting him acclimatized.

“When I went to Loko, I started dominating right away, just doing what I do,” he says. “I had great vets, also European vets, like Errick McCollum, Darius Thompson, Stanton Kidd, Greg Whittington, Alan Williams. I had great vets.

“To walk into my first season in Europe with guys like this, it was amazing. Errick really helped me through the ups and downs of the European game and making sure I knew what it took and I knew what I was going to get into. Even when I was going to Fener, he told me, ‘The EuroLeague is a little bit different, you’ve got to be able to play in a role, be able to dominate in a specific setting.’ So I had a lot of knowledge about what I was walking in to.”

The past two years, Motley has been in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce, which was key in preparing him for this current season at Hapoel as one of the favorites to lift the EuroCup trophy.

“The EuroLeague is a different monster,” he says. “Playing for a team like Fener, you always know you’re going to get everyone’s best shot, so we were used to having a target on our back. I think that also prepared me for being on a team like Hapoel.

“When \[the Hapoel front office\] put all these guys together, now you have a target on your back. Now everyone’s circling you from the beginning of the season, like, ‘Oh, we need to play good this game.’ I’m used to that, I know what it takes. I know what’s going to come and I know how to handle it, so I can also give guys knowledge who maybe haven’t been at that level before and help them prepare for being the team that everyone wants to be, because that’s a whole different monster.

“Then you start seeing guys playing way more aggressive, way harder, making way more shots against you, and you’ve got to be able to respond to that and be able to still win because they brought you here to win, so you’ve got to be able to respond. Everything at Fener helped me become the player that I am: Coach \[Dimitris\] Itoudis, Coach Saras. Coach Saras is a great coach, he also helped me become a better player. We won the Turkish Cup, the Turkish championship, got to the \[EuroLeague\] Final Four, so I had a lot of big-time experience and big-time games.”

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Following a mid-season coaching change, Motley was reunited with Coach Itoudis at Hapoel and the Greek tactician’s impact has been telling. Hapoel went 6-5 through the first 11 games of the season, the last two of which saw the team go 1-1 with Itoudis at the helm, but the Israeli side is 9-2 since. For Motley, Hapoel is hitting top gear at the perfect time of the campaign.

“We had a lot of moving pieces in the beginning, so it’s kind of hard to get a rhythm,” he says. “Once you just settle down into it, get some chemistry going, you start learning what your teammates like, what they don’t like, how they react to different things on the court, mentally and physically, you just become closer and you’re also willing to play harder for each other. I think it just took a while for us to gain some clarity and some continuity.

“We have a lot of talent put together; sometimes it works right away, sometimes it doesn’t. Panathinaikos, for example, in the beginning they were not that good \[last season\] but then they won the \[EuroLeague\] championship. It takes time, it always does.

“Luckily we’ve turned it on at the right time. You don’t want to win all season and then have a slump at the end. I think this is the best way; we went through our bumps early and we were still good, and now we’re peaking. It’s all supposed to happen like this, I think this is the best way for it to happen for a team to be successful.”

Even though Hapoel is preparing for its 23rd EuroCup road game this season, given it plays its home games far away from Tel Aviv in Samokov, Bulgaria, the club boasts one of the most passionate fan groups on the old continent. That, as Motley attests, is a real motivating factor for the team.

“Our fans are amazing fans, they’re crazy,” he says. “They support us through everything – the losses, the wins.

“The celebrations after Game 2 of the semifinals were really for the fans. They gave us so much energy in Samokov, they came with so much energy and life that I think poured into us and allowed us to play a certain way. It also gave us the confidence to finish in Game 3.

“I just want to give credit to the Hapoel fans – I know they’re going to show out. They’re going to be loud and rowdy on Tuesday. Even in our games in Tel Aviv, home or away, they’re loud, they’re rowdy, they’re ready, and they always give us energy to play hard. If you can get any energy from any outside thing, you always appreciate it as a basketball player.”

Hapoel and Gran Canaria have already met twice this season, with the Israeli side winning both games in the regular season, yet the Spanish club has recent memories of lifting the 2023 EuroCup title. Still, Motley has respect for Gran Canaria but is confident in Hapoel’s chances.

“We have some guys with some experience, too,” he responds. “I’ve been to the Final Four, I’ve won the Turkish Cup, I’ve won the Turkish championship.

“I’ve been with Coach Saras who has been a high-level player himself, I took some gems from him. Coach Itoudis has won championships.

“I think it’s two great teams going head to head. You don’t make the Finals unless you’re a great team. I can’t wait to play them and see who wins.

“We’re just going to try to forget about what happened in the regular season and remember that this is a new series, so we’re going in with it 0-0. The team is on board with that and locked in with that. We’re going to see who is the best after the jump ball.”

Game News

The All-EuroCup First Team center is aiming to lift the first continental trophy of his career

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-04-11T19:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket has confirmed that Pedro Martinez, the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Coach of the Year, has renewed his contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Pedro Martinez renews at Valencia until 2027

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) has confirmed that Pedro Martinez, the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Coach of the Year, has renewed his contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Coach Martinez, in his first year back at Valencia, helped the team reach the EuroCup Semifinals this season before falling 2-1 in its best-of-three series with Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🇵 🇪 🇩 🇷 🇴 <br>2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣7️⃣🧡<br><br>Cas 👉 Pedro Martínez prolonga su vinculación con Valencia Basket hasta 2027<a href="https://t.co/66Glb0pO7g">https://t.co/66Glb0pO7g</a><br><br>Val 👉 Pedro Martínez prolonga la seua vinculació amb Valencia Basket fins a 2027<a href="https://t.co/18MfDXGUIw">https://t.co/18MfDXGUIw</a><br><br>Eng 👉 Pedro Martínez extends his contract… <a href="https://t.co/YjaFTb4iVf">pic.twitter.com/YjaFTb4iVf</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1909577015293862272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Under his leadership, Valencia posted a EuroCup-best 16-2 record in the regular season to top Group B, then downed U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the quarterfinals. 

The 63-year-old has a 96-37 record in the EuroCup across four clubs: Dreamland Gran Canaria (2003-05; 2009-12), Estudiantes (2005-06), Girona (2007-08) and Valencia (2015-17; 2024-present).

