BasketNews Talks (BasketNews.com)

BasketNews' Jonas Miklovas sat down with CSKA Moscow head coach Dimitrios Itoudis to talk about the current state of the Russian club, Euroleague format change, and coaching the Greek National team.

Topics:

• CSKA's injury bug (0:00);
• The need to change the EuroLeague format (8:00);
• About coaches not being heard enough by EuroLeague (15:50);
• About coaching the Greek National team and Giannis Antetokounmpo (25:05);
• Possibility of working in the NBA (33:28).

Keith Langford will turn 38 next September. In a summer period when several EuroLeague veterans, among them Vassilis Spanoulis and Omri Casspi, decided to retire, one of the continent's most productive scorers keeps going. 

The EuroLeague trophy may be still missing from his collection of silverware, but the experienced slasher has always been capable of delivering the goods whenever required. An injury prevented him from being able to help his former team for the past two years, AEK Athens, in the Greek League playoffs, which provided some consolation to the 2018 Basketball Champions League winners after an underwhelming 2020-21 campaign in all competitions.

Topics:

• plans for the next season (0:00);
• sacrificing titles for money (1:40);
• accepting the reality of never making the NBA (4:03);
• differences between the younger and older generations (07:28);
• not talking with Xavi Pascual before leaving Panathinaikos (9:30);
• Khimki being on the verge of bankruptcy (11:10);
• EuroLeague turning into a closed league (12:38);
• FIBA rules and Team USA's chances in the Olympics (14:58);
• whatever US squad based on Americans playing in Europe would be a viable solution (16:20);
• Langford's biggest basketball dream (17:25);
• what question would Keith ask himself (20:05).

BasketNews' Uygar Karaca interviewed Alba Berlin's Sports Director Himar Ojeda. The men talked about the offseason changes that the German champions went through, the team's short-term and long-term goals in the EuroLeague, and a unique approach to preparation for games.

Topics:

• intro (00:00);
• Alba Berlin’s coaching change as Aito Garcia Reneses steps down (00:24);
• Last season’s leaders in Fontecchio, Siva, and Granger departing from the team (05:48);
• Alba bringing in Tamir Blatt, Yovel Zoosman, and Stefan Peno (08:43);
• The type of player Alba are still looking to add (14:13);
• Alba’s outlook on player development (16:53);
• Rising from the EuroCup and staying in the EuroLeague (19:58);
• The team’s goals in the upcoming seasons (25:00);
• A scientific approach to preparation for games (27:10);
• The health of Alba’s players (30:29).

#EuroLeague #Alba #Berlin

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In an exclusive interview with BasketNews, EuroLeague CEO Marshall Glickman shared the league’s future plans, and discussed the reasoning behind the ban of Crvena Zvezda and the situation with Facundo Campazzo.

Topics:

• The inbox & WhatsApp chat history after controversial events (00:00);
• Why Glickman didn’t lift the ban for Crvena Zvezda (4:38);
• Reaction to the famous Doncic quote (10:52);
• Keeping Wembanyama in the EuroLeague (14:44);
• Recovering the relationships with the NBA (19:02);
• Top expansion markets for the EuroLeague (23:15);
• Inevitable changes in EuroLeague format (25:25);
• The Final 4 future (29:05);
• Responding to ‘EuroLeague is killing basketball’ statement (30:38);
• Misconceptions about the Dubai market (33:39);
• Problem with EuroLeague games clashing (35:14);
• Glickman’s vision for EuroLeague players (36:42);
• The upcoming changes in EuroLeague viewing experience (40:17);
• How EuroLeague will look in 2026 (44:10).

In the latest episode of BasketNews Talks, Rytis Vyšniauskas, Orazio Cauchi, and Uygar Karaca discuss the latest from the Tokyo Olympic Games basketball tournament quarterfinals including the retirement of such legends as Gasol brothers and Luis Scola.

• intro (00:00);
• Slovenia’s victory against Germany analysis (01:35);
• Spain v Team USA: Last Dance for Gasol brothers (08:26);
• Italy gave it all, but it wasn’t enough - discussion about France win (18:20);
• Heartbroken loss of Luis Scola and Argentina (25:28);
• The farewell to Luis Scola (28:02);

Panathinaikos Athens star Derrick Williams sits down with Donatas Urbonas to discuss how challenging EuroLeague game is even for the top NBA draft picks, which EuroLeague players could succeed in the NBA, and where he wished to get drafted in the 2011 NBA draft.

