Name: Top 10 Blocks | 2023-24 Season | Turkish Airlines EuroLeague
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Fenerbahçe Beko has completed the signing of Nicolo Melli, who returns to the club after five years away.

Fenerbahçe reunites with Nicolo Melli on 2-year deal

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has announced the signing of [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) on a two-year deal, the club confirmed on Tuesday morning. 

Melli (2.05 meters, 33 years old) spent the last three years with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, where he averaged 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists for a PIR of 9.6 during the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign.

The Italian forward returns to Fenerbahce, where he played between 2017 and 2019 and helped the club reach the Final Four in each of those two seasons.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">▶️💛💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeBackNicolo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeBackNicolo</a> <a href="https://t.co/5CqdQCHTj3">https://t.co/5CqdQCHTj3</a> <a href="https://t.co/FJBK0uvpN5">pic.twitter.com/FJBK0uvpN5</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1805523892070486174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Melli is a 12-season EuroLeague veteran, having played in the competition for Milan (2010-15), Brose Bamberg (2015-17), Fenerbahce (2017-19), and Milan again (2021-24). Between 2019 and 2021, Melli also spent time in the NBA, playing for the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

An All-EuroLeague Second Team selection in 2016-17, Melli was also the highest scorer in the 2018 EuroLeague Championship Game with 28 points, but his Fenerbahce side came up short to Real Madrid.

The best plays by Nicolo Melli while in action for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Nicolo Melli's top plays in 2023-24

In his previous two seasons in Istanbul, Melli averaged 8.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists for a 12.0 PIR as the team reached the championship game in 2017-18, before posting 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a 9.2 PIR as Fenerbahce once again returned to the Final Four, this time falling in the semifinals.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last time Nicolo Melli was wearing this jersey:<br><br>EuroLeague 2018/19 —<br>26 MPG<br>7.3 PPG<br>2.6/5.9 FG<br>43/39/82%<br>4.1 RPG<br>9.3 PIR <a href="https://t.co/k2orvwx7Kv">pic.twitter.com/k2orvwx7Kv</a></p>&mdash; Givemestats (@iamgivemestats) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamgivemestats/status/1804790902910496956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

To date, Melli has played 305 games in the EuroLeague, with his career averages standing at 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a 10.4 PIR. Melli is eighth in EuroLeague history with 1,492 rebounds and fourth with 1,123 defensive rebounds. He also checks in at 14th in career steals (266), 17th in blocks (147) and 51st in scoring (2,293 points).

More Fenerbahce News

Nicolo Melli in action for Fenerbahce in the 2018-19 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Italian forward led Fener to Final Fours in 2018 and 2019

Fenerbahce reunites with Nicolo Melli

After three years with KK Partizan, Zach LeDay has returned to a former home by signing with Olimpia Milano.

Zach LeDay seals return to Olimpia Milano

After three years with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/profile/008987/) has returned to a former home by signing with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. 

LeDay (2.02 meters, 30 years old) averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 29 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season for Partizan, where he was one of Coach Zeljko Obradovic’s most trusted players. 

He spent the 2020-21 season playing for Milan and averaged similar numbers (10.0 ppg., 4.5 rpg.) in the EuroLeague and also helped the club win the Italian Cup.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo fino alla stagione 2025/26 compresa con Zach LeDay, nato a Dallas, Texas, il 30 maggio 1994, 2.02 di statura, ala forte, la scorsa stagione al Partizan Belgrado, già a Milano nella stagione 2020/21.<br><br>🇮🇹… <a href="https://t.co/iq7fBbgI9J">pic.twitter.com/iq7fBbgI9J</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1805523741532647718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


LeDay has played a total of five EuroLeague campaigns for four different clubs. He debuted in 2018-19 with Olympiacos Piraeus and played for Zalgiris Kaunas the following season. LeDay is already among the all-time top 100 in scoring (92nd; 1,723), two-pointers made (77th, 482) rebounds (70th, 745) and PIR (78th; 2061). 

Zach LeDay Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

After playing college basketball at South Florida and Virginia Tech, LeDay started his professional career with Hapoel Galil Gilboa in Israel. His trophy case includes winning the Lithuanian Cup with Zalgiris, the Italian Cup with Milan and the ABA League with Partizan.