More Valencia News

The Spanish coach guided the team to the EuroCup Semifinals this season

Andres Feliz has become an important part of Real Madrid's roster after a difficult first half of the EuroLeague season.

Andres Feliz: The metamorphosis of a tiger that roars again

Sports, in general, are characterized by their impatient nature. Success is fleeting, and the focus is on the final result. This need to show what one is capable of, to satisfy the fans and meet expectations, is even bigger in the top-level basketball that is the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. And, many times, it's difficult to grow amidst doubts, to develop while being surrounded by murmurs that question your quality.

Against many odds, [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) guard [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/) has done it.

Months of inconsistency, a sort of ostracism at end of the bench, had defined Feliz's run with Madrid for the large part of the season After a year full of confidence at Joventut Badalona, the Dominican point guard arrived in the Spanish capital not only to wear a jersey that weighs as heavily as few others, but also perform at the level of those who occupied his position in previous seasons. In other words, to become a valuable member of a championship-aspiring team.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1808900/andres-feliz-the-metamorphosis-of-a-tiger-that-roars-again/).

The Real Madrid guard has started to find his feet in his rookie EuroLeague season

After successful events in Sopot, Milan, Paris, and Vitoria, Euroleague Basketball’s One Team program and Motorola brought their “Bouncing for Good” initiative to Athens. On April 1, a special workshop took place at the 57th Primary School of Athens, where 80 children aged between eight and eleven participated in the event. 

 

The workshop was made even more memorable by the presence of two One Team Ambassadors, one from either side of the Greek divide: [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) guard [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) and [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) guard [Dimitris Moraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dimitris-moraitis/006544/). They joined forces to share their passion for the game and encourage the young participants.

 

The workshop focused on skills that the kids can learn from basketball. It was designed to instill key life values such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline – values that will benefit the children both on and off the court. The event aimed to empower the young participants to develop as individuals, with strong character and leadership potential inspired by the values of sport and the voices of their favorite athletes.

 

The 57th Primary School of Athens, located in Kolonos, an underprivileged district where many families face socioeconomic challenges and social exclusion, plays a crucial role as a safe and supportive space for children. Many of the students come from immigrant backgrounds and grapple with poverty and limited access to educational resources. Despite these difficulties, the school is a vibrant environment where dedicated teachers and staff work relentlessly to inspire and uplift students, nurturing their potential and encouraging them to dream beyond their current circumstances.

 

On April 8, the “Bouncing for Good” initiative continued with the donation of basketballs to 150 children from the 57th Primary School of Athens. This event, which took place from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the school’s outdoor court, was attended by Larentzakis and Olympiacos teammate [Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/), who is also a One Team Ambassador, as well as two One Team Ambassadors from Panathinaikos, Moraitis and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/). Together, they personally handed over the basketballs, giving the children the tools they need to continue pursuing their love of the sport and further develop important life skills.

 

Juancho Hernangómez expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: "It’s an honor to be part of the One Team-Motorola ‘Bouncing for Good’ initiative and to share these special moments with the children. Basketball has given me so much, and being able to give back—whether through a simple gesture like donating a basketball or spending time with them on the court—means a lot to me. I truly believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite, and I’m grateful to be involved in this meaningful program."

 

Giannoulis Larentzakis echoed this sentiment, highlighting his commitment to One Team’s mission: "Seeing the excitement in these kids’ eyes reminds me why initiatives like this matter so much. Basketball teaches us values like teamwork, perseverance, and respect—lessons that extend far beyond the game. I’m proud to be a One Team Ambassador and to take part in projects that make a real difference in young people’s lives."

 

Daniela Idi, EMEA Marketing Director at Motorola, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “This project has been about more than basketball — it’s about creating moments of inspiration and showing children that their dreams matter. Closing the season in Athens, with the incredible energy of the students and support from Euroleague and local heroes, has been the perfect way to wrap up this journey — and we look forward to returning in September to reach even more young dreamers”

 

Abigail Martin, Director of Sustainability & Development Projects at Euroleague Basketball,   "Thanks to this beautiful collaboration with Motorola, Euroleague Basketball's social program One Team has been able to make a deeper impact in our communities through the EuroLeague and EuroCup clubs' One Team programs and with the player ambassadors taking on a key role in sharing the developmental benefits to their sport and inspiring school students to give the best version of themselves by using sport's values."

 

This initiative aims to build on the school’s efforts by providing students with hands-on experiences in technology, teamwork, respect, and fun. For these children, this workshop is a rare opportunity to explore new possibilities, develop essential skills, and build the confidence to envision a brighter future. The experience hopes to leave a lasting impact, reinforcing the school’s vital role in shaping the lives of its students and offering hope to the wider community.

 

The “Bouncing for Good” initiative is part of a long-term collaboration between One Team, Euroleague Basketball’s social responsibility program, and Motorola. This partnership is key to creating lasting impact in the community and helping to bridge gaps in society in association with the clubs' One Team programs and the players that season after season support their communities as One Team Ambassadors.

 

As the program continues, it will strengthen the bonds within the community, offer new opportunities, and inspire future generations to dream big as they go in pursuit of their goals.

The children got to meet Olympiacos duo Giannoulis Larentzakis and Shaquielle McKissic, and Panathinaikos pair Juancho Hernangomez and Dimitris Moraitis

“Bouncing for Good” provides young people in Athens with a day to remember

CB Gran Canaria forward Miquel Salvo spoke with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo ahead of the team's EuroCup Finals series with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC.

Miquel Salvo: 'We are ready for this challenge'

[Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) has reached the BKT EuroCup Finals for the third time and has a chance to win its second title, after going all the way in 2023. Do-it-all power forward [Miquel Salvo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miquel-salvo/005005/) is one of five players that remains on Gran Canaria's roster from that championship-winning team.

Salvo has a reputation for doing a little bit of everything on the court and has the numbers to prove it, averaging 5.2 points on 85.0% free throws, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a PIR of 7.4. He ranks third all-time in two-point shooting. Salvo has hit 137 of 207 shots inside the arc (66.2% 2FG), only trailing 2009-10 EuroCup MVP Marko Banic (68.0% 2FG) and Ivan Zoroski (66.5%). 

