The Euroleague Fantasy Challenge is back with a different look, some new, exciting features and the same one-of-a-kind prize: a VIP trip of a lifetime to the 2022 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin, Germany! It is an all-access ticket to the biggest and best basketball party on the continent, and right now, all teams have the same chances to win it, as everyone starts from scratch. There will be 10 players per team – five starters and five bench players – plus, for the first time, a head coach. The starting five, the sixth man and the coach are counted with 100% of their points, while the players on the bench get 50%. As in previous seasons, the team captain's score is worth double. Three trades will be allowed in between rounds, but as an extra move, you can also change your head coach.

Having a great start is critical to setting up your Fantasy Challenge team to reach the ultimate goal - and we are here to help you with weekly tips, highlighting which players are doing well and trying to predict who will have a great round. Make sure you join the game by clicking [HERE](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)!

Here are the first five names we recommend for Regular Season Round 1:

**1. Mike James, AS Monaco (16.0 credits) -** He is a late arrival and thus it may take him some time to fully adjust to a team full of new players, but James has been one of the best fantasy players in recent years and the fact that he joined a EuroLeague newcomer means that Monaco's offense should gravitate around him. And if you played the game in recent years, you know what James is capable of. If you buy a top-class player, he should be your first choice.

**2. Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus (11.2 credits) -** It should be a breakout season for Sasha Vezenkov, as he has the chance to go from one of the best forwards in the competition to being an All-EuroLeague candidate. In the last 7 EuroLeague games last season, Vezenkov averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and a PIR of 24.0. In other words, he is ready to lead Olympiacos from now on and that makes him a solid Fantasy Challenge choice.

**3. Vladimir Lucic, FC Bayern Munich (11.7 credits) -** Lucic made it to the All-EuroLeague First Team last season and even though Bayern changed a lot, he is expected to have even more responsibilities from now on. Fantasy-wise, he can score points in many ways and is an effective shooter. Lucic is ready to take his game to the next level and that is only good news for Fantasy Challenge managers!

**4. Kyle Kuric, FC Barcelona (7.9 credits) -** A cheaper option to balance your team. Alex Abrines is sidelined long-term due to injury (get well soon, Alex!) which means that Kuric will be his team's main bomber from downtown. Barcelona plays at home against high-scoring ALBA Berlin, and Kuric was the best three-point shooter (56.2% 3FG) in the EuroLeague last season. So, what's not to like?

**5.- Edgaras Ulanovas, Zalgiris Kaunas (7.5 credits) -** Ulanovas did not have good numbers last season, which makes him a bit cheaper in the game. He is back in Kaunas, however, and faces a challenging season to prove his value. Post skills, three-point shots, free-throw accuracy, silent leadership - you name it. Ulanovas should have an important role for always-ambitious Zalgiris. Go for him!

Fantasy Challenge tips: Regular Season, Round 1

Three players are former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions and some others have come close. Some went away to get more experience and return now ready to make a greater impact. What all these summer signees have in common is they wanted to get back to the EuroLeague and they've made it!

### Ismet Akpinar, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Ismet Akpinar played in the EuroLeague years ago and returns ready to prove his value with the ever-ambitious Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Akpinar had a brief experience in the EuroLeague, averaging 1.6 points in 5 games with ALBA Berlin in the 2014-15 season. He went to play in several German and Turkish squads before signing his contract with his current team. At age 26, Akpinar is a young veteran and a threat from downtown; he made 41.2% of his three-point shots in his last two EuroCup seasons.

### Danilo Andjusic, AS Monaco

Danilo Andjusic played three EuroLeague seasons in the past, two of them with Partizan NIS Belgrade, at the start of his career and another one with UNICS Kazan in 2016-17 with a very limited role. He has averaged 3.6 points on 23.6% three-point shooting in 25 career EuroLeague games. Andjusic is back in the EuroLeague with AS Monaco as one of the best all-around scorers on the continent. He averaged 17.4 points on 90.7% free throw shooting in 15 EuroCup games with JL Bourg en Bresse last season.