More Milan News

Zach LeDay in action for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan during his first spell at the club.

The versatile big man helped Milan reach the 2021 Final Four

Zach LeDay seals return to Milan

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has secured the services of athletic big man Johnathan Motley, who arrives from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Hapoel Tel Aviv fortifies frontline with Johnathan Motley 

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv has secured the services of athletic big man [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) on a two-year deal. Motley (2.06 meters, 29 years old) arrives from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, where he spent the past two seasons. He reunites with Coach Stafanos Dedas, who was an assistant coach at Fenerbahce in the first half of last season.

Motley averaged 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 18:43 minutes over 36 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games last season. He ranked fifth in the league in free throws attempted per 40 minutes (8.0) and was 14th in per-minute PIR (26.0) and two-point shooting (65.5%). Last season he reached his first Final Four and helped Fenerbahce win the Turkish League and Cup double.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ג&#39;ונתן מוטלי חתם בהפועל &quot;שלמה&quot; תל אביב לשנתיים הקרובות: &quot;החתמה שמבהירה עד כמה גבוהות השאיפות שלנו&quot;.<br><br>מוטלי, 29, 2.06 שיחק בעונה החולפת בפנרבחצ&#39;ה והעמיד ממוצעים מרשימים של 14.5 נקודות ו-4.9 ריבאונדים בליגה הטורקית שבה קבוצתו זכתה באליפות ובגביע, וממוצעים מרשימים לא פחות של 11.2… <a href="https://t.co/PqKFRUzY1g">pic.twitter.com/PqKFRUzY1g</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1805481811536977996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Motley returns to the EuroCup, where he spent his first season in Europe with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar. He dominated the 2021-22 EuroCup with 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in nine EuroCup appearances. Motley had an average PIR of 23.9 in those games and posted a PIR of 22 or higher in six different games, including a PIR of at least 36 in three games. He was twice the EuroCup MVP of the Round.

A standout college basketball player at Baylor University, he started his professional career with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA and also played for the Los Angeles Clippers as well as for Texas and Agua Caliente of the G League. Motley spent a season with Inchon ET Land Elephants in South Korea, too.

Best of Johnathan Motley: 2023-24

The athletic big man spent the last two seasons with Fenerbahce

Paris Basketball started making moves to prepare for its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut by signing forward Leopold Cavaliere to a two-year deal, the club announced on Monday. Cavaliere (2.03 meters, 28 years old) arrives from a fellow French club Strasbourg, where he spent the last four years.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Nouveau challenge 🔥 Let’s go <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> ⚫️🔴🔵 <a href="https://t.co/LyJF6G6v7X">https://t.co/LyJF6G6v7X</a></p>&mdash; Léo Cavalière (@Leo4valiere) <a href="https://twitter.com/Leo4valiere/status/1805271977315197129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Last season, Cavaliere posted 10.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in the French League action, and also averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in eight Basketball Champions League games.

Prior to his time at Strasbourg, Cavaliere made his professional debut as a teenager with Pau-Orthez in the 2013-14 season, and has spent seven seasons there. He is now set to make his EuroLeague debut in a Paris uniform.

More Paris News

The newest EuroLeague member made its first summer signing.

Paris makes Leopold Cavaliere its first signing

Geoff Gillingham is the latest Euroleague.net staff member to offer their favorite moment from the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

My favorite moment from 2023-24: Geoff Gillingham

### When I got to see Mike James make history

*by Geoff Gillingham*

For those who are curious, [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is the player who really got me hooked on the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Therefore, I was more than delighted when Euroleague Basketball Editorial Director Frank Lawlor asked me: “Geoff, would you like to go to Monaco to speak with Mike James, the MVP of the Month for February, and stay to cover him becoming the all-time leading scorer?” Even before I sat down with Mike ahead of the interview, I felt nervous. I never feel like this. But once we started talking, I calmed down and the interview went down a treat. James even stayed for 10 minutes after the interview to speak with me; I explained how much I’ve enjoyed watching him over the years and we shared some brief stories. On an individual basis, that’s something I’ll never forget.

