Basket rumors

05/01/202617:03

Partizan: Duane Washington to stay in Belgrade despite two EuroLeague offers

Duane Washington is set to stay in Belgrade and continue with Partizan in the black-and-white jersey.
The report says two lucrative EuroLeague offers were on the table, but he opted for continuity.

Washington has reportedly communicated his decision officially to both his agent and the club.
As a result, no change of environment is expected at this stage of the season.

The player believes he still has more to show with Partizan.
That is why, according to the same sources, he was not willing to move right now.

05/01/202614:17

Panathinaikos: Giannakopoulos hints at a “bomb” signing, «I’m trying to complete a major transfer»

Speaking during a late-night Instagram live, Dimitris Giannakopoulos answered questions from Panathinaikos fans.
The club’s leading figure said he is pushing to finalize a top-level move.

«I’m trying to complete a big transfer. A bomb», Giannakopoulos said during the live session.
He then pointed to the drive to win in Europe with an emphatic example.

«I would bring Jordan at 29 if needed, just to win the EuroLeague», he added.
The comments have fueled speculation about a potentially high-profile addition.

05/01/202612:19

Trapani Shark: Matthew Hurt set for Tofas Bursa, short-handed for BCL play-in

A deal is in place for Matthew Hurt to join Tofas Bursa, with the 2000-born forward set to continue the season in Turkey.
He will not be available for Trapani’s Game 1 of the BCL play-in, with the team facing Hapoel Holon.

Coach Latini is expected to have a very limited rotation, with only six players plus young prospect Patti.
The available group is listed as Cappelletti, Rossato, Arcidiacono, Pugliatti, Sanogo and Notae, with Notae mentioned as hurt after the game vs Varese.

Hurt leaves after a strong start: 8.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 19.6 minutes in the league, shooting 38.5% from three.
In the Champions League he averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over six games, and he has reportedly agreed terms with Tofas, currently eighth in the BSL.

Source: PianetaBasket e Superbasket

05/01/202611:29

Hapoel Tel Aviv: Caboclo out of plans, CSKA Moscow seen as frontrunner

Bruno Caboclo has reportedly been told by Hapoel Tel Aviv that he is not expected to have a major role for the rest of the season.
The Brazilian big man, however, wants to fight for his place and stay in the picture.

Hapoel are now looking for a landing spot, and European reports point to CSKA Moscow as the top candidate to add him.
AEK Athens and PAOK Thessaloniki are also mentioned as interested parties, but the Russians are currently leading.

Caboclo has not played this season while recovering from an injury and is on a net $120,000-per-month contract.

Source: Sport5

05/01/202611:05

Partizan: no more exits planned after Tyrique Jones, Parker and Brown set to stay

Partizan Mozzart Bet removed Tyrique Jones from their EuroLeague registered list ahead of the January 5 deadline, clearing the way for his move to Olympiacos. As reported by Mozzart, no additional departures are currently expected.

Despite speculation of major changes following Željko Obradović’s exit, the only confirmed outgoing is Jones, seen as a situation that could not continue.

That means Jabari Parker, Sterling Brown, Shake Milton, and Duane Washington are all set to remain under their existing contracts.

Partizan are now waiting to bring in another big, with the frontcourt currently thin and Bruno Fernando as the main option.

Against Monaco and Barcelona in EuroLeague, increased minutes are expected for Dylan Osetkowski and Parker, who is said to be showing signs of improvement.

05/01/202610:57

Aris Betsson land Kostas Antetokounmpo on loan from Olympiacos

Olympiacos have officially announced the signing of Tyrique Jones, who agreed to a 2.5-year contract.
After the deal was completed, a corresponding move regarding the frontcourt was put in place.

Kostas Antetokounmpo will continue his career in Thessaloniki, joining Aris Betsson on a loan deal.
The move comes in the aftermath of Olympiacos adding the American big man.

As a result, Giorgos Bartzokas will have three centers available going forward.
Those are Nikola Milutinov, Donta Hall, and Tyrique Jones.