### Tyler Cavanaugh, Zalgiris Kaunas

A modern power forward with deep shooting range and all-around skills, Tyler Cavanaugh returns to the EuroLeague with Zalgiris Kaunas after debuting in the competition with ALBA Berlin in the 2019-20 campaign. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for ALBA in what was his first season in Europe. Cavanaugh went on to play for Iberostar Tenerife before joining Zalgiris. He shot the ball well in the Spanish League last season (60.8% 2FG, 45.1% 3FG, 83.6% FT) and Cavanaugh should keep it going.

### Nikola Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade

At age 27, combo guard Nikola Ivanovic has switched Adriatic powerhouses, joining Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade at the prime of his career. Ivanovic brings a lot of know-how from his seven seasons with Buducnost VOLI Podgorica of his native Montenegro, mostly in the 7DAYS EuroCup. During that run, he debuted in the EuroLeague with Buducnost, playing eight games in the 2018-19 season with averages of 7.0 points and 3.6 assists. Ivanovic made it to the All-EuroCup Second Team in the 2017-18 campaign, too.

### Dmitry Kulagin, Zenit St Petersburg

After a year away from basketball, Dimitry Kulagin returned to action this summer and averaged 16.0 points and 7.5 assists for the Russian national team. Zenit St Petersburg brought him back to make the most out of his experience, intensity and versatility. Kulagin has a chance to show his value in the EuroLeague, a competition he was in with CSKA Moscow in 2016. He was chosen to the 2017-18 All-EuroCup Second Team with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar, too, and is back in St Petersburg after six long years.

### Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Zenit St Petersburg

A nightmare matchup due to his size, ballhandling, versatility and quickness, Mindaugas Kuzminskas should be an interesting fit for Zenit St Petersburg. He has plenty of EuroLeague experience - nine seasons with Zalgiris Kaunas, Unicaja Malaga, AX Armani Exchange Milan and Olympiacos Piraeus between 2010 and 2020. Kuzminskas averaged 8.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 164 EuroLeague career games until now. He is too fast for most power forwards and too big for most small forwards, which is always a plus.

### James Nunnally, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

As the only EuroLeague winner on Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's roster, James Nunnally should play a leading role as he tries to make a difference at the small forward spot. Nunnally is also a great shooter - he has made 48.5% of his three-point shots in four EuroLeague seasons, which is the best percentage ever for a player with at least 75 triples made. Maccabi will be his third EuroLeague stop after three seasons with Fenerbahce - with which he won the championship in 2017 - and one with Milan.

### Vincent Poirier, Real Madrid

Vincent Poirier joined Real Madrid late last season and already showcased his collection of skills at both ends of the floor. An accomplished rebounder and shot-blocker, Poirier joins forces with Edy Tavares to form a very strong frontline. He can play above the rim and score in many ways around the basket. Poirier was chosen to the 2018-19 All-EuroLeague Second Team after averaging 11.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in 34 games for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. He is back with one main goal in mind: raising the EuroLeague crown.

### Andrey Vorontsevich, UNICS Kazan

Few players know the EuroLeague better than Andrey Vorontsevich, who knows what it takes to be successful in the competition. Vorontsevich was with CSKA Moscow for 14 consecutive years. He joined that club in 2006 from Lokomotiv Novosibirsk and wore its trademark red uniform until 2020. He helped CSKA win EuroLeague titles in 2008, 2016 and 2019 and played 274 EuroLeague games for the Muscovites. Vorontsevich returns to the competition with UNICS Kazan to be one of its pillars.

### Maik Zirbes, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade

Maik Zirbes was one of the most dominant big men in the EuroLeague when he led Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade to the playoffs in 2015-16. He averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds that season. However, since starting the next season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Zirbes has not played again in Europe's premier competition. The bullish center returns to a familiar spot this season with Zvezda eager to show that he can still be a force in the paint.

EuroLeague signings: Happy returns

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2021-22 Team Captains Survey

TEST Captains Survey

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While veteran know-how may be a prized commodity in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the only way to get that is to start competing at a young age. This season there will be no shortage of talents aged 25 under. Some of them have changed teams, while many are awaiting their EuroLeague debuts. Let's check out 10 of the best signings of young players this summer.

### Davide Alviti, AX Armani Exchange Milan

Blue-collar players are always needed on championship-level teams and this is why AX Armani Exchange Milan signed power forward Davide Alviti, who comes off a breakout season with Allianz Trieste. Alviti is a modern forward who can pull the trigger from downtown (44.2% 3FG last season, taking 4.0 shots per game), help with steals and deflections in the passing lanes and also rebound the ball. He worked his way up from the lower divisions in Italy to become a EuroLeague player and he can be expected to leave it all on the court.

