Name: Vincent Poirier, Real: 'I signed here because I want to win'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and shooting guard Markus Howard reached a new agreement to keep working together until the end of the 2027-28 season, the club announced Tuesday.

Baskonia extends top scorer Markus Howard until 2028!

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and shooting guard [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) reached a new agreement to keep working together until the end of the 2027-28 season, the club announced Tuesday.

### A scoring machine

Howard (1.78 meters, 25 years old) comes off a great season in which [he claimed the 2023-24 Alphonso Ford Top Scoring Trophy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonias-markus-howard-wins-the-2023-24-alphonso-ford-top-scorer-trophy/), averaging a EuroLeague-best 19.5 points per game. He went over the 20-point mark as many as 19 times, scoring more than 30 points five times and reaching the 35-point mark twice, against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in regular season Round 9 and against Real Madrid in Round 33. His 759 points are the most by any EuroLeague player in a single season. He also led the competition in three-pointers, hitting as many as 148, 60 more than last season. Those 148 three-pointers are by far an all-time EuroLeague record: Alexey Shved previously had 107 shots made from downtown with Khimki Moscow Region in the 2017-18 season. Howard was also the Spanish League top scorer at 19.4 points per night. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✍️ OFICIAL | Baskonia y <a href="https://twitter.com/markushoward11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@markushoward11</a>, juntos hasta 2⃣0⃣2⃣8⃣<br><br>🗞️ <a href="https://t.co/YhXn5rz7YL">https://t.co/YhXn5rz7YL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Howard2028?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Howard2028</a> <a href="https://t.co/FGPqDOz8lj">pic.twitter.com/FGPqDOz8lj</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1790294568140767519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Filling the baskets everywhere

Howard finished his college career at Marquette University, averaging 27.8 points and 3.3 assists in 29 NCAA games. He went on to play for Denver of the NBA and Grand Rapids of the G League before joining Baskonia in 2022. In two seasons with Baskonia, Howard has averaged 17.1 points in 72 games, hitting 236 of 611 shots from beyond the arc (38.6% 3FG). He also helped the USA national team win respective gold medals at the 2015 U16 FIBA Americas Championships and the 2016 U17 World Cup. With this agreement, Howard is set to enter the prime of his career in the EuroLeague. 

Howard (1.78 meters, 25 years old) comes off a great season in which he claimed the 2023-24 Alphonso Ford Top Scoring trophy, averaging a EuroLeague-best 19.5 points per game. He went over the 20-point mark as many as 19 times, scoring more than 30 points five times and reaching the 35-point mark twice, against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Regular Season Round 9 and against Real Madrid in Round 33. His 759 points are the most by any EuroLeague player in a single season.

NEWS ABOUT MARKUS HOWARD

The winner of the 2023-24 Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy is staying in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Baskonia extends top scorer Markus Howard until 2028

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens put together a new-look team this season. Have a look at some of their stars in action.

 Road to Berlin: Panathinaikos Top 10 photos 

Dinos Mitoglou had a great comeback season for Panathinaikos with 11.6 points per game.

Kostas Sloukas became a team leader at Panathinaikos after joining it from archrival Olympiacos

Jerian Grant may be known as a defensive specialist, but he shows here that he can also soar for dunks on offense

After joining the team in November, Kendrick Nunn blossomed into an All-EuroLeague selection

Aleksander Balcerowski is key reserve for Coach Ergin Ataman at center

Marius Grigonis had many displays of hustle like this one. This is his second season at Panathinaikos

Mathias Lessort has been one of the most dominant players in the league, this time dressed in Green

After one season away with Partizan, Ioannis Papapetrou returned to Athens for his fifth season with Panathinaikos

Despite having injury problems this season, Juancho Hernangomez has became a reliable piece in the Panathinaikos puzzle

The assortment of highlights that Mathias Lessort has provided this season is second to none

Road to Berlin: Panathinaikos Top 10 photos

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul ended its Final Four drought this season thanks to all the contributions coming from up an down its roster. Check out some of the best photos of Fenerbahce players this season.

Road to Berlin: Fenerbahce Top 10 photos

Veteran Nick Calathes was one of the most important Fenerbahce players this season

In his second season with Fenerbahce, Johnathan Motley will be playing at his first Final Four

Scottie Wilbekin's 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game were a main factor in Fenerbahce's trip to the Final Four

Amine Noua arrived later in the season and quickly found ways to contribute

Veteran Marko Guduric shows here that he will do whatever is needed to help Fenerbahce

Dyshawn Pierre and Georgios Papagiannis fight for the rebound. Both will be making their first Final Four appearance

Dyshawn Pierre has averaged 5.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists this season

Nigel Hayes-Davis is notorious for his offensive feats, but here he has shows his hustle on the other end

Nate Sestina made his EuroLeague debut this season and his role has grown as the season went on

Big man Georgios Papagiannis played his first season outside of his native Greece after six campaigns with Panathinaikos

Olympiacos heads to its third consecutive Final Four thanks to an array of stars. Here's a look at some of the best photos taken of the Reds along the way. 

