Name: Kuath puts on a show! Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Kur Kuath takes over with a blocked shot on defense before running the floor for an alley-oop jam

 Kuath puts on a show! Magic Moment 

Kur Kuath takes over with a blocked shot on defense before running the floor for an alley-oop jam 

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-29T18:30:00.000Z)

Yoan Makoundou reacts to a blocked shot and throws down a ferocious slam dunk

 Makoundou throws it down! Magic Moment 

 Yoan Makoundou reacts to a blocked shot and throws down a ferocious slam dunk

Vincent Poirier gets the ball from Darius Thompson and detonates one of the best alley-oop dunks of the season!

Poirier's huge alley-oop slam! Motorola Magic Moment

 Vincent Poirier gets the ball from Darius Thompson and detonates one of the best alley-oop dunks of the season!

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2024-10-29T17:30:00.000Z)

Martin and Terry connect for a big alley-oop dunk.

Martin to Terry alley-oop! Magic Moment

 Martin and Terry connect for a big alley-oop dunk.

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-10-29T17:00:00.000Z)

Kevin Punter beats the halftime buzzer with a HUGE SHOT!

Punter beats the buzzer! Motorola Magic Moment

 Kevin Punter beats the halftime buzzer with a HUGE SHOT!

Darius Thompson connects with Vincent Poirier for a high-flying alley-oop dunk!

Poirier's alley-oop dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

 Darius Thompson connects with Vincent Poirier for a high-flying alley-oop dunk!

Jogela's monster slam! Magic Moment 

Euroleague.net's team of experts – Javier Gancedo, Geoff Gillingham, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic – have made their bold predictions for Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Bold predictions, Rounds 6-7: Teams going in different directions

The second double-round week of the season is here, which should spell plenty of drama for all 18 teams in Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

In the lead-up to Round 6, the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts have each come up with one bold prediction.

### Paris to keep on charging this week

### *by Geoff Gillingham*

What a time to be a [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/?season=2024-25) fan. In the club’s first-ever season in the EuroLeague, Tiago Splitter has guided his team to two notable wins – at home against reigning champ Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in Round 3 and on the road at AS Monaco in Round 5 – to give the Parisian club a 2-3 record after five games. In fact, Paris could easily have found itself with two, if not three, more wins under its belt, but its inexperience was its undoing. This week, I think Paris – led by superstar point guard [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) – will beat ALBA Berlin on the road on Tuesday before downing Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz at home on Friday. That Baskonia game will be a special occasion for Coach Splitter, who had his No. 21 jersey retired by the Spanish club last season, but I think Paris will be looking at an impressive 4-3 record come the end of this week.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBtMfgEsBPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBtMfgEsBPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBtMfgEsBPO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Paris Basketball 🏀 (@parisbasketball)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Olympiacos bounces back at home

### *by Javier Gancedo*

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25) has had a rough start to the season and currently ranks 11th with a 2-3 record. It also lost against archrival Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the Greek League derby last Sunday, so it is time for the Reds to regroup at home against Real Madrid and FC Barcelona – that's my bold prediction. Olympiacos should beat Real, as it is [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/)'s first game against *Los Blancos* since losing the 2023 EuroLeague Championship Game at the buzzer. No one will be more motivated in this game, and Vezenkov already had 29 points and a PIR of 34 in that fatal night back in 2023. [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) should have a key role, guarding [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) in Round 6 and [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) in Round 7. Olympiacos beat Barca in last season's playoffs, winning Game 5 at Palau Blaugrana, so the atmosphere should be wild at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Despite its slow start, Olympiacos is basically the same team as last season, plus Vezenkov, [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/). Expect the Reds to have a winning record by the end of this week. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">🙏🏽 Τα εισιτήρια για την αποψινή (29/10, 21:15) αναμέτρηση με την <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> εξαντλήθηκαν !<br><br>✊🏽 Πάμε να παλέψουμε ΟΛΟΙ μαζί για τη νίκη! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/UFEbP7jKMN">pic.twitter.com/UFEbP7jKMN</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1851275766547324965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Zalgiris’s magic act comes to an end