Topics:

• How European fans surprised Derrick Williams (00:00);
• Why top NBA draft picks couldn’t make it in Europe (5:12);
• Advice for the NBA players coming to Europe (8:13);
• NBA friends asking about Europe (9:06);
• How DWill would invite Carmelo to Panathinaikos (11:07);
• EuroLeague stars that could succeed in the NBA (12:50);
• Pairing up Zeljko & LeBron in the NBA (14:30);
• Derrick Williams redrafts the 2011 NBA draft (16:54);
• NBA rule in Europe & EuroLeague rule in the NBA (21:25);
• What separates Panathinaikos from making the Top 8 (24:45);
• Gudaitis’ sacrifice in Panathinaikos (27:35).
• Derrick Williams’ goal in Europe (29:19).

BasketNews’ squad discusses the latest Tokyo Olympic Basketball and Olympic 3x3 Basketball news.

Topics:

• intro (0:00);
• Slovenian party after 48 points by Luka Doncic (0:48);
• can aging Spain and Ricky Rubio beat Slovenia? (6:58);
• Argentina’s struggles this summer (12:04);
• the popularity of 3x3 Basketball (18:30);
• Latvian fairytale in the first-ever 3x3 Olympic Basketball Tournament (22:45);
• previewing the upcoming Olympic matches (29:10).

Donatas Urbonas interviews legendary coach Svetislav Pesic, who's now taking on the challenge to lead the Serbian NT to gold after more than 20 years.

Topics:

• Coaching the unlikely champions (0:00);
• What Zeljko & Partizan need to reach their goals (2:56);
• Why Madrid is in trouble & Barca might win it all (7:29);
• How Jokic & Doncic changed the NBA (12:42).

AX Armani Exchange Milan newcomer Giampaolo Ricci talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about his unexpected journey to the EuroLeague from the lower Italian divisions, making Milos Teodosic smile as a captain, shocking the Italian basketball world with his summer decision and dreaming about the next crazy scenarios.

Topics:

• Intro about maths in basketball (00:00);
• The unexpected story from the 3rd division to the EuroLeague (5:33);
• Handling haters, advice for underrated players (10:23);
• The coach who boosted his career (15:52);
• The captain speech for Teodosic and Belinelli (21:48);
• How the captain of a championship team moved to rivals (26:49);
• The next crazy chapter for Pippo Ricci, crazy fans’ reaction (29:27).

Zvezdan Mitrovic sits down with BasketNews' Uygar Karaca to discuss his work with the French clubs ASVEL & Monaco and explains why he gets along well with EuroLeague coaches.

Topics:

• Coaching beginnings (00:00);
• Mitrovic's particular attraction to new project (06:00);
• Challenges with new players and Monaco (9:10);
• Monaco's goals for near future (14:05);
• Mitrovic's basketball style (16:15);
• Zvezdan's important weapon (17:55);
• Mitrovic: A player's coach?(20:20);
• Referees and technical fouls(22:53);
• Greeting Jasikevicius (24:45);
• What happened with ASVEL (26:37)

Last two seasons Dimitris Itoudis, one of the basketball masterminds, coached Mike James and dealt with his character. In the upcoming year, he is ready to face new challenges, including Alexey Shved’s integration into the team. Itoudis talks to BasketNews’ Jonas Miklovas about his desire to improve and his way of thinking.

Topics:

• Intro and three facts about Dimitris Itoudis (0:00);
• The start of the journey and the off-season period (7:53);
• Calm, stable summer and conversations with Alexey Shved (13:27);
• CSKA and Dimitris Itoudis mindset (19:27).

Last year Thomas Walkup famously stole the ball from Kostas Sloukas and made a game-winning basket against Olympiacos. This year he is a teammate of Sloukas, as Walkup moved from Zalgiris Kaunas to Pireaus.

Walkup talks to BasketNews’ Jonas Miklovas about his decision to change teams and how he is adapting to different cultures in Europe.

Topics:

• Intro and Summer workouts (0:00);
• Finding lifelong friends in Zalgiris (4:05);
• The decision to leave Zalgiris and move to Olympiacos (9:48);
• Epic steal from Sloukas and how he accepted Walkup to the locker room
• (12:45);
• Getting used to Greek Alphabet (18:21).