Mike James, Monaco, February MVP: ‘I’m trying to enjoy all the love and support I’m getting’

Then came the big day. Needing just 12 points to surpass Vassilis Spanoulis as the EuroLeague’s scoring king, James got to work and scored 5 first-quarter points. Sitting in the media section at Salle Gaston Medecin, it was fascinating to see his every move – even when he didn’t have the ball – but disaster almost struck when he came up limping after getting up a shot in the lane. With his family and friends in attendance, as well as an English journalist from [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) called Geoff Gillingham, there was a fear that the 33-year-old’s night might be done early. Instead, he rested up on the bench and reentered the game with 8:47 minutes remaining in the second quarter.

In 70 seconds, James scored four points, meaning he needed just three to go past Spanoulis. With 6:40 minutes to go before halftime, the AS Monaco star hit a couple of free throws to officially tie the Olympiacos Piraeus legend’s tally of 4,455 points. Then, everyone was on the edge of their seats. It was clear what was coming next. Some two minutes and 47 seconds after his second make from the free-throw line, there we had it – history had been made. James dipped into his bag and scored a right sidestep mid-range jumper to go first all-time in points, leading to the game being paused and a big ovation from the crowd. While he doesn’t enjoy being the center of attention, it was a chance for James to realize the magnitude of what he had just accomplished.

Game paused to honor Mike James

Come the end of the game, he had 20 points and, importantly, had led Monaco to a seventh straight win in the EuroLeague. His name continued to ring around Salle Gaston Medecin in the final minutes of the game as the Monaco fans gave their hero his dues. Meanwhile, I had to race up to the media room for a special Mike James post-game press conference. There, Mike was gracious enough to answer questions from the French press pack before yours truly got to ask him a couple of questions. Just as he had been one day earlier, Mike was incredibly kind and there was mutual respect between us. And off I went back to the hotel to write about the game, while James basked in the glory of his memorable night, surrounded by his family and close friends.

AS Monaco star Mike James is showered with drinks by his teammates after becoming the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer.

In a season rich with magical moments and historic feats, who better to highlight them than the people who covered the league closest? We have asked the reporters from EuroLeague.net to reflect on their favorite moments from the 2023-24 campaign.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan announced the signing of center Josh Nebo, who set a EuroLeague record last season with 120 offensive rebounds. 

Milan tabs rebounding leader Josh Nebo

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan announced the signing of center [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/), who set a EuroLeague record last season with 120 offensive rebounds. The deal is for two seasons. Nebo (2.06 meters, 26 years old) spent the last two seasons with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. He averaged 11.2 points, a league-best 7.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game last season. Nebo also ranked in the top 10 in two-point accuracy (66.9%, ninth), blocks (eighth) and PIR (16.7, 10th).

“I’m excited for this next chapter of my career here in Milan," Nebo told the club website. "I’m looking forward to working towards building something special with the club and hopefully I will be able to help the team bring many wins and joy to our fans. I am looking forward to the next season and getting to see and meet everyone soon.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Josh Nebo: “Un nuovo capitolo, costruiamo qualcosa di speciale”<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano ha raggiunto un accordo fino alla stagione 2025/26 con il centro Josh Nebo, 2.06, nato a Houston il 19 luglio 1997, proveniente dal Maccabi Tel Aviv.<br><br>🇮🇹 Comunicato ufficiale 👉🏻… <a href="https://t.co/WkV86ebtU7">pic.twitter.com/WkV86ebtU7</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1805200540445421754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Milan will be Nebo’s third club in the EuroLeague. He began his professional career in Israel with Hapoel Eilat in 2020-21. Nebo moved to Lithuania the following season and made his EuroLeague debut with Zalgiris Kaunas. He returned to Israeli in the summer of 2022 and starred for Maccabi the last two seasons. He helped Maccabi to a pair of Israeli League championships in his time there.  

Despite having only played 106 EuroLeague games, Nebo is already ranked 43rd all-time with 279 offensive rebounds. He is 11th in competition history with a career 65.8% two-point shooting percentage.

Here are some of the 120 offensive rebounds, often finished with dunks, that Jish Nebo of Maccanbi Playtika Tel Aviv grabbed during the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Nebo sets single-season offensive rebounds record

The athletic big man led the EuroLeague last season with 7.1 boards per game

At the tail end of an up-and-down season, Luca Vildoza gave Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens exactly what it needed in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game to take down Real Madrid and celebrate his first title. 