### *Frankie Sachs*

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) is tied for the league’s top record alongside FC Barcelona at 4-1. And now it hosts back-to-back home games. Is now the time coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team establishes itself among the contenders. In my humble opinion, it will not. Since beating Barcelona on opening night, Zalgiris’s wins thus far have come against teams at the bottom rungs of the standings and its clashes against teams with winning records – Crvena Zvezda Meridienbet Belgrade on Wednesday and AS Monaco on Friday – present much stiffer challenges. Zalgiris has won so far with a collective effort as only two players ([Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/)) are averaging double digits in scoring or PIR. Zalgiris has not yet replaced Tyrone Wallace and offseason additions [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/) and [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/) have not provided offensive fireworks. To beat the stars on Zvezda and Monaco, they will need those fireworks. I am not sure they are up Trinchieri’s sleeve.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EuroLeague Round 5 🎬 <a href="https://t.co/3R0OCeB3wG">pic.twitter.com/3R0OCeB3wG</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1849859311763337480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Monaco shows character on the road

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Monaco has had an up-and-down start to the season, just like almost every other EuroLeague team. Heading into the second double-round week of the season with a 3-2 record isn't that bad, especially considering the team has been missing key backcourt pieces in [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) and [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-furkan-korkmaz-to-miss-3-4-weeks/), while [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is still not at 100% after his back surgery this past summer. However, Monaco played four of its five games at home and lost its only away clash, which came at FC Barcelona. This week, Monaco will first visit Partizan, then travel to Kaunas to face Zalgiris. A challenging week with two tough road games in front of packed houses. But I think Monaco shows character and steals two road wins in three days, putting the rest of the league on notice of what this team is capable of.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎬 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 🔮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/LegTwlyI2M">pic.twitter.com/LegTwlyI2M</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1851192274165649897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Euroleague.net's team of experts have each made one bold prediction ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 season

Paris Basketball v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-11-01T19:45:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Paris Basketball (2024-10-29T18:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v AS Monaco (2024-11-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-30T18:00:00.000Z)

TJ Shorts is blazing the trail for undersized guards in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, but some other sub-1.80m players also shined in the EuroLeague in the past.

Three sub-1.80m EuroLeague stars who paved the way before TJ Shorts

Round 5 MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has been one of the standout players of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season so far, despite standing at just 1.75 meters. The [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) guard is putting on a clinic when it comes to dominating the game with his speed by actually using his height to his advantage. The funny, and rather impressive, thing is that we are talking about a player who isn’t really a reliable threat from the perimeter but still manages to be pretty much unstoppable.

The sample isn’t large, of course, but his averages of 19.8 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds are telling. As are Paris’ wins over defending champion Panathinaikos, which came at Adidas Arena, and Final Four contender AS Monaco on the road.

Very few EuroLeague players before Shorts managed to have such an impact on their teams’ game and make this kind of noise while being under 1.80m. Here’s a Holy Trinity (plus one special mention) of past EuroLeague stars who perfectly exemplified the “heart over height” motto.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1734817/three-sub-1-80m-euroleague-stars-who-paved-the-way-before-tj-shorts/).

More Paris Basketball News

He is following in the footsteps of some memorable guards

Besiktas Istanbul guard Derek Needham is determined to lead his club to EuroCup glory, with the 34-year-old having come close on several occasions in the past.

Derek Needham, Besiktas have some unfinished business to take care off

[Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) has been close multiple times before. Now he wants to finally reach the mountaintop.

“Winning the BKT EuroCup is the dream,” Needham tells Eurohoops. “That would be the kind of closure to the EuroCup runs we’ve been on.”

When he joined [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/) in 2023, Needham had established himself as one of the most prominent guards in the EuroCup. He was named to the competition’s All-EuroCup Second Team in 2022, having helped Bursaspor make a shock run to the EuroCup Final, and then took his talents to Istanbul and the Black Eagles.