BasketNews' Giorgos Kyriakidis catches up with EuroLeague icon and Panathinaikos legend Mike Batiste.

Topics:

• Intro (00:00);
• Donating to Greece wildfire victims (1:38);
• Returning to OAKA and participating in the training session with Pao (4:02);
• How Panathinaikos can return to being a winning organization (5:52);
• Dimitris Diamantidis becoming the General Manager of Panathinaikos (7:16);
• Chatting about Panathinaikos with Mario Hezonja back in the NBA (8:11);
• Surprising Zeljko Obradovic return to Partizan Belgrade (9:11);
• Agreeing with Zeljko that NBA doesn't trust coaches from Europe (11:52);
• Most positive and negative changes to the EuroLeague since his playing days (13:43);
• Kyle Hines following his footsteps as an undersized center (15:40);
• Being great friends with Spanoulis and his future plans (18:59).
• Accepting the end of playing career (20:23)

AX Armani Exchange star Shavon Shields talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about his success in Milan, the missing piece for the EuroLeague title, life inspirations, and two crucial plays he had to go through last season.

Topics:

• Intro about his childhood haircut (00:00);
• A headband away from being Paul Pierce (00:35);
• Kyle Hines in Danish NT (2:21);
• Messina’s pitch, success in Milan (4:00);
• Getting through painful Final 4 experience (7:11);
• The missing piece for the EuroLeague title (9:05);
• NBA opportunity (10:59);
• Biggest life inspirations (12:01).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas interviews Fenerbahce Istanbul center Kostas Antetokounmpo. They discuss his unique quality among the Antetokounbros, painful EuroBasket loss, Panathinaikos & Olympiacos rumors, and misconception about Giannis’ favorite Greek team.

Topics:

• Kostas’ unique quality among the Antetokounbros (00:00);
• Where Kostas is better than Giannis (2:22);
• Antetokounbros’ reaction to a painful EuroBasket loss (3:13);
• Is it easier to score for a big man in the NBA or EuroLeague? (5:34);
• Antetokounbros vs. Holidays in a 3x3 game (6:28);
• If Kostas came close to joining Panathinaikos & Olympiacos (8:01);
• EuroLeague role model for Kostas (11:11);
• Misconception about Giannis’ favorite Greek team (13:46);
• What Giannis, Luka & LeBron have in common (14:18);
• Lakers’ championship as an example for Fenerbahce (15:41).

A new BasketNews’ podcast series featuring the voices and faces of our channel. The Whos of Basketnews debuts with perhaps the loudest voice on our platform - AndOne host Martyna Motum! 

Topics:

• Intro (0:00);
• The first Zalgiris TV host (3:30);
• First interview back with Mike James  (6:12);
• Ranking all EuroLeague work trips so far (9:58);
• AndOne’s best & most surprising guests (12:57);
• New challenges that excite (15:09);
• Women in sports broadcasting (18:42);
• A game of 'Would You Rather' (22:22).

Zalgiris Kaunas head coach Jure Zdovc sits with BasketNews’ Jonas Miklovas to discuss his difficult start in Lithuania, personal decision not to take assistant coaches with him, and an unheard story of the beginning of Zeljko Obradovic’s coaching career.

Topics:

• Two different months in Kaunas (0:00);
• Feeling ashamed to walk in the streets (3:48);
• No traveling 'circus' with coach (6:18);
• How Zeljko Obradovic became the head coach of Partizan (8:43);
• Confrontation with fans (11:16).

AS Monaco big man Will Thomas sat with BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas to talk about the secret of his longevity, the strategy that usually never works to stop him, his surprising EuroLeague move, and what he calls his second home.

Topics:

• Intro (00:00);
• Mike Krzyzewski words on a podcast that proved Will Thomas was doing the right thing (2:05);
• A great story of such players like Will Thomas and Krunoslav Simon (6:20);
• The weirdest adjustments in Europe and getting a Georgian passport (8:19);
• The same strategy that EuroLeague teams use against Will Thomas, but it usually doesn’t work (14:25);
• What was behind a championship team in Valencia and an emotional outburst during a time-out (17:40);
• Why Will Thomas left Zenit, what happened with UNICS, and what he’s expecting in Monaco (20:41);
• The second-father figure for Will Thomas, his plans after the last game of his life (25:04).