Source: Sport24

03/01/202616:56

BC Rytas bring back Speedy Smith, sign Jordan Caroline

BC Rytas strengthen the roster with the return of Kenneth “Speedy” Smith and the signing of Jordan Caroline.

The point guard, who previously played for the Lithuanian club in the 2021/22 season, arrives from Merkezefendi, where he was averaging 7.4 points and 4 assists per game in the Turkish BSL.

Caroline began the season in France with Saint-Quentin, posting 10.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in BetClic Elite.

02/01/202618:29

Hapoel Tel Aviv Owner Ofer Yannay Criticizes Israeli Federation Over Malachi Flynn Case

Ofer Yannay, owner of Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, has once again publicly criticized the Israeli Basketball Federation, this time following reports regarding Malachi Flynn and his potential future with the Turkey national team.

After news emerged that Turkey is planning to naturalize Flynn, Yannay reacted on X with a blunt message:
“Israeli Federation is still napping.”

The remark fits a familiar pattern. Yannay has repeatedly voiced frustration with how the Israeli federation has handled the naturalization process in recent years, often referencing past situations such as Khadeen Carrington. In Yannay’s view, Israel failed to move decisively enough to secure a high-level naturalized player who could elevate the national team.

While criticism surrounds the Israeli side, Turkey appears ready to act. According to Umit Avci, Flynn is expected to become the next naturalized player for the Turkish national team. The report was revealed on the Fast Break show on Sports TV in Turkey on the first day of 2026.

If finalized, Flynn would follow a well-established tradition of naturalized guards representing Turkey, including Bobby Dixon, Scottie Wilbekin, and Shane Larkin, all of whom played major roles for the national team in recent years.

This season in the EuroCup, Flynn is averaging 18.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 47.8% from the field, strengthening his case as a high-impact international option.

02/01/202618:23

Virtus Bologna Close to Signing Young Prospect Francesco Ferrari

Virtus Bologna are set to announce an agreement with Francesco Ferrari, a 2005-born Italian prospect regarded as one of the most promising young players in the country.

The news was reported by Fabrizio Lorenzi in La Repubblica (Milan edition). Ferrari developed at College Borgomanero and gained national attention after winning the Next Gen Tournament, where he was also named MVP while playing for Olimpia Milano.

Over the past two seasons, Ferrari has been a key figure for Cividale in Serie A2, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable contributor at the professional level.

The 19-year-old guard is expected to become available to Virtus Bologna starting January 26, strengthening the club’s roster for the second half of the season.

02/01/202617:43

Aleksej Pokusevski: “I Want to Stay at Partizan for as Long as Possible”

After returning to Europe as one of the most intriguing talents produced by European basketball in recent years, Aleksej Pokusevski is now looking for continuity, growth, and a bigger role — all in the jersey he feels most connected to: Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

Pokusevski has shown flashes of his unique skill set since coming back from the NBA, but the Serbian forward made it clear that his ambitions go beyond occasional highlights.

“I still have another year on my contract, but with certain options,” Pokusevski told Meridian Sports. “I would like to play for Partizan as long as possible. To be a local player who helps the club achieve success, and for me to have a nice role.”

While expressing his desire to remain in Belgrade, Pokusevski acknowledged that his future is not entirely in his own hands.

“Whether all of that will happen, I don’t know,” he admitted. “It doesn’t all depend on me, but on the club.”

What does depend on him, however, is his daily commitment. Pokusevski emphasized work ethic and consistency as the foundation of his approach.

“Only through work and daily dedication can something be achieved. You can ask anyone at Partizan — the truth is that I work as hard as possible,” he said. “For me, it’s simple: I go into the gym, train, and play at the maximum. And when I get a chance, I have to take advantage of it.”

02/01/202615:07

Hapoel Tel Aviv Open to Parting Ways With Bruno Caboclo

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv have reportedly informed Bruno Caboclo that he is no longer part of the club’s plans for the remainder of the season, according to Sport5.

