A Season of New Beginnings
As the excitement builds, fans are eager to witness the evolution of EuroLeague Basketball Abu Dhabi and its impact on the sport.
This season opens with expanded ambitions. The league now includes twenty teams, welcoming Dubai Basketball and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv to the continental stage. Both made statements in their debuts, with Dubai overcoming Partizan 89–76 and Hapoel defeating Barcelona 103–87 in Sofia. Their assertiveness speaks of conviction and readiness to compete at the highest level.
Before the opening games, the atmosphere across locker rooms carried a sense of anticipation. Before Round 1, Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiacos described his team’s mindset ahead of facing Baskonia:
“Without a doubt, the game against Baskonia is dangerous. Neither I nor anyone on our team sees it as if there is a favourite. We really have to work very hard on the court to beat a team that presses all over the floor.”
His player Saben Lee echoed that focus:
“They are a strong, aggressive team. We need to keep following the coach’s plan. I trust the team.”
Fenerbahçe’s Controlled Statement
The defending champions made their intentions clear from the start. Fenerbahçe opened the season with a 96–77 victory over Paris Basketball in Istanbul. Devon Hall led the scoring with 22 points, supported by efficient team play that combined disciplined defence and balanced shooting. The official Round 1 summary highlighted how Fenerbahçe seized control after half-time and dictated the tempo throughout.
The team’s approach exemplified why they are one of the favourites to retain the title. Calm, structured and confident, Fenerbahçe’s early display offered reassurance to supporters and a reminder of their depth.
Nunn Reclaims the Stage
In Athens, Panathinaikos AKTOR began their campaign with an 87–79 win over Bayern Munich, driven by a commanding performance from Kendrick Nunn. The American guard scored 21 points, delivered 10 assists and collected 3 steals, earning the EuroLeague Round 1 MVP award with a Performance Index Rating of 29.
Speaking to EuroLeague media, Nunn reflected on his goals for the season:
“We start against perhaps the most talented team ever. I am still here, and I want to show what I can do in all situations.”
His leadership and poise underlined Panathinaikos’s renewed confidence. The Athens crowd responded with enthusiasm, sensing that the club is rediscovering its identity.
Olympiacos, Baskonia and the Fine Margins
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, Olympiacos edged Baskonia 102–96 in a game that swung on late execution and composure. The official EuroLeague recap described a contest rich in energy and tension.
Trent Forrest of Baskonia summed up the atmosphere succinctly:
“EuroLeague fans are very into the game.”
Forrest’s line captured the intensity of the night. According to TalkBasket.net, Sasha Vezenkov led Olympiacos with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Nikola Milutinov added 12 points and 14 boards. On the Baskonia side, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 23 and Forrest contributed 14 points and 10 assists.
After the game, Marco Galbiati, Baskonia’s coach, offered a candid reflection to AS.com:
“There are many areas to improve because we still lack chemistry. We lack communication on the court, and we are working hard.”
His honesty resonated with fans who recognise how quickly the EuroLeague punishes hesitation.
Rotation, Distance and Depth Already Matter
Even at this early stage, depth has proven decisive. Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos both used their rotations well, maintaining pace and focus late in games. With twenty teams and longer travel routes, including journeys to Dubai, conditioning has become a competitive factor.
EuroLeague’s official Round 1 report noted how several winners finished strongest, evidence that preparation and rotation discipline already influence results. Teams with deeper benches and fitness planning may gain small but crucial advantages over the long campaign.
Early Standings and Momentum
The table after Round 1 shows a mix of familiar and fresh names among the early leaders:
- Dubai Basketball: 1–0 (+13)
- Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv: 1–0 (+16)
- Fenerbahçe: 1–0 (+19)
- Virtus Bologna: 1–0 (+6)
Momentum builds belief. Dubai’s debut success carries symbolic weight for the sport’s expansion into the Gulf, while Hapoel’s efficiency highlights Israel’s continuing basketball pedigree. Fenerbahçe’s dominance and Virtus Bologna’s tactical control complete a balanced early picture.
Evolving Styles and Tactical Themes
Pace and Space
The first week revealed a willingness to push tempo. Teams are playing faster, creating early shot opportunities through spacing and quick ball movement. Both Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos used their guards to stretch defences and find open looks.
Defence Decides Tight Games
Olympiacos’s victory in Spain and Virtus’s win over Madrid showed that defence remains the decisive factor in critical moments. Rebounding and half-court discipline continue to distinguish the most mature sides.
The New Geography of Competition
The inclusion of Dubai and Hapoel has expanded the travel map. Coaches are already adjusting training plans to manage recovery times. Sports science departments now play an essential role in sustaining rhythm through winter and spring.
Players Defining the Early Story
- Kendrick Nunn (Panathinaikos): 21 points, 10 assists, 3 steals, Round 1 MVP.
- Devon Hall (Fenerbahçe): 22 points, 4 assists and control in key moments.
- Trent Forrest (Baskonia): Double-double performance and composed leadership.
- Sasha Vezenkov (Olympiacos): 24 points, 13 rebounds and defensive reliability.
- Kelan Martin (Dubai Basketball): 19 points in a historic debut victory.
Their combined performances signal a season where stars are stepping up early and every match feels consequential.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks promise compelling contests. Fenerbahçe vs Real Madrid, Olympiacos vs Barcelona and Dubai vs Monaco headline the next rounds. These fixtures will measure progress, test depth and offer further evidence of who can handle pressure best.
Already the 2025–26 EuroLeague feels competitive and unpredictable. Every game holds weight, every team carries belief, and every performance adds a new layer to an evolving story.
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