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 EuroCup Finals, Salvo spoke with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo about the season so far and what lies ahead against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

Miquel Salvo is looking for his second BKT EuroCup title.

2024-25 EuroCup highlights: Miquel Salvo, Gran Canaria

**Hello, Miquel. First of all, congratulations on reaching another EuroCup Finals. Let's talk about Game 3 of the semifinals against Bahcesehir. You were very solid and didn't lose control when you were trailing. Was that consistency the biggest key to this game?**

"Thanks a lot. Yes, we were expecting a game like this. We were aware that it would be a long game, a game where we couldn't make many mistakes. I think that we already approached Game 2 really well. We prepared against their switching defense really well and how to attack it. I think that in Game 3, we played close to perfection for 40 minutes."

**In Game 2, Caleb Homesley literally kept Gran Canaria in the competition with a game-winning three-point play. What do you remember about it?**

"Well, I had no doubt about the and-one free throw. I trust Caleb a lot. As for the play, it is one that we have done many times since Jaka arrived, in practice and some games. When I saw he was drawing the play I thought, 'Look, here comes this play again!'. After the game, I had former teammates texting me, AJ Slaughter and some others, saying, 'Wow, he tried that play!'. In the end, when you repeat it so many times in recent years, it sticks in our minds, and it worked in the best moment, in the best scenario. It is a very good play, you make the opponent focus on something else and what happens is completely opposite."

Caleb Homesley kept Dreamland Gran Canaria in the EuroCup with his backdoor play. Check it out!

Lakovic's backdoor play

**You are one of five Gran Canaria players who won the EuroCup title in 2023, plus Coach Lakovic. How that experience a factor, even when the format is a bit different?**

"Exactly. As you say, the format is different. It has changed. It looks like a new competition. It has nothing to do with the single-game quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The experience that we have reaching this far in the competition should be useful for us. It can give us a plus of tranquility, not just to us but also to the rest of the teammates who have not been in a similar situation."

**You lost twice against Hapoel this season. Is that a factor? Can you get something positive out of it in this situation?**

"It can go both ways. I hope they are a little bit overconfident after beating us twice and can do it again easily. That way, we would have a bigger chance. On the other hand, we can watch the games that we lost against them and try to improve. We know what to expect from them, they are a team that plays a little different from the rest, with a lot of physicality. It's important to have the right focus, like we did against Bahcesehir, to play two good games, three if needed."

**You have won a lot of close games both in the EuroCup and the Spanish League. In the EuroCup, you won the last six games decided by five points ot less. What makes you so solid in the last minutes?**

"You have to believe until the end. There have been games that have been difficult for us, in which the other team took a three- or four-point lead in the final minutes. Another team would give up but we didn't. I would say that's it, we have not stopped believing at any time. That's what we did in the quarterfinals and semifinals, playing on the road. We have been able to turn it around and won in very difficult fields. Like you said, we also won close games in the ACB. We know how to fight until the end and had some incredible game finishes, with winning shots in the last second. I think we got to the finals in the best moment of the season, both physically and mentally, and we are ready for this challenge."

**Credit to Coach Lakovic, then. How is Jaka as a coach?**

"He is very demanding. He doesn't let us relax at any time. He is demanding until the end. He talked to us after Game 3 against Bahcesehir or after our last home win against Unicaja \[in the Spanish League\] and said he is so demanding because he believes so much in us, and that he lives for these moments. The way he is, how he talks about it and all the basketball that he has inside made all these years with him so good. If you look at his time here as a whole, it has been great."

**The core of the teams has been together for many years: you, Nico Brussino, John Shurna and Andrew Albicy. You have been to a thousand battles, winning some and losing some. How important is it and how much of an advantage it is in a situation like this?**

"It is very important to have a core of players, like we do. We have seen a lot of teams that have been successful keeping the same core of players for many years. It is not only important for us, because we understand each other by just looking at each other, but for those players who arrive to the team. We have share this club's values, how we work and how we are, how things are done in Gran Canaria. They cannot just come here and do whatever they want: we are here guide them a little bit and have that responsibility to help new players adjust as soon as possible."

<center>
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**Mike Tobey also won the EuroCup with Valencia and Mehdy Ngouama lifted the trophy with Paris. That's seven players that know what it feels like to be a EuroCup champion. It has to be a huge motivation to win it again, right?**

"Obviously. Whether it is the EuroCup or any competition, when you lift a trophy and the emotions you feel, it is like a recognition to all the work behind, to the effort you made all season, all the work that the staff did, even our families. We are very far from everywhere and spend many days away from our families. They are here alone for a long time, so it is a reward to all the work we do. Lifting a trophy is like the ultimate recognition to a great season."

**Hapoel has changed a lot throughout the season. Which are the main strengths right now?**

"Patrick Beverley left and another great player like Yam Madar arrived. We cannot highlight one player in particular. It is a very deep squad, they have 10 players with incredible talent. We have to watch their games carefully because they do have some new players even when they play very similar. Since Itoudis arrived, they play really good basketball and he has succeeded at improving their defense, too. We will see what kind of defense they play. I don't think they will switch as much as they did at the beginning of the season, or like Bahcesehir did in the semifinals, but the way that they play, it stops you from playing our own basketball style, play at our usual pace."

**Speaking about your playing style, what do you have to do well to win the EuroCup?**

"It all starts with good defense, stop them and control the rebounds. I think we have to run, play at a high pace. We have done this very well against Bahcesehir, and I think it is the way to go. When we run, we create mismatches, disadvantages on their defense, and that's when we feel comfortable. We have been sharing the ball well in this final part of the season. That will be crucial, too."

Javier Gancedo spoke to the Gran Canaria forward in the leadup to the EuroCup Finals

By tipoff, Barcelona will have a clearer picture of its possible finishing position, which at the start of the week ranges anywhere between fourth and 10th. The Spanish team will look to repeat its determined performance from last week’s solid win at Fenerbahce, helped by 24 points from [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/). Virtus has nothing to play for but cannot be taken lightly, heading into the game in its best form of the season after downing Italian rival Milan by 20 points last week. Veteran stars [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) and [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) both starred in that victory, and they possess the size and range to seriously trouble an injury-hit Barca team which knows winning is the only option.