• Watching the EuroLeague Final Four (00:00);
• How Galatasaray turned their season (04:40);
• Canaan’s decision to join GS (10:51);
• What new coach Andreas Pistiolis brought to the team (18:32);
• Canaan’s different role (23:00);
• Their inside joke (26:58);
• Is Micic good enough for the NBA? (30:00);
• Why they are not intimidated by Efes (35:00);
• Melo on his NBL experience (39:17).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas interviews Real Madrid center Edy Tavares. They discuss Tavares’ NBA comparison, a hypothetical phone call with Facundo Campazzo, Victor Wembanyama, and one game he would show to Cape Verdean kids.

Topics:

• Favorite Tavares football jersey (00:00);
• The biggest football fan in Real basketball team (00:51);
• Decisive phone conversation with Facundo Campazzo (2:00);
• What 7-foot-3 Tavares loves about 7-foot-3 Wembanyama (3:35);
• Tavares comparison in the NBA (5:31);
• Why centers don’t win the EuroLeague MVP (7:53);
• Madrid will win the EuroLeague IF… (9:12)
• The game he would show for Cape Verde kids (9:25).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas talks to the former Golden State Warriors and current Virtus Bologna guard Nico Mannion.

Topics:

• Intro (0:00);
• NBA & EuroLeague differences (0:08);
• Dealing with the infection (1:40);
• How a point guard's status in Europe differs from the NBA (4:39);
• The lessons from Curry & Teodosic (5:45);
• The surprising Green & Poole incident (9:27);
• How Banchero might help the Italian NT make another leap (11:55);
• The most exciting thing of this season's Virtus (13:55).

BasketNews' Uygar Karaca is joined by UNICS Kazan forward John Brown III to talk about his unique style of play, the love for flare screens & mid-range game, and UNICS team chemistry.

Topics:

• Intro (00:00);
• “Zero gravity” John Brown (1:30);
• Making strange sounds after plays (2:30);
• Transitioning from offensive to defensive mindset (4:00);
• Concern for early foul troubles (6:40);
• Challenges coming from EuroCup ( 8:00);
• UNICS team is full of funny guys (9:50);
• This season's game he hates the most (12:55);
• Remaining injury-free (13:55);
• “I’m the medi-king” (14:55);
• Favorite coach (16:22);
• Reluctance to watch sports (17:08);
• Mean Tavares & Jekiri's marshmallow elbows (18:35);
• Dunks or Flare Screens? (20:35);
• Being terrible at free throws (22:35);
• Lack of traffic Kazan (23:20).

BasketNews' Uygar Karaca is joined by ALBA Berlin and German national team guard Maodo Lo to talk about his NBA aspirations, the decision to stay in the hometown team, and favorite memories with Dirk Nowitzki at EuroBasket 2015.

Topics:

• Intro (00:00);
• Why Maodo Lo was called "The Chairman" in college (2:14);
• His NBA aspirations (3:04);
• On the gap between players in Europe and NBA (5:44);
• Remembering Bamberg days (6:55);
• Choosing to stay in ALBA (11:10);
• Development as an offensive leader (14:40);
• Expanded clutch shooting responsibilities (20:09);
• Why ALBA keep losing in series (24:40);
• The dream to have No. 12 or No. 4 jersey retired by ALBA (26:17);
• Interest in art with the influence of his mother (28:17);
• Favorite memories with Dirk Nowitzki at EuroBasket 2015 (29:38);
• The Expectations on EuroBasket 2022 and Germany as a contender (31:38).

BasketNews collaborator Uygar Karaca spoke to one of the most prolific scorers in EuroCup history Jamar Smith. The American guard, who was named last year's EuroCup MVP and helped UNICS reach the EuroCup finals, currently ranks second with the most points scored and tops the most 3-pointers made list.

Topics:

• Life in Istanbul (1:14);
• Why did he chose to play for Bahçeşehir Koleji instead of a Euroleague season with UNICS? (3:00) ;
• The preparation games and pre-season period (05:13);
• Last years’ Eurocup final: The heartbreak with UNICS Kazan? (06:30);
• Thoughts about Dimitris Priftis: will he be successful at Panathinaikos in the upcoming Euroleague season? (10:00);
• Will he miss the big crowds from Kazan, Bamberg, Limoges? What is his projection with Bahçeşehir? (12:14);
• Unforgettable moments from Eurocup title season in 2017, relationship with Joan Plaza (15:00);
• The tendency for three-pointers.. The process of becoming Eurocup’s most successful three pointer in terms of successful attempts? (18:00);
• His favorite teammates as center and guard: John Brown & Errick McCollum (20:00);
• The playing level differences between Eurocup and Euroleague (23:00).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas talks to Fenerbahce Istanbul center Jan Vesely about his Olympic adventure with the Czech national team, surprising Zeljko move and how they surprised the EuroLeague together in Fenerbahce, turning down the NBA offers, his second home in Istanbul and the example he wants to set in his beloved team.