“I’ve been to the final four two times now,” Needham adds. “Once, I made the final. Last year we were really close. To hold that trophy will mean everything. I won’t stop until I get it. I’ve been hunting for it.”

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1734810/derek-needham-and-besiktas-have-some-unfinished-business-to-take-care-off/).

More Besiktas News

The veteran guard has big expectations for his squad this season

Fantasy experts Frankie Sachs, Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza offer their advice ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast: Tips for another double-round week

The fifth episode from season two of the EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast has landed, with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) duo [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and Sport 24’s [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) offering their advice for fantasy managers ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Which players should you specifically target this week? Which players should you drop? Find out more by checking out the video above.

The Reds look to snap a four-game slide in games against Los Blancos when they meet on Tuesday.

The heat is on for Olympiacos-Real Madrid showdown

What do you get for the rivalry that has it all?

After all, [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25) and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/?season=2024-25) have met in back-to-back Final Fours, including the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game, which was only decided in the final seconds. One player ([Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/)) switched sides from the Spanish capital to the Greek port city in the summer of 2023.

Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas and forwards [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) and [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) all spent time with Real Madrid’s archrival, FC Barcelona. Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is a self-avowed fan of Olympiacos’s archrival, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

<center><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/rvaQRHCzisFeo" width="480" height="298" style="" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/russell-crowe-rvaQRHCzisFeo">via GIPHY</a></p>

Okay, not entertained. I get it. Been there, done that.

How about the fact that Real has won four in a row against Olympiacos? Now we are getting somewhere. And add the fact that – to put it mildly – neither team has gotten off to a blistering start to the season. Real is 3-2 and Olympiacos is 2-3.

Now just imagine how important this Round 6 fixture is to both teams… And thus we have captured the essence of the Rivalry Series. This win will mean a lot to the victors. And it will truly smart the losers.

### The heat is on the coaches

We can start with the coaches. If Real wins, Bartzokas will be off to the worst start of a season among his eight on the Olympiacos bench. That would add even more pressure after the Reds lost their Greek League derby against Panathinaikos on Sunday. And with Vezenkov, the 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP, back with the team after a year away.

If Olympiacos wins, coach Chus Mateo of Real will be off to his worst start as head coach of the team. For contrast, *Los Blancos* did not lose their third game last season until Round 22. So the heat is on.

### Two of the league’s biggest stars

Despite the team’s quiet starts, their main stars have been rocking. Real playmaker [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) leads the league in PIR (25.2 per game) with excellent shooting (50% 2FG, 56.2% 3FG, 100% FT). Vezenkov is fifth in PIR (22.6) and averaging 16.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Between [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), the reigning EuroLeague Best Defender, and [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), who is Campazzo’s friend and former teammate at both the club and national team level, Olympiacos has reasons to believe it can slow down Real’s star. Last season, Campazzo only totaled 24 points in three games against Olympiacos. He also had 27 assists as well as 11 turnovers.

The last time Vezenkov played Real, he went off for 29 points, 9 boards and 4 assists in the 2023 title decider. But he will see a much different defense this time; [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) was injured and [Eli Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eli-ndiaye/009213/) was but a teenager with a bit role. Can they contain the former MVP this time?

The list of what may make this Rivalry Series game great is infinite. Both teams are rich in talent and history. But if we just focus on the rivalry between them, the dread of another early-season loss and the great form of their stars, we have enough of an understanding why this is must-see basketball!

The Reds look to snap a four-game slide in games against Los Blancos when they meet on Tuesday

Olympiacos Piraeus v Real Madrid (2024-10-29T19:15:00.000Z)

The EuroCup's top rebounder Mfiondu Kabengele of Umana Reyer Venice sat down for a one-on-one interview with Javier Gancedo

Mfiondu Kabengele, Reyer: 'I'm definitely grateful to be out here'

Umana Reyer Venice has been battling injuries since the start of the season. The team is 2-3 in Group B and plays four of its next five games on the road. Its main pillar this far has been center Mfiondu Kabengele, who leads the 2024-25 EuroCup in rebounding with 10.2 per game and already has three double-doubles this season. He is also posting 13.6 points on 63.6% two-point shooting and 1.6 assists for a PIR of 22.0, which is fourth overall in the competition.

