Dinamo Banco di Sardegna has announced an agreement with Sean Flood, who will join the Italian club after his recent stint with Mitteldeutscher BC in Germany’s top division.
The Irish point guard, born in 1996, will be available to head coach Luca Vitali and his coaching staff.
Sean Flood’s career and European experience
Born in Dublin on September 10, 1996, Flood is a versatile guard capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard. He has built considerable experience across several European leagues.
After playing college basketball in the United States with Longwood, he began his professional career in Germany before moving on to Cyprus, Austria, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
A major breakthrough came in Germany’s ProB, where he emerged as a leading player and averaged nearly 16 points per game.
Strong numbers with Heroes Den Bosch
During the 2025-26 season, Flood played for Heroes Den Bosch in the Dutch BNXT League, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 39.7% from three-point range.
His previous experience in the Netherlands includes the 2023-24 season with Den Helder Suns, where he posted averages of 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
Flood’s international experience with Ireland
Flood has also played an important role with the Irish national team.
During the 2024 World Cup Qualifiers, he averaged 17.5 points and 3.7 assists, shooting 57.1% from three-point range and 84.4% from the free-throw line.
Dinamo Sassari adds a player familiar with European basketball, capable of creating opportunities for teammates, providing a perimeter threat and bringing defensive intensity.
Paolo Citrini welcomes the signing
Dinamo Sassari sporting director Paolo Citrini explained the reasons behind the move and praised Flood’s enthusiasm about joining the club.
“You always have to be ready to seize opportunities when unexpected situations arise. The club has done a great job. The team needed a player, and the club moved quickly in the market.
“We are very happy because Sean immediately showed great interest and a strong desire to come to Sassari. He is a player who really cares and cannot wait to arrive. We are looking forward to welcoming him with open arms.”
The Executive Committee of the “Lietuvos krepšinis” association approved Dainius Adomaitis as the new head coach of the Lithuanian men’s national team on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old replaces Rimas Kurtinaitis, who resigned earlier this month.
Lithuania makes decision before presidential elections
In order to resolve the coaching situation as quickly as possible and allow the new head coach to begin working on the national team candidate list, the association decided not to wait for its presidential elections on October 14.
On Tuesday, secretary general Dominykas Domarkas invited all four candidates for the presidency to a meeting. By mutual agreement, they decided to propose Adomaitis as the new head coach.
The 52-year-old accepted the proposal, which was officially approved by the association’s Executive Committee on Wednesday.
Adomaitis returns after 2016-19 stint
Adomaitis previously coached the Lithuanian national team from 2016 to 2019, replacing Jonas Kazlauskas.
Over the past four years, he worked in Japan as head coach of Alvark Tokyo in the country’s top division.
Serbia challenge awaits in November
Adomaitis immediately faces a major challenge in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
Lithuania will host Serbia on November 26 in a crucial game before traveling to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 29.
Movistar Estudiantes has announced the signing of Léo Westermann for the next two months. The French point guard, born in 1992 and standing 1.98m, arrives to reinforce the team following the temporary absence of Fernando Zurbriggen.
Léo Westermann brings EuroLeague experience
Westermann brings extensive experience at the highest level of European basketball. Throughout his career, he has played for several of the continent’s major clubs and competed in the EuroLeague.
He began his professional career with ASVEL before moving to Partizan Belgrade. He later played for Zalgiris Kaunas, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, FC Barcelona and AS Monaco.
Léo Westermann knows Spanish basketball
The French point guard is already familiar with Spanish basketball. During his career, he has played for FC Barcelona, Monbus Obradoiro and Baloncesto Fuenlabrada.
Last season, Westermann helped Monbus Obradoiro earn promotion to the ACB, appearing in 35 games and averaging 10.3 points, 4.8 assists and 11.6 PIR per game.
Sporting director Íñigo de la Villa explains the signing
Movistar Estudiantes sporting director Íñigo de la Villa explained that Westermann’s arrival is designed to maintain the team’s competitiveness during Zurbriggen’s absence.
“Fernando’s situation forces us to adapt and look for a solution that allows us to maintain the team’s level of competitiveness during his absence.”