Tribute to the Champs: Luca Vildoza

At the tail end of an up-and-down season, [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/) gave Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens exactly what it needed in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game to take down Real Madrid and celebrate his first title. The 29-year-old Argentinean was coming off his finest season to date with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade when he signed with the Greens with a big role waiting for him in Coach Ergin Ataman’s backcourt. In his first six appearances, Vildoza had at least 4 assists four times, scored in double figures three times and twice made 4 triples. He also had three games with at least 3 turnovers as finding a consistent role in the new team proved to be an issue.

Best of Luca Vildoza: 2023-24

Vildoza had plenty of bright moments, such as a 19-point outburst – including the game-tying basket in the final minute – in an 81-82 road win at Valencia Basket in Round 19. He later averaged 7.7 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting in 3 playoff games against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

When he was needed in Berlin, Vildoza was ready. Despite not featuring in the semifinal, Vildoza proved himself when foul trouble plagued the backcourt in the championship game. He first entered the game with 6:13 left in the second quarter and the Greens trailing by 10. His energy helped shift the momentum as Panathinaikos immediately went on a 5-14 charge to get within 46-45 on a Vildoza triple. He was reinserted less than 3 minutes into the second half and again his team got hot, outscoring *Los Blancos* 5-12 to lead 61-64 at the end of the third quarter. Vildoza finished the game with just 3 points in 13:16 minutes, but his +/- of 12 was third-best on the team and the only players better than him played more than 30 minutes.  

Tribute to the Champs

The Argentinean playmaker was a difference maker when it mattered most this season

Aris inks power forward Georgios Giouzelis

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced the signing of power forward Georgios Giouzelis for the coming season. Giouzelis (2.04 meters, 28 years old) arrives from Apollon Patras, where he averaged 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in a reserve role last season. A product of the Panathinaikos Athens youth system, Giouzelis has played professionally for Koroivos Amaliadas, Iraklis, Ionikos Nikaias, Karditsas and Peristeri Athens.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">✍️ O ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΓΚΙΟΥΖΕΛΗΣ ΣΤΟΝ ΑΡΗ Midea <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> to<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheEmperor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheEmperor</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeGiouzelis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeGiouzelis</a><br><br>Read more 👉 <a href="https://t.co/tLUiK2ZesF">https://t.co/tLUiK2ZesF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISFAMILY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISFAMILY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBCTRANSFERS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBCTRANSFERS</a> <a href="https://t.co/SYY6ZPXUOq">pic.twitter.com/SYY6ZPXUOq</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1805169686234964199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced the signing of point guard David DeJulius on Monday. 

Aris adds point guard David DeJulius

Aris Midea Thessaloniki announced the signing of point guard David DeJulius on Monday. DeJulius (1.83 meters, 24 years old) arrives from German club BG Goettingen, where he averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists in 20 games last season. He was 10th in the league in assists.

De Julius started the season in Greece with Lavrio where he produced 14.4 points and 3.6 assists in 13 games. Before that he played college basketball at the University of Michigan and the University of Cincinnati. The Detroit native will make his EuroCup debut this season with Aris.

<center><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">✍️ O DAVID DEJULIUS ΣΤΟΝ ΑΡΗ Midea <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Welcome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Welcome</a> to<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheEmperor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheEmperor</a><br>@dejuliusd<br><br>Read more 👉 <a href="https://t.co/Jo4SjWWOps">https://t.co/Jo4SjWWOps</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISFAMILY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISFAMILY</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBCTRANSFERS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBCTRANSFERS</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARISBC425?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARISBC425</a> <a href="https://t.co/SKu8mkv2Ys">pic.twitter.com/SKu8mkv2Ys</a></p>&mdash; ARIS B.C. (@ARISBCgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARISBCgr/status/1805169294491140377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DeJulius split his first professional season between Greece and Germany 

Players need great timing to protect their rim with big rejections! The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign was full of amazing blocks, don’t miss to take a look at the best ten of the season.

Top 10 Blocks | 2023-24 Season | Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Players need great timing to protect their rim with big rejections! The 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign was full of amazing blocks, don’t miss to take a look at the best 10 of the season.

Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul and point guard Tony Taylor have agreed to terms on a deal to remain together for a second season. 