Road to Berlin: Olympiacos Top 10 photos

Thomas Walkup has been the heart of this Olympiacos team on both ends of the court

Mid-season signing big man Moses Wright gelled with the Reds almost immediately

After winning the title with Real Madrid, Nigel Williams-Goss returned to the Reds to seek another crown

Moustapha Fall is one of the most dominant big men in the league and he made sure everybody noticed

Isaiah Canaan is having his best EuroLeague season so far with 11.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game

In his fifth season with Olympiacos, Shaq McKissic has become a fan-favorite and key piece

Kostas Papanikolaou remains a beacon for what it means to play for Olympiacos

Filip Petrusev arrived in the middle of the regular season and he became a reliable player in the middle

Big man Nikola Milutinov returned to Olympiacos this season and overcame injuries to shine in the playoffs

With the departure of former MVP Sasha Vezenkov, Alec Peters stepped up and become one of Olympiacos' biggest threats on offense

Defending champion Real Madrid led the standings all season. Here are some of the best photos of Los Blancos along the way

Road to Berlin: Real Madrid Top 10 photos

Walter Tavares uses his size to intimidate opponents on defense for the defending champs

Facu Campazzo confirmed this season that he is one of the best point guards in the league

Guerschon Yabusele's athleticism is a perfect match for spectacular moments in any Real game

Veteran Sergio Llull has already won three EuroLeague titles with Real and now looks to win his fourth

Mario Hezonja has quickly become one of Real's main offensive references and also a fan-favorite

Vincent Poirier's role as a back-up big man for Walter Tavares was more important than ever this season

Gabriel Deck's averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in his sixth EuroLeague season, all of them with Real

A young player with limited playing time, Eli Ndiaye already made 21 appearances this season, 11 of them as a starter

Dzanan Musa's offensive abilities are second to none, but the Real player also shows his defensive chops in this picture

When his teammates find him, Walter Tavares is almost a guaranteed basket inside the paint

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five Adriatic League finals by edging cross-town archrivals Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 85-82 in Game 1 at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Monday.

Zvezda takes win in Adriatic finals opener

Yago Dos Santos led the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Milos Teodosic and Luka Mitrovic each added 14 points while Dejan Davidovac had 12 for Zvezda. James Nunnally led Partizan with 27 points on 6-for-9 three-point shooting. Kevin Punter added 13 points while Aleksa Avramovic scored 10 for the guests.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">POBEDA u prvoj utakmici finala ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sportmts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportmts</a> <a href="https://t.co/UtL75GrBdb">pic.twitter.com/UtL75GrBdb</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1790126219301703776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Nunnally struck from downtown and Punter added a driving layup to give Partizan a 17-20 lead after 10 minutes. Mateusz Ponitka and Nunnally soon boosted the guests' lead to 26-35. Branko Lazic and Dos Santos fueled a 9-0 run that tied score near halftime and Zach Leday's buzzer-beater for Partizan fixed the halftime score at 39-39. Zvezda improved its offense after the break, as Davidovac and Mitrovic gave their team a 55-48 margin. Nunnally, Punter and Jaleen Smith each hit a triple to keep Partizan within 64-61 after 30 minutes. Ponitka gave Partizan its last lead, 76-78, with under 3 minutes left, but Nemanja Nedovic, Dos Santos and Davidovac put Zvezda ahead 83-80 with 11 seconds left. Nunnally and Davidovac traded free throws, and Avramovic missed from beyond midcourt at the buzzer.

Days before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin, Germany, Real Madrid center Vincent Poirier sat down with Javier Gancedo of EuroLeague.net to talk about his basketball origins.

Vincent Poirier, Real: 'I signed here because I want to win'

[Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) is having a career-best season that is confirming his status as one of the best players in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. He has averaged 8.9 points on 67.7% two-point shooting, 5.4 rebounds and a league-best 1.5 blocks for a PIR of 13.5 in less than 19 minutes on the floor. On per 40-minute basis, Poirier ranks fourth in PIR (29.4), second in blocks (3.3), seventh in rebounds (11.7) and sixth in two-point shots made (7.8).

His outstanding blocks - often denying dunk attempts, alley-oop dunks and blue-collar mentality have turned him into a Real fan favorite. Los Blancos fans always appreciate a player who matches the club's endless ambition.

"I signed here because I want to win. I want to win titles and live this emotion, because it's an emotion that you can have only when you win, and it's addictive," Poirier said. "We are a perfect fit because I wanted that and I know they can give me that. It was a great opportunity to come here and win trophies."

Asked about Real's chance to win back-to-back EuroLeague trophies for the first time since 1968, Poirier said he embraces the opportunity of making even greater history with Los Blancos.

"That's the goal, to leave my print on basketball. And if I can do that in Madrid, in 60 years they will say, yes, the last team that won back-to-back was with Vincent Poirier, 'Chacho' Rodriguez, Yabusele and all that. I will take it as well," he said.

Poirier also answered about his relationship with Walter Tavares. Together, Poirier and Tavares have dominated the competition over the last two seasons, combining for 3.1 blocks per night.

"Obviously, he is a huge player, maybe the one that makes the difference in Europe as a center. I really enjoy playing with him, sharing the court with him and being able to compete with each other, to make the team better" Poirier said. "I think we compete at the highest level together and that benefits the team, so that's great."

The EuroCup MVP was the hero of Paris’s championship season

Tribute to the Champs: TJ Shorts

[TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) authored one of the greatest seasons in EuroCup history to lead Paris Basketball to a historic championship. The 1.75-meter guard shined from opening night through the finals as the unquestioned superstar for the champs. He led the EuroCup this season in PIR (23.4) and assists (7.3 apg.), was second in scoring (18.0 ppg.) and fifth in steals (1.9 spg.). Shorts also set EuroCup records for most accumulated assists in one season with 167.