Topics:

• Intro about the first Olympic adventure (00:00);
• The main thing behind Czech National Team success (3:02);
• Why Zeljko Obradovic surprised Jan Vesely (7:17);
• What is Istanbul for Jan Vesely and how they changed the EuroLeague (9:10);
• Why Vesely turned down the NBA offers (13:34);
• The exceptional leadership example which Vesely always turned back to (17:04);
• Fenerbahce rebuild and retiring his jersey in Ulker Sports Arena (23:48);

BasketNews’ crew briefly recaps the first 2 days of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Basketball Tournament.

Topics:

• intro (0:00);
• Luka Doncic’s incredible Olympic debut versus Argentina (0:45);
• a disappointing performance by Team USA against France (5:59);
• untapped potential for both Australia and Nigeria (14:24);
• other results of round 1 (17:47).

Olympiacos Piraeus forward Sasha Vezenkov sat with BasketNews’ Jonas Miklovas to talk about his childhood and basketball culture in Cyprus, experience in Barcelona, and the pleasure of playing with the legendary Vassilis Spanoulis.

Fenerbahce Istanbul head coach Dimitris Itoudis sits down with Donatas Urbonas for a discussion about FIBA’s problematic schedule, EuroBasket superstars, coaching Giannis and the fresh start with Fenerbahce.

Topics:

• A hilarious press conference that raised a serious question (00:00);
• Itoudis raising uncomfortable questions to FIBA (3:31);
• An inspiring moment with Thanassis after a painful loss (11:15);
• Coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo (17:15);
• Why Jokic, Doncic or Giannis don’t guarantee a title (22:47);
• Fresh start with Fenerbahce (27:45);
• Free agency answers you don’t want to hear as Fener’s coach;
• Itoudis belief in Panathinaikos (35:35).

EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas delves into the future of the competition, addresses concerns about Maccabi’s situation, evaluates Partizan’s and Zvezda’s case for long-term licenses, weighs in on Dubai’s potential entry, and discusses other crucial topics.

Topics:

• Motiejunas’ reaction to viral Belgrade video (0:00);
• US feedback on ESPN deal (2:32);
• Serbian teams for long-term license (3:08);
• Major criteria for EuroLeague entry (6:56);
• Dubai team’s potential entry next season (9:14);
• Introduction of “salary cap” (14:01);
• Addressing game schedule clashes (16:11);
• Concerns over Maccabi in playoffs & Final 4 (21:02);
• Motiejunas’ time-saving life hacks (24:34);
• Top priorities on Motiejunas’ agenda (26:07);
• The main reason behind ‘poor officiating’ (29:52);
• How Motiejunas united the EuroLeague (35:21);
• Likelihood of EuroLeague having an All-Star Game (36:50);
• Challenges with visiting fans in EuroLeague (38:36);
• Motiejunas on Zalgiris’ changes and playoff hopes (39:34).

BasketNews' Uygar Karaca connected with new Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul power forward Achille Polonara and talked about him finally being rewarded for his humble attitude and hard-working approach. He also remembered Italy's successful Olympic run and gave his thoughts on the upcoming EuroLeague season.

Topics:

• First thoughts after recent friendly game against Turk Telekom (0:30);
• Olympic Summer and recent National Team Success (1:23);
• Foundations of National Team Success: Domestic League competitiveness (4:50);
• Thoughts about Meo Sacchetti, National Team Coach (7:06);
• Decisive factors regarding choice on Fenerbahçe. Rumors about CSKA (9:13);
• About his long terms in the Legabasket, reasons about his delayed accession to Euroleague (12:00);
• Reasons behind his exceptionally successful season with Baskonia (14:26);
• His role in this season, the expectations of Djordjevic (17:14);
• Early impression on Fenerbahçe playing style, a defensive or offensive-minded team? (20:32).

