Panionios adds Paragios at forward

Panionios On Telecoms has announced power forward Michalis Paragios as its newest signing. Paragios (206, 26), the son of former Olympiacos captain Giannis Paragios, grew up with Aris Glyfada (1996-2000) and has since played for Ionikos Nikaia (2000-05) and Ilissiakos (2005-07) before joining Maroussi last season. There he made his debut in the top Greek League, where he took part in eight games and totaled 6 points and 8 rebounds. The athletic Paragios won the slam dunk contest at the HEBA All Star Game, in 2006.

EB American Tour report: Orlando Magic 94-66 CSKA Moscow

CSKA Moscow failed to find a rhythm during its Euroleague Basketball American Tour '08 debut on Friday night and, as a result suffered a convincing 94-66 loss to the host Orlando Magic. Early foul trouble and an inability to stop Orlando star Dwight Howard spelled double-digit deficits all night for the Euroleague champs. An early 13-0 first-quarter run by Orlando established big leads that CSKA did not threaten the rest of the way. Howard led the winners with 28 points and 10 rebounds on 10-for-12 two-point shooting. Hedo Turkoglu added 15 points and Rashard Lewis 13 for Orlando. Terence Morris finished as the CSKA's top scorer with 16 points, while Trajan Langdon added 12 and Zoran Planinic 8. CSKA was hurt by Euroleague MVP Ramunas Siskauskas and big man Erazem Lorbek picking up 10 fouls between them by shortly after halftime. At game's end, the Magic made 20 of 27 foul shots as compared to 5 of 7 for CSKA.

Both teams scored on their first three possessions, Orlando on foul shots and a fastbreak layup by Rashard Lewis, CSKA with baskets shared by Siskauskas and Smodis. When CSKA got called for its fifth foul in as many defenses, coach Ettore Messina took a timeout with his team down only 10-8. That was about to change, however, as CSKA couldn't get a defensive stop and the Magic went to Hedo Turkoglu and Howard to soar ahead by 21-8. Zoran Planinic then lifted CSKA with a pair of baskets, and crashed to the floor making his third, but Howard was unstoppable with a series of hooks that left the Magic in charge, 37-19 after one quarter. The game settled down in the second quarter as CSKA's defense started holding the Magic to jump shots and rebounded the misses well. Orlando had a high lead of 40-19 before Terence Morris scored twice make it 42-25, at which point the Magic went back to Howard, who restored a 20-point lead at 47-27. CSKA rookie Sasha Kaun hit a nice reverse layup at 49-29, but Turkoglu finished the half with a buzzer-beating triple from the corner for the Magic's highest lead yet, 52-29.

Turkoglu boosted the Orlando lead even higher with the first two baskets after the half. CSKA responded with the next seven points, as Lorbek and Matjas Smodis sandwiched two-pointers around a triple from Trajan Langdon. Bad luck struck the visitors from Russia right then, however, as Siskauskas and Lorbek were whistled for their fifth fouls each in the span of a few seconds. Orlando reacted again by looking to howard, who responded with seven points, including five free throws, as the Magic lead soared to 71-43 after three quarters. By the time that Orlando scored the first six points of the fourth quarter, the outcome was already sure, but players like CSKA newcomers Victor Keyru and his fellow guards, Nikos Zisis and Alexey Shved, used the extra time to show what they can do. A victory was not to be for CSKA in its first game on North American soil, but the Euroleague champs have another chance next Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors in Canada.

POST-GAME COMMENTS

CSKA Moscow head coach Ettore Messina

First of all I must say that in this game, we were for sure overwhelmed physically by the Magic, in every position. We are used to being a big team in terms of size and power and kilos in the Euroleague. Here, they had taller, stronger or heavier or sometimes even faster players everywhere, so we had a physical mismatch at every position. So that was a big problem, not only to defend them, especially in the paint, where Howard was almost unstoppable, but also to find a good shot on offense, because with their quickness they were covering and taking away our advantage most of the time. In the process of the game, I found that the interesting thing was to find that my team, which is used to being on the winning side, might have quit or thought they don't care about this, and just forget it. But instead we were humble and kept playing and trying to figure out how we could compete more with them, and we did that a little in the third quarter and much more in the fourth. Obviously, the Magic were playing their second lineup by then, but we also had our young players, so overall I think it's been a very good experience because it showed us our limitations and in which direction we need to work. We were just soft at the beginning, made too many fouls and were not aggressive enough with too many of our players, and obviously at this level you pay for it. They were just much better than us, period."