On Wednesday, Hapoel contacted the Brazilian forward to discuss the possibility of a contract termination. Such a move would allow Caboclo to sign with another EuroLeague team even after the January 5 transfer deadline between EuroLeague clubs.

If an agreement is reached, Caboclo would be eligible to join a new EuroLeague team until February 23, with Hapoel reportedly pushing to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Caboclo has yet to make an appearance this season after undergoing back surgery during the summer. While he is currently working toward full recovery, sources close to the player say he would prefer to remain with Hapoel Tel Aviv and compete for a role once fully fit.

The 28-year-old brings solid European experience, having played in both the EuroLeague and EuroCup. Last season with Hapoel in the EuroCup, Caboclo averaged 7.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game.

Previously, during the 2023–24 EuroLeague season with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, he recorded 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per contest.

02/01/202614:58

Turkey to Naturalize Malachi Flynn to Bolster National Team Backcourt?

According to reporter Umit Avci, the Turkish Basketball Federation has decided to naturalize point guard Malachi Flynn in order to address the recurring injury issues of Shane Larkin and Scottie Wilbekin.

A product of San Diego State University, Flynn is best known for his historic 50-point performance in an NBA game. This past summer, he chose to begin his European career by signing with Bahçeşehir Koleji.

Flynn is currently averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game in the Turkish BSL, while posting 18.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest in the EuroCup. He is shooting 37% from three-point range on nearly seven attempts per game across competitions.

The guard could be available for selection as early as the upcoming national team windows scheduled for February and March, should the naturalization process be completed in time.

02/01/202611:13

Jordan Ford officially leaves Trapani Shark to join Bahcesehir

Jordan Ford has officially parted ways with Trapani Shark to join Turkish side Bahcesehir.

The  former Saint Mary’s guard was averaging 13.3 points and 4.3 assists in 26 minutes per game across LBA and Basketball Champions League play.

Ford returns to the EuroCup, where last season he put up 16.4 points per game on excellent shooting splits while playing for Trento.

 

02/01/202609:55

Russ Smith joins Ruvo di Puglia

Crifo Wines Ruvo di Puglia welcome the new year with the signing of Russ Smith.

The experienced American guard returns to the Italian Serie A2 after three seasons with Nardò, the last one with 23.4 points in 28 minutes per game.

Smith will replace Aanen Moody, who was released on December 31.

02/01/202609:42

Maccabi Tel Aviv joins Olympiacos in the race for Tyrique Jones

Tyrique Jones’ future continues to draw significant attention, with the big man expected to leave Partizan after a season and a half.

In addition to Olympiacos, Maccabi Tel Aviv also reportedly entered the race for the former Xavier center in recent hours.

According to reports, the Reds offered Partizan a €400,000 buyout, along with a contract worth a total of €2.5 million through 2027 for Jones.

According to Sports.co.il, Jones would prefer Maccabi Tel Aviv due to the opportunity to play as the team’s starting center. Time is running out, with the deadline for moves between EuroLeague teams set for January 5.

01/01/202622:26

Andrea Trinchieri Explains Why He Turned Down Partizan After Obradović’s Exit

Following the departure of legendary coach Željko Obradović, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade entered a turbulent transition period before eventually appointing Joan Peñarroya as the club’s new head coach.

Among the names linked to the job was former Partizan coach Andrea Trinchieri, widely considered one of the main candidates. However, the Italian coach has now clarified why a return to Belgrade never materialized, speaking in an exclusive interview with Meridian Sport.

“Throughout all these years, I have always said that my love for Partizan is the same,” Trinchieri explained. “I also said many times that the best thing for Partizan was for Željko Obradović to be the coach. His departure created enormous polarization.”

Trinchieri described a situation marked by conflicting emotions: loyalty to the club on one side, and deep respect for Obradović on the other.

“On one hand, there is love for Partizan; on the other, respect for Obradović as a man and a coach. And I immediately told myself: no — I can’t and I don’t want to,” he said.

According to Trinchieri, the polarized atmosphere surrounding the club was unhealthy and damaging.