Latest episode of BasketNews Talks covers the NBA Summer League. Mindaugas Gobikas, Giorgios Kyriakidis, and Uygar Karaca discuss how European players performed in Las Vegas. Alperen Sengun, Filip Petrusev, Usman Garuba, Franz Wagner, Omer Yurtseven, Alex Antetokounmpo all played different roles and produced different results.

Topics:

• Intro (00:00);
• Alperen Sengun's MVP worthy performance in the NBA Summer League (1:04);
• Turkish basketball fans showing interest in NBA action (5:45);
• Filip Petrusev is heading to EuroLeague for at least one year (7:22);
• Franz Wagner's shots weren't falling in Las Vegas (11:25);
• Mixed feeling regarding Usman Garuba's play (15:14);
• Alex Antetokounmpo winning Summer League (20:25).

Donatas Urbonas sits down with Crvena Zvezda’s star forward Nikola Kalinic to discuss recently winning Serbian Cup, Zeljko Obradovic’s interest in him and what he hopes from Red Star & their fans in the future.

Topics:

• Next big passion of Nikola Kalinic (00:00);
• Partizan’s mistake that made Red Star hungry (6:32)
• Which Red Star is better: 2015 or 2022? (10:43)
• Why Kalinic refused Zeljko’s interest (14:07);
• First terrible contract (19:18);
• Why teammates respect Kalinic (21:32);
• Post-career destination (25:45);
• What he likes & dislikes about younger Kalinic (31:33);
• Kalinic’s future with Red Star (35:10);
• Message to Serbian fans (41:00).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas interviews Bayern Munich head coach Andrea Trinchieri. They discusses the changes needed in European basketball, potential format ideas that would benefit all parties, coaching Allen Iverson, overachieving, and why we lost control of Twitter.

Topics:

• Challenging utopia for EuroLeague coaches (00:00);
• What will ruin the EuroLeague (8:20);
• The best format for EuroLeague and FIBA (13:20);
• The misconception about great coaches losing (22:38);
• How Trinchieri would coach Allen Iverson (27:27);
• When Trinchieri starts looking at standings (33:56);
• Dealing with the great enemy that can mess your life (37:40);
• What Trinchieri would change on Twitter (44:28).

BasketNews' Uygar Karaca is joined by Utah Jazz assistant coach Erdem Can who shares his thought on the rising Turkish youngsters in the NBA & how Rudy Gobert impacts the Jazz's game.

Topics:

• Life in Salt Lake City and the beginnings of his NBA life (00:00);
• Utah’s recent slump after a good start and Gobert’s impact on the game (04:30);
• The Jazz’s overwhelming 3-point tendency (8:19);
• The defensive transformation of Utah (11:30);
• The comparison of reaction to losing series NBA vs Europe (15:00);
• Wagner & Markkanen: the most impressive European players in the NBA this season (19:00);
• The Turkish Players: Yurtseven, Osman Sengun and Korkmaz (23:00);
• Structured Euro-style or up-tempo NBA style? (33:30).

BasketNews Talks return with Rytis Vyšniauskas, Orazio Cauchi, and Giorgos Kyriakidis recapping the Olympic Basketball semi-finals, where France upset Luka’s Slovenia, and Team USA dismantle Australia. The guys also look ahead to Saturday’s Final and 3rd place matches.

Topics:

• intro (00:00);
• France edging out Slovenia behind Batum’s amazing block (0:09); momentum shift that helped Team USA dominate Australia (08:49);
• can Slovenia recover or will Australia win their first Olympic medals? (16:39);
• Team USA looking ready to have their revenge against France (21:42).

BasketNews’ Uygar Karaca interviews the key players of EuroCup sensation Frutti Extra Bursaspor John Holland and Andrew Andrews.

Topics:

• The upcoming EuroCup final against Virtus (04:27);
• Andorra game and coming through adversity (09:23);
• Strange paths collided: How did Andrews and Holland join Bursa (13:20);
• Andrews’ stepping up after Freeman’s departure (17:32);
• Last timeout against Partizan, Holland's game-winner, and stopping Punter (21:46);
• Holland’s 'Pitbull Saga' (24:49);
• Coach Dusan Alimpijevic’s effect (26:49);
• The best fans in Turkey and Andrews’ stolen AirPods (29:38);
• Outro (30:42).