### FC Barcelona

 

**Streaks**

Jabari Parker has made at least 1 three-point shot in eight of his last nine games.

Kevin Punter has made at least 1 three-point shot in 20 of his last 21 games.

Punter has scored in double figures in nine of his last 10 games.

Punter has at least 1 steal in 11 straight games.

Jan Vesely has at least 1 steal in four of his last five games.

Nico Laprovittola has made at least 1 three-point shot in 19 straight games.

Chimezie Metu has scored 10 or more points in 13 of his last 14 games.

Dario Brizuela has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

 

**Season rankings**

Kevin Punter ranks seventh in scoring with 16.8 points per game.

Punter ranks third in steals with 1.3 per game.

Jan Vesely ranks ninth in steals with 1.1 per game.

Punter is tied for eighth in free-throw shooting at 92.9%.

Punter ranks 10th in three-pointers made with 2.2 per game.

Tomas Satoransky ranks seventh in assists with 5.2 per game.

Youssoupha Fall ranks ninth in two-point shooting at 68.4%.

Barcelona ranks first in scoring with 88.0 points per game.

Barcelona ranks second in assists with 20.0 per game.

Barcelona ranks first in steals with 7.4 per game.

Barcelona's defense has held opponents to 33.7% three-point shooting, which is the third-lowest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Tomas Satoransky ranks fourth all-time with a 2.8-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jan Vesely is the all-time leader in two-pointers made with 1,564.

Vesely ranks third all-time with 5,099 index rating points. Mike James of AS Monaco is second with 5,277 and counting.

Vesely is seventh all-time with 4,028 points scored. Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is sixth with 4,045 and counting.

Vesely ranks fourth all-time with 365 steals. Rudy Fernandez is third with 367 steals.

Vesely ranks fifth all-time with 1,774 rebounds. Felipe Reyes is fourth with 1,799.

Vesely is in fifth place all-time with 656 offensive rebounds. Bryant Dunston of Zalgiris Kaunas is fourth with 670 and counting.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 216 blocks. Tibor Pleiss of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is seventh with 229 and counting.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 789 free throws made. Juan Carlos Navarro is seventh with 853.

Kevin Punter ranks 10th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.1%.

Youssoupha Fall ranks 13th all-time in two-point accuracy at 65.0%.

Nico Laprovittola needs 3 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

Alex Abrines needs 8 rebounds to reach 500 for his career.

Game Videos

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

 

**Streaks**

Matt Morgan has made 23 consecutive free throws.

Morgan has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

Toko Shengelia has PIRs of 12 or more in 13 of his last 14 games.

Will Clyburn has posted PIRs of at least 10 in six straight and 15 of his last 16 games.

Clyburn has scored 12 or more points in six straight games.

Clyburn has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

 

**Season rankings**

Tornike Shengelia ranks 10th in scoring with 15.6 points per game.

Alessandro Pajola ranks fourth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Matthew Morgan ranks 10th in free-throw shooting at 92.3%.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Toko Shengelia ranks 12th all-time in scoring with 3,490 points. Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is 11th with 3,556 and counting.

Will Clyburn is in 15th place all-time in scoring with 3,331 points. Kyle Hines is 14th with 3,339 points.

Shengelia ranks ninth all-time with 783 free throws made. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is eighth with 789 and counting.

Shengelia is in seventh place all-time with 1,058 two-pointers made. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is sixth with 1,068 and counting.

Daniel Hackett ranks 16th all-time in assists with 962. Theo Papaloukas ranks 15th with 977 assists.

Hackett is in 19th place on the all-time charts with 262 career steals. Kostas Sloukas of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is 18th with 267 steals and counting. Vassilis Spanoulis is 17th with 273 steals.

Achille Polonara needs 2 blocks to reach 100 for his career.

Alessandro Pajola ranks second all-time with a 3.0-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Ante Zizic ranks 16th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.5%.

Zizic needs 3 assists to reach 100 for his career.

The final game of the regular season is highly significant as playoff-chasing Barcelona (19-14) welcomes Virtus (9-24).

Game Facts: Barcelona vs. Virtus

FC Barcelona v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-04-11T18:30:00.000Z)

\- Virtus defeated Barcelona 86-81 in Round 17 led by Isaia Cordinier, who posted a career-high PIR of 38. Cordinier scored a career-best 24 points on 5-of-6 two-point and 2-of-5 three-point shooting. He also had 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block and drew 8 fouls for the first MVP of the Round accolade of his career.

\- In February 2023 in Bologna, Barcelona beat Virtus 75-92 for its only road win this century in this rivalry.

\- Virtus has won twice in its three games at Palau Blaugrana this century and holds a 5-2 edge in this rivalry.

\- Virtus swept their regular-season series in the 2001-02 season.

\- Virtus and Barcelona also met 14 times between 1978 and 1997, winning seven games each.

\- Barcelona guard Kevin Punter played for Virtus in the 2018-19 season, before making his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut. He helped the team win the Basketball Champions League by averaging 16.0 points per game.

\- Virtus head coach Dusko Ivanovic was in charge of Barcelona for three seasons from 2005 to 2008. He guided the team to the 2006 EuroLeague Final Four and won the Spanish Cup in 2007.

\- Barcelona center Youssoupha Fall was a teammate of Virtus forward Achille Polonara at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, where they played under current Virtus head coach Dusko Ivanovic for two seasons – from 2019 to 2021. Together, they won the 2020 Spanish championship.

\- Barcelona center Jan Vesely was a teammate of Virtus forward Achille Polonara at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul during the 2021-22 season.

\- Virtus center Ante Zizic had career highs in points (24), PIR (33) and two-pointers made (12) while playing for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv against Barcelona in March 2021.

\- Zizic set his career high with 11 defensive rebounds while playing for Darussafaka Istanbul against Barcelona in March 2017.

Game Notes: Barcelona vs. Virtus

The Greens will be high on confidence after clinching a top four place by downing Monaco in Round 33, led by 37 points from league-leading scorer [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/). Zvezda experienced opposite emotions as its playoff hopes were severely hit by a home overtime loss to Efes despite 21 points from one of the few players capable of matching Nunn’s long-range shooting, [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/). The Serbian team will look for [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) to establish dominance inside the paint, but Panathinaikos can counter him through fit-again [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/). Another key battle will take place between two do-it-all backcourt leaders, [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) and [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/).