### Malte Delow, ALBA Berlin

Physically, he looks like Bogdan Bogdanovic. Malte Delow hopes to follow in those footsteps and become a EuroLeague superstar. At age 20, Delow took part in 23 EuroLeague games last season (1.6 ppg. in 8.3 mpg.) and helped ALBA win its second consecutive German League title. He is aggressive on defense and reads the passing lanes to get many steals. If Delow can feed off his defensive intensity and contribute more on offense, it will be only a matter of time until he becomes a key player in ALBA's rotation.

### Jehyve Floyd, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens needed a rim protector and found one in Jehyve Floyd, who comes off a strong season with Hapoel Galil Gilboa. Floyd averaged 11.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 36 Israeli League games last season. He led that competition in two-point shooting percentage (74.2%). He was the 2019-20 Greek League's top shot-blocker (2.2 bpg.) while playing for Larissa. His athleticism, aggressiveness and great timing allow him to change games on defense, which is always a plus.

### Rokas Jokubaitis, FC Barcelona

Like all young Lithuanian point guards, Rokas Jokubaitis grew up having Sarunas Jasikevicius as one of his idols. Jokubaitis now has the chance to play for 'Saras' again. He is a talented combo-guard with great determination and strong driving skills. Last season, Jokubaitis was second in the EuroLeague Rising Star voting behind only Usman Garuba of Real Madrid. After a strong season with Zalgiris Kaunas, he has joined a EuroLeague contender and is in the right environment to become a top-class player.

### Eleftherios Mantzoukas, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens

Eleftherios Mantzoukas joined Panathinaikos OPAP Athens midway through last season but did not play for the Greens in the EuroLeague. He showcased his shooting skills in the 7DAYS EuroCup, however, with Promitheas Patras. Mantzoukas averaged 6.7 points on 60.0% three-point shooting in 7 EuroCup games with Promitheas, including 24 points on 6-of-6 three-point shooting on the road against Herbalife Gran Canaria. Mantzoukas, a 2.07-meter swingman, just turned 18 and is ready for the next step in his career.

### Elie Okobo, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

Ekie Okobo may be one of the best European point guards who never played in the EuroLeague. That is about to change. A scoring guard with unlimited shooting range, Okobo started his career in his native France and also played in the NBA and the G League before joining LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. At age 23, he is a young veteran in the right environment to grow as a player, with a good team around him and a club president, Tony Parker, who knows what it takes to be a successful playmaker.


### Tadas Sedekerskis, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Tadas Sedekerskis earned a spot in Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz's starting lineup last season and was promptly rewarded with a three-year contract extension over the summer. He plays hard, is fearless attacking the basket, has good shooting range and is a plus defender. That package at age 23 should be exciting for Baskonia fans.

### Roman Sorkin, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Roman Sorkin comes off a strong season with Maccabi Haifa and at age 24 has already had a pretty interesting career. Sorkin helped the University of Oregon reach the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 2017 and has also been a member of the Israeli national team. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in 29 Israeli League games. After three years in Haifa in which he didn't stop growing as a player, Sorkin is ready for bigger challenges and is fully aware of what Maccabi means in continental basketball.

### Victor Wembanyama, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

Simply put, Victor Wembanyama is a unicorn, a player with an unprecedented combination of size, ballhandling ability, wingspan, quickness and shooting range. Defensively, Wembanyama is on his way to becoming an elite rim protector. On offense, he can score in many ways - three-pointers, turnaround jumpers, post moves, shots off the dribble - you name it. Wembanyama, a 2.20-meter all-around player, joins LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne at age 17 in what already is a giant step in his career - testing his skills in the EuroLeague.

### Yovel Zoosman, ALBA Berlin

A young veteran at age 23, Yovel Zoosman arrives in a perfect environment for him, as ALBA Berlin has earned a reputation for giving quality playing time to up-and-coming players. Zoosman averaged 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 11 EuroLeague games last season, seeing limited playing time. Three years ago, however, he helped Israel win a gold medal at the 2018 U20 European Championships was the tournament MVP. The long-armed Zoosman knows the EuroLeague inside out and his impact should be immediate.