• Isaiah Canaan addresses the infamous ‘Shush’ (00:00);
• Surviving Hurricane Katrina in a trailer (6:36);
• Freaky NBA injury that made his teammates cry (15:27);
• The most irritating thing you hear as the NBA role player? (20:26);
• Why Canaan feels lucky to start his overseas career in UNICS (25:16);
• Surviving Velimir Perasovic practices (31:35);
• EuroLeague teams in the NBA playoffs (36:23);
• Are UNICS shushing the EuroLeague on May 29? (39:59).

EuroLeague legend Vassilis Spanoulis sits down with Donatas Urbonas for a quick interview. The new Peristeri Athens coach talks about his ideas for new-school coaching, the potential bridge to the NBA for European coaches and reveals who he would love to have dinner with for some basketball discussions.

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas interviews Olympiacos Pireus forward & EuroLeague star Sasha Vezenkov. Donatas & Sasha discuss his incredible ability to score off-ball, his personal & Olympiacos' growth through the last few years and his future regarding the NBA & Sacramento Kings.

Topics:

• When Vezenkov is Aleksandar & when he’s Sasha (00:00);
• Reaction to 275 points in 26 dribbles (1:16);
• Top 3 off-ball EuroLeague players (4:17);
• If not Vezenkov, who’s the EuroLeague MVP (5:00);
• The moment when Vezenkov thought his time in Olympiacos was over (6:47);
• Rumors about Panathinaikos interest (10:05);
• How Olympiacos became the Final 4 team (11:01);
• Vezenkov’s reaction to Micic’s semifinal game-winner (12:16);
• Two things Vezenkov took from the career contract (14:24);
• Does the new contract puts Vezenkov away from the NBA (15:33);
• Where Vezenkov see Olympiacos until 2025 (17:33). 

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas talks to Zalgiris Kaunas head coach Martin Schiller on the critical things of Zalgiris rebuild, interesting experiences in Lithuania, and the NBA examples which helped him in the EuroLeague market.

Topics:

• Intro and what Schiller would ask Ergin Ataman (00:00);
• Trip to Germany from Lithuania by car and free agency conversations in Warsaw’s hotel (2:52);
• The key of Zalgiris rebuilding process (4:26);
• Schiller’s reaction on Jokubaitis departure (6:02);
• Unexpected No. 1 overall EuroLeague draft pick by Martin Schiller (7:45);
• Why you can’t compare Walkup to Mudiay (10:08);
• What’s behind one of the main strengths of Martin Schiller (14:30);
• Schiller’s self-evaluation of his EuroLeague rookie season and experiences which stuck to his mind (16:45);
• A different approach on LKL level and surprising questions about Marek Blazevic (22:10);
• Challenging Zalgiris pre-season (26:13).

BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas talks to Zalgiris Kaunas newcomer Josh Nebo.

Topics:

• intro and painful birthday surprise (0:00);
• joining Zalgiris after unusual Zoom interview with coach Schiller (2:07);
• Armani’s interest last season and first-time experiences of playing in Israel (9:43);
• crazy time with rocket attack on Israel (15:49)
• how skateboarding was more important than basketball (19:07);
• life-changing growth spurt and hope to play for Nigeria NT (23:46);
• life situations that shaped Nebo’s personality (27:35).

• Coming back to a familiar place (3:25);
• About a different role compared to Khimki (9:27);
• What he hated in NBA and offers from US (18:06);
• Playing in empty gyms and what is behind No. 91 (22:38).

#CSKA #EuroLeague #VTB

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BasketNews’ Uygar Karaca interviews the head coach of EuroCup sensation Frutti Extra Bursaspor Dusan Alimpijevic. 

Topics:

• Introduction (0:00);
• Last seconds of the Cedevita game (01:39);
• Team’s improvement during crunch time throughout the season (7:30);
• Feelings after beating Partizan, coming to a full circle (13:30);
• Coming through adversity, poor results and positive FIBA windows (21:00);
• The effect of Allerik Freeman’s departure (25:36);
• Building the most-efficient offense in EuroCup (28:07);
• Player selection criteria, creating a team with good chemistry (33:23);
• Living in Bursa, favourite foods, staying out of traffic (39:46);
• Next opponent: Andorra (42:58);
• Leaving a stamp on the club: Young players (45:27).

In the latest episode of BN Talks, Donatas Urbonas is joined by 2-time EuroLeague champion & current FC Barcelona guard Cory Higgins. Cory talks about his relationship with Michael Jordan & why he does not use social media.