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

 

**Streaks**

Kendrick Nunn has made at least 1 three-point shot in 38 straight games.

Nunn has scored 17 or more points in 10 of his last 11 games.

Juancho Hernangomez has had a PIR of 12 or more in 14 of his last 15 games.

Hernangomez has pulled down 6 or more rebounds in 15 straight games.

Kostas Sloukas has at least 1 steal in five of his last six games.

Mathias Lessort has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in 11 straight and 23 of his last 24 games.

Lessort has had a PIR of 10 or more in 25 of his last 26 games.

Cedi Osman has made 10 consecutive free throws.

 

**Season rankings**

Kendrick Nunn leads the league in scoring with 20.8 points per game.

Nunn leads the league in three-pointers made with 3.0 per game.

Mathias Lessort ranks fifth in average index rating with 20.5 per game.

Nunn ranks sixth in average index rating with 19.9 per game.

Mathias Lessort ranks third in two-point shooting at 74.1%.

Lessort ranks third in rebounding with 7.1 per game.

Juancho Hernangomez ranks fifth in rebounding with 6.6 per game.

Lessort ranks second in offensive rebounding with 2.8 per game.

Wenyen Gabriel ranks 10th in offensive rebounding with 2.0 per game.

Gabriel ranks third in blocks with 1.2 per game.

Kostas Sloukas ranks ninth in assists with 4.8 per game.

Sloukas ranks sixth in free-throw shooting at 93.4%.

Panathinaikos ranks second in the league in average PIR with 104.0 per game.

Panathinaikos ranks second in scoring with 87.7 points per game.

Panathinaikos ranks second in defensive rebounding with 24.2 per game.

Panathinaikos ranks third in two-point shooting at 58.5%.

Panathinaikos has allowed 10.0 offensive rebounds per game, the third-lowest this season.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Kostas Sloukas is in third place all-time with 419 games played.

Sloukas ranks third all-time with 1,855 assists. Sergio Rodriguez is second with 1,874.

Sloukas is in fourth place all-time with 993 free throws made. Mike James of AS Monaco and Vassilis Spanoulis are tied for second with 1,131 apiece.

Sloukas is eighth all-time with 3,995 career points. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is seventh with 4,028, and Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is sixth with 4,045 points and counting.

Sloukas is ranked fourth all-time with 4,984 index rating points. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is third with 5,099 and counting.

Sloukas is 12th all-time with 504 three-point shots made. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is 11th with 508 and counting, and Rodrigue Beaubois of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is 10th with 511 and counting.

Marius Grigonis ranks seventh all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.6%.

Sloukas ranks 15th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 89.1%.

Sloukas is in 18th place on the all-time charts with 267 career steals. Vassilis Spanoulis is 17th with 273 steals.

Tibor Pleiss is ranked seventh all-time with 229 career blocks. Alex Tyus is sixth with 238.

Pleiss is tied with Nick Calathes in 11th place all-time with 1,009 two-pointers made. Paulius Jankunas is 10th with 1,011.

Pleiss is ranked 15th all-time with 1,400 rebounds. Kostas Papanikolaou of Olympiacos is 14th with 1,419 and counting.

Grigonis needs 4 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Jerian Grant is the all-time leader with a 3.2-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Grant needs 5 steals to reach 100 for his career.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

 

**Streaks**

Joel Bolomboy has posted PIRs in double digits in seven of his last eight games.

Bolomboy has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in eight straight games.

Nemanja Nedovic has made at least 1 three-pointer in 10 of his last 11 games.

Mike Daum has made all 23 of his free-throw attempts in his EuroLeague career.

Isaiah Canaan has made at least 1 three-point shot in nine straight games.

Yago dos Santos has made at least 1 three-point shot in eight of his last nine games.

 

**Season rankings**

Joel Bolomboy leads the league in rebounding with 8.3 per game.

Bolomboy leads the league in offensive rebounding with 3.4 per game.

Zvezda ranks third in assists with 19.8 per game.

Zvezda has allowed the second-fewest points with 80.2 per game.

Zvezda holds opponents to 33.3% three-point shooting, which is the second-lowest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Milos Teodosic is in fifth place all-time with 595 three-pointers made. Scottie Wilbekin is fourth with 608 and counting.

Teodosic is ranked fifth all-time in assists with 1,491. Vassilis Spanoulis is fourth with 1,607.

Teodosic ranks 13th all-time in career points scored with 3,420. Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna is 12th with 3,490 and counting.

Teodosic ranks 13th all-time in free throws made with 709. Sergio Llull of Real Madrid is 12th with 730 and counting.

Joel Bolomboy needs 3 more blocks to reach 100 for his career.

Luka Mitrovic needs 3 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Zvezda (18-15) will attempt to climb back into the top six – if previous results have fallen kindly – with a road trip to reigning champ Panathinaikos (21-12).

Game Facts: Panathinaikos vs. Zvezda

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-04-11T18:15:00.000Z)

\- Panathinaikos has won the last six games it has played against Crvena Zvezda, including a 77-81 victory in Round 7.

\- Isaiah Canaan tied the Crvena Zvezda club record with 6 three-pointers in Round 7 against Panathinaikos.

\- Crvena Zvezda's last win over Panathinaikos came in November 2021, an 81-48 drubbing. Those 48 points mark the fewest the Greens have scored in a regular-season game this century.

\- In March 2021, Howard Sant-Roos matched a Panathinaikos club record with 7 steals in an 82-86 home loss against Crvena Zvezda.

\- Panathinaikos playmaker Lorenzo Brown made his EuroLeague debut with Crvena Zvezda during the 2019-20 season.

\- Lorenzo Brown sank a game-winner against Crvena Zvezda at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in January 2021 when he made a buzzer-beating floater while playing for Fenerbahce Istanbul in a 71-73 win.

\- Lorenzo Brown and the Crvena Zvezda duo of John Brown and Isaiah Canaan were backcourt mates at UNICS Kazan during the 2021-22 season.

\- Panathinaikos big man Mathias Lessort played for Crvena Zvezda during the 2017-18 season. He was a teammate of current Zvezda players Dejan Davidovac, Branko Lazic and Ognjen Dobric.