De la Villa also highlighted Westermann’s experience and ability to read the game:
“He is a player with a top-level career and experience, who knows European basketball perfectly and can give us direction, game reading, size and a lot of competitive experience from day one.”
Westermann will stay with Estudiantes for two months
The Spanish club considers the signing a temporary solution while Fernando Zurbriggen completes his recovery.
Westermann will therefore provide experience and stability at point guard during the next two months.
BC Roma is closing in on Kelly Olynyk. According to Superbasket, the 35-year-old Canadian center has reached an agreement in principle with the Italian club and is expected to sign in the coming hours.
An NBA veteran with 842 games
The 211 cm forward-center has made 842 NBA appearances between 2013 and 2026. Throughout his career, Olynyk has averaged 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds, while shooting 36.9% from three-point range.
The Canadian has also earned more than $120 million during his professional career.
Coming off his San Antonio season
Olynyk arrives in Rome after spending the latest season with the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he reached the Finals.
The 1991-born big man also represented Canada in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in late August.
October 11 derby targeted for his debut
BC Roma now hopes to complete the deal quickly and have Olynyk arrive in Rome in time to make his debut.
The first target is a particularly important one: the October 11 derby against Maxima Roma.
PAOK has reached an agreement with Donatas Motiejunas on a one-year contract as told Eurohoops. The Lithuanian big man becomes the latest veteran addition to Andrea Trinchieri’s roster, following Cedi Osman and Nick Calathes.
Motiejunas is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki in the coming days and join the team immediately. PAOK will compete in the BKT EuroCup this season with major ambitions.
The 35-year-old has extensive NBA and EuroLeague experience, having played for the Houston Rockets, in China, and more recently for Monaco and Crvena zvezda.
The United States Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act with a bipartisan 77-22 vote, advancing legislation that could reshape college athletics. According to CNN, the bill would establish national standards governing how athletes profit from their name, image and likeness.
The measure would give the NCAA greater authority to regulate compensation while protecting athletes’ access to revenue sharing and legitimate NIL agreements. It would also introduce a one-time transfer limit, establish a five-year eligibility standard, allow conferences to negotiate future media rights collectively and cap conference membership at 19 schools.
The NCAA and major conferences support the legislation, but the National College Players Association, NAACP and AFL-CIO argue that its antitrust protections give too much power to schools and the NCAA. The bill now moves to the House, which will remain in recess until after the November midterm elections, leaving its final passage uncertain.
The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension with Steph Curry, allowing the franchise to turn its full attention to the 2026-27 NBA season.
According to general manager Mike Dunleavy, Curry’s willingness to accept less money was a key element of the agreement and will give the Warriors additional flexibility to improve the roster.
“He was incredibly generous”
Dunleavy explained that Golden State never asked Curry to take a pay cut. Instead, the organization presented him with different scenarios and explained how the franchise could remain competitive during the final years of his career.
“I think given Steph’s desire to be here, our desire to keep him here, I think we found a middle ground where he was incredibly generous in taking this deal, where he’s taking less money to help the team out because, as Steph goes, he’s as competitive as there is,” Dunleavy said.
“He wants to win. He’s put us in a position where it gives us a little bit more flexibility to do that.”
Curry focused on winning a fifth title
Golden State presented Curry with its plans and financial scenarios, allowing the superstar to understand how the franchise intended to remain competitive.
“We just presented him with a plan to remain tremendously competitive, and then we showed him scenarios. We showed him our books and what it looks like and this and that and the whole thing,” Dunleavy explained.
Curry’s priority remains winning. The 38-year-old is entering another season at an elite level and is still chasing a fifth NBA championship.
“We want him to finish his career here”
Dunleavy believes the agreement gives the Warriors the opportunity to keep Curry in Golden State for the remainder of his career while maintaining some flexibility.
“I think the middle ground was signing him up to be able to almost ensure that he’ll finish his career here while also keeping some flexibility, keeping some optionality on it, and we’ve done that.”
Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds last season despite being 38 years old.
Kerr: “We never doubted it”
Head coach Steve Kerr also welcomed the extension and emphasized how important it was to get the deal completed before the start of the season.
“It’s great to get him re-signed. I mean, we never doubted it for a minute,” Kerr said.