EuroLeague signings: 25-and-under

Luis Scola, one of the most respected and acclaimed basketball players in the 21st century, has retired at the age of 41, finishing a professional career that spanned more than two decades. Scola was one of the first EuroLeague superstars when the competition started in 2000. He helped Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz reach three consecutive EuroLeague Final Fours from 2005 to 2007, making it to the championship game in 2005. Scola reached another EuroLeague Finals with Baskonia in 2001, losing against Kinder Bologna on a memorable five-game playoffs series.

"It wasn't really difficult to stop playing because I think it was a natural choice for me," Scola said on Wednesday in a press conference announcing his new role as CEO for Pallacanestro Varese of Italy. "My body was not reacting the same way and each month was worse than the previous one, and I had to do more things to play at the level I like. This is why it was a natural choice for me to stop playing. I feel quiet about not playing anymore because it was difficult. When it came to games and competing, it was not a problem, but going day by day, every week, was difficult."

Scola was chosen to the All-EuroLeague First Team in 2006 and 007, making it to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2005. He was also elected as MVP of the Month in December 2006. He returned to the EuroLeague in the 2019-20 campaign to play for AX Armani Exchange Milan. Scola was briefly the EuroLeague's all-time top scorer, and was the first player to reach 2,000 points in the competition. In 172 EuroLeague career games with Baskonia and Milan, he averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds. Scola also played for Ferrocarril Oeste of his native Argentina, Gijon Baloncesto of Spain, Houston, Phoenix, Indiana, Toronto, Brooklyn of the NBA, as well as for Shanxi Brave Dragons and Shanghai Sharks of China before joining Pallacanestro Varese, where he played his final season and will continue linked to basketball as the club's CEO.

He holds the record for most appearances with the Argentinean national team, 169. Scola helped his national team win as many as 16 medals in senior tournaments. He took part in five Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in Athens 2004 and a bronze at Beijing 2008. Scola also led Argentina to respective World Cup medals in 2002 and 2019. He helped his national team win four other gold medals at the 2001 and 2011 FIBA Americas tournaments, the 2019 Panamerican Games, and the 2008 FIBA Diamond Ball. He has retired as the second top scorer in World Cup action, 611 points, trailing only Oscar Schmidt (906) of Brazil. Scola ranks fourth in scoring in the Olympic Men's Basketball Tournament (591 points). Only Schmidt (1,093 points), Andrew Gaze (789) and Pau Gasol (649) are ahead of him.

"I haven't stopped playing. In fact, I am playing with the team this season... just kidding!" Scola joked on Wednesday. "I practice every day. I like practicing and surely, at some point, I will play basketball with my kids, the junior team or the first team some day if a player is injured, and I will do it because I like it. I am a basketball player and this is my passion. I cannot do it more at the professional level but you can always play basketball."

EuroLeague great Scola retires

Two of the most prolific scorers in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Kevin Punter of AX Armani Exchange Milan and Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, go head-to-head in the fashion capital in their respective regular-season finales on Friday night.

The stakes are high for Punter and Milan, which would secure home-court advantage for the playoffs with a victory, while Larkin and Efes would love to carry their current momentum into the quarterfinals stage. Efes has won 11 of its last 12 games and Larkin is coming off a season-high 30 points in an overtime win at TD Systems Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Larkin's scoring performance last week capped a recent streak of 16 consecutive games in which he scored more than 10 points. That has moved him into eighth place in scoring this season with 15.4 points per game. Punter is not far below, in 11th place with 14.9 points per game.

Punter has one more appearance this season than Larkin and has attempted 17 more field goals over the course of the season than Larkin. Punter has also made them with slightly better percentages, taking more two-point shots than threes this season. Meanwhile, Larkin has launched 174 triples - or 6.4 per game. which is the fifth-most in the league.

Both players have made at least 50% of their twos and knocked down better than 40% of their long-range shots this season, with Larkin's 73 three-pointers made at 42.0% standing out.

Larkin has also been more involved in other aspects of the game on both ends of the floor. Averaging 28:31 minutes in his 27 appearances, mostly off the bench, Larkin is averaging 4.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds. He also ranks fifth this season with 1.4 steals per game.