“This kind of polarization doesn’t benefit anyone. It’s sad, regrettable, and it hurts me. I hope better times are coming — no one needed this.”

The Italian coach confirmed that he never held direct talks with Partizan’s management.

“I didn’t talk to anyone from the club,” he stated. “When you look into the abyss, be careful that the abyss doesn’t look back at you. I didn’t want to get involved in this story.”

Trinchieri also addressed the controversy that followed, after his private phone number was leaked in Serbian media, prompting a wave of messages from fans.

“Among those messages, many were extremely beautiful, some unpleasant — but that’s the world we live in,” he said. “I know who the real ones are and always will.”

He added that the situation reinforced his decision not to pursue the role.

“In this kind of atmosphere, it wouldn’t have been good for Partizan either,” Trinchieri concluded. “Because of love, respect, and everything that was happening, I said no” as reported by basketnews.

01/01/202622:20

Panathinaikos to Keep Omer Yurtseven and Kenneth Faried Through End of Season

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens have decided to retain Omer Yurtseven and Kenneth Faried through the end of the current season, head coach Ergin Ataman confirmed on the eve of the Greek Derby against Olympiacos Piraeus.

Faried initially joined Panathinaikos on a two-month contract that included an option to extend his stay for the remainder of the season. The club has now officially exercised that option.

Yurtseven’s situation was slightly more complex, as both the player and the club held clauses allowing either side to part ways once 2026 began. However, after recent performances, both parties agreed to continue their collaboration.

“Yurtseven will continue with us,” Ataman said. “He has been very good in the last two or three games — not only in Kaunas, but also against Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maroussi. In the Greek League, he is one of our best players. He will stay with us.”

Ataman also addressed Faried’s impact, acknowledging fluctuations in performance while emphasizing his importance within the group.

“Faried won the EuroLeague MVP award in the first month,” Ataman explained. “After that, he played below his potential, but we like him as a person. He’s always very positive and he likes the team. We will keep him until the end of the season.”

01/01/202617:12

Olympiacos Face Crucial Greek Derby as Transfer Deadline Approaches

Olympiacos Piraeus will open 2026 with what is widely considered the most intense game of their season, as they travel to face archrivals Panathinaikos Aktor Athens in the Greek Derby on Friday.

With a 9–7 record and a game in hand, Olympiacos know that a victory is crucial to remain firmly in the EuroLeague playoff picture. However, the derby arrives at a moment of added pressure, as the club is also racing against the clock on the transfer market.

The EuroLeague deadline for transfers between EuroLeague clubs expires in just four days, forcing teams still evaluating roster changes to move quickly. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas confirmed that Olympiacos remain active, while stopping short of offering specifics ahead of such a pivotal matchup.

“A lot of teams are active on the market right now, and that’s visible, especially because of the January 5 deadline,” Bartzokas said. “We are present, but we have a game tomorrow, and I wouldn’t like to comment further.”

Speaking again before the derby, Bartzokas reiterated that the club’s front office continues to explore options to strengthen the roster.

“Olympiacos is still present on the market, but for me to sit down and think about that the day before the match is not my role,” he explained. “We obviously have people responsible for that.”

Bartzokas added that the coaching staff is working closely with ownership to identify potential reinforcements, aware that the decisive phase of the season is approaching.

“We give recommendations on how to strengthen the team, together with owners who want to help, because trophies are decided in the upcoming part of the season,” he concluded.

01/01/202610:31

AEK Athens Welcomes 2026 by Signing James Nunnally

AEK Athens completed the signing of James Nunnally.

 The experienced wing has agreed to a contract through the end of the season. According to Athletiko, Nunnally will earn €40,000 per month, with additional performance-based bonuses tied to results in the Basketball Champions League.

The 35-year-old spent last season in the CBA with Zhejiang Guangsha, where he averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting 44% from three-point range in 13 minutes per contest.

There are no updates at this time regarding the potential move of Chris Silva to Fenerbahce. Meanwhile, the big man has been named MVP of the BCL group stage.