“We knew he wanted to be here. Mike did a great job of working with Steph and Jeff Austin and finding the right path that helps the team as well as Steph.”
Kerr believes removing the contract situation from the equation will allow everyone to focus completely on basketball.
“It’s a remarkable window”
Dunleavy also reflected on Curry’s longevity and the continued championship window around him, Draymond Green and Kerr.
“It’s incredible. The way this guy has kept it going, I pause and think about it all the time, but it’s the reality. He’s really good, and he deserves what he’s worked for.”
“He’s extended this window for himself, he’s extended the window for the team, and we’re going to continue to build it because of him.”
The Warriors will begin training camp in Hawaii, where they are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Clippers on October 4 in their first preseason game. Golden State will then return to the Bay Area before opening the regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.
PAOK are close to signing Donatas Motiejunas. According to Sport24.gr, the 36-year-old Lithuanian center, who stands 2.13 meters tall, is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki between Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1 to complete the final steps and sign with the Greek club.
The two sides reportedly reached an agreement after initial contacts were established last week. Motiejunas would strengthen the frontcourt of Andrea Trinchieri’s team, with PAOK looking to complete its roster ahead of its EuroCup opener against Manresa on September 30.
The deal is reportedly considered essentially done, with Motiejunas’ arrival in Greece and the final formalities still pending before the signing becomes official.
Siauliai Basketball has added another piece to its roster ahead of the start of the 2026-27 BKT EuroCup season, announcing the signing of athletic forward Kassim Nicholson on Sunday.
Nicholson arrives from Rostock
The 2.01-meter, 27-year-old forward joins Siauliai after playing for the Rostock Seawolves last season.
Nicholson averaged 8.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in 30 German League games, while posting 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds over 10 FIBA Europe Cup appearances.
“Kassim’s size is a significant advantage that can add versatility for us at the small forward position,” head coach Darius Songaila said. “On offense, he is capable of scoring from different ranges, while on defense he can match up against opponents at multiple positions. That versatility should help him fit into our system.”
His path to the EuroCup
Nicholson played college basketball at Holmes Community College, UAB and Tennessee State, where he was named to the 2021-22 All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team.
He began his professional career in Serbia with Spartak Office Shoes Subotica in 2022-23 before moving to Hungary and joining SZTE Szedeak midway through the season.
He stayed in Hungary with Atomeromu SE in 2023-24 and then moved to Poland, where he played for King Szczecin the following season.
Athleticism and defensive versatility
Nicholson is considered an athletic forward and a strong defender, with the ability to disrupt opponents on the offensive glass. He also offers a reliable outside shot.
The forward is set to make his EuroCup debut with Siauliai this season, with the Lithuanian club beginning its campaign at home on Wednesday against the London Lions.
PAOK are working to add a new player to their frontcourt, with Donatas Motiejūnas among the profiles being considered most closely. The Lithuanian center, 36 years old and 2.13 meters tall, is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the Thessaloniki side.
Motiejūnas would be PAOK’s first choice, although the club continues to evaluate other options on the market in order to identify the right profile. Sport24 reports that the Greek side is also monitoring other high-level players to complete the frontcourt.
The Lithuanian brings extensive EuroLeague experience. Over the last five seasons, he played in the competition for four years with Monaco and one with Crvena Zvezda. Last season, he appeared in 27 games, averaging 6.1 points and 1.8 rebounds.
Montrezl Harrell could be on his way back to the NBL. The former Adelaide 36ers big man, currently a free agent, hinted on social media that another chapter in Australia could be in the works. “Been keeping eye on NBL play all I’m say is enjoy this last year safely! The MONSTA gets back what he’s owed! Enjoy count down nearing!”, Harrell wrote on X.
The 32-year-old re-signed with Adelaide after the 2024-25 season, but the two sides parted ways in September following complications related to a doping violation stemming from his time playing in China. Harrell averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game with the 36ers and was named to the 2025 All-NBL Second Team. The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is also exploring a potential return to the NBA after recently working out with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Besiktas are officially returning to the EuroLeague after 13 years. The Istanbul side will face Valencia tonight at 7:00 PM in their first game of the new season, with Dusan Alimpijevic at the helm.