On the other hand, Punter has spent just under 26 minutes per game on the court, starting in all but one of his 28 games. While serving as Milan's top scorer, he also contributes with 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

When it comes to their three head-to-head meetings dating back to last season, those numbers turn out to be pretty even. However, it was either one or the other player shining in those games.

In Round 15 this season, Punter scored 18 points on 4-for-4 three-point shooting in leading Milan to 69-72 road win. Larkin scored just 4 points in that game, tied for his season-low, missing his only two-point attempt and making 1 of 2 three-pointers in 15 minutes on the floor.

Last season, however, things were different. They first met when Punter was with Olympiacos Piraeus, and he scored 8 points on 1-for-6 three-point shooting. Efes won that game on the road by 19 points behind Larkin's 24 points on 7-for-8 field goal shooting plus 6 rebounds and 3 assists. The two players squared off again after Punter joined Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade. Punter battled foul trouble to score 12 points in 15 minutes in that contest, while Larkin had 24 points on 5-for-9 shooting from long range in another Efes victory.

With their ability to take over games, all eyes will be on Punter and Larkin as the outcome of their game will significantly shape the final playoff picture.

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TEST: Head-to-head: Kevin Punter vs. Shane Larkin

AX Armani Exchange Milan v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2021-04-09T18:45:00.000Z)

After winning the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season for the first time, the task at hand for Anadolu Efes Istanbul management was a simple one: keep the band together for another run at the crown. Only one significant contributor got away and he was replaced by a rising star, ensuring that Coach Ergin Ataman has what he needs to work his magic again.

### BACKCOURT

The pairing of EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin has sparked debate already as to its place among the best backcourts in EuroLeague history. Defenses are at a loss when looking at the two who can each light it up from downtown, drive to the basket and set up their teammates. The instant offense of Rodrigue Beaubois adds another wrinkle and ensures that there is always world-class firepower among the Efes guards. When defense is needed, Dogus Balbay is called on. A physical presence, Balbay is an energetic ballhawk who frustrates opponents. After making his EuroLeague debut last season, point guard Erten Gazi will try to carve out a larger role off the bench. At age 36, swingman Krunoslav Simon is still going strong. Simon is the consummate team player and a perfect part in Coach Ataman's system because he finds the right spacing, makes his shots, moves the ball well and never gets flustered. The always dependable James Anderson thrives in his role as a joker off the bench who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Bugrahan Tuncer provides the team with an extra shooting weapon off the bench.

### FRONTCOURT

Chris Singleton proved once again last season that he is a man for big moments by exploding for 26 points and 8 rebounds in Game 5 of the playoffs against Real Madrid. However, when he plays a smaller role, Singleton is still of great importance thanks to his defense, ability to stretch the floor and his experience. Rugged power forward Adrien Moerman is a tough rebounder and a superb shooter. Do-it-all big man Filip Petrusev was the ABA League MVP last season and is the only significant addition the champs made this summer. Dangerous facing the basket or with his back to it, Petrusev has a complete offensive arsenal and will be a threat at either frontcourt spot. They are joined by Yigitcan Saybir who appeared in only two EuroLeague games last season and at age 22 could be in for a larger role. Tolga Gecim rounds out a deep selection of options for Ataman at the '4' spot. Efes also has two veteran natural centers with very different games. While all-time shots-blocked leader Bryant Dunston is smaller and relies on athleticism on both ends, Tibor Pleiss stands 2.21 meters and uses his length to intimidate on defense and sink shots on offense.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

If there is a question mark on the reigning champs' roster, it revolves around Filip Petrusev, whose talent is simply unquestioned. Even though he turned 21 late in the season, Petrusev led the ABA League in scoring and performance index rating, was second in rebounds and third in blocks. He likely won’t be the top dog at Efes, but Petrusev came to win and improve his game by playing with champs. How quickly he develops chemistry with the likes of Micic, Larkin and co. will determine how much impact Petrusev has and how quickly. When they have it all figured out, Petrusev will be a player to watch.

### OUTLOOK

The schedule-makers didn't do Efes any favors as it starts the season with three of its first four games on the road and will play two Final Four teams in that span. There is little reason to fear a slow start for Efes, as it brings back nearly the entirety of last season's champion roster, but a rocky start could change things. However, all signs point to Efes making a run at its third straight Final Four and as it tries to become the first team to successfully defend the EuroLeague crown since 2013.