31/12/202511:52

Official: Gianmarco Pozzecco Named Galatasaray Head Coach

Gianmarco Pozzecco is officially the new head coach of Galatasaray. The Turkish club has confirmed that the agreement will run through the end of the 2026/27 season.

Pozzecco will work alongside sporting director Vladimir Micov, with the long-term perspective of potentially joining the NBA Europe project.

Club statement:

“Galatasaray MCT Technic has signed a contract with Gianmarco Pozzecco, one of the most important figures in European basketball thanks to his experience at both club and national team level, valid until the end of the 2026/27 season.

We wish great success to our new head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco in his role, which will begin on January 5, 2026, and welcome him to the Galatasaray family.

Born on September 15, 1972, Gianmarco Pozzecco is one of the most iconic figures in Italian basketball, both as a player and as a coach. During his playing career as a point guard, he suited up for clubs such as Varese, Fortitudo Bologna and Khimki, and also represented the Italian national team at the European Championships and the 2004 Athens Olympics. At club level, he won Italian Serie A titles and reached EuroLeague Finals.

After transitioning into coaching following his playing career, Pozzecco won the FIBA Europe Cup with Sassari in 2019 and was named FIBA Europe Cup Coach of the Year that same season. Following his outstanding stint with Sassari, he worked with major European clubs such as Milan, ASVEL and Cedevita, and from 2022 to 2025 he served as head coach of the Italian national team, leading Italy at EuroBasket and the World Cup.

Once again, we welcome Gianmarco Pozzecco—known for his passion, sideline energy and the strong bond he builds with his players—to the Galatasaray family, and wish him a successful journey under our yellow-and-red colors.”

30/12/202517:32

MoraBanc Andorra close to landing Bosnia international Xavier Castañeda from Unicaja

MoraBanc Andorra are close to finalizing a move for Bosnia international Xavier Castañeda (1.84 m, 25 years old), coming from Unicaja.

Castañeda had been set to join Hiopos Lleida, but did not pass the medical examination with the club.

Stats: not provided in the supplied material.

29/12/202522:09

Gianmarco Pozzecco reportedly in talks with Galatasaray

Gianmarco Pozzecco is reportedly the favourite to take over as Galatasaray head coach, according to Chema de Lucas.

The Turkish team, currently led by Yakup Sekizkök, has a 7-6 record in the BSL and has qualified for the Round of 16 of the BCL.

On Christmas Day, the Turkish club announced Vladimir Micov as its new sporting director. Gianmarco Pozzecco left the national team in the summer after Eurobasket.

28/12/202515:07

Sterling Brown Added to List of Partizan Players Set to Leave Midseason

Reports from Serbia continue to point toward a midseason shake-up at Partizan, with Sterling Brown joining Tyrique Jones and Jabari Parker among the players expected to leave the club.

Brown is averaging 13.7 points and 2.5 assists per game in the EuroLeague, while shooting 48% from the field and 37% from three-point range.

The news was reported by MeridianSport, which also confirmed Olympiacos’ interest in Jones.

According to the Serbian outlet, in addition to the club from Piraeus, both Dubai and Olimpia Milano are closely monitoring the situation.

In the background looms the January 5 deadline for transfers between EuroLeague clubs, a factor that could force interested parties to act quickly.

 

24/12/202513:13

From Spain: Agreement between Amar Alibegovic and Granada. But forward has a contract with Trapani

According to reports from La Central ACB and confirmed by IDEAL, Amar Alibegovic has reached an agreement with Covirán Granada. However, according to Sportando, Trapani Shark has not given the go-ahead for the transfer.

The player left Trapani Shark after two and a half seasons, but to date, no official resolution has been reached. If he leaves, he could be replaced by a young player from the youth academy, with the “usual” fine that has already been imposed in the last two games.

In the Basketball Champions League, he was averaging 12 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 35% from three-point range.
He can shoot from the perimeter and, with a Bosnian passport, would not occupy a non-EU slot.

24/12/202509:06

Zalgiris-Sylvain Francisco, it’s crisis time. What’s going on?