The Turkish club has increased its investment ahead of its return to the highest level of European basketball, and general manager Nedim Yucel has revealed the size of the club’s budget.
€20 million in total costs
According to Yucel, Besiktas spend between €9 million and €10 million on player salaries. However, once taxes, travel expenses and all other costs related to competing in the EuroLeague are included, the club’s total spending reaches approximately €20 million.
The club is also not finished building its roster.
“We are looking for players who can raise the level”
Besiktas are continuing to work on additions at point guard and center, but Yucel stressed that the club does not want to add players simply to fill out the roster.
“We continue to work on bringing reinforcements at point guard and center. We don’t want to bring in players just to fill the roster. We are looking for players who can raise the level of the team.”
Besiktas therefore return to the EuroLeague with a significantly increased investment and plans to build a team capable of competing on the European stage.
Roman Sorkin has reached an agreement in principle with Maccabi Tel Aviv on a new four-year contract. According to Sport5, the Israeli center will earn $1.5 million per season, but the two sides still have to finalize several clauses.
The deal represents a significant raise from the contract signed in 2024, which initially paid $900,000 per season with annual increases. Sorkin reportedly earned around $1.1 million last season.
“A contract extension? It is not relevant right now. There are no talks, and unfortunately the offer was not relevant,” Sorkin said during the summer. Negotiations restarted five weeks ago, and the signing is now expected soon.
According to AS, Baskonia could part ways with Alex Len in the coming hours after the big man completed only one training session with his new teammates.
Len did not travel to Badalona, with Paolo Galbiati saying when asked about his absence: “He’s not here, I can’t say more… he’s not here.”
The Ukrainian ended last season at Real Madrid with plantar fasciitis. If he does not recover, his two-year Baskonia contract may not become effective.
Matan Adelson, a businessman born in Los Angeles but of Israeli origin, is the owner of Hapoel Jerusalem. The executive confirmed that the club is active in the transfer market, though he made no mention of Lorenzo Brown.
“As I’ve said, I’m very happy with the roster we’ve put together, but we’ve left all the initial enthusiasm behind us. We have to win games, and only time will tell, but I have a lot of confidence in what we’ve built.
As for new players, when you have a player like Jared Harper—with everything that entails—losing someone like that makes it almost impossible to replace him, no matter who comes in. It’s no secret that we’ve been in the market for a few weeks now, but whoever comes in won’t be comparable to Jared. We’ll do everything we can to find the best replacement—someone who can help us achieve our goals.”
The Guangdong Southern Tigers have announced that Edmond Sumner will return for the upcoming CBA season.
It will be the guard’s third consecutive year playing in China.
After averaging more than 35 points, 6 assists and 2 steals per game with the Sichuan Blue Whales in the 2024-25 season, last year Sumner produced 21.7 points, 4 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Southern Tigers.
Lithuanian champions Zalgiris Kaunas have raised the financial bar ahead of the 2026-27 season. During Tuesday’s annual presentation, club president Paulius Jankunas and sports director Gediminas Navickas announced a total budget of €28.8 million, before taxes.
Of that amount, €19.7 million will be allocated directly to player and staff salaries.
€26.8 million revenue target
Zalgiris expects to generate €26.8 million in revenue before the postseason to fund the campaign.
The target comes after a highly successful financial year. Last season, the club initially projected revenue of €18.8 million, but strong returns pushed the final figure to €24 million.
Those revenues helped offset €24.8 million in total expenses, including €14.5 million spent on team salaries.
Increased investment to compete at the top
The significant increase in payroll reflects Zalgiris’ determination to build on last season’s results.
With Tomas Masiulis as head coach and veteran leadership from players such as Jonas Valanciunas and Edgaras Ulanovas, the club is looking to remain competitive at the highest level of European basketball.
Zalgiris finished fifth in the EuroLeague last season before being eliminated by Fenerbahce Beko in the playoffs.
The club now aims to use its increased financial strength to defend its domestic titles while making another deep run in the EuroLeague.
Two wins to start the LKL season
Zalgiris opened the 2026-27 Betsson LKL season with two consecutive victories.
The Lithuanian champions will make their EuroLeague regular-season debut on Thursday, when they travel to Belgrade Arena to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet.