Bahcesehir, Tony Taylor agree on a second season together

Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul and point guard [Tony Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tony-taylor/005850/) have agreed to terms on a deal to remain together for a second season. Taylor (1.83 meters, 33 years old) averaged 13.0 points on 40.2% three-point shooting and 5.3 assists in 24 Turkish League games last season. It was his fifth season in Türkiye after playing for Pinar Karsiyaja (2019-2022) and Turk Telekom Ankara (2022-23). Taylor helped Turk Telekom reach the 2023 EuroCup Final. He averaged 12.2 points and 3.5 assists in 21 games as the team’s sixth man.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">🙌 Tony Taylor ile bir sezon daha!<br><br>🤝 Takımımıza geçtiğimiz yaz katılan değerli oyuncumuz, 2024-2025 sezonunda da Bahçeşehir Koleji için parkelerde yer alacak.<br><br>💪 Let’s run it back, Tony!<br><br>❤️💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyHighTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyHighTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/9uoceIdU5k">pic.twitter.com/9uoceIdU5k</a></p>&mdash; Bahçeşehir Koleji Spor Kulübü (@BKBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKBasketbol/status/1804841855344939149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After playing college basketball at George Washington University, Taylor began his professional career with the Tulsa 66ers in the G-League. He first came to Europe in 2013 with Turow Zgorzelec, which he led to the Polish League championship on his first season and then played in the EuroLeague with in his second. Since then Taylor has suited up for SIG Strasbourg in France, Banvit Bandirma in Türkiye and Virtus Bologna in Italy. He helped Virtus win the Basketball Champions League in 2019.

More Bahcesehir news

The point guard was a EuroCup finalist with Turk Telekom in 2023

Blayzer boasts experience in both the EuroCup and EuroLeague

Hapoel Tel Aviv tabs veteran forward Oz Blayzer

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv continued its preparations for the 2024-25 season with the signing of veteran forward [Oz Blayzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/oz-blayzer/009877/), the club announced on Saturday. Blayzer (2.00 meters, 31 years old) arrives from Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem, where he averaged 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in the Israeli League in a reserve role last season. Blayzer played in the EuroCup in 2019-20 with Maccabi Rishon Lezion. He debuted in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague the following season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Blayzer appeared in a total of 46 EuroLeague games over two seasons with Maccabi.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מועדון הכדורסל הפועל &quot;שלמה&quot; תל אביב מודיע על החתמתו של עוז בלייזר!<br><br>בלייזר, 31, 1.99, שיחק בשנתיים האחרונות בהפועל ירושלים, ולפני כן במכבי תל אביב, מכבי ראשון לציון, מכבי חיפה ובני הרצליה.<br><br>במהלך 11 העונות האחרונות קלע בלייזר 8.3 נקודות בממוצע בליגת העל, רשם עשרות הופעות בנבחרת… <a href="https://t.co/qKbWusH3xk">pic.twitter.com/qKbWusH3xk</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1804581383106347061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Blayzer began his professional career with Hapoel Afula and also played for Bnei Herzliya and Maccabi Haifa. His trophy case includes three Israeli Cups – one with Rishon and two with Jerusalem – plus the 2021 Israeli championship won with Maccabi. He has also played dozens of times for the Israeli national team.

More from Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

Hapoel Bank Yahav announced on Saturday that playmaker Kenneth “Speedy” Smith had signed a two-year deal to remain with the club. 

Jerusalem re-signs Speedy Smith for 2 more years

Hapoel Bank Yahav announced on Saturday that playmaker [Kenneth “Speedy” Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenneth-smith/010587/) had signed a two-year deal to remain with the club. Smith (1.91 meters, 31 years old) led the Israeli League in assists last season with 7.6 per game. He also accrued 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals in domestic action, where he helped Hapoel win the Israeli Cup. Smith was worth 10.9 points, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals in the Basketball Champions League.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">ספידי. אדום. לשנתיים נוספות.<br>לכל הפרטים &gt; <a href="https://t.co/b4S2sRrIxo">https://t.co/b4S2sRrIxo</a> <a href="https://t.co/9S4uRqMCx5">pic.twitter.com/9S4uRqMCx5</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerusalemBasket/status/1804571388981956662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 2015 Conference USA player of the Year in his senior season at Louisiana Tech University, Smith began his professional career in Latvia with VEF Riga and has since played for Los Angeles and Grand Rapids in the G League, Szolnoki Olaj in Hungary, Spirou Charleroi and Giant Antwerp in Belgium, Maccabi Haifa in Israel and Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania. He helped Rytas win the Lithuanian championship in 2022. Smith played in the 2020-21 EuroCup with Antwerp and averaged 15.0 points and 5.9 assists over nine games.

More news from Jerusalem

Smith has already spent two seasons in the Israeli capital

Dreamland Gran Canaria has signed swingman Caleb Homesley for the coming season, the club announced on Saturday. 

Gran Canaria pens deal with sharpshooter Caleb Homesley

Dreamland Gran Canaria has signed swingman [Caleb Homesley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/caleb-homesley/011251/) for the coming season, the club announced on Saturday. Homesley (1.98 meters, 27 years old) returns to the BKT EuroCup after two seasons away. Last season he averaged 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 25 games in the Turkish League and 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the Basketball Champions League.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📝 Caleb Homesley, dinamita para el juego exterior del Dreamland Gran Canaria.<br><br>▪ El equipo grancanario suma al escolta norteamericano para el próximo curso.<br><br>👀 <a href="https://t.co/oNqh650Fy5">https://t.co/oNqh650Fy5</a> <a href="https://t.co/4YyABrAQay">pic.twitter.com/4YyABrAQay</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1804557196459487478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Homesley was an All-EuroCup Second Team selection in his first season in the competition with Hamburg Towers. He finished fourth in the 2021-22 EuroCup in scoring with 17.4 points per game. He led all players in three-point shots made (3.4 per game) and attempted (8.6 per game) in shooting 38.8% behind the arc and added a team-high 4.3 assists per game. Homesley began his professional career with Erie of the G League and has also played for Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia.

Caleb Homesley Top Plays of the 2021-22 Regular Season

2021-22 7DAYS EuroCup highlights Caleb Homesley Hamburg Towers

The swingman was an All-EuroCup selection in 2021-22

Aquila Basket Trento has announced the signing of Selom Mawugbe on a one-year deal.

Trento tabs Selom Mawugbe

Dolomiti Energia Trento has announced the signing of Selom Mawugbe on a one-year deal.

Mawugbe (2.08 meters, 25 years old) last played for Manresa, averaging 1.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13 Spanish League games last season. 

He started the 2023-24 campaign with Le Mans in France, posting 4.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in eight Basketball Champions League appearances, as well as 4.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks in 21 French League games.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New player unlocked! Trento sign the big man Selom Mawugbe! 🖤🦅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeDieHard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeDieHard</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z1TPZHewpH">pic.twitter.com/Z1TPZHewpH</a></p>&mdash; Dolomiti Energia Trento (@AquilaBasketTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AquilaBasketTN/status/1804486256832712869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

For the first time in his career, Mawugbe will appear in the BKT EuroCup next season. He began his professional career with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, playing there between 2020 and 2022, before heading to Europe to join the Rostock Seawolves in the 2022-23 season. That has been his best statistical season to date, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 34 German League games.

Last summer, Mawugbe opted to head to Le Mans, then saw out the campaign with Manresa. Now, he arrives in Italy and will be looking to make his mark in the EuroCup.

More Trento News

New Dolomiti Energia Trento signing Selom Mawugbe in action for Le Mans in the first part of the 2023-24 season.

He will make his EuroCup debut next season

Reyer Venezia has completed the signing of Alessandro Lever on a multi-year contract.

Alessandro Lever joins Reyer Venezia

Umana Reyer Venice has announced the signing of Alessandro Lever, who has put pen to paper on a multi-year contract at the club.

Lever (2.08 meters, 25 years old) arrives at Reyer after playing for Napoli Basket last season, averaging 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13 and a half minutes on the floor across 30 Italian League appearances. During his year in Naples, he lifted the Italian Cup.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">L’Umana Reyer è lieta di annunciare l’ingaggio su base pluriennale di Alessandro Lever, ala/centro di 208 centimetri, classe 1998 🦁🏀<br><br>Il comunicato 👉 <a href="https://t.co/CwUDGXUti9">https://t.co/CwUDGXUti9</a> 📲 <a href="https://t.co/6wt7xVV7Aj">pic.twitter.com/6wt7xVV7Aj</a></p>&mdash; Reyer Venezia (@REYER1872) <a href="https://twitter.com/REYER1872/status/1804484359178584551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

To date, Lever has played just one game in the BKT EuroCup, which came in the 2015-16 for Reggio Emilia. That was his first season as a professional. He featured in a total of four Italian League games in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons before heading to the United States, where he played for Grand Canyon University between 2017 and 2021. 