Topics:

• The most overlooked EuroLeague players (00:00); 
• Michael Jordan’s message after an iconic shot (2:50);
• Learning from the worst NBA season ever (4:29);
• NBA offers that Higgins has passed (5:35);
• Bringing Michael Jordan to the EuroLeague game (6:20);
• Higgins’ dad’s experience in Olympiacos (7:20); 
• Higgins’ post-career plans (8:18); 
• How the most difficult season turned into the great experience (10:10);
• What fans are overlooking about reshaped Barcelona (14:29);
• Relationship with Jasikevicius and Itoudis (16:00);
• The reason why Higgins was signed to EuroLeague (17:44);
• Why you’ll never see Higgins on social media (20:57);
• Stopping one of the greatest teams in EuroLeague history (22:48).

Barcelona's forward Nikola Kalinic sits down with Donatas Urbonas for an interview about Serbian national team, FIBA windows, new & improved Fenerbahce and struggling Crevena Zvezda.

Topics:

• Anxious Kalinic watching Serbia vs. Turkey (00:00);
• Two big FIBA format ideas (1:50);
• New EuroLeague format idea (5:52);
• EuroBasket 2022 lesson for Serbia (7:07);
• What Kalinic loves about reshaped Fenerbahce (9:10);
• Sarunas Jasikevicius & Zeljko Obradovic comparison (10:30);
• Why Kalinic doesn’t care about his role anymore (11:35);
• New sheriffs in Barcelona (12:48);
• Feelings on slow Red Star season start (13:57);
• Why Kalinic left Red Star (15:09);
• What ruined Kalinic’s championship formula idea (17:07).

Donatas Urbonas sits down with FC Barcelona guard Dante Exum to share his wild beginnings in the EuroLeague, future in Europe, shining Josh Giddey, and new look Boomers with Ben Simmons.

Topics:

• The trip to Lithuania that changed his fate (00:00);
• Unusual Lithuanian inspiration (1:55);
• Unforgettable Ataman’s ejection (02:52);
• Wild beginnings in Europe (04:17);
• The biggest change in Europe (6:48);
• The only regret after the NBA draft (08:40);
• The decision to go to Europe (09:53)
• Why Thybulle is going to play for Australia every time he can (12:18);
• Ben Simmons and new look Boomers (14:53);
• Tough situation for Joe Ingles (15:47);
• The most impressive Australian in the NBA (17:18);
• Exum’s future in Europe (18:05).

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas talks to Zalgiris Kaunas guard Janis Strelnieks making a stunning rise in basketball after signing in early years and being unnoticed among the top Latvian prospects, rejecting few crucial offers in his career, learning from Andrea Trinchieri and Vassilis Spanoulis, facing Patrick Beverley in practice and dealing with an uncomfortable situation.

Topics:

• Intro about the Greek fans on Instagram and “Chicken” song contest (00:00);
• Strelnieks rejecting the Spurs offer (3:25);
• Andrea Trinchieri lessons (6:00);
• Being close to Panathinaikos before getting the offer from CSKA (9:31);
• Vassilis Spanoulis example (11:18);
• Crazy practice experience with roommate Patrick Beverley (13:04);
• All-Strelnieks teammates team (16:00);
• The beginning of unexpected Strelnieks rise (17:41);
• Painful feeling for Latvian basketball (19:44);
• Funny Kyiv story which even Strelnieks didn’t know about (24:07);
• Handling agitating question and post-career plans (26:00);
• Strelnieks’ goal in Lithuania and Zalgiris playoff chances (30:07).

In the latest episode of BN Talks, current Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and former Denver Nuggets guard Markus Howard ranks the top five most challenging basketball leagues to score. He also shares valuable insights he’s learned from players like Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., and Facundo Campazzo.

Topics:

• Ranking the NBA among 5 most difficult leagues to score in (0:00)
• Explaining to the Baskonia coach what makes a good or bad shot (2:30);
• The Top 3 EuroLeague scorers (4:00);
• How the NCAA star who’s scored 50 feels on the plane to Europe (4:34);
• The best lesson from Michael Porter JR (7:50);
• The best and worst of Nikola Jokic (9:03);
• The most difficult EuroLeague team to beat (10:07);
• Facing Red Star with Facundo Campazzo (11:43);
• What made Baskonia special (12:30).