They will then return to domestic action on Sunday for their first home game of the season against Siauliai.
Lorenzo Brown is getting closer to joining Hapoel Jerusalem. According to Sport5, the 36-year-old point guard is close to signing a one-year contract with the team coached by Sasha Obradović.
Potential early exit clause
According to Sport5, Hapoel Jerusalem could have the option to terminate the agreement after just a few months.
The situation is also connected to Jared Harper’s injury. The guard is expected to miss another two to four months after suffering a thumb injury.
Lorenzo Brown’s EuroLeague numbers
Brown appeared in 12 EuroLeague games last season, averaging 5.8 points and 2.7 assists per game.
His best performance came against his former team Panathinaikos, when he scored 17 points and added five assists.
Baskonia could be searching “urgently” for a center following Alex Len’s foot injury. According to Encestando, the Spanish club may have also informed Frisch before the Spanish Super Cup that he should leave on loan.
The report claims that around 30 teams could have been interested in a potential loan move for the player in July, while finding a suitable destination would now be more difficult with the start of the season approaching. Baskonia could therefore be forced to turn to the market to reinforce its frontcourt.
The situation would be particularly pressing ahead of Thursday’s game against Olympiacos, with the team potentially facing the EuroLeague matchup without an established interior rotation.
Monaco are looking for a new competition after being excluded from the EuroLeague and subsequently the EuroCup amid the club’s financial problems. According to Meridian Sport, the French champions have contacted ABA League president Ostoja Mijailović to ask about joining the competition.
The first step would reportedly be participation in the ABA 2 League, the second tier of the Adriatic competition. Monaco have also sent an official letter to the ABA League headquarters, requesting a quick response as the start of the season approaches.
The club, which won the French championship last season, failed to provide the financial guarantees required by the LNB and was subsequently excluded from the lower domestic divisions as well. A final decision on Monaco’s request is expected in the coming days.
Nutribullet Treviso Basket has strengthened its frontcourt with the signing of Christopher Ike Anigbogu, a 27-year-old center who was one of the protagonists of Cremona’s surprising 2025 season.
Born in San Diego, California, on October 17, 1998, to Nigerian parents Veronica and Chris, Anigbogu is a powerful and versatile modern big man with an impressive résumé and plenty of room to continue developing in European basketball.
From UCLA to the NBA
Anigbogu first made a name for himself in high school, averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game as a senior.
His performances earned him an offer from UCLA, one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. Injuries limited his freshman season, but he made an impact whenever he was on the court, helping the Bruins reach the Sweet 16 while averaging 4.7 points, 4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
After just one NCAA season, at the age of 19, Anigbogu declared for the NBA Draft. The Indiana Pacers selected him with their second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Over the next two seasons, he moved between the NBA and G League, appearing in 14 NBA games and establishing himself in the developmental league. With the Indiana Mad Ants, he averaged 11 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
Over the following four seasons, the San Diego native continued to prove himself as a reliable G League big man, while also adding a respectable three-point shot to his offensive arsenal.
Impressive first season in Europe
Anigbogu moved to Europe in 2025, joining the surprising Cremona side coached by Brotto.
After an initial adjustment period, he became one of the team’s key players in the LBA, averaging 6.4 points, 6 rebounds — including 2.6 offensive rebounds — and nearly one block per game in 18.3 minutes.
He shot close to 50% from two-point range and 79% from the free-throw line.
Size and physicality for Treviso
At 208 cm and 120 kg, Anigbogu will bring size, strength and intimidation to the Nutribullet frontcourt.
The new Treviso center will wear jersey No. 13 and has signed a contract through the end of the season.
Pallacanestro Trieste has officially announced the signing of Lajae Jones, a 2004-born American forward. Jones joins the Giuliani club after building his entire basketball career in the United States, most recently playing for the Florida State Seminoles in the NCAA before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The addition brings talent, defensive solidity and high-level experience to Trieste’s roster for the 2026-27 season.
Michael Arcieri: “A combination of talent, strength and versatility”
Trieste general manager Michael Arcieri praised Jones’ all-around profile.
“Lajae possesses a combination of pure basketball talent, physical strength, power and explosiveness, as well as positional versatility that is rarely found in a single player.