Having helped Gran Canyon reach its first NCAA tournament in program history in his senior year, Lever signed for Trieste in the Italian top flight in the summer of 2021. He remained there for two years prior to joining Napoli last year. 

Now, Lever returns to the EuroCup and will be looking to make a positive impact for a Reyer side that failed to make the EuroCup Playoffs last season.

More Reyer News

New Umana Reyer Venice signing Alessandro Lever in action for Napoli Basket in the Italian League last season.

Alessandro Lever joins Reyer

JL Bourg has confirmed the signing of Jean-Marc Pansa, who has penned a two-year deal with last season's EuroCup runner-up.

Jean-Marc Pansa signs for Bourg

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse has confirmed the signing of [Jean-Marc Pansa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jean-marc-pansa/009552/), who has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club.

Pansa helped Boulazac reach the French second division final last season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game across 41 appearances. His only previous campaign in the BKT EuroCup came with Nanterre in 2019-20, when he posted 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds coming off the bench in 10 games.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐋 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐠 🔴<br><br>Après avoir atteint la Finale de Pro B avec Boulazac la saison passée, l&#39;intérieur guyanais (2,09m) rejoint la JL Bourg pour 2 saisons !<br><br>📝 <a href="https://t.co/z8V9c8f33S">https://t.co/z8V9c8f33S</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/FRcPF1EmyO">pic.twitter.com/FRcPF1EmyO</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1804440439333982494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having begun his professional career with Nanterre in the 2016-17 season, Pansa remained at the club for four seasons. He then spent the next four seasons with Antibes in the French second tier before joining Boulazac last summer. 

More Bourg News

New Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse signing Jean-Marc Pansa in action for Nanterre in the 2019-20 BKT EuroCup season.

Olimpia Milano has signed Nenad Dimitrijevic to a two-year contract. 

Olimpia Milano brings in Nenad Dimitrijevic at point guard

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has signed [Nenad Dimitrijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nenad-dimitrijevic/profile/006085/) to a two-year contract, the club announced Saturday.

Dimitrijevic (1.86 meters, 26 years old) comes off a monster season with Russian side UNICS Kazan, during which he averaged 18.6 points, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals for a PIR of 23.4.

He ranked third in the VTB United League in scoring, assists and PIR in helping UNICS finish atop the regular season standings and reach the playoff finals.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Dimitrijevic: &quot;Grato ed entusiasta di arrivare all&#39;Olimpia&quot;<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano ha raggiunto un accordo fino alla stagione 2025/26 con il playmaker Neno Dimitrijevic, 1.83, nato a Skopje, Macedonia, il 23 febbraio 1998, proveniente dall’Unics Kazan, in Russia.<br><br>🇮🇹… <a href="https://t.co/SVq0vb4Run">pic.twitter.com/SVq0vb4Run</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1804444743998255126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I’m very happy and grateful to be now a part of this historic club," Dimitrijevic told Milan's official club media. "I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of the history of Olimpia and will try to help the team win hopefully important trophies. I can’t wait to get started, I will see you all very soon.”

Dimitrijevic is a product of the Joventut Badalona youth system and he made his professional debut there, playing five seasons for the senior team, including two in the EuroCup.

The best plays of new EA7 Emporio Armani Milan signing Nenad Dimitrijevic while playing for Valencia Basket in the 2021-22 BKT EuroCup season.

Dimitrijevic's top plays in 2021-22

He spent the 2021-22 season with Valencia Basket before moving to UNICS. Dimitrijevic led UNICS to the 2023 VTB championship in their first season together and was named MVP of the playoffs. A native of North Macedonia, Dimitrijevic has also been a regular on his country’s national team.

New EA7 Emporio Armani Milan recruit Nenad Dimitrijevic in action for Valencia Basket in the 2021-22 BKT EuroCup season.

The playmaker will make his EuroLeague debut in the Fashion Capital 