Kabengele's uncle was the late African basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo, who passed away recently. In this week's [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) interview with Javier Gancedo, Kabengele spoke about architecture, food, basketball and how to turn injuries into something positive for the team.

"I'm excited for other guys to really shine and perform because we are going to need it," Kabengele said. "I feel like every team is scouted, our top guys, and this is a good opportunity for other guys to step up, open the game for everybody."

**Congratulations on beating Hamburg. A great first half paved the way to the win. What allowed you to overcome injuries and get that important win?**

"Thanks. It was just a team effort. Guys had to step up and sacrifice even more. Sometimes it's not just about guys having to shoot more or do more. Some guys have to do less than what they are accustomed to because of the new guys coming in and their playing style. So I feel like guys did a good job of just being adaptable, adjusting to the injuries and just staying the course. Guys recognized we were not at full strength, so it's good to see the fight in some of the guys during the game."

"My favorite part [of Venice], other than the food, is definitely the architecture, seeing how the city is built on water"

**Rodney McGruder joined the backcourt and had a great game. How can he help you right away, given your injury circumstances?**

"Another ball handler. Another great defender, that's probably one of the main things. We have Tyler \[Ennis\] and JP \[Jordan Parks\], who are also great leaders on this team. Both are great defenders and Rodney can fill that role. He is a great on-ball defender and a good ball screen defender, as well as making good reads in the pick-and-roll. So obviously his shot is a given, but the things that I'm looking forward to that can help other guys the most is his ability to read ball screens, make plays off the dribble, and obviously, get defensive stops."

**This is your second season in Reyer. How do you like playing for such a historic team and the privilege of living near Venice?**

"It's been great! My agent at the time, when I was coming from Greece, we were looking at potential teams and I didn't know much about Reyer. I knew about Venice, but I didn't know much about the team, and he just told me about the coaching staff, the players there, and it sounded too good to be true. And now that I came here, I'm seeing it. Great coaching staff, great players, the city is fantastic, the fans are great, so I'm definitely grateful to be out here."

**Have you been to the old arena \[Misericordia di Venezia\]?**

"Yeah! We went there! We did a video promo there for our introduction for the games, and they had some pictures of what it looked like before. It's a museum now, so it was nice to see that. And just to visualize how players would get to the games and stuff, that was cool."

Umana Reyer Venice center Mfiondu Kabengle leads the 2024-25 EuroCup in rebounds at 10.2 per game. He is also averaging 13.6 points on 63.6% two-point shooting, 1.6 rebounds and a PIR of 22.0, ranking fourth overall.

2024-25 highlights: Mfioundu Kabengele, Reyer

**We mentioned Venice. Have you seen every corner already and tried the amazing local food?**

"For sure, the city is great. My favorite part, other than the food, is definitely the architecture, seeing how the city is built on water. I read about the way it was built. They put these stakes into the ground and packed it with mud and dirt to keep it solid. And then through that, it insulated it from the water from eroding. It's just high-tech architecture. And then obviously the food is amazing. Pasta, the seafood... so it's really, really, really nice. I really enjoy it."

**Back to basketball. You lead the EuroCup in rebounds and already have three double-doubles in five EuroCup games. You grabbed 21 in an Italian League game, too. What makes you such a great rebounder?**

"I would just say energy and heart. I'm not going to sit here and lie to you, be like, 'I watch all the film and see how guys shoot'. I just try to position myself and give myself a chance. It's all about giving myself a chance. If you stay in shape, you've got a chance to have energy in the fourth quarter. If you work on your jump shot, you will be able to make shots when you are tired. If you go hard in practice, you will be able to perform in games. You will always have a chance when you do certain things. So I feel like if I continue, if I keep working out, making sure I'm in shape, strong, mobile... I feel like all those things give me a chance, the best chance when the shot goes up. And obviously, the God-given abilities, my arm length, the motor, my heart, my size, those things definitely help a lot. So I feel like the accumulation of all those things is why I'm rebounding the way I am."