\- Lessort had a career-high 7 offensive rebounds while playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade against Crvena Zvezda in December 2022.

\- Nemanja Nedovic spent two seasons with Panathinaikos, from 2020 to 2022. He averaged 15.1 points in 51 EuroLeague appearances over two seasons with the club.

\- Panathinaikos guard Kostas Sloukas played under current Crvena Zvezda coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos at Olympiacos Piraeus during the 2014-15 season. They reached the EuroLeague Championship Game together that season.

\- Panathinaikos forward Ioannis Papapetrou played under Coach Sfairopoulos at Olympiacos for three seasons, from 2015 to 2018. They reached the 2017 EuroLeague Championship Game together.

\- Crvena Zvezda point guard Milos Teodosic and his Panathinaikos counterpart Kostas Sloukas were teammates at Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Sloukas made his EuroLeague debut for the Reds in 2009.

\- Sloukas was a teammate of Crvena Zvezda center Joel Bolomboy at Olympiacos in the 2022-23 season. They reached the 2023 championship game together.

\- Canaan and Sloukas were teammates at Olympiacos Piraeus during the 2022-23 season. They reached the championship game together.

\- Panathinaikos guard Marius Grigonis and Bolomboy were teammates at CSKA Moscow during the 2021-22 season.

\- Grigonis has been a teammate of Crvena Zvezda forward Rokas Giedraitis on the Lithuanian national team.

\- Panathinaikos center Omer Yurtseven and Crvena Zvezda forward Nikola Kalinic were teammates at Fenerbahce Istanbul in the 2015-16 season.

\- Giedraitis posted a career-high in PIR with 35 while playing for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in an 82-97 road win over Panathinaikos in March 2021.

\- Crvena Zvezda forward Luka Mitrovic had 3 steals, which is tied for his career-best, against Panathinaikos in April 2015.

Game Notes: Panathinaikos vs. Zvezda

The Lithuanian team showed it is not throwing in the towel on its season by taking a gutsy win over Partizan last week, with [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) underlining his importance to Andrea Trinchieri’s team by knocking down 14 points. Efes will be without sharpshooting veteran [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/), and will need big men like [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) to compete with Zalgiris’s physicality and open up space on the perimeter for scoring stars [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) and [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/). Zalgiris boasts the league’s best inside defense, only allowing 52.2% of two-point attempts to be converted, so Efes’s usual efficiency inside the paint (58.7% of two-pointers) will be severely tested.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Shane Larkin has had a PIR of 11 or more in six of his last seven games.

Larkin has made at least 1 three-point shot in 15 straight games.

Larkin has at least 1 steal in 5 straight games.

Elijah Bryant has scored 11 or more points in seven straight and 15 of his last 16 games.

Bryant has made at least 1 three-point shot in six straight games.

Bryant has PIRs of 12 or more in six of his last seven games.

PJ Dozier has made at least 1 three-point shot in seven straight and 13 of his last 14 games.

Darius Thompson has at least 1 steal in five of his last six games.

Vincent Poirier has PIRs of 12 or more in six of his last seven games.

 

**Season rankings**

Dan Oturu ranks fifth in two-point shooting at 71.6%.

Oturu ranks eighth in offensive rebounding with 2.1 per game.

Elijah Bryant ranks sixth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Shane Larkin ranks 10th in steals with 1.1 per game.

Vincent Poirier ranks fifth in blocks with 1.1 per game.

Ercan Osmani ranks third in free-throw shooting at 94.7%.

Rodrigue Beaubois ranks seventh in three-point shooting at 45.9%.

Efes leads the league in blocks with 3.8 per game.

Efes ranks second in two-point shooting at 58.7%.

Efes ranks third in three-point shooting at 38.8%.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Shane Larkin is ranked 11th all-time in scoring with 3,556 points. Georgios Printezis is 10th with 3,599 points.

Larkin is in eighth place all-time in three-pointers made with 550. Monaco's Mike James is seventh with 592 and counting.

Larkin is in 10th place all-time with 778 free throws made. Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna is ninth with 783 and counting, and Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is eighth with 789 and counting.

Larkin is in ninth place all-time with 4,205 PIR points. Walter Tavares is eighth with 4,234 and counting.

Larkin is in 11th place all-time with 1,105 assists. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is 10th with 1,199 and counting.

Larkin is in 14th place all-time with 280 steals. Scottie Wilbekin and Nicolo Melli of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul are tied for 12th place with 282 steals apiece.

Rodrigue Beaubois is in 10th place all-time in three-pointers made with 513. Vassilis Spanoulis is ninth with 518 three-pointers made.

Beaubois is in 19th place in career scoring with 3,113 points. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is 18th with 3,179 points and counting.

Vincent Poirier ranks ninth all-time in blocks with 210. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is eighth all-time with 216 and counting.

Poirier is in 11th place all-time with 466 offensive rebounds. Tibor Pleiss of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is 10th with 470 offensive rebounds and counting.

Darius Thompson ranks 12th all-time with a 2.5-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

 

**Streaks**

Sylvain Francisco has made at least 1 three-pointer in 21 straight games.

Francisco has scored in double figures and posted a PIR in double figures in five straight games.

Arnas Butkevicius has had at least 1 steal in seven of his last eight games.

Deividas Sirvydis has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven of his last eight games.

 

**Season rankings**

Sylvain Francisco ranks ninth in three-pointers made with 2.2 per game.

Zalgiris ranks last in the league in scoring with 77.7 points per game.

Zalgiris has averaged a league-low 15.3 assists per game.

Zalgiris has made a league-low 52.0% of its two-point shots.

Zalgiris's defense has allowed a league-low 77.4 points per game.

Zalgiris's defense has held opponents to a league-low 32.1% three-point shooting.

Zalgiris's defense has held opponents to 53.3% shooting on two-pointers, which is third-lowest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Bryant Dunston ranks second all-time with 363 blocked shots. Walter Tavares of Real Madrid is the all-time leader with 469 and counting.

Dunston ranks eighth all-time with 1,589 rebounds. Ioannis Bourousis is seventh with 1,603.