A big name in the EuroLeague ready to return to the market? Not impossible if we’re talking about Sylvain Francisco, EuroLeague MVP for October, but now at the center of a controversy in Kaunas.

Last night, Zalgiris lost 85-92 at home to Panathinaikos, Francisco scored only 3 points, and coach Tomas Masiulis had harsh words in the press room.

“We will try to understand it internally, among ourselves,” Masiulis commented in the post-game press conference when asked if Francisco had struggled with himself or if it was Panathinaikos’ strong defense. The coach admitted that during the games there were obvious emotional exchanges between Francisco and the staff.

“This is a new experience for me. I didn’t think things like this could happen, but apparently they can. I have to deal with them, and it’s a challenge for me. We try to find solutions, we discuss how to get the best out of the player for the team. All players have to play for the team, not for themselves. This is essential, but sometimes it’s difficult to get across,” Masiulis explained.

Rumor has it that Francisco refused to return to the court in the fourth quarter: “I don’t want to comment on the matter. We will resolve everything internally, and we believe that we will move forward and be better after this game.” In short, the wound seems deep, however sudden.

22/12/202509:40

Svetislav Pesic close to Bayern: an unexpected comeback

Bayern Munich are set for a coaching change after a disappointing 5–12 EuroLeague record that failed to meet expectations. The decision already cost Gordon Herbert his job, with the club now moving quickly to identify a replacement.

According to Sotiris Vetakis, the top candidate is Svetislav Pešić, the former Serbia head coach, who could return to the sidelines at 76 years old. Pešić holds legendary status in Germany and previously coached Bayern from 2012 to 2016, leading them to three straight EuroLeague seasons.

A key factor could be sporting director Dragan Tarlać, who worked closely with Pešić during his time with Serbia.
As an alternative, Ioannis Sfairopoulos, out of work since leaving Crvena Zvezda in October, is mentioned, but Pešić is currently viewed as the closest option.

21/12/202519:43

Partizan Belgrade reportedly reach agreement with Joan Peñarroya

Partizan Belgrade could be ready to welcome their new head coach: according to reports from Telesport, the club have reached an agreement with Joan Peñarroya.

As reported, the two sides have agreed on a contract valid until the end of next season, with the official announcement potentially coming on tuesday, december 23.

Partizan Belgrade are currently struggling in the EuroLeague this season, holding a record of 6 wins and 11 losses, which places them 17th in the standings.

17/12/202517:43

Elijah Bryant and Antonio Blakeney Close to New Deals as Hapoel Tel Aviv Plans for the Future

Hapoel Tel Aviv is already looking ahead to the future and appear to be close to locking up Elijah Bryant with a lucrative contract extension.

The guard’s current deal runs through June 2028, with an annual salary of about $2.8 million and an opt-out clause that can be exercised as early as next summer.

According to Noa Poplinger of Sport5.co.il, the Israeli club has made Bryant an offer that would keep him with the team through the end of the 2028/29 season, remove the exit clause, and include a significant salary increase.

At the same time, Antonio Blakeney is also in negotiations over a new contract. The talented scorer, who currently earns $1.4 million per season and is under contract through the end of the 2026/27 campaign, told The Sports Channel last night after the win over Red Star Belgrade — a game in which he scored five crucial points in the fourth quarter —: “As far as I’m concerned, I love Israel and I would like to stay. This place feels like home to me.”

Bryant and Blakeney are Hapoel Tel Aviv’s two leading scorers in the EuroLeague, averaging 15.4 and 13.5 points per game, respectively.

16/12/202515:47

Patrick Beverley to sign soon a contract worth €100,000 per month with PAOK

PAOK will play tomorrow in the FIBA Europe Cup in Lisbon against Sporting, but the big announcement everyone is waiting for is that of Patrick Beverly.

The former NBA player, who played for Hapoel Tel Aviv last year, arrived in Thessaloniki on 14 December and should be officially announced shortly. He will earn €600,000 until the end of the season.

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