“He is the prototype of what has become known as ‘positionless basketball’: a player who impacts the game every single second — on both ends of the floor, under both baskets, in transition and attacking the rim through traffic.
“His selection in June’s NBA Draft is proof of his hard work, dedication and immense basketball potential. His decision to proudly wear the Trieste jersey and continue his basketball dream and development with us is proof of the great trust he has in our team, our staff, our fans and the potential of a truly special 2026-27 season.
“Our collaboration throughout the season with the Golden State Warriors’ staff regarding Lajae’s development represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for our staff and organization.
“His integration into our roster will be natural: he will be a determining factor both in the guard area and under the basket, playing with and without the ball, enhancing his teammates’ qualities on one possession and attacking the rim with relentless power on the next one.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Lajae and his family into our Biancorossa family and extend our warmest Trieste welcome to him.”
From junior college to Florida State
Born on May 21, 2004, in Neptune Beach, Florida, Lajae Leo Jones stands 2.01 meters tall and weighs 100 kilograms.
His college career included four different programs. After his freshman season with the Tarleton State Texans, Jones established himself at Barton Community College, where he won the national JUCO championship and was named Finals MVP.
He then moved to St. Bonaventure, averaging 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds as a starter during the 2024-25 season, before completing his college career with the Florida State Seminoles in the ACC.
12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds at Florida State
During the 2025-26 season, Jones averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 33 appearances.
He ranked among Florida State’s leading rebounders and led the team in blocks per game, while also earning a spot on the All-ACC Tournament Second Team.
Jones also produced a remarkable 36-point performance featuring 10 three-pointers, matching the Seminoles’ program record for three-pointers in a game.
At the end of the season, he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 54th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and subsequently played in the NBA Summer League.
A versatile 3-and-D prospect
Jones’ profile is highlighted by his defensive ability across multiple positions, from guard to small forward, as well as his ability to make reads in the low post when switching defensively.
He also showed consistency from the perimeter, qualities that made him one of the most highly regarded NBA prospects in the 3-and-D category during his final college season.
His excellent ball control further complements his profile, with one of the lowest turnover rates among players at his position in NCAA Division I.
Pallacanestro Trieste welcomes Lajae Jones and his family and wishes him a successful 2026-27 season in the Biancorossa jersey.
Nick Johnson is a new player for KK Split, the Croatian club announced.
The 33-year-old guard is coming off a season with Saint-Quentin, where he led Betclic Elite in assists with 6.3 per game, while also averaging 13.7 points and 1.4 steals.
According to Superbasket, Maxima Roma has reached an agreement with Hunter Tyson to strengthen their frontcourt.
The 26-year-old power forward was still a free agent after spending three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, who selected him No. 37 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
A solid three-point shooter, Tyson also played for the Gigantes de Carolina in the BSN last season, averaging 14.3 points (48% FG, 39% 3P, 79% FT) and 4.8 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.
The former Clemson standout is expected to replace Vernon Carey in coach Cotelli’s rotation.
If you follow basketball in Serbia and regularly keep up with the EuroLeague, the nickname “Kumara” probably needs no explanation. It refers to one of the most eccentric and charismatic figures in European basketball: Dimitris Giannakopoulos, the owner of Panathinaikos.
Giannakopoulos spoke to Mozzart Sport on the court at OAKA ahead of the friendly tournament featuring Panathinaikos, Partizan Mozzart Bet, Bourg and PAOK.
When he heard that the Serbian outlet wanted to interview him, Giannakopoulos simply smiled and said:
“For my brothers from Serbia, sure…”
“I love Serbia”
The conversation quickly took a more informal tone when the journalists asked him about his nickname among Serbian fans.
“What does Kumara mean?” Giannakopoulos asked, before breaking into laughter.
After the meaning was explained to him, his response was simple:
“That’s good!”
Asked whether he was aware of how closely people in Serbia follow him, Giannakopoulos explained where his connection with the country began.
“When I was studying in London, my roommate was Serbian. Since then, I fell in love with Serbia and made many, many friends. That was long before basketball and long before coach Željko.