Dunston ranks fourth all-time with 670 career offensive rebounds. Tavares is third with 700 and counting.

Dunston is in eighth place all-time with 1,052 two-pointers made. Tornike Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna is seventh with 1,058 two-point makes and counting.

Dunston is ranked 16th all-time with 275 career steals. Thomas Walkup is 15th with 279 steals and counting.

Edgaras Ulanovas ranks fourth all-time with 271 games started. His former teammate Paulius Jankunas is third with 283 starts.

Arnas Butkevicius needs 2 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Alen Smailagic ranks 14th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.9%.

Dovydas Giedraitis needs 5 assists to reach 100 for his career.

Red-hot Efes (19-14) will attempt to secure a top-six finish by making it eight straight wins with a visit from eliminated Zalgiris (15-18). 

Game Facts: Efes vs. Zalgiris

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-04-11T17:30:00.000Z)

\- Efes beat Zalgiris 86-82 after overtime last season in Istanbul. That was Efes's fifth straight home win over Zagiris. Derek Willis collected his first career double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds in that game.

\- Zalgiris's single-game club record for three-pointers made is 19, which it set in a 96-91 road loss against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in February 2020.

\- Zalgiris's single-game record for three-pointers made by a player is 7, which Marko Popovic tied against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in November 2012.

\- Zalgiris center Bryant Dunston spent eight seasons with Efes. He joined the team in 2015 and helped it win EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022 and reach the championship game in 2019.

\- Dunston played under current Efes head coach Luca Banchi at Virtus Segafredo Bologna last season.

\- Rolands Smits joined Efes this past summer after spending two seasons with Zalgiris.

\- Efes guard PJ Dozier and Zalgiris big man Alen Smailagic were teammates at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade last season.

\- Last season in January 2023, when Zalgiris thrashed Efes 96-70 in Kaunas, Laurynas Birutis scored a career-high 18 points.

\- Efes guard Rodrigue Beaubois scored 20 points and dished a career-high 7 assists in a 60-86 thrashing in Kaunas in December 2022.

\- Zalgiris forward Edgaras Ulanovas scored a career-high 22 points in a 91-83 home win against Efes in November 2017.

\- Efes guard Shane Larkin collected a career-high 4 steals against Zalgiris in March 2021.

\- Zalgiris's Ignas Brazdeikis posted his career highs in PIR (25) and points (23) in an 80-70 road loss against Efes in February 2023.

Game Notes: Efes vs. Zalgiris

The Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Board of Directors met on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Barcelona to discuss key topics shaping the future of its competitions.

Euroleague Commercial Assets Board of Directors convenes to discuss future of competitions

The Euroleague Commercial Assets (ECA) Board of Directors met on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Barcelona to discuss key topics shaping the future of its competitions.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the successful journey it has built over the past 25 years. This progress has been grounded in unity and determination—values that remain as strong today as they were at the start. Over the years, Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup clubs have invested significant resources and relentless effort into delivering the best basketball experience for fans, elevating European club basketball to record levels of interest and commercial success.

The Board discussed the announced proposals for the creation of a new European league, viewing such a move as a threat to the long-standing traditions of European basketball. Such developments would risk fragmentation and confusion within the sport.

At the same time, the Board emphasized its openness to dialogue with any party genuinely interested in contributing to the continued growth of European basketball. However, it remains resolute in opposing any initiatives that undermine the core values, heritage, and fan base of European sports and risk leaving loyal fans behind.

Additionally, attendees of the Board meeting received updates and engaged in strategic discussions regarding the future structure of competitions and emerging commercial opportunities.

The French club could still make the top six with a victory, but will need to show better defense after allowing 101, 98 and 105 points in the last three games. ALBA showed it is capable of exploiting any defensive weakness by putting 92 points on the board against Olympiacos last week, led by 19 points on 9-of-12 two-point shooting from [Yanni Wetzell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yanni-wetzell/011934/). But Paris’s explosive style should also be well suited to an open ALBA defense which has allowed a league-high 91.9 points per game, giving plenty of opportunities to [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) (19.0 points per game) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) (14.7 ppg.) to continue their strong seasons.

### Paris Basketball

 

**Streaks**

TJ Shorts has scored in double figures in all but one of his 32 EuroLeague appearances – including the last 25.

Shorts has posted a PIR of at least 10 in 25 straight games.

Tyson Ward has made at least 1 three-pointer in 12 of his last 13 games.

Mikael Jantunen has made at least 1 three-pointer in 10 of his last 11 games.

Yakuba Ouattara is perfect in 11 trips to the foul line this season.

 

**Season rankings**

TJ Shorts ranks second in average index rating with 23.4 per game.

Shorts ranks fourth in scoring with 19.0 points per game.

Shorts leads the league in assists with 7.5 per game.

Nadir Hifi ranks sixth in three-pointers made with 2.5 per game.

Paris has committed 10.2 turnovers per game, the fewest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Maodo Lo needs 1 rebound to reach 400 for his career.

Yakuba Ouattara needs 4 three-point shots to reach 100 for his career.

### ALBA Berlin

 

**Streaks**

Matt Thomas has made at least 1 three-pointer in 15 of his last 16 games. He has made multiple threes in 14 of those games.

Thomas has scored in double figures in 13 of his last 14 games.

Yanni Wetzell has scored 10 or more points in 11 straight games.

 

**Season rankings**

Martin Hermannsson ranks fourth in assists with 5.8 per game.

Louis Olinde ranks eighth in two-point shooting at 69.6%.

Matt Thomas ranks fourth in three-pointers made with 2.7 per game.

Thomas ranks sixth in three-point shooting at 46.1%.

ALBA has committed a league-high 15.3 turnovers per game.

ALBA has made a league-low 30.0% of its three-pointers.

ALBA has made a league-low 73.1% of its free throws.

ALBA has allowed a league-high 91.9 points per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Matteo Spagnolo needs 12 assists to reach 200 for his career.

Thursday’s final game will see Paris (18-15) warm up for the postseason by receiving a visit from last-placed ALBA (5-29).

Game Facts: Paris vs. ALBA

Paris Basketball v ALBA Berlin (2025-04-10T18:45:00.000Z)

\- In the first-ever EuroLeague game between Paris and ALBA, Paris claimed an 83-92 victory in the German capital with Nadir Hifi posting 25 points and 7 three-pointers, while Tyson Wad had 23 points and 6 triples, with all numbers representing personal bests.

