It was a long wait, but EuroLeague basketball is finally back.
And after just two days, we have already seen plenty – some of it entertaining, some of it revealing, and some of it perhaps flying under the radar.
Here are the main takeaways from Round 1.
Anyone can beat anyone
If the opening round is any indication, once again there will not be many results in this EuroLeague that can genuinely be called shocking.
Virtus Bologna, tipped by many to finish near the bottom of the standings, showed some encouraging signs and stayed with Fenerbahçe until the closing stages.
ASVEL were practically written off after a major financial deal fell through and Tony Parker’s team lost several important players. So naturally, they opened the season by beating Maccabi at home, with two NBA veterans – Patty Mills and Jae Crowder – leading the way.
Beşiktaş, the competition’s only newcomer, took Valencia down to the final possession. And, by the way, Valencia once again look like they are going to be a serious team – and a fun one to watch.
Paris were blown out by Panathinaikos in Athens, but Nadir Hifi and company will still ruin plenty of evenings this season.
There is no shame in losing to Olympiacos, even at home, but for now Baskonia look like the weakest team in the competition
The Big Names Are Back – in Style
Jonas Valančiūnas and Dario Šarić were the two biggest-name NBA returnees in Europe this summer. It took them one game to show that they still have plenty of basketball left in them.
Valančiūnas physically dominated Zvezda’s centers, Ebuka Izundu and Jonathan Motley, and hardly looked like someone who had spent the last 14 years playing NBA basketball.
The adjustment period should not take long.
Šarić and Anadolu Efes lost to Barcelona, but Dario was excellent: 17 points, five rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes.
It must have felt pretty good to be playing meaningful basketball again – and to be playing meaningful minutes
Three Names You May Have Missed
Justinian Jessup earned more minutes under Svetislav Pešić last season, and it looks like he has already carved out a role under Anton Gavel as well. Bayern beat Hapoel in Sofia, with Jessup contributing 11 points.
On a roster packed with big names, Željko Obradović also found room for a player few expected to have a significant role. Eleftherios Mantzoukas, a 23-year-old power forward, finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three blocks in the win over Paris.
He has earned himself a place in the rotation – at least while Nigel Hayes-Davis is out.
And keep an eye on Umoja Gibson. Every summer, this guy moves up another level.
Göttingen. Spartak Subotica. Cedevita Olimpija.
And now – Barcelona.
The 6-foot point guard had 10 points, six rebounds and two assists in the win over Efes.
A Quick Look at Next Week
The first double-round week of the season is already upon us, with Round 2 coming on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Two games immediately jump off the schedule.
Naturally, they are being played at the same time.
Why do you do this to us, EuroLeague?
Olympiacos travel to Kaunas to face Žalgiris, while Real Madrid head to Istanbul for a road game against Anadolu Efes.