“I love Serbia, so I think the feeling is mutual. Yes, I really believe it is. To be completely honest, in Serbia I am a Partizan fan.”
“I knew Željko would return”
One of the main topics was Željko Obradović’s return to Panathinaikos and the enormous expectations surrounding his new tenure.
“I knew deep down that one day it would happen, that he would return here. It is destiny. I am very happy that it happened this year. I hope we have successful results.
“But as I said at the press conference, for me, the season itself is already a success.”
Giannakopoulos was also cautious when discussing the pressure on Obradović and the expectations surrounding Panathinaikos.
“History has shown that it’s not just about how you build the team. There are many things that play a role in winning the title at the end of the season — good health and sometimes luck.
“Yes, having coach Željko always gives you a competitive advantage. Having a good team gives you a competitive advantage. Now, I wouldn’t want to make predictions. But I think Panathinaikos will be one of the main contenders for the title.”
His thoughts on Partizan
Asked about Partizan’s new era and roster reconstruction, Giannakopoulos admitted that he had not followed all of the club’s offseason moves.
“I have to be 100% honest. I didn’t actually follow all the moves that happened this summer. So all I can do is wish them the best. But how could I make a prediction?”
“Stojan Vranković, forever in my heart”
Asked to choose one of the many Serbian players who have left a lasting mark on Panathinaikos, Giannakopoulos initially broadened the criteria.
“Does it have to be Serbian? Can I choose someone from the former Yugoslavia?”
He then immediately named Stojan Vranković:
“Stojan Vranković! Forever, forever and forever in my heart! Yes!”
When names such as Nikola Peković, Dejan Tomašević and Dušan Kecman were mentioned, Giannakopoulos singled out Tomašević.
“Tomašević! Yes! He played with his head. He played with his head. And I respect people, I respect players who use their mind more than their physical abilities.”
“I would love to see Jokic in a Panathinaikos jersey”
Giannakopoulos once again discussed his desire to bring Nikola Jokic to Panathinaikos.
“As far as I’m concerned, I stopped watching the NBA the day Michael Jordan stopped dribbling the ball. Seriously. I started watching the NBA again a little when Jokic went there.
“I believe he is among the 10 greatest players of all time. I would love to see him in a Panathinaikos jersey and I will do everything in my power to try to make it happen.
“The politics surrounding it are difficult, because I don’t think it is a matter for the clubs. I think it is about the fact that the NBA may not allow such a big star to leave.
“But Kumara gets everything done.”
Giannakopoulos reveals his past interest in Partizan
Giannakopoulos also addressed the long-standing reports that he once considered taking over and financially rescuing Partizan.
“I’ll tell you what I remember. It was during the time of Duško Vujošević, I think. Yes, Duško Vujošević, he was the coach then. I apologize if I’m wrong.
“I remember there was a period when Partizan had huge financial difficulties. That was around 10 or 15 years ago, probably in the late 2000s. And there were some discussions. There were discussions about business, investments… As I told you, I love Serbia. It was an idea. I was thinking about it.”
He then explained why the deal never materialized.
“Why didn’t it happen? Because I realized that you can’t take only the basketball club. You have to take swimming, water polo… the entire sports club, the whole organization. And that is a completely different matter.”
Asked what initially prompted him to consider entering Partizan, Giannakopoulos pointed to the club’s fan base and atmosphere.
“It was a proposal they made. I told you, I love Partizan. The fans there are the closest to this… the closest to this atmosphere and to the arena that Panathinaikos has.
SPORT24 journalist Harris Stavrou discussed the case on the “ΤΙ ΕΒΑΛΕΕΕ” show following a roundtable with EuroLeague CEO Tchus Bueno, explaining the competition’s reported role in finding a resolution.
“EuroLeague played a very important role”
According to Stavrou, EuroLeague played an important role in finding a solution to the Walkup situation.
“The role of EuroLeague was very important in finding a solution in the Walkup case. Since there had been discussion about the +1 options, Tchus Bueno was very clear that when a contract has been signed with very clear terms by both sides, there is nothing you can do.
“What he told us is that similar cases in the future will lead to significant penalties. EuroLeague will add regulations for similar situations, as well as stricter sanctions for anyone who violates its regulations.”
Gli ultimi commenti