"The EuroCup does a good job of reminding me and others if I am who I say I am"

**This is your second EuroCup season. What do you like the most about it?**

"It's great. A lot of great imports, great domestic players. It's nice to get out of Italy sometimes and see other countries, see their fans and players and some things along the way. I have met players who I played against previously, and you get to ask them how their time is there in this city and this town and with this team, and you get their perspective and stuff like that. So it's really great. And the competition, I would say there's definitely more guys of my size and strength, so it's good. It's good to see where I stand sometimes... how I size up with these guys because sometimes you can get lost and think too much of yourself until you meet the real deal. And the EuroCup does a good job of reminding me and others if I am who I say I am, so it's been cool.

**You will play four of the next five games on the road. How much of a test is that for Reyer, and how good can it be for the team's chemistry if this tour is successful?**  

"It will be great. It will be a lot of confidence for the other guys because I know for a fact when all the other guys come back, it will be an adjustment period for all of us, and it's going to be important for guys to have those moments of confidence, those moments of production to reassure themselves when their name is called again and they get back to the flow of things, that they still have that ability. So I'm excited for other guys to really shine and perform because we are going to need it. I feel like every team is scouting our top guys and this is a good opportunity for other guys to step up, open the game for everybody. So I'm excited to see where these guys come from."

**You seem to be very comfortable playing for Coach Neven Spahija, one of the best EuroCup coaches of aall time What's the best thing about him as a coach?**

"He's cool, just always challenging guys, always making sure to bring guys back to the team concept. Every guy has high aspirations for themselves and for others and Coach does a good job of trying to bring it back to the team. So that's the one thing I really appreciate about him because sometimes you can get lost, even myself, I can get lost in my own success and think big of myself. But Coach does a good job of bringing me back and just telling me 'you know, this is all about us, us, us'. And that just relieves the pressure, the stress. He does a really good job of bringing everybody back to the team concept."

**Finally, you will face U-BT Cluj-Napoca in front of 10,000 fans next week. As a competitor, how do you like strong atmospheres like this? Does it make you play even better?**

"I always like those kinds of things because I always learn something new about myself and others. In practices, you can perform but there's no one there. But in road games, are you still able to make the same read or still have the same effort? Are you still to hit the same shots? So it's going to be very revealing. We are going to step up or fold, myself included. I'm excited to see what the game reveals about ourselves."

The EuroCup's top rebounder sat down for a one-on-one interview with Javier Gancedo

U-BT Cluj-Napoca playmaker Patrick Richard is set to be sidelined for four months due to a broken forearm


Cluj's Richard out for four months 

Richard got injured midway through its team's BKT EuroCup showdown against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. He left the game late in the first quarter. Richard immediately arrived at a hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria for a medical research, which confirmed a forearm fracture. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season. In his sixth season with Cluj, Richard averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 assists in 4 EuroCup games. In order to show  support for the team's captain, all Cluj players are set to wear Richard’s warm-up T-shirt during the team presentation before this week's EuroCup game against Umana Reyer Venezia. 

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetlgnNlVH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetlgnNlVH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetlgnNlVH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by U-BT Cluj-Napoca (@ubancatransilvania)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></center>

Several teams have leaned on pick-and-roll play as the engine of their offense this season in the BKT EuroCup.

Stats review: The EuroCup’s best at the pick-and-roll game

Round 5 of the BKT EuroCup featured an all-time offensive performance by Dreamland Gran Canaria as it exploded for a record 125 points in regulation to punish a shorthanded ratiopharm Ulm team.  While there is no shortage of superlatives to throw around about the performance Coach Jaka Lakovic’s team put together, their efficiency in the pick-and-roll stood out.