Roster rundown: Anadolu Efes Istanbul

A lot of elite perimeter talents switched Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams this summer. Whether they are trusted floor generals, deadly sharpshooters, do-it-all swingmen or versatile forwards, these players on different EuroLeague teams could make all the difference this season. The list is long, but here are 10 of the best signings of perimeter players this summer.

### Wade Baldwin IV, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Simply put, Wade Baldwin IV was one of the most improved players in the competition last season as he led FC Bayern Munich to the EuroLeague Playoffs. A physical playmaker with outstanding quickness and great energy, Baldwin led Bayern in scoring (15.3 ppg.) and assists (4.0 apg.) while playing all 39 games. His character and aggressiveness match Baskonia and Coach Dusko Ivanovic's mentality, so Baldwin is in the right environment to keep growing as a player and become a EuroLeague superstar.

### Lorenzo Brown, UNICS Kazan

This will be Lorenzo Brown's third consecutive EuroLeague campaign with as many different teams. In his first season in the competition, Brown posted strong numbers (12.3 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 4.6 apg., 1.1 spg.) while playing a leading role for Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade. Last season, Brown had a different role for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, mostly coming off the bench, but he still averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 assists. Brown is expected to be UNICS Kazan's floor general and to lead the team forward with his experience.

### Marius Grigonis, CSKA Moscow

CSKA Moscow wanted more firepower and found the right fit in Marius Grigonis, one of the most efficient shooters in the competition. Grigonis made 45.6% of his shots from downtown and 94.4% of his free throw attempts in the 2020-21 EuroLeague for Zalgiris Kaunas. Grigonis won a couple of games - against FC Bayern Munich and Valencia Basket - with last-second shots, too. His 13.4 points per game ranked him 19th in the 2020-21 EuroLeague scoring list.

### Pierria Henry, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

In his two seasons with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pierria Henry went from being a 7DAYS EuroCup star to one of the best end-to-end point guards in the EuroLeague. Henry led the 2020-21 EuroLeague in steals (1.7 spg.) and ranked third in assists (7.3 apg.), which says plenty about his impact at both ends of the floor. He likes to play with high rhythm and to find the open man in transition. His connection with Nando De Colo and Jan Vesely should be one of the keys for Fenerbahce to having a great season.

### Thomas Heurtel, Real Madrid

Thomas Heurtel is a modern playmaker, who is not afraid to pull the trigger from downtown, but is also an elite pick-and-roll player due to his outstanding passing skills. He ranks fifth on the EuroLeague's all-time assists list (1,216) and has the third-best average (5.4 apg.) in competition history. At age 32, Heurtel is at the prime of his career and ready to play a big role for Real. Being surrounded by great scorers at every position will only benefit him.

### Darrun Hilliard, FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Munich needed an experienced scorer and found one in Darrun Hilliard, who is set to start his fourth EuroLeague season. Hilliard is a great one-on-one player who brings a lot of energy and great determination. He had a very different role with CSKA Moscow the last two seasons, where he changed games with his three-point shooting and intensity. In Munich, Hilliard is expected to play a leading role as one of Bayern's main backcourt threats. At age 28, Hilliard is right at the prime of his career and ready to prove it.

### Nikola Kalinic, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade

This was one of the most celebrated comebacks of the off-season. Nikola Kalinic played for Zvezda in the 2014-15 season and helped it win three domestic titles. Right after that, Kalinic signed for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and reached four consecutive Final Fours, including winning the EuroLeague title in 2017. He went on to play for Valencia Basket and earned EuroLeague MVP of the Month honors in February 2020. Kalinic looks eager to play a leading role for Zvezda.

### Jordan Loyd, Zenit St Petersburg

Jordan Loyd comes off a career-defining season in which he showed what a great scorer he is. Loyd ranked third in scoring (17.3 ppg.) last season as Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade's go-to guy. He also averaged 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals. A good defensive player, Loyd is a perfect fit for Coach Xavi Pascual's system. Expect Loyd to have the ball in his hands whenever the game is on the line.