He was the MVP in Rounds 1, 10 and 12 plus the quarterfinals, was then named EuroCup MVP and capped a majestic campaign as EuroCup Finals MVP: Shorts was the leader of the Paris pack, yet he always showed appreciation for those around him. After winning the championship, Shorts told Javier Gancedo in an interview: “I am just grateful for everybody that has contributed to this championship, from the coaches, the players, the people behind doors, in the offices. Everybody that contributed is great."

Paris Basketball playmaker TJ Shorts rounded a perfect season by earning 2024 EuroCup Finals honors, leading his team to its first-ever continental title.

TJ SHORTS | Finals MVP | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

None were greater on the court, though, than Shorts, the hero of Paris’s 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season. After a fantastic regular season, Shorts was even more dominant in the playoffs. He paced Paris in the quarterfinals against Joventut Badalona with 21 points and 9 assists for a PIR of 28. Then in the semifinals against the London Lions, he averaged 22.0 points on 73.7% two-point shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.0 steals for an average PIR of 28.5 in a two-game sweep. The finals against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse saw Shorts again shine as he completed his season with 22 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for a PIR of 28 in Game 2 to finish the series.

Following a vote by fans, media, head coaches and team captains – each with the same 25% weight – here is the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague Second Team!

Meet the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague Second Team!

### Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

The veteran leader of a new-look team, [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) crossed the city from Olympiacos Piraeus to join Panathinaikos, which he promptly led to its first Final Four in more than a decade. The 34-year-old playmaker had a fine season in which he ranked fifth in the league in assists (5.7) and 13th in PIR (16.1). Where he truly set himself apart from the rest was in the playoffs. In the Greens' three wins against Maccabi, Sloukas averaged 21.3 points with incredible shooting numbers: 77.3% on two-pointers, 46.7% on threes and 100% from the foul line. He averaged a PIR of 26.0 in those games. He was MVP of the Round three times this season (Rounds 14 and 34 and Game 4 of the playoffs). Sloukas joins the late Alphonso Ford as the only players to be voted to the All-EuroLeague Team representing three different clubs.

### Wade Baldwin, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

For the second year in a row, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) has shined on the EuroLeague stage and been named to the All-EuroLeague team. In his fifth season in the competition, the Maccabi standout finished with the league's third-best scoring average, 17.4 points per game., while his 4.9 assists ranked ninth. Baldwin netted double figures points in 27 of his 30 games and scored 20 or more on 11 occasions. He was chosen as Euroleague Basketball's MVP of the Month for March, his second time winning the award, after leading Maccabi to a six-game winning streak that saw the team surge up the standings. It all added up to Baldwin posting an per-game PIR of 19.1, which was the fourth-best average in the EuroLeague.

Following a vote by fans, media, head coaches and team captains – each with the same 25% weight – here is the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague Second Team!

The players named are: Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens,  
Wade Baldwin, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Lorenzo Brown, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid and Walter Tavares, Real Madrid.

2023-24 ALL-EUROLEAGUE SECOND TEAM

### Lorenzo Brown, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

After injuries sapped [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) of his best form during the regular season, the Maccabi playmaker snapped back to health just in time and, as one of the stars of the postseason, has been recognized by the voters his second consecutive All-EuroLeague Team selection. Brown was the MVP of the Play-In Showdown after he erupted for 29 points on 7-for-8 three-point shooting – both Maccabi postseason records – plus 5 assists against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to send Maccabi to the playoffs. He then led the Israeli champs with 17.2 points and 5.8 assists for a PIR of 19.2 in the five-game series against Panathinaikos. Brown ranked third in scoring for the playoffs, with 17.2 points per game, and was third for the full season in assists with 6.1.

### Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid

The top scorer on the league's best offense, Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) has earned a spot on the All-EuroLeague Team for the first time in his seven seasons in the competition. Hezonja was one of only two players to qualify for the 50-40-90 club this season as he connected on 52.0% of his two-pointers, 45.2% of his threes, and 91.9% of his free throws. He averaged 13.7 points and 4.4 rebounds while playing in all but one game for Los Blancos. Hezonja was the EuroLeague MVP for December after he led Real Madrid to a 5-0 month. He posted two of his three double-doubles for the season in that month. Hezonja was later the MVP for Round 31 after going for 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for a PIR of 33 in a road win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade that wrapped up first place in the standings.

### Walter Tavares, Real Madrid

The league's most intimidating defender, Real big man [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) again was a force in the middle for the team that led the standings every step of the way. The 2.20-meter center ranked second in the league in blocked shots (1.5) and fifth in rebounding (6.6) while contributing 9.6 points on 60.2% field-goal shooting. He was 10th in the league in PIR on a per-minute basis, with an average of 26.8 prorated over 40 minutes. Tavares then raised his numbers in crunch time; he was the playoff leader with 9.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, and he placed third with a PIR of 21.0 in leading Los Blancos to a 3-0 series sweep of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. This is Tavares's fifth All-EuroLeague selection, which places him in a tie with Nikola Vujcic and Nikola Mirotic for the fifth-most in EuroLeague history.

Following a vote by fans, media, head coaches and team captains – each with the same 25% weight – here is the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague First Team!

Meet the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague First Team!

### Facundo Campazzo, Real Madrid

A two-time EuroLeague champion looking for a third crown in Berlin, Real guard [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) has been voted onto an All-EuroLeague team for the first time in seven seasons in the competition. Last summer, the defending champs strengthened the roster by bringing Campazzo back to the club after two and a half years away. The 33-year-old Argentine, who was named the November MVP of the Month, became nothing less than a conductor for Los Blancos as they set a new EuroLeague record with 27 regular-season wins before sweeping their playoff series against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Campazzo dished 6.5 assists per game, which were second most in the league this season. His 1.3 steals per game were seventh in the league, while his average PIR of 16.9 led Real and his 11.7 points were third on the team.