Generating 49 points over 36 possessions created out of ball screens – including 17 over eight possessions used by their roll men, Gran Canaria punished the defense repeatedly in the two-man game as it scored 1.41 points per possession in the half court overall.  Given a possession against a set defense has been worth around 0.94 points this season, Gran Canaria played almost exactly 50% more efficiently than average on its way to its fourth win of the season.

While that game was an extreme example, there are several teams who have been able to lean on pick-and-roll play as the engine of their offense through the early part of the season. The table above lists the teams who have found the most success in terms of points per possession created out of ball screens through Round 5.  For reference, the average pick-and-roll possession has been converted for 0.97 points per possession this season with the shots created for a team’s shooters and roll men proving more valuable than those used by ball handlers themselves.

Striking a balance there can be tricky, but in the early going, U-BT Cluj Napoca, Valencia Basket, and Bahcesehir College Istanbul have been able to set themselves apart from the rest of the field in what they have produced when they have played pick-and-roll.  That’s been especially notable for Valencia, which is one of 11 teams creating right around half of its scoring opportunities in the half-court with ball screens.

Cluj has gotten back on track in recent weeks after starting the season 0-3 against what may wind up being the top three teams in Group B by the end of the season.  The team's ability to generate quality looks with pick-and-rolls has been key to its strong start offensively against a grueling slate and Zavier Simpson has led that charge. In his first season in Europe, the true floor general is making the game easy for his teammates by creating almost 15 points per game with his passes out of pick-and-rolls.

His combination of vision and creativity shines when the game slows down and, despite his preference for getting teammates involved, he has been effective looking for his own shot too.  With Simpson leading the EuroCup in points created out of pick-and-rolls, Adam Mokoka, Patrick Richard, and Dennis Seeley have all been effective as secondary ball handlers to give Cluj something to build on offensively despite the tough start.

Jean Montero has been just as productive as Simpson on a per-minute basis and the 21-year-old is a big reason Valencia has leaned so heavily on pick-and-roll play this season.  With Brancou Badio and swingman Xabi Lopez-Arostegui finding some success looking for their own offense, Stefan Jovic providing a veteran presence with his passing, and Matt Costello proving to be by far the EuroCup’s most productive roll man early on, pick-and-roll play has contributed to Valencia’s dominant start to the season.

Unlike Cluj and Valencia, Bahcesehir College Istanbul spreads the ball around a bit more liberally with Jaleen Smith and CJ Massinburg splitting time on the ball and both Sehmus Hazer and Mateusz Ponitka both getting involved regularly off the bench as well.

Though each of these teams has scored the ball at a high level in pick-and-rolls, they have taken different paths to get there with Valencia getting their screeners involved most often, Bahcesehir’s ball handlers scoring at a tremendous rate looking for their own shots, and Cluj committing few turnovers despite their efforts to put pressure on the rim.

Umana Reyer Venice warrants mention for its efficiency as well with Gran Canaria jumping into this conversation based largely on last week’s outburst.  At this point, an effective EuroCup offense starts in pick-and-rolls and these teams have put themselves in a position to rank among the best overall with their efficiency in the early going.

Several teams have leaned on pick-and-roll play as the engine of their offense this season

The Paris Basketball playmaker is on a record pace so far this Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season entering Round 6.

Stats review: TJ Shorts and this season's pick-and-roll masters

Paris Basketball notched its first-ever road victory in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague – over AS Monaco in the Rivalry Series, no less – by following a familiar formula.  

Last season, Paris emerged as a powerhouse in the BKT EuroCup to earn a spot in the EuroLeague as it lost only a single game before lifting the trophy.  While it did some truly innovative things with full-court pressure, substitution patterns, and play calling, the cornerstone of its high-powered offense, its biggest differentiator in key moments, and the thing that gives the team real upside in its maiden voyage in the EuroLeague was the ability to score at a high-level playing out of pick-and-rolls.