### James Nunnally, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Experience matters and James Nunnally has plenty of EuroLeague know-how; he helped Fenerbahce Istanbul win the competition in 2017. Nunnally is an elite three-point shooter (48.5% career 3FG) who also uses his quickness to attack the rim and his high basketball IQ to find easy baskets off screens, particularly close to the baseline. Nunnally plays hard on defense and is reliable from the free-throw line (90.8% career FT), which makes him likely to emerge as one of Maccabi's most important players.

### Thomas Walkup, Olympiacos Piraeus

Last season, Thomas Walkup was surely noticed by Olympiacos Piraeus when playing for his former club, Zalgiris Kaunas. Walkup got a critical steal and the go-ahead, last-second basket in an 81-79 home win against the Reds. He brings his versatility, on-the-ball defense and court sense to a backcourt that already includes EuroLeague great Kostas Sloukas. Walkup averaged 8.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 34 games last season. He is the epitome of an all-around performer.

EuroLeague signings: Perimeter players

Last season Real Madrid missed the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time since 2016, but its fans were proud of the team's fighting spirit in what was an injury-plagued season. Real hopes to stay healthy this season and fight for a ticket to Berlin 2022.

### BACKCOURT

Real added depth and talent at point guard by bringing in Nigel Williams-Goss and Thomas Heurtel. Williams-Goss is an electric combo guard who can score in many ways due to his one-on-one skills, unlimited shooting range and great ability to read the game. Heurtel is a pass-first playmaker who can also pull the trigger from downtown. With so much talent around him, Heurtel should play a critical role in putting the ball in the right place. New team captain Sergio Llull has a high basketball IQ and can change any game with his energy and trademark crazy shots. Rudy Fernandez, one of the best defensive players in Europe, is also back to help in many ways. Llull and Fernandez's experience is vital for Coach Pablo Laso. Real has even more options at point guard with Carlos Alocen, a physical playmaker with great court sense, and up-and-coming talent Juan Nuñez. Adam Hanga can also play point guard and is also an elite defender and an experienced perimeter player with size and athleticism. Fabien Causeur adds poise, driving skills and deep shooting range to a deep, interesting backcourt.

### FRONTCOURT

Los Blancos also have a physical, strong frontcourt to balance the team. Walter Tavares has been chosen as the EuroLeague's Best Defender twice. He can change games with his blocked shots and intimidation and has also become an effective scorer with his jump hooks, floaters and, of course, finishes above the rim. Vincent Poirier is a similar player, a force of nature who rebounds well at both ends, blocks shots and scores in many ways around the basket and from mid-range. Fernandez, Alberto Abalde and Jeffery Taylor are set to share minutes at the small forward position. Abalde is a versatile player with great character, good driving skills and a clutch mentality. Taylor remains one of the best on-the-ball defensive players in the competition and is also an occasional three-point shooter with a team-first mindset. With Anthony Randolph still sidelined, Trey Thompkins and Guerschon Yabusele should see most of the playing time at the '4' position, with teenage stretch forward Tristan Vukcevic helping out. Yabusele is an all-around forward with range, size and post skills. Thompkins is an elite three-point shooter and a good rebounder who battles hard at both ends.

### PLAYER TO WATCH

Walter Tavares is Real's undeniable leader and the biggest difference-maker in his team. He is entering his fifth EuroLeague campaign, all of them with Real. In the previous four, Tavares ranks first in blocked shots at 224, with Bryant Dunston of Anadolu Efes Istanbul a distant second at 137. He is also first in rebounds (854), eighth in PIR (1,820) and second in two-point shooting percentage (69.3% 2FG) over the last four years. Tavares won the EuroLeague title with Real in 2018, was chosen to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2019 and to the All-EuroLeague First Team last season. Slowly but steadily, Tavares keeps improving and he should be a EuroLeague MVP candidate in the coming season.

### OUTLOOK

First and foremost, Real needs to stay healthy. Last season, only two players managed to take part in all 39 EuroLeague games. Coach Laso has one of the deepest teams in the competition, with multiple players at every position. Real has managed to put together a younger, more athletic, more versatile roster while keeping the core of players, featuring Llull, Fernandez, Thompkins, Taylor, Randolph and Causeur, that has been together for many years and won every possible title. Expect Real to bounce back, as it has all it takes to challenge for the EuroLeague title: a great coach, an incredible roster and, of course, the pride that comes with being the winningest team in continental basketball.