\- Paris guard Maodo Lo spent three years with ALBA, from 2020 to 2023, and helped it win German League championships in 2021 and 2022.

\- In addition to being teammates in Berlin for three years, ALBA's Louis Olinde and Lo made their respective EuroLeague debuts at Brose Bamberg during the 2016-17 season. They were also together for the first part of the 2017-18 season.

\- Paris center Kevarrius Hayes posted a career-high 4 steals in a Round 6 win over ALBA.

\- ALBA's Tim Schneider scored a career-high 18 points in Round 6 against Paris.

\- ALBA's Justin Bean posted his career highs in PIR (34), points (16) and rebounds (14) in Round 6 against Paris.

Game Notes: Paris vs. ALBA

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals.

EuroCup Finals, Game 1: Pregame quotes

## Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (tonight, 19:00 CEST)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are excited because we play the final. We are excited because we played against a great team like Valencia and we managed to win in the series of three. It was not easy to win against Valencia. They were dominant in the regular season. They proved that they had quality, but now it's a new reality for us. We are getting to the final against another Spanish and very quality team that has been together \[for several years+. They made certain accomplishments all these years. They have won the EuroCup in 2023 and are always there, so another difficult task. I like the fact that they are a team. They have a lot of good synergy because they have been together with their coaches over there for many years. Jaka \[Lakovic\] is doing a great job with his coaching staff and they have a lot of automatisms, meaning that they have a good chemistry. They are sized, can run the floor and can play well also five on five. They have scorers. They have big guys that they can shoot, they can spread, can go big ball, small ball, whatever it is. They can do several things well.

"There is not one key, a if it was one key, I would not say to you, I would not share it. But there is not just one key. There are a lot of things. It's an accumulation of small things that there has to be done in order to win. And we take it: this is a series of three games and we play against, as I said, a very serious team that knows what to do and what wants to do on the court. The fact that we play them twice is irrelevant. It's relevant up to one certain point because the teams have played together, but both teams were missing significant players. So you get some kind of a good feeling of what they are capable of doing but right now it's a different story. Right now it's a final. So we approach the first game very seriously."

**Ish Wainright, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"Gran Canaria is like Valencia in a way, probably a little bit more bigger than Valencia. They are aggressive, too, but we played against them twice. We know what they can do. I'm pretty sure they are going to change up a few things like they did against us, but I know they are looking forward to this. This is the Finals and everyone wants to play them, everybody wants to get here and win. I know they are going to come here with a chip on their shoulder, especially because we beat them twice in the regular season. So I'm pretty sure they have a chip on their shoulders, for sure. They have a great core but also a great bench, with guys coming off the bench that take care of business. We have to lock in on our game plan and play defense. That's one thing that we are going to really have: to lock in defense. Our offense is going to come, get out in transition and play. We also have to make sure that we run our plays, that we know that we can score. And of course, take care of the ball."

**Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"This is what we've been talking about all season. Individually, for my career, I never thought I'd be in a game like this, so of course I'm excited. Ready to play. With the team we built, I think we can never really, truly be an underdog with the people we have on our team. But you know, it's basketball at the end of the day, so you have to show up and play your best basketball in order to win. They are very talented and can do many different things. They have an inside presence. They also shoot the ball very well. And when they play in the ACB, they have seen all type of competition, all types of lineups, so it helps them prepare for moments like this. So I think they are very well coached team and they have very talented players. I'm excited to play in front of our fans. I'm just thankful that all the fans come here and they show up for us and hopefully we wull give them a good game."

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"I think the team feels good. I think we are in a good place, in a good moment, with good confidence and mentality to face this final series against Hapoel Tel Aviv. I think it's a team with extreme physical talent. Of course, it's a team that has invested a lot of money in their roster, full of players with top-level experience. I think they play very good basketball, different from us, because they have talent, they have the ability to play the way they play. We have to be prepared, prepare well for what we are going to face in this series. I think it's an advantage \[to have seven winning players in Gran Canaria's roster\] above all because of the experience. We know what we can expect but apart from that, it's a new final series. It's a new game against a team that we have already faced in the regular season. We have to face them in a different way. It is a new series in which everything starts from scratch. We have confidence and hope to compete well and have our options."

**Andrew Albicy, Dreamland Gran Canaria guard**

"We are very focused. We are looking very focused, we can't wait to start the final. They are a very talented player with strong individualities. They are good on every spot, so we need to be ready. First of all, we have to be very focused and smart, because there is a lot of pressure. But that pressure can give us energy, so it's good to take like that energy and use against the pressure. And just like I always say, defense wins championships, so we have to be very focused to play strong defense, as a team. After that, on offense, we have to share the ball, read what they want to do and take what our defense will give us. It was a different moment of the season. I think we are in a very good moment right now. We are confident about what we can do and like I say, it's the final, so the mentality is completely different. Maybe after these two losses against them, we will have an advantage. Maybe they won't respect as much as they are supposed to do but again, it's a final. Each team will give everything to win."

**Mike Tobey, Dreamland Gran Canaria center**

"We have been doing a good job lately, it is great timing to have good moment and I think we are definitely in one of our best moments of the season, if not the best. So good time for it to happen. Hapoel s a really talented team. This summer they made a lot of noise with a lot of big signings. They have a great coach as well, and are a complete team with a lot of talent that plays really physical. They are in the EuroCup for a reason, they have definitely been one of the best teams this whole season. Anytime you have an experience, that is always something good to have on your side, so having seven guys that have done it before is great. I have been in this position, we all can feed off of that experience but at the same time, every championship run is different and unique. It's good that we have been here. We have got that experience but know that this one's going to be different for us as well. We won some close games lately. It gives us confidence that if the game is close or even if we are down towards the end, we still have a chance to win it. We won two games recently with like last-second shots, which is always an exciting thing to have happened. But it also gives us the confidence to know that we have been in that position, especially even really recently. So if we are in that position again, to just be confident and know that we can win in that spot. Physicality is a big thing in this series, and defense is going to be huge. We know .how offensively talented they are and how they want to play on defense."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals