Name: Ante Tomic | Round 1 MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

GAME NOTES

\- Bourg holds a 4-0 record in EuroCup games against Cluj. Last season Bourg defeated Cluj by 4 points at home and 9 on the road.

Game Videos

GAME FACTS

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Brandon Paul posted his career high in Assists with 3 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against U-BT Cluj-Napoca on december 27, 2023.

Brandon Paul posted his career high in Steals with 3 for ratiopharm Ulm against U-BT Cluj-Napoca on march 29, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Adrian Nelson is ranked eighth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 18 per game.

Hugo Benitez is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 6 per game.

Jean-Marc Pansa is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 7 per game.

Xavier Castadena is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

Adrian Nelson is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Jean-Marc Pansa is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Maxime Courby is ranked sixth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 47,55% 3-point % for his career.

Hugo Benitez is ranked eighth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 261,54% assists-turnovers ratio % for his career.

GAME FACTS

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca

 

**Streaks**

Cluj sharpshooter Sasu Salin has made at least 1 three-pointer in four of his last five games dating back to the 2018-19 season.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Kevin Hervey posted his career high in Assists with 4 for Virtus Segafredo Bologna against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse on april 5, 2022.

Patrick Richard posted his career high in Index Rating with 31 for U-BT Cluj-Napoca against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse on january 11, 2023.

Patrick Richard posted his career high in Defensive rebounds with 7 for U-BT Cluj-Napoca against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse on january 11, 2023.

Adam Mokoka posted his career high in Free throws made with 3 for U-BT Cluj-Napoca against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse on october 17, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Zavier Simpson is ranked third among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 28 per game.

Adam Mokoka is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Zavier Simpson is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Zavier Simpson is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 9 per game.

Zach Hankins is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 7 per game.

Adam Mokoka is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Zavier Simpson is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Zach Hankins is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

Adam Mokoka is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

Zavier Simpson is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Patrick Richard is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 66,94% 2-point % for his career.

Sasu Salin is ranked eighth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 178 3-pointers made for his career.

Game News

Game Notes and Facts: Bourg vs. Cluj-Napoca

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-02T17:30:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- Buducnost’s 90-77 home win over Gran Canaria last season was the club’s first and only in their 10 EuroCup meetings.

\- Buducnost guard Rasheed Sulaimon and Gran Canaria big man Pierre Pelos were teammates at JL Bourg-en-Bresse during the 2021-22 season.  

GAME FACTS

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica

 

**Streaks**

Buducnost center Kenan Kamenjas has had a double-digit PIR in five straight games.

Buducnost guard Yogi Ferrell has had at least 1 steal in six of his last seven games.

Buducnost guard Rasheed Sulaimon has scored at least 13 points and made at least 1 three-pointer in eight of his nine career games in the competition.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Kenan Kamenjas posted his career high in Index Rating with 28 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Dreamland Gran Canaria on february 7, 2024.

Kenan Kamenjas posted his career high in Points with 12 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Dreamland Gran Canaria on february 7, 2024.

Kenan Kamenjas posted his career high in Free throws made with 6 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Dreamland Gran Canaria on february 7, 2024.

Kenan Kamenjas posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 4 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Dreamland Gran Canaria on february 7, 2024.

 

**Season Rankings**

Rasheed Sulaimon is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 8 per game.

Rasheed Sulaimon is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 8 per game.

Kenan Kamenjas is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Juwan Morgan is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Yogi Ferrell is ranked fourth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 91,08% free throws % for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Dreamland Gran Canaria

Streaks

Gran Canaria's Nico Brussino has made at least 1 three-pointer in 11 straight games.

Brussino has had a double-digit PIR in eight of his last nine games.

Gran Canaria forward John Shurna has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight games.

Gran Canaria guard Joe Thomasson has scored at least 13 points in seven of his last eight games dating back to the 2022-23 season.

Thomasson made at least 1 three-point shot in eight straight games dating back to the 2022-23 season.

Gran Canaria guard Andrew Albicy has had a double-digit PIR in seven consecutive games.

Gran Canaria guard Caleb Homesley has made at least 1 three-pointer in 14 of the 15 games he played so far in the competition.

Player Records against Opponent

Nicolas Brussino posted his career high in Assists with 7 for Dreamland Gran Canaria against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on february 7, 2024.

Miquel Salvo posted his career high in Points with 16 for Gran Canaria against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on march 21, 2023.

Pierre Pelos posted his career high in Time played with 35:57 for JL Bourg en Bresse against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on march 3, 2021.

Pierre Pelos posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 5 for JL Bourg en Bresse against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on march 3, 2021.

John Shurna posted his career high in Steals with 4 for Dreamland Gran Canaria against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on february 7, 2024.

John Shurna posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 4 for Gran Canaria against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on december 15, 2021.

Mike Tobey posted his career high in Free throws made with 5 for Valencia Basket against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on january 25, 2022.

Mike Tobey posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 5 for Valencia Basket against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on january 25, 2022.

Pierre Pelos posted his career high in Total rebounds with 10 for JL Bourg en Bresse against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on march 3, 2021.

Season Rankings

Mike Tobey is ranked seventh among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 24 per game.

Mike Tobey is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 20 per game.

Mike Tobey is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 8 per game.

Mike Tobey is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 8 per game.

Mike Tobey is ranked third among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 8 per game.

All-time Ranking

Andrew Albicy is ranked seventh on the all-time EuroCup charts with 1455 index rating for his career.

Andrew Albicy is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 615 assists for his career.

Andrew Albicy is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 174 steals for his career.

Miquel Salvo is ranked sixth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 65,68% 2-point % for his career.

John Shurna is ranked seventh on the all-time EuroCup charts with 180 3-pointers made for his career.

John Shurna is ranked ninth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 126 game played for his career.

Game Notes and Facts: Buducnost vs. Gran Canaria

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- Aris defeated Turk Telekom twice last season to a 5-1 lead in EuroCup games between the teams.

\- Vassilis Toliopoulos totaled 41 points and 13 assists for Aris in last season’s two wins over Turk Telekom.

\- Turk Telekom guard Olivier Hanlan played for Aris during the 2021-22 season. He was coached by Ioannis Kastritis.

\- Aris guard Lefterios Bochoridis and Turk Telekom forward Vasilis Charalampoulos were teammates for three and a half seasons at Panathinaikos Athens from 2014 to 2017.

GAME FACTS

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki

 

**Streaks**

Aris guard Vasilis Toliopoulos has made at least 1 three-point shot in 13 straight games.

Toliopoulos has scored 10 or more points in six straight games.

Toliopoulos has made 8 consecutive free throws.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Vassilis Toliopoulos posted his career high in Points with 22 for Aris Midea Thessaloniki against Turk Telekom Ankara on october 18, 2023.

Vassilis Toliopoulos posted his career high in Assists with 9 for Aris Midea Thessaloniki against Turk Telekom Ankara on december 19, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Landers Nolley is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

Eleftherios Mantzoukas is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

GAME FACTS

### Turk Telekom Ankara

 

**Streaks**

Turk Telekom guard Max Heidegger has made at least 1 three-pointer in each of his five EuroCup appearances.

Turk Telekom big man Yoan Makoundou has blocked at least 1 shot in six straight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Ismet Akpinar posted his career high in Steals with 3 for ALBA Berlin against Aris Thessaloniki on january 19, 2016.

Yoan Makoundou posted his career high in Time played with 36:16 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Aris Midea Thessaloniki on november 8, 2023.

Yoan Makoundou posted his career high in 2-pointers made with 7 for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica against Aris Midea Thessaloniki on november 8, 2023.

 

**Team Record**

Turk Telekom Ankara recorded its highest team Blocks total in EuroCup play this century, 8, against Aris Thessaloniki on december 16, 2008.

 

**Season Rankings**

Kyle Alexander is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 25 per game.

Anthony Brown is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 11 per game.

Kyle Alexander is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 9 per game.

Anthony Brown is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 9 per game.

Kyle Alexander is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 8 per game.

Kyle Alexander is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Kyle Alexander is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Yoan Makoundou is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Game Notes and Facts: Aris vs. Turk Telekom

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- This will be their seventh meeting in the EuroCup. Reyer holds a 4-2 lead in those games after sweeping the season series last season. Cedevita is 2-1 against Reyer at home.

\- Cedevita big man Derek Ogbeide spent the past two seasons playing in the Italian League, first for Rimini and then for Pistoia. He was a teammate of Reyer forward Carl Wheatle last season at Pistoia.

\- Reyer head coach Never Spahija spent three seasons in Ljubljana (1997-2000), first as the head of Olimpija’s youth teams and later as an assistant coach on the first team.

GAME FACTS

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

 

**Streaks**

Cedevita Olimpija guard Jaka Blazic has made at least 1 three-point shot in five consecutive games.

Cedevita Olimpija forward Devin Robinson has scored in double figures in our of his five EuroCup appearances.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Jaka Blazic posted his career high in Total rebounds with 12 for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana against Umana Reyer Venice on december 15, 2021.

Jaka Blazic posted his career high in Assists with 6 for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana against Umana Reyer Venice on march 23, 2022.

Jaka Blazic posted his career high in Defensive rebounds with 11 for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana against Umana Reyer Venice on december 15, 2021.

Devin Robinson posted his career high in Free throws made with 5 for ratiopharm Ulm against Umana Reyer Venice on october 11, 2022.

 

**Team Record**

Umana Reyer Venice recorded its highest team Assists total in EuroCup play this century, 25, against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on march 23, 2022.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana individual single-game club record of 21 Total rebounds was set by Alen Omic, against Umana Reyer Venice on november 2, 2022.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana individual single-game club record of 14 Assists was set by Klemen Prepelic, against Umana Reyer Venice on november 7, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Devin Robinson is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 20 per game.

Brynton Lemar is ranked eighth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 18 per game.

Joan Beringer is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Devante Jones is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Devante Jones is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 4 per game.

Devin Robinson is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 8 per game.

Brynton Lemar is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

Aleksej Nikolic is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

Devante Jones is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Devin Robinson is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 9 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Jaka Blazic is ranked ninth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 1212 points for his career.

Jaka Blazic is ranked ninth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 263 free throws made for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Umana Reyer Venice

 

**Streaks**

Reyer's Xavier Munford has made at least 1 triple in nine straight games.

Reyer's Aamir Simms has made at least 1 triple in six straight games.

Reyer center Amedeo Tessitori has pulled down 5 or more rebounds in six of his last seven games.

Tessitori has scored in double figures in five straight and in seven of his last eight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Amedeo Tessitori posted his career high in 2-pointers made with 8 for Umana Reyer Venice against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on january 17, 2024.

Xavier Munford posted his career high in Free throws made with 11 for Frutti Extra Bursaspor against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on november 9, 2020.

Xavier Munford posted his career high in Time played with 36:08 for Frutti Extra Bursaspor against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on november 9, 2020.

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele posted his career high in Index Rating with 21 for Umana Reyer Venice against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on january 17, 2024.

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele posted his career high in Assists with 3 for Umana Reyer Venice against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on january 17, 2024.

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele posted his career high in Blocks with 4 for Umana Reyer Venice against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on january 17, 2024.

Amedeo Tessitori posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 4 for Umana Reyer Venice against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on november 7, 2023.

 

**Team Record**

Umana Reyer Venice individual single-game club record of 7 3-pointers made was set by Victor Sanders, against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on march 23, 2022.

 

**Season Rankings**

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 9 per game.

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Tyler Ennis is ranked third among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 8 per game.

Xavier Munford is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Jordan Parks is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 6 per game.

Mfiondu Tshimanga Kabengele is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Carl Wheatle is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Amedeo Tessitori is ranked 10th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 64,52% 2-point % for his career.

Game Notes and Facts: Cedevita vs. Reyer

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- These teams met twice last season with Hapoel sweeping the season series with wins by 8 and 9 points.

\- Hapoel guard Marcus Foster played parts of two seasons in Lithuania for Rytas Vilnius and helped it win the league championship last season.

GAME FACTS

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

 

**Streaks**

Hapoel's Joe Ragland has had at least 1 steal in six straight games dating back to the 2018-19 season.

Hapoel guard Patrick Beverley has made at least 1 three-point shot in nine straight games dating back to the 2012 EuroCup Final Four.

Hapoel center Johnathan Motley has scored at least 11 points in each of his 10 career appearances in the EuroCup.

Wolves guard Anthony Cowan has had at least 1 steal in eight straight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Bar Timor posted his career high in Time played with 34:07 for Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv against Wolves Vilnius on january 3, 2024.

Braian Angola posted his career high in 3-pointers made with 4 for Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv against Wolves Vilnius on december 12, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Joe Ragland is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Joe Ragland is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Patrick Beverley is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 6 per game.

Bruno Caboclo is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 4 per game.

Patrick Beverley is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Bruno Caboclo is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Bruno Caboclo is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Patrick Beverley is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

GAME FACTS

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius

 

**Streaks**

Wolves guard Cowan has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven straight games.

Wolves forward Arnoldas Kulboka has made at least 1 three-pointer in six straight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Anthony Cowan Jr posted his career high in Steals with 3 for Promitheas Patras against Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv on december 20, 2022.

Jeffery Taylor posted his career high in Total rebounds with 9 for Wolves Vilnius against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv on january 3, 2024.

Jeffery Taylor posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 5 for Wolves Vilnius against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv on january 3, 2024.

 

**Season Rankings**

Anthony Cowan Jr is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 23 per game.

Anthony Cowan Jr is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 20 per game.

Garrison Brooks is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 8 per game.

Garrison Brooks is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Andrew Andrews is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Anthony Cowan Jr is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 8 per game.

Jeffery Taylor is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Andrew Andrews is ranked eighth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 89,87% free throws % for his career.

Game Notes and Facts: Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Wolves

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- This will mark the fifth meeting between the clubs in the last 30 months, including a pair of playoff clashes. Ulm upset Joventut on the road in the eighthfinals in 2022 and Joventut retuned the favor last season in the same stage.

\- Joventut has a 3-1 record against Ulm.

GAME FACTS

### ratiopharm Ulm

 

**Streaks**

Ulm's Karim Jallow has had at least 1 steal in four straight, and in eight of his last nine games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Noa Essengue is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 26 per game.

Justinian Jessup is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 20 per game.

Noa Essengue is ranked eighth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 18 per game.

Philipp Herkenhoff is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 9 per game.

Philipp Herkenhoff is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 7 per game.

Noa Essengue is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 6 per game.

Ben Saraf is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 10 per game.

Isaiah Roby is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Ben Saraf is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Noa Essengue is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Noa Essengue is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 7 per game.

Ben Saraf is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 7 per game.

Justinian Jessup is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 6 per game.

Alfonso Plummer is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Justinian Jessup is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

Ben Saraf is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Thomas Klepeisz is ranked second on the all-time EuroCup charts with 288,89% assists-turnovers ratio % for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Joventut Badalona

 

**Streaks**

Joventut's Guillem Vives has made at least 1 three-pointer in five straight, and in nine of his last 10 games.

Joventut's Pau Ribas has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Artem Pustovyi posted his career high in Offensive rebounds with 5 for Gran Canaria against ratiopharm Ulm on march 15, 2022.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in Index Rating with 31 for Valencia Basket against ratiopharm Ulm on october 27, 2015.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in Points with 21 for Valencia Basket against ratiopharm Ulm on october 27, 2015.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in 2-pointers made with 4 for Valencia Basket against ratiopharm Ulm on october 27, 2015.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in Assists with 9 for Valencia Basket against ratiopharm Ulm on October 27, 2015.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in Total rebounds with 5 for Joventut Badalona against ratiopharm Ulm on november 23, 2022.

Guillem Vives posted his career high in Defensive rebounds with 5 for Joventut Badalona against ratiopharm Ulm on november 23, 2022.

 

**Season Rankings**

Ante Tomic is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 32 per game.

Kaiser Evan Bray-Gates is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 23 per game.

Ante Tomic is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 12 per game.

Ante Tomic is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 5 per game.

Ante Tomic is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 7 per game.

Devon Durrell Dotson is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 6 per game.

Artem Pustovyi is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Ante Tomic is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 8 per game.

Devon Durrell Dotson is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Kaiser Evan Bray-Gates is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 4 per game.

Ante Tomic is ranked third among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 8 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Pau Ribas is ranked 10th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 173 3-pointers made for his career.

Guillem Vives is ranked 10th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 252,82% assists-turnovers ratio % for his career.

Game Notes and Facts: Ulm vs. Joventut

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-10-01T17:00:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- The marks the first meeting between the clubs ever in the EuroCup.

\- Bahcesehir players Egehan Arna and Marko Simonovic played for Besiktas last season under Coach Dusan Alimpijevic and helped the team reach the EuroCup Semifinals.

\- Bahcesehir center Furkan Haltali and guard Sehmus Hazer both played for Besiktas during the 2020-21 season.

\- Bahcesehir center Omercan Ilyasoglu played for Besiktas during the 2022-23 season.

\- Bahcesehir guard Maxim Mutaf played for Besiktas during the 2017-18 season.

\- Besiktas guard Berk Ugurlu and Bahcesehir forward Egehan Arna were teammates at Fenerbahce Istanbul between 2015 and 2017.

GAME FACTS

### Bahcesehir College Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Bahcesehir's Axel Bouteille has made at least 1 three-point shot in 34 straight games dating back to the 2020-21 season.

Bouteille has made multiple three-pointers in eight straight games.

Bouteille has scored 12 or more points in 16 straight games.

Bouteille has had a PIR in double figures in 13 straight games.

Bahcesehir's Marko Simonovic has had at least 1 steal in six straight games.

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Tai Odiase posted his career high in Total rebounds with 10 for Prometey Slobozhanske against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul on december 13, 2023.

Tai Odiase posted his career high in Defensive rebounds with 7 for Prometey Slobozhanske against Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul on december 13, 2023.

 

**Season Rankings**

Tai Odiase is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Axel Bouteille is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 7 per game.

Jaleen Smith is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Cj Massinburg is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Steals with 3 per game.

Tai Odiase is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Marko Simonovic is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Tyler Cavanaugh is ranked eighth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 6 per game.

Tai Odiase is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Axel Bouteille is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

Axel Bouteille is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Tai Odiase is ranked ninth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 63,24% true shooting % for his career.

GAME FACTS

### Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Besiktas guard Derek Needham has made at least 1 triple in 21 straight games.

Needham has had at least 1 steal in five of his last six games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Derek Needham is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 23 per game.

Derek Needham is ranked eighth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 18 per game.

Dustin Sleva is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Derek Needham is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 6 per game.

Kyle Allman is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Derek Needham is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Derek Needham is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Field goals made with 7 per game.

 

**All-time Ranking**

Derek Needham is ranked 10th on the all-time EuroCup charts with 379 assists for his career.

Derek Needham is ranked fourth on the all-time EuroCup charts with 213 3-pointers made for his career.

Game Notes and Facts: Bahcesehir vs. Besiktas

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

GAME NOTES

\- These teams split their only two precious EuroCup games during the 2017-18 season with each team winning at home.

\- Jerusalem center Austin Wiley led the Lithuanian League in rebounding with 8.9 per game during the 2022-23 season with Neptunas Klaipeda.

\- Jerusalem guard Speedy Smith was second in the Lithuanian League in assists with 5.7 per game during the 2021-22 season Rytas Vilnius.

GAME FACTS

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys

**Streaks**

Lietkabelis forward Vytenis Lipkevicius has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight straight games.

 

**Season Rankings**

Gabrielius Maldunas is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 8 per game.

Marko Pecarski is ranked ninth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 8 per game.

Marko Pecarski is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Marko Pecarski is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 2 per game.

Martynas Varnas is ranked sixth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 5 per game.

Marko Pecarski is ranked 9th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 2-pointers made with 5 per game.

Oleksadr Kovliar is ranked 10th among qualified EuroCup players this season in average 3-pointers made with 3 per game.

 

GAME FACTS

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

 

**Player Records against Opponent**

Khadeen Carrington posted his career high in Total rebounds with 6 for AS Monaco against Lietkabelis Panevezys on october 7, 2020.

Khadeen Carrington posted his career high in Defensive rebounds with 5 for AS Monaco against Lietkabelis Panevezys on october 7, 2020.

Kenneth Smith posted his career high in Time played with 36:17 for Telenet Giants Antwerp against Lietkabelis Panevezys on october 21, 2020.

 

**Season Rankings**

Jared Harper is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average index rating with 27 per game.

Jared Harper is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average points with 27 per game.

Austin Wiley is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Total Rebounds with 11 per game.

Austin Wiley is ranked second among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Offensive Rebounds with 4 per game.

Austin Wiley is ranked fifth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Defensive Rebounds with 7 per game.

Kenneth Smith is ranked fourth among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Assists with 7 per game.

Austin Wiley is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Blocks with 3 per game.

Jared Harper is ranked first among qualified EuroCup players this season in average Free Throws Made with 13 per game.

Game Notes and Facts: Lietkabelis vs. Hapoel Jerusalem

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

In his final ANGT appearance, Luka Doncic inspired U18 Real Madrid to the title and received the ANGT MVP award.

When Luka Doncic earned MVP honors in his final ANGT game

These days, [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) is known right around the world for leading Real Madrid to a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship and starring for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. But back in the 2014-15 season, European basketball fans got their first glimpse of Luka magic when he was playing for *Los Blancos* in the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament.

Doncic’s first ANGT appearance came at the U18 Hospitalet event at the age of 15 years, 10 months and seven days old, with the U18 Real Madrid forward finishing with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double to go with 1 assist and 1 steal [in a dominant 38-69 win over U18 CB L’Hospitalet on January 4, 2015](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-cb-l-hospitalet-u18-real-madrid/JT14/17/#boxscore). The U18 Real squad went on to win that qualifying tournament, [beating archrival U18 FC Barcelona 87-55 in the final](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-real-madrid-u18-fc-barcelona/JT14/33/#boxscore), with Doncic scoring 17 points.

His ninth and final ANGT appearance came on the weekend of the 2015 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Madrid, Spain, as reigning champion U18 Real looked to defend its title. There was already plenty of noise around Doncic and he was certainly delivering the goods. Aged 16 years, two months and 19 days on the day of the ANGT final against U18 Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, Doncic played 34:41 minutes and recorded a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, in addition to dishing 5 assists, making 1 steal and blocking 1 shot. [U18 Real ended up coming out on top, 73-70](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/game-center/2014-15/u18-real-madrid-u18-crvena-zvezda-telekom-belgrade/JT14/78/#boxscore), meaning that Doncic secured the first major trophy of his fledgling career. He earned ANGT MVP honors, too.

Rare Luka Dončić game footage aged 16

The following season, 2015-16, Doncic would make his EuroLeague debut for Real’s senior side aged 16 years, seven months and 18 days old on the road at Khimki Moscow Region in Round 1. He played 12 games that season, including twice in the playoffs, before establishing himself as a key member in *Los Blancos*’ rotation in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns. His final EuroLeague season ended just like his ANGT career did – with the MVP award and championship trophy under his arm.

More Luka Doncic News

Luka Doncic (right) hugs Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (left) after helping the U18 Real Madrid team win the 2015 Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament championship.

He played nine games in Euroleague Basketball’s junior tournament

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC has fortified its frontline with the signing of Alpha Kaba on a six-week contract. 

Maccabi inks rebounding ace Alpha Kaba

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has fortified its frontline with the signing of [Alpha Kaba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alpha-kaba/profile/007855/) on a six-week contract. 

Kaba (2.08 meters, 28 years old) is poised to make his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut after dominating the glass everywhere else he has played. The big man has led the Turkish and Chinese Leagues, as well as the BKT EuroCup, in rebounding. Last season he averaged 16.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks for the Jiangsu Dragons in China.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✒️ <a href="https://t.co/jyqzxqSpqO">pic.twitter.com/jyqzxqSpqO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1839677877601571224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kaba is a name that will be familiar with fans of the EuroCup, as he played in the competition for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2017-19), Nanterre (2020-21) and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2022-23).

Alpha Kaba of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica is the EuroCup's best rebounder at 11.3 boards per night.

2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup highlights: Alpha Kaba, Buducnost

The French-Guinean center is a product of the Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez youth system and has played professionally for ASVEL, Boulazac and Nanterre in France, Mega Leks in Serbia, Gaziantep in Turkiye, Buducnost in Montenegro, and Valencia Basket in Spain. 

His trophy case includes winning national championships in France and Montenegro and cups in Serbia and Montenegro.

More Maccabi News

New Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv center Alpha Kaba in action for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup season.

The short-term deal comes after Wenyen Gabriel suffered a knee injury

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night after an 86-93 road win at U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Cedevita Olimpija showed why it can 'start believing'

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night.

On the road against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, a team which was 7-2 at BTarena during last year's regular season and reached the quarterfinals, Cedevita stunned the home crowd and came away with [a very impressive 86-93 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-rallies-to-stun-cluj-in-a-thriller/).

"We were not too optimistic," admitted Cedevita head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic afterward when asked how he was feeling prior to the game.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana refused to fold in 4th quarter, and went on a 8-22 run to prevail against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, 86-93, in the opening round of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cedevita refused to fold in 4th quarter

He had good reason to have some doubts entering Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season, too. 

Just three days earlier, Cedevita scored just 62 points in a 13-point loss in a domestic league road game against lowly FMP Zeleznik, a contest that also saw a 22-year-old center [Ziga Daneu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-daneu/009431/) suffer a scary injury that shocked the team.

Then, there are the club's EuroCup ghosts of recent past.

Cedevita won just one game in the entirety of last season. It took until Round 16, against Veolia Hamburg Towers, for the Slovenian side to taste victory, meaning it had started the 2023-24 campaign with a painful 0-15 record. That triumph actually ended a 20-game losing streak in the EuroCup because Cedevita had lost its last five games of the 2022-23 season as well.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Prva tekma v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<br><br>Prva zmaga v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/xwvoUnla47">pic.twitter.com/xwvoUnla47</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1839016795505651729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So, despite posting a 4-32 record over the last two seasons, Cedevita got its 2024-25 campaign to a flying start, beating last year's quarterfinalists on the road.

The scoring leader with 20 points in the opening game was [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/), while [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) had 13. Stewart, along with [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/), was with the team through all the lows of the last season. But the rest of the roster, the newcomers led by Robinson, showed that those ghosts of the past are none of their business.

They did not fold when Cluj went on a 14-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to turn a 64-71 deficit into a 78-71 lead, and the visitors did not shy away from the moment when Cluj went up by a point in the final minute.

[Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) netted 18 points on 4-or-7 three-point shooting, including one with a hand in his face 52 seconds before the final buzzer, to give Cedevita the lead for good. [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) scored 15 points to go with 7 assists and 4 steals, and his triple with 13 seconds left sealed the win. Meanwhile, [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) was 4 for 6 from downtown en route to 14 points, and his 3 threes helped Cedevita overcome a slow start and erase a slow deficit in the first half.

"We are happy for the win," said Mitrovic. "And especially for the team, which needs to start believing it can play at a high level."

Mitrovic, a EuroCup champ with AS Monaco just three years ago, took over Cedevita during the summer and might not feel the burden of the last two seasons, but even he acknowledged that this outcome meant a little more to this club.

"It was very important for our team to start with a victory," he commented.

Now, the next challenge is to win at home. Cedevita was 0-9 on its home floor last season and has lost 11 home games in a row in the EuroCup. The last team it beat at home, in February 2023, was Umana Reyer Venice, which just happens to be Cedevita's next opponent on Tuesday night.

Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has possession against U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

After registering just one victory last season, the Slovenian side has already matched that total after the opening round in 2024-25

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-09-25T16:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball was only founded in 2018, yet it now finds itself preparing to play in the EuroLeague for the first time. Follow the club's journey in ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’, a Euroleague Basketball Originals documentary series.

Watch the journey of Paris Basketball in ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’

Paris Basketball was founded just six years ago and has only spent three seasons in the French top flight, yet it now finds itself preparing for its first campaign among Europe’s elite – in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The journey has been stratospheric, and ‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’, a documentary series by Euroleague Basketball Originals, takes viewers behind the curtain as Paris prepares for its debut EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague fans have already been able to watch [episode one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW8WDmbzqYA) and [episode two](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8R8THwlzhE) on YouTube, with the remaining three episodes set to be released on September 27 (21:00 CEST), October 6 (21:00 CEST), and October 13 (21:00 CEST). The entire series, which provides unprecedented access to all areas of Paris Basketball, will be available to stream via [the EuroLeague’s official YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague).

New Era, New Heights: Paris Basketball's Quest for EuroLeague Glory | Episode 3

The first episode features some of last season’s protagonists, namely [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/), [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) and [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyson-ward/012610/), explaining what it meant to be crowned the 2023-24 EuroCup champion, as well as footage from some of the key moments during their run to the title.

David Kahn and Eric Schwartz, Paris’s owners, are the stars of the second episode, before the club’s history and the current landscape of French basketball takes center stage in the third episode.

As the EuroLeague season nears ever closer, the preparations Paris is undertaking is focused on in the fourth episode, then the fifth and final episode closely looks at how [new head coach Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-appointed-tiago-splitter-as-head-coach/) is getting his troops ready for what awaits in the EuroLeague.

‘The Making of a EuroLeague Team’ by Euroleague Basketball Originals is the perfect series for any basketball fan to watch, wetting the appetite for what should be a thrilling 2024-25 season.

Look back at all the action in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 1

The jury for the 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP Playoffs is confirmed and will feature Stina Lundgren Högbom, Rohn Malhotra, Sree Varma, and Luis Vicente.

Expert jury confirmed for the 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP Playoffs

Eight businesses have made it through to the 2024 Euroleague Basketball FanXP Playoffs, so now it is time to announce the jury.

The panel will be made up of four incredibly successful individuals in the sports business industry, who will decide which four companies make it to SPORTBIZ EUROPE: Barcelona on October 10. The prize for the winning company is €10,000, which will be used to invest in implementing their business solutions inside the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup bubble.

During an event at the Euroleague Basketball offices on October 7, the eight businesses will be tasked with pitching their proposals in front of the judges. Those on the jury are: [Stina Lundgren Högbom](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stina-lundgren-hogbom/details/experience/), [Rohn Malhotra](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohnmalhotra/), [Sree Varma](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreevarma/), and [Luis Vicente](https://www.linkedin.com/in/luvicente/).

**Stina Lundgren Högbom** is currently Director of Sports Technology and Innovation at svexa, which optimizes training for individual athletes by using data. Having secured a PhD in biochemistry, sports science, and economics, she has a wealth of business experience. Her time as Program Manager of SPIN Accelerator Sweden saw her play a pivotal role in helping sports-tech startups achieve significant growth, particularly those companies that support and empower athletes. Högbom is also a Venture Partner at Anthropy Partners, LLC, an advisor to the KTH Center for Sports Engineering, and national team manager for the Swedish Jujutsu Federation.

“I'm super excited to be back at FanXP and looking forward to listening to and meeting startups at the forefront of the future of sports and fan experience,” she said.

Lundgren Högbom will be joined by **Rohn Malhotra**, Managing Director at SportsTechX and Investment Director at Match Ventures. A serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience as a founder and mentor to multiple startups, he currently operates in two roles: as the Founder and Managing Director of Berlin-based SportsTechX, the leading market intelligence company for all things related to sports and innovation; and also as an Investment Director at a leading European SportsTech VC Match Ventures. He regularly speaks at industry conferences, is a guest lecturer in various MBA programs, and also serves as both a mentor and judge at prominent startup accelerators and competitions.

“The Euroleague FanXP Challenge is known for showcasing some of the coolest tech in sports,” he commented. “Looking at this year's lineup of startups, it looks like it's going to be another impressive display of innovation.

The third member of the jury is **Sree Varma**, the Founder and Chairman of iSportConnect, Varma Properties Group and SEG3/Web3 Media Group. With Varma at the helm, iSportConnect has become the world’s largest private sport business network, working to build and enhance relationships across the world of sport. With more than 23,000 global members from the industry, iSportConnect keeps its vast community connected via a multitude of offerings, and it has offices in London, Amsterdam and Lucknow. He has been an advisor to the Euroleague FanXP Innovation Challenge for the last three years.

"I am delighted to have once again been asked to be part of the jury to select the winning startup in the 2024 Euroleague Basketball Fan XP,” he noted. “It is always fantastic to see the new ideas that are being created every year and I look forward to being part of it.”

Rounding out the judges is **Luis Vicente**, who holds a number of roles. He is Chairman of APEX, a Founding Member of Mercury 13 and Red Glory Football Investments, and on the Advisory Board of [socios.com](http://socios.com), RealFevr, Sporttotal, Common Goal, SHE Fussball, and Krause House DAO. With over 30 years of experience in a plethora of management and development fields, particularly relating to growth and sports, one of his main focuses is relating to innovation and technology integration in sports. He believes that sports are on the verge of a global disruptive cycle led by technology, consumer change, data analytics and content convergence. Vicente has previously worked at Manchester City Football Club, Valencia CF, FIFA, Eleven Sports, and more. 

ratiopharm Ulm young duo Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue both shined bright in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season.

Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue combo lives up to hype in EuroCup opener

ratiopharm Ulm came into this season with plenty of hype thanks to two star prospects in [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) and [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/). And the teenagers definitely didn’t disappoint as they carried the German club to an overtime win to start the BKT EuroCup campaign.

Saraf dazzled over major stretches on his EuroCup debut with 17 points and 10 assists in [Ulm’s 93-96 victory over Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs1-report-tso-ulm/), while Essengue totaled 18 points.

“Really proud of our guys,” said Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson. “Again with the young roster, I can’t say enough about our character to stay in there when we got down by 12 points to fight back and not lose energy.”

Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf both shined as ratiopharm Ulm beat Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The top plays of Essengue, Saraf vs. Trefl

The 18-year-old Saraf and 17-year-old Essengue, who will turn 18 in December, really took over the game in the fourth quarter with the team down 70-60 and under 7 minutes to go.

Saraf scored Ulm’s next seven points, then assisted on two Essengue dunks before knocking down a jumper and putting back an offensive rebound to tie the game at 79-79 in the closing minute of regulation.

Saraf fed Essengue for an alley-oop and a three-pointer early in overtime, then Essengue added another free throw as the teenagers shined in the opening game of Ulm’s EuroCup season.

The Israeli guard also had 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 17. Essengue, who was playing in his eighth EuroCup game, added 6 rebounds and 2 blocks for a PIR of 26.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Auftaktsieg im Eurocup 🚀❤️‍🔥<br>Wir kämpfen bis zur letzten Minute und belohnen uns nach der Overtime auch international mit dem ersten Sieg.<br><br>𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗥:<br>Justinian Jessup | 20 PKT, 6 REB, 1 STL<br>Noa Essengue | 18 PKT, 6 REB, 2 AST<br>Ben Saraf | 17 PKT, 10 AST, 3 STL <a href="https://t.co/JJfqwiz43s">pic.twitter.com/JJfqwiz43s</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1839027461193085245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On top of that, the teenage duo combined for 36 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in Ulm’s German League opener – an 86-90 win over NINERS Chemnitz, a team which won the FIBA Europe Cup last season.

Ulm has built a reputation of bringing in young players and giving them chances to shine. It started in earnest in 2019-20 when French talent [Killian Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/killian-hayes/009661/) was given the keys to the offense as an 18-year-old. Montenegro prospect [Fedor Zugic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/fedor-zugic/009033/) arrived later, followed by Spanish star point guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and another French talent in [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/).

Essengue became the latest star from France to move to Ulm before last season and he was fantastic in the lower and youth ranks in his first season in Germany. He starred for Ulm’s affiliate team in the third division, ProB, carrying the club to the semifinals of the playoffs. Essengue also [led Ulm to the title at the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Dubai, winning the Most Valuable Player award](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/news/herculean-effort-earns-noa-essengue-mvp-for-ulm/) and helping Ulm become the first German club to win an ANGT qualifying event.

2023-24 EB ANGT Dubai MVP Highlights: Noa Essengue, U18 ratioopharm Ulm

Last season saw Essengue make seven EuroCup appearances for Ulm, as well as nine games in Germany’s top flight. He totaled 19 points in the EuroCup last season and poured in 18 points against Trefl.

Saraf, meanwhile, had a monster summer this off-season, winning MVP of the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024, where Israel took fourth place. During that tournament, he averaged 28.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

He is not new to professional basketball, however, as he played a major role in Maccabi Kiryat Ata getting to the semifinals of the Israeli League last season. He posted 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal in 26 regular-season games and then collected 11.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in the semifinals against EuroCup side Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. All that earned Saraf the honor of being the league’s breakout player of the season.

Ulm will likely have to face its ups and downs as Harrelson and the team deal with the highs and lows of having youngsters being leading players, but in Saraf and Essengue, they have two players who are destined for the very top and are ready to make a big impact right away.

Ben Saraf of ratiopharm Ulm looks to score against Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Ulm's two prodigies both displayed their elite potential on the road at Trefl

Trefl Sopot v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-09-25T17:00:00.000Z)

Ante Tomic | Round 1 MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

Joventut Badalona v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-09-24T18:30:00.000Z)

EuroCup opponents Besiktas and Hapoel Tel Aviv BC will now face each other in Belgrade on October 8, rather than in Istanbul on October 9.

Round 3 matchup between Besiktas and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv relocated

The BKT EuroCup Round 3 game between [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22bes%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Besiktas%20Fibabanka%20Istanbul) and [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22hta%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Hapoel%20Shlomo%20Tel%20Aviv) will be played at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The game will be played on Tuesday, October 8 at 20:00 local time instead of Wednesday 9.

This decision has been taken considering recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-10-09T17:00:00.000Z)

Congratulations to Matej Kalamarko, our first winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Matej's team mk10 posted a score of 196.35.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Round 1 winner

Congratulations to Matej Kalamarko, our first winner in the 2024-25 [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Matej's team mk10 posted a score of 196.35.

The team featured the following lineup: Jordan Ford of Dolomiti Energia Trento as team captain, then Georgios Kalaitzakis of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Deividas Sirvydis of 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys, Kevin Hervey of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, Yovel Zoosman of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem and Kyle Alexander of Turk Telekom Ankara as the other starters. Ante Tomic of Joventut Badalona was his sixth man, while Eleftherios Mantzoukas of Aris Midea Thessaloniki, Adam Mokoka of Cluj, Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf of ratiopharm Ulm made up the rest of the bench. Frederic Fauthoux of Cosea JL Bourg en Bresse was the head coach.

The prize for finishing first in Round 1 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season!

Obviously, Matej is also first in the overall standings with 196.35 points. Trades are now open for Round 2. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become EuroCup Fantasy Challenge's next winner!

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager, so get in the game and go for the gold!