Even after a coaching change as they ascended to the gauntlet that is the EuroLeague, Paris has been able to hang its hat on pick-and-roll play. Generating 44 points over only 39 possessions created out of pick-and-rolls against AS Monaco in Round 5, Paris enters the week ranked fourth in efficiency and second in points scored per game in pick-and-roll situations.  While new head coach Tiago Splitter certainly deserves some credit for fostering some continuity from last season, the return of playmaking ball handler TJ Shorts has ensured that this offense has the same pathway to success.

The table above lists the EuroLeague leaders in points created out of pick-and-rolls combining those the players scored themselves and created with passes. As the table suggests, Shorts has been the league’s most prolific ball screen weapon by a wide margin so far this season as Paris has leaned into his ability to make things happen off the dribble.  The 38 points he created against Monaco in Round 5 were a reflection of that.  He is currently on pace to exceed the EuroLeague record of 24.2 points created out of pick-and-rolls per game set during the 2020-21 season by Alexey Shved – the only player to ever eclipse the 20-point threshold for a full season.  

Scoring in bunches even as he is not particularly aggressive from beyond the arc, Shorts has a combination of quickness, craftiness, and creativity that is unforgiving to opposing defenses and positions Paris to exceed expectations.  Currently scoring more points per game in the midrange than any player in modern EuroLeague history as well, Shorts puts huge pressure on opposing help defenders and scores and passes off that at an exceptional level.  As prolific as he is, his 1.05 points per possession created out of the pick-and-roll sits well above average as well.

Facundo Campazzo has flirted with that level of production but fits a different mold owning the lowest score-to-pass ratio among the most productive guards this season and throughout his prime.  While he may not look for his own shot aggressively, he’s a big reason Real Madrid ranks second in overall pick and roll efficiency.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has been bitten by the injury bug and that is one reason it has two players featured here.  However, the performance of those players in oversized roles has been a boon for the club as their efficiency has not suffered through their reshuffling.  

Paris Lee and Theo Maledon are arguably this list’s most intriguing duo as they bring a contrast of styles to the floor—sometimes in the same lineup.  Maledon’s aggressiveness in looking for his own shot and Lee’s more conventional approach allow LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne to give opposing defenses different looks.

Pick-and-roll play is at an all-time high in the EuroLeague this season thanks in some part to the addition of Shorts and Paris.  While he has a chance to rewrite the history books, there are plenty of new faces on this list relative to previous seasons as there are rising stars taking the reins for their teams throughout the league. 

The Paris Basketball playmaker is on a record pace so far this season.

Javier Gancedo reveals his choices of players who could make a difference on your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Squads this week

Fantasy Challenge tips, Rounds 6-7: A double opportunity!

It should be a busy week for everyone in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague ecosystem. The second two-round week of the week is upon us! That means all EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers have two chances to win our weekly prize as well as to climb spots in the standings, both in private leagues and overall. Here are my recommendations for you to enhance your teams in Rounds 6 and 7.

### Nick Weiler-Babb, FC Bayern Munich (7.7 credits)

Carsen Edwards and Devin Booker combined for 50 points in Bayern's home win against Olympiacos Piraeus and all flashes were on them after the game. Weiler-Babb had an outstanding, fantasy-friendly performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and just 1 turnover for a PIR of 20. In the German League, Weiler-Babb has averaged a PIR of 18.0. Watch out!

### Elijah Bryant, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (10.1 credits)

Unfortunately, Efes will be without superstar guard Shane Larkin for 3-4 weeks, so other players have to step up. Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant should see more responsibilities on offense and that's good news for Fantasy Challenge managers because Bryant always delivers with extended playing time. In Milan, he had 19 points and 5 assists for a PIR of 22.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhUz-rNnl-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhUz-rNnl-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhUz-rNnl-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Anadolu Efes Spor Kulübü (@anadoluefessk)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Tomas Satoransky, FC Barcelona (10.8 credits)

Satornasky has stepped up big-time since Nico Laprovittola was injured. In last week's game against ASVEL, Satoransky had 9 points on 3 of 4 three-point shooting and 4 assists for a PIR of 10. In the Spanish League over the weekend, Satoransky had 14 points and 9 assists for a PIR of 25. Seeing more playing time should enhance Satoranssy's all-around game going forward.

### Facu Campazzo, Real Madrid (16.6 credits)

Campazzo is our superstar of choice this week even if Real plays a pair of road games. Campazzo was truly outstanding against last week Crvena Zvezda, amassing a PIR of 30 (13 points, 6 assists) in less than 20 minutes. In five games, he has averaged 14.8 points on 56.2% three-point shooting and 100% on free throws plus 8.0 assists for a PIR of 25.2. He is at the prime of his career.

Zach Leday, Nick Weiler-Babb, Facu Campazzo, Elijah Bryant and Tomas Satoransky are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 6-7

### Zach LeDay, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (13.3 credits)

LeDay has been solid until now, scoring in double digits in all games. He is averaging 13.8 points on 60.0% three-point shooting and 92.0% on free throws plus 5.8 fouls drawn for a PIR of 16.2. Against Efes, LeDay had a season-best PIR of 24, getting 16 points, 7 rebounds and 10 fouls drawn. Milan plays twice at home and that should help LeDay keep rolling.

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season gets closer and closer to its halfway mark. Round 6 starts with just one team undefeated, Valencia Basket. It is being a good season for EuroCup Fantasy Challenge managers, with a lot of players showing great consistency throughout the season.

EuroCup Fantasy tips, Round 6: Loads of opportunities

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season gets closer to its halfway mark. Round 6 starts with just one team undefeated, Valencia Basket. It's been a good season for EuroCup Fantasy Challenge managers with a lot of players showing great consistency throughout the season.

I have a few ideas of who might do well in Round 6, of course. Here are my fantasy challenge recommendations ahead of this round.

Braian Angola, Adam Mokoka, Jaka Blazic, David De Julius and Axel Bouteille are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 6

### Axel Bouteille, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (12.9 credits)

Bouteille comes off his first-ever double-double in the competition with 21 points and 12 rebounds in his team's win over Buducnost. Bahcesehir is 4-1 with Bouteille as one of the team's leaders. He is averaging 13.6 points on solid shooting (65.4% 2FG. 45.5% 3FG) and 6.6 rebounds for a PIR of 17.2. At less than 13 credits, he is still undervalued.

### Braian Angola, Turk Telekom Ankara (12.1 credits)

Angola switched teams and instantly had a bigger role in Turk Telekom. In his first game with his new club, Angola came off the bench to get 23 points, 3 assists, 12 fouls drawn and a PIR of 26. Turk Telekom is a very talented team with good scorers everywhere and that should give Angola plenty of space to play one-on-one. Keep an eye on him.

### Jaka Blazic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (14.6 credits)

Cedevita is off to an excellent start, losing only once thus far. Blazic has taken center stage and is a stable leader night in and night out. He has been simply sensational in the last couple of games, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.0 fouls drawn for a PIR of 26.5. Blazic is in good shape as Cedevita faces high-scoring Jerusalem.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetPdIs_9k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetPdIs_9k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBetPdIs_9k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cedevita Olimpija (@kkcedevitaolimpija)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Adam Mokoka, U-BT Cluj-Napoca (8.2 credits)

Mokoka has great value, especially now that Cluj bounced back from a 0-3 start and is building a winning streak. He has played a stellar role in both wins, getting 13 points and a PIR of 14 in just 16 minutes against Hamburg. He followed that up with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks for a career-high PIR of 27 against Jerusalem.

### David De Julius, Aris Midea Thessaloniki (9.8 credits)

De Julius has adjusted very well to the competition and become one of Aris's leaders. He's averaged 15.0 points on 50.0% three-point shooting and 3.0 assists for a PIR of 15.2. In Round 4, he scored 30 points against Jerusalem. De Julius is a steal at 9.8 credits as his overall performance should improve as the season goes on.

Javier Gancedo has a few choices for players to add to your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Squads ahead of Round 6's games