### Mike James, AS Monaco

Following a memorable season that saw him become the EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer, [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) of Monaco has become an All-EuroLeague First Team selection for the second time in the last three years. The 33-year-old guard, playing in his 10th EuroLeague season, netted 10 points or more in 38 of his 39 appearances and was fundamental to Monaco setting a new club record with 23 regular-season wins. He was chosen as the February MVP of the Month, his fifth such honor, which ranks second all-time. James surpassed Vassilis Spanoulis as the EuroLeague's all-time top scorer on March 7 and kept adding to a career total that now reaches 4,623 points. His 2023-24 campaign came to a close with James ranking second in the league in scoring, at 17.9 points per game, and third in PIR, at 19.4 on average. He also ranked seventh in assists with 5.1 and boasted 4.1 rebounds per game, one of the top averages among guards.

### Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) joined Panathinaikos at the end of October, once the 2023-24 campaign had already begun, and made his first appearance in Round 7. It didn't take long for the 28-year-old to demonstrate his quality as he scored 10 points or more in all but two regular-season games from Round 11, finishing with a team-high scoring average of 15.4 points. Nunn then went to another level in the playoffs by averaging 19.2 points, including 26.0 per contest through Games 3, 4 and 5 against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv to help Panathinaikos return to the Final Four after a 12-year absence. For his efforts, Nunn was named the March/April MVP of the Month. In total, Nunn scored 526 points in 33 games, the most any player has ever managed in his first EuroLeague campaign.

Following a vote by fans, media, head coaches and team captains – each with the same 25% weight – here is the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague First Team!

The players named are: Facundo Campazzo, Real Madrid, Mike James, AS Monaco, Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Mathias Lessort, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

2023-24 ALL-EUROLEAGUE FIRST TEAM


### Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Another first-time All-EuroLeague selection is Fenerbahce forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), now in his fifth EuroLeague campaign. Hayes-Davis enjoyed his best season to date in helping Fenerbahce end a five-year wait to return to the Final Four. The 29-year-old forward netted a combined 492 points, with a remarkable 50 of those coming in Round 32 against ALBA Berlin as Hayes-Davis broke the EuroLeague's single-game scoring record. As Fenerbahce's best scorer this season, he managed to pour in a double-digit number of points in 26 of his 35 games. Not only did Hayes-Davis lead Fenerbahce with 14.1 points per game, but he paced the team in average PIR, at 15.9, and rebounds, at 4.7. He was on the court more than any EuroLeague player this season, an average of 31:42 minutes per game.

### Mathias Lessort, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Panathinaikos big man [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) is the only player returning to the All-EuroLeague First Team from last season. Having switched Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade for Panathinaikos last summer, Lessort quickly became a fan favorite in Athens thanks to his exuberant playing style. In his fifth EuroLeague season, Lessort posted a career-high 13.7-point average, second-best on Panathinaikos, while also leading the team and finishing eighth in the league with 6.2 rebounds per game. Lessort scored in double figures in 33 games and had 15 games with 7 rebounds or more. His 2.4 offensive boards ranked fifth overall. It all added up to a second-ranked PIR average of 19.6, the highest of any player going to the Final Four. The powerful center was a lot to handle in the paint, which led him to drawing a EuroLeague single-season record of 257 fouls.

The games of the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four will be in good hands after Euroleague Basketball’s Director of Officiating Daniel Hierrezuelo revealed the eight referees who will oversee the games. They are Ilija Belosevic, Mehdi Difallah, Damir Javor, Emin Mogulkoc, Uros Nikolic, Carlos Peruga, Sreten Radovic and Fernando Rocha.

The names of the 2024 Final Four referees are revealed

The games of the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four will be in good hands after Euroleague Basketball’s Director of Officiating Daniel Hierrezuelo revealed the eight referees who will oversee the games. They are Ilija Belosevic, Mehdi Difallah, Damir Javor, Emin Mogulkoc, Uros Nikolic, Carlos Peruga, Sreten Radovic and Fernando Rocha.

The list boasts tremendous experience at the top levels of basketball as seven of them have previously officiated at Final Fours. Difallah refereed last season's EuroLeague Championship Game and was joined by Mogulkoc at the 2023 Final Four. Difallah, Belosevic and Javor all worked the 2022 Final Four. Belosevic brings the most experience as this will be his 10th time officiating at European basketball’s signature event. Difallah and Rocha will each at their fifth Final Four and Javor and Radovic at their fourth.

"Just like the players and teams at the Final Four, excellence is required to earn a place among the officiating crews, so I am proud to have these eight elite professionals coming to Berlin," said Daniel Hierrezuelo, Euroleague Basketball's Director of Officiating. "Their collective experience and refereeing acumen will help ensure the height of fairness at this season's Final Four."

The 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four will take place at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The semifinals – pitting Real Madrid against Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul – will take place on Friday, May 24 followed by the third-place game and championship game two days later.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-05-24T16:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-05-24T19:00:00.000Z)

After guiding Real Madrid to a dominant regular season and a 3-0 playoff sweep, Chus Mateo has been chosen as the 2023-24 Alexander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year. Mateo's name appeared on the most ballots from his fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coaches, who are the sole voters for this award.

Chus Mateo is chosen as Coach of the Year

For three days, May 24-26, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the German capital as Uber Arena hosts the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. The two semifinals couldn’t be more different. Let’s have a look.

2024 Final Four at a Glance

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (May 24, 18:00 CEST)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/331/)

Two teams making their Final Four returns after many years away will also face off at the European basketball showcase for the first time. After finishing the regular season in second place, Panathinaikos survived a five-game playoff thriller against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv to reach its first Final Four since 2012.

Fenerbahce was sixth at the end of the regular season and then upset AS Monaco in the playoffs. This will be Fenerbahce’s first Final Four since 2019. Their only previous postseason meetings came when Fenerbahce swept the Greens in the 2017 playoffs en route to the club’s only EuroLeague crown. In the teams’ two games this season, each won at home by a double-digit margin.

Of note, Panathinaikos’s head coach Ergin Ataman is also the head coach of the Turkish national team. Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, point guard [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and center [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) are all former Panathinaikos players.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FINAL FOUR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOOD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOOD</a>! 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/7vrKbB3vsr">pic.twitter.com/7vrKbB3vsr</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1788302709466038327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (May 24, 21:00 CEST)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/330/)

The second semifinal is a rematch of last season’s championship game, which came down to the final shot before Real Madrid triumphed. Los Blancos finished atop the regular season standings and swept Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the playoffs. Olympiacos was placed fifth at the end of the regular season and then overcame a 2-1 deficit to take down FC Barcelona in a grueling playoff duel. Both teams are making their third straight Final Four appearances. 

The protagonists in the first Euroleague Basketball game of the modern era, on October 16, 2000, Real Madrid and Olympiacos have a rich history together. In addition to last season’s final, Real bested Olympiacos in the 1995 championship game in Zaragoza, Spain; the Reds triumphed in the 2013 title game in London and two years later in Madrid, the locals celebrated at Olympiacos’s expense. They’ve also met in the 1996, 2009 and 2014 playoffs.  

On the floor, this game is the ultimate clash of styles and tempo. Real Madrid led the league this season in scoring, rebounds, assists and PIR. Olympiacos boasted the top-ranked defense both in terms of points and PIR allowed. It should be a treat!

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Είναι τρελός ο πιλότος! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/GsNvTYQnNs">pic.twitter.com/GsNvTYQnNs</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1788363649704218704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

FINAL FOUR NEWS

A lot of the focus last week was on the three Game 5s in the EuroLeague, but there was much, much more. Check out our selection of social media posts.

EuroLeague week on social media

### The sights and sounds of Game 5 in Athens

The second team to reach the Final Four this season was Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, which outlasted Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in a five-game thriller.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOUND ON 📢💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/WwjVhp1MQH">pic.twitter.com/WwjVhp1MQH</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787887951436730492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAOFans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAOFans</a> 💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/EhC6A85kw2">pic.twitter.com/EhC6A85kw2</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787893552376058002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/nunnbetter_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nunnbetter_</a> 👌🏾💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/fB5maXOJAU">pic.twitter.com/fB5maXOJAU</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787937289391260116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/kos_slou?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kos_slou</a> celebrates with his family after helping <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paobcgr</a> after helping the greens reach Final Four 🫶☘️ <a href="https://t.co/egQXa3AzjF">pic.twitter.com/egQXa3AzjF</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1787949934907424793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A MAN OF THE PEOPLE <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiasLsf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiasLsf</a> 💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/3Hy26ULI3m">pic.twitter.com/3Hy26ULI3m</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1787955865305366789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### The sights and sounds of Game 5 in Monaco

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul made history on Wednesday when it won Game 5 at AS Monaco and become the first team to ever do so on the road.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Monaco is ready for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a>! 💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/fMETDOotO6">pic.twitter.com/fMETDOotO6</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1787859961499750587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔨⚡️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/CDCle3nPtF">pic.twitter.com/CDCle3nPtF</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1788260494047850728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">⏯️ Halftime in Monaco 🆚️ <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> 🇲🇨💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/udU1LBsEhu">pic.twitter.com/udU1LBsEhu</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1788267808783999181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NICK CALATHES IS CLUTCH CALATHES🚨🎯<br><br>Back-to-back three-pointers after going 1 for 8 from deep before that to send <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a>🤯 <a href="https://t.co/K4h75DsC2B">pic.twitter.com/K4h75DsC2B</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788291990888579460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> HAVE MADE HISTORY 👏<br><br>They become the first team ever to win a Playoffs Game 5 away 💥 <a href="https://t.co/AnPCnjQWeJ">pic.twitter.com/AnPCnjQWeJ</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788293773836841074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats Fener!! Well deserved!! Good luck in the Final Four!!! 💛💙💪😁 <a href="https://t.co/TQ2uIxkiBf">https://t.co/TQ2uIxkiBf</a></p>&mdash; Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderOfHorde/status/1788292658173190475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Anlık modumuz 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/CmyXBZckcu">pic.twitter.com/CmyXBZckcu</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1788293515627106562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FINAL FOUR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOOD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOOD</a>! 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/7vrKbB3vsr">pic.twitter.com/7vrKbB3vsr</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1788302709466038327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RESPECT. 👏 <a href="https://t.co/eKjNHGk3Uq">pic.twitter.com/eKjNHGk3Uq</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket EN (@asmonaco_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/asmonaco_en/status/1788315378029830386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### The sights and sounds of Game 5 in Barcelona

Olympiacos Piraeus became the fourth and final team to qualify for the semifinals when it came from behind to eliminate FC Barcelona.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Focus 🧠 <a href="https://t.co/RlYoxgKgwi">pic.twitter.com/RlYoxgKgwi</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788262493120258403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s do this!!! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAROLY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAROLY</a> <a href="https://t.co/mKv0Ii5jNg">pic.twitter.com/mKv0Ii5jNg</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1788278037798117692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️ <a href="https://t.co/CMjl6XrxQY">pic.twitter.com/CMjl6XrxQY</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788280462068068375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">BLAUGRANA AL VENT<br><br> 💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️ <a href="https://t.co/lq563SSlHd">pic.twitter.com/lq563SSlHd</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788283730575974501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">COMENCEMMMMMMMMM <a href="https://t.co/Ob1ECPx6Iv">pic.twitter.com/Ob1ECPx6Iv</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788283044790448249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Barcelona take an early 18-9 lead and the crowd is on 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/zRKFzojVF8">pic.twitter.com/zRKFzojVF8</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788290070740353083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is Palau 😤 <a href="https://t.co/USQ1490Xpm">pic.twitter.com/USQ1490Xpm</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788293291550953671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">❤️‍🔥 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎́ ❤️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/KaHQyBHGpl">pic.twitter.com/KaHQyBHGpl</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1788295556391117265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">K-PAP 🎯 49-57 <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympiacos_BC</a> <a href="https://t.co/JxIzwiyJWZ">pic.twitter.com/JxIzwiyJWZ</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788312388648808762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Are you ready for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> Red-White Nation? 🔴⚪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjZaf2PSHl">pic.twitter.com/QjZaf2PSHl</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1788331937519587619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Best Final Four predictions?

Would you believe that these two former EuroLeague MVPs predicted this Final Four months ago?


<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In other news, <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a> knows ball 💯 <a href="https://t.co/I2F0DlouVB">pic.twitter.com/I2F0DlouVB</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788566336689295420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You two... 🔮 <a href="https://t.co/8T5SWP6xXF">pic.twitter.com/8T5SWP6xXF</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1788315249055023382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Baskonia, Valencia, Efes honor former stars

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz paid tribute to retired star Tiago Splitter by retiring his No. 21 jersey, Valencia Basket announced that it will do the same with Sam Van Rossom’s No. 9, and Anadolu Efes Istanbul awarded Adrien Moerman his 2022 championship ring. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔵🔴 Un día inolvidable para el baskonismo y para una leyenda azulgrana <br><br>¡Para siempre uno de los nuestros, <a href="https://twitter.com/tiagosplitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tiagosplitter</a>! 🫶<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Splitter21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Splitter21</a> <a href="https://t.co/YT6Dv8sVnQ">pic.twitter.com/YT6Dv8sVnQ</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1787432512928547109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">𝟎𝟓.𝟎𝟓.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 | TIAGO SPLITTER<br>🙌 El último en incorporarse al olimpo del Buesa Arena<br><br>Con la elástica azulgrana, Splitter conquistó 9 títulos:<br>2 Ligas acb (2008 y 2010)<br>3 Copas del Rey (2004, 2006 y 2009)<br>4 Supercopas acb (2005, 2006, 2007 y 2008)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Splitter21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Splitter21</a> 🔵🔴 <a href="https://t.co/vjOzFBgG28">pic.twitter.com/vjOzFBgG28</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1787761230037356727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Nuestro querido Sam Van Rossom lo deja a final de temporada 🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/SamyV09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamyV09</a> acaba de anunciar su retirada de las canchas como jugador, finalizando una larga y exitosa carrera en la que tuvimos la enorme suerte de ser parte directa entre 2013 y 2023.<br><br>Como ya se anunció tras su… <a href="https://t.co/xd5C2r56LK">pic.twitter.com/xd5C2r56LK</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1787169110410801606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Eski oyuncumuz Adrien Moerman, Bursaspor İnfo Yatırım karşılaşmasında, 2021-2022 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> sezonu şampiyonluk yüzüğünü A Takım Yöneticimiz Özgür Alyüz’den aldı.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/mPGHUuD1mv">pic.twitter.com/mPGHUuD1mv</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1787502261641383994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### De Colo and the Olympic flame 🔥

Three-time Olympian and 2020 silver medalist Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Très honoré d’avoir été choisi parmi les Éclaireurs… Merci <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyEstanguet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TonyEstanguet</a> 🤝 Puis ce fut, avec une grande Fierté, que j’ai pu porter la Flamme Olympique durant cette première journée des relais à Marseille 🔥 <br>L’engouement pour <a href="https://twitter.com/Paris2024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paris2024</a> était incroyable 👏🏻😁 <a href="https://t.co/NtRw94FnUs">pic.twitter.com/NtRw94FnUs</a></p>&mdash; Nando De Colo (@NandoDeColo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NandoDeColo/status/1788661472660246957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Salute to the award winners 🏆

The end-of-season award winners are being rolled out day after day. Congrats to them all!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">💥💥 𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 💥💥<br><br>Con 𝟭𝟵,𝟱 puntos por partido, <a href="https://twitter.com/markushoward11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@markushoward11</a> recibe el premio “Euroleague Alphonso Ford TOP SCORER” de la temporada 23/24 🔥<br>📰 <a href="https://t.co/wtjJEYYSeo">https://t.co/wtjJEYYSeo</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/7o95lTgpjK">pic.twitter.com/7o95lTgpjK</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1788580217562255782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">List of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> Alphonso Ford Top Scorer trophy.<br><br>Congrats to Markus Howard becoming the 2nd youngest trophy winner after Drew Nicholas. <a href="https://t.co/gNnUGiV9uL">pic.twitter.com/gNnUGiV9uL</a></p>&mdash; Darius Garuolis (@DariusGaruolis) <a href="https://twitter.com/DariusGaruolis/status/1788992399647146106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/GabrieleProcid1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GabrieleProcid1</a>!!! We are so proud of you. <a href="https://t.co/3mPOYfSTZl">https://t.co/3mPOYfSTZl</a></p>&mdash; Himar Ojeda Pérez (@Himar_Ojeda) <a href="https://twitter.com/Himar_Ojeda/status/1788905673784230390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✨EuroLeague Rising Star 2023/24✨<br><br>First ALBA player ever to win the award – voted by <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> head coaches. 🤩<br><br>Congratulazioni, Gabriele! 💛💙 <a href="https://t.co/UyWfuKRaia">pic.twitter.com/UyWfuKRaia</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1788942692627427762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well Deserved <a href="https://twitter.com/twalkup23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@twalkup23</a> !!! 👏🏽🔥❌ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/qryfdO9wTx">https://t.co/qryfdO9wTx</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1789212506579173595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐨 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯-𝟮𝟰 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/r4GifKAIP7">pic.twitter.com/r4GifKAIP7</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1789596601838608743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Renewals and extensions ✍🏻

Valencia, Panathinaikos and Bayern each signed key parts of the present and future to new deals last week.


<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EstamosDandoVolteretas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EstamosDandoVolteretas</a> 🤸‍♂️<br><br>Cas 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/semi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@semi</a> Ojeleye seguirá siendo taronja hasta 2026<a href="https://t.co/mlnPQO6pnh">https://t.co/mlnPQO6pnh</a><br><br>Val 👉 Semi Ojeleye continuarà sent taronja fins a 2026<a href="https://t.co/QV6oJM0sJR">https://t.co/QV6oJM0sJR</a><br><br>Eng 👉 Semi Ojeleye will stay as Taronja player until 2026<a href="https://t.co/rWfLgla2Bh">https://t.co/rWfLgla2Bh</a> <a href="https://t.co/bmAoFrOFdZ">pic.twitter.com/bmAoFrOFdZ</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1788171149689360710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει την ανανέωση της συνεργασίας της με τον Κέντρικ Ναν ως το καλοκαίρι του 2026. Υπό συγκεκριμένες προϋποθέσεις ο αθλητής διατηρεί το δικαίωμα χρήσης NBA Out.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://t.co/nUvcESWCOh">pic.twitter.com/nUvcESWCOh</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1788212927335465280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🚨 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆 𝐅Ü𝐑 𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐍<br><br>U18-Nationalspieler Ivan Kharchenkov unterschreibt einen Dreijahres-Vertrag bis 2027: <a href="https://t.co/2euI3LgbgU">https://t.co/2euI3LgbgU</a><br>_______<br><br>🥳 Ivan Kharchenkov signs a three-year contract with us until 2027: <a href="https://t.co/IB2fqp9ySA">https://t.co/IB2fqp9ySA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kharchenkov2027?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kharchenkov2027</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1788844923019477307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### Birthday celebrations 🎉🎂

EuroLeague stars – past and present – celebrated birthdays last week. Join us in wishing happy birthday to Diamantidis, D’Antoni, Musa, Walker, Mahmutoglu and Sestina!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy birthday, Dimitris Diamantidis ☘️💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://t.co/oBqd8No1HT">pic.twitter.com/oBqd8No1HT</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787502473931870278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy Birthday to our All-Time Franchise Player, Mr. Mike D’Antoni! 🎁🎂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qIMpZdY1Ok">pic.twitter.com/qIMpZdY1Ok</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1788109079707369644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🎂🎁 ¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, <a href="https://twitter.com/DzMusa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DzMusa</a>! <a href="https://t.co/cS5Zq1WVaF">pic.twitter.com/cS5Zq1WVaF</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1788117867596026360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎈 Happy birthday Kemba Walker ! 🎂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://t.co/5SlO6Ms9Oz">pic.twitter.com/5SlO6Ms9Oz</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1788269434852782498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Joyeux anniversaire Timothé ! ✌️<br><br>Notre international français fête ses 29 ans aujourd’hui 🎂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/gEaOdQvxSc">pic.twitter.com/gEaOdQvxSc</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1788486330244080066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Bugün Kaptanımız Melih Mahmutoğlu’nun doğum günü. Mutlu yıllar Kaptan! 🎉 <a href="https://twitter.com/melihmahmutoglu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@melihmahmutoglu</a> <a href="https://t.co/P5hFKlHrbW">pic.twitter.com/P5hFKlHrbW</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1789581327508918380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Bugün oyuncumuz Nate Sestina’nın doğum günü. Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/NateSestina23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NateSestina23</a>! 🎉 <a href="https://t.co/xvfPKeiCxo">pic.twitter.com/xvfPKeiCxo</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1789583836063437073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


After guiding Real Madrid to a dominant regular season and a 3-0 playoff sweep, Chus Mateo has been chosen as the 2023-24 Alexander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year. 

Chus Mateo is voted by his peers as the EuroLeague Coach of the Year

After guiding Real Madrid to a dominant regular season and a 3-0 playoff sweep, Chus Mateo has been chosen as the 2023-24 Alexander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year. Mateo's name appeared on the most ballots from his fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague head coaches, who are the sole voters for this award.

While 17 EuroLeague clubs began the season with the dream of winning the championship, only Mateo's Real Madrid was challenged with the task of defending it. And despite the potential pitfalls that come while wearing the crown, Mateo made sure *Los Blancos* thrived. Real Madrid sat atop the standings all season long, winning its first 10 games and proceeding to finish in first place with a 27-7 record. The team then became the only team to sweep its opponent in the playoffs. Now, Mateo and Real Madrid head to Berlin to defend the championship.

The Gomelskiy Trophy is named after the late Hall of Fame coach, who was a four-time EuroLeague champion, six-time EuroBasket winner, Olympic gold medalist and twice a Basketball World Cup winner. Mateo is the third Spanish coach to win the award and the second from Real Madrid. Pablo Laso was the Coach of the Year with Real Madrid in both 2014-15 and 2017-18 while Xavi Pascual won the 2009-10 award with FC Barcelona.

Mateo, 55, finished ahead of Ergin Ataman of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, who was this season's runner-up, and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's Oded Kattash, who received the third-most votes this season. Other coaches receiving votes included Sasa Obradovic of AS Monaco, Sarunas Jasikevicius of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Georgio Bartzokas of Olympiacos Piraeus, Dusko Ivanovic of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Tomislav Mijatovic of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Luca Banchi of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Roger Grimau of FC Barcelona and Ettore Messina of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

Mateo had several things working in his favor when the season started; even though Real parted ways with four contributors from last season's championship team, he only had one player to work into the system. That was Facundo Campazzo, who had already played under Mateo when the latter was Laso's assistant coach on Real Madrid's championship teams of 2015 and 2018. With the roster in place, Mateo and co. went about asserting their will on the league.

*Los Blancos* led the league in scoring (89.0 ppg.), rebounding (36.8 rpg.), assists (20.8 apg.), blocks (3.6 bpg.) and PIR (108.3). In the team's season-opening winning streak, seven of the 10 games were won by double figures. Sixteen of its 27 regular-season wins and two of its three playoff victories were by margins of at least 10 points. There were only four teams with winning records on the road this season; Real Madrid cruised in away games to a 13-4 mark.

Eyes may have been raised when, after coasting to a 22-3 mark, Real Madrid took its foot off the gas and lost three in a row – including two at home – between Rounds 26 and 28. Mateo knew not to panic as *Los Blancos* then became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season with a Round 29 win over Virtus Segafredo Bologna. One week and two wins later, Real had a streak going and had clinched the top spot in the standings. Despite a Round 33 home loss to Baskonia, Real Madrid made quick work of its Basque opponents in the playoffs. Mateo's men won the first two games by double figures and scored more than 100 in the last two games of the three-game sweep.  

Born in Madrid, Mateo coached his way through Real Madrid's junior teams and then served as an assistant coach on the senior squad to Sergio Scariolo, the late Javier Imbroda and Julio Lamas. He was Laso's assistant from 2014 to 2022, when he replaced Laso after the latter suffered a heart attack midway through the Spanish League finals. He helped Real win the series and lift the Spanish League trophy and was soon after named head coach. He had won six other Spanish championships and five Spanish Cups as Real's assistant coach. Mateo previously served as head coach of Baloncesto Zaragoza, Unicaja Malaga and Baloncesto Fuenlabrada of Spain. 

Real Madrid's head coach took his team back to the Final Four with the league's best record

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from game 5 of the playoffs by checking out the best photos of the week!

The Top 10 photos of the week, Playoffs, Game 5

For the second year in a row, Real Madrid looks set to be missing Gabriel Deck at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

 Real's Deck injured, to miss Final Four again 

For the second year in a row, Real Madrid looks set to be missing [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

Deck, 29, has been diagnosed with a right knee ligament tear, the club announced on Saturday, less than 24 hours after he left a Spanish League game against Valencia Basket in the fourth quarter with an injured knee. He and teammated Geurschon Yabusele collided while contesting a rebound. Real eventually lost the game, 99-93.

Deck had been averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in EuroLeague play over 28 appearances this season. He had missed seven games in December and January due to injury.

"We are worried. It was ugly. He twisted his knee. We hope it's nothing but he's in pain and he left on crutches," Real head coach Chus Mateo said right after Friday night's game. "It's a shame became we had taken came of him all year long so that he'd arrive well to the end of the season, and now the same thing happens to him that happened last year."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Parte médico de Deck. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMBaloncesto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMBaloncesto</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1789294395121930549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

A year ago, in Game 4 of Real's eventual playoff series win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Deck suffered a similar injury to his other, left knee, and missed the Final Four, where his team was crowned champion. Deck did not play again last season.

The loss of the tough and versatile forward will add another test to the challenge Real faces at the Final Four in Berlin which begins on Friday, May 24, with [a semifinals showdown against Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/330/), the team that Real beat in last season's championship game on a shot by Sergio Llull in the waning seconds to win the EuroLeague title. 

In the German capital, Real will be attempting to win back-to-back European crowns for the first time in more than half a century while at the same time becoming the first regular season winner to lift the EuroLeague trophy since the competition's move to a round-robin format in 2016.

"We're going to move forward, with desire and spirit, trying to do things well from now until the finish, battling to the maximum to deliver our best and end a season that began so well the way it deserves, trying to reach the finals and win the titles," Mateo said on Saturday. "Let's hope it ends like that."

REAL MADRID NEWS

Another ill-timed knee injury will keep the Argentinian forward from the season's pinnacle event.