CSKA Moscow guard Nikos Zisis

"It was a good experience for us anyway. I think that Orlando is one of the best teams in the East of the NBA. They have great players. In the first half, we were a little bit out of the game mentally because maybe we were, I'd say, completely out of rhythm. The second half we played a little better and we tried and gave our best until the end. And that was good for us. After this game, I think we'll be much readier for Toronto when we play them a few days from now."

CSKA Moscow guard Zoran Planinic

"Especially in first quarter, defensively we did not respond. Orlando is a very athletic team, and when they went inside, we made fouls and they got to the free throw line and hit everything. From the get-go, the game was almost a 20-point difference. But I think we managed to fight until the end, we didn't put our heads down, and that's the positive thing. We want to get better and to be a better team after this trip. So even when we were down we stayed positive and tried to play together."

Team Focus: Regal FC Barcelona

A former Euroleague champion is fully loaded looking to make its first trip to the Final Four since 2006. Regal FC Barcelona won its only Euroleague title in 2003 after previously losing five title games. And just like in 2003, a new era has begun with scoring machine Juan Carlos Navarro and the arrival of a multiple-time Euroleague champion. Navarro, the rising star of that team returned from a year this summer and is joined by big man David Andersen. Both are former All-Euroleague first team selections. Barcelona has also landed versatile forward Lubos Barton, physical point guard Victor Sada, talented playmaker Andre Barrett and Euroleague power Daniel Santiago to join the core of players that took the team to the Euroleague Quarterfinals Playoff and the Spanish League finals last season: Jaka Lakovic, Fran Vazquez, Jordi Trias, Gianluca Basile, Roger Grimau and Ersan Ilyasova. Head coach Xavi Pascual is on a mission to turn his collection of stars into a Euroleague title contender and as usual, Barcelona has no other mission than winning it all.

Few teams, if any, have deeper backcourts than Regal FCB. Navarro returns to his boyhood club as the leader of this team. In addition to his speed and all-around scoring skills, Navarro will thrill the Palau Blaugrana crowd with his trademark "Bomba," an outstanding floating jumper. Barrett is a newcomer to European competition, but offers great court sense and passing skills, while Sada returns to Barcelona as one of the most promising young point guards in Europe. His unbelievable physical skills make him an outstanding defensive player. With Barrett and Sada around, Lakovic is set to see more time at the shooting guard spot. His unlimited shooting range and leadership make him a big-game player. Basile is expected to come off the bench, from where he is always ready to step in and pull down the trigger from downtown, while Grimau provides intensity, aggressiveness and penetration skills. His efforts make him a fan-favorite.

When Barcelona is not employing a three-guard setup, it will turn to Barton, an elite and versatile small forward who can help the team with his size, ball-handling, shooting range and toughness. Ilyasova overcame an adjustment period last season to show his best basketball as a modern power forward. His athleticism, mid-range jumper and rebounding skills turn him into a nightmare for most defenders. Andersen could become the first player to win the Euroleague with three different teams. He is deadly from downtown and in the low post, boasting a virtually unstoppable turn-around jumper. Santiago arrived as a late addition in the summer, and his paint skills will only increase Barca's deadly power in the frontcourt. Vazquez is a talented center with outstanding shot-blocking skills. He has a good chance to show his full potential this season. Trias is a great rebounder as well as one of the best defensive power forwards in Europe, while young Xavi Rey could earn some playing time due to his power and intensity.

Barcelona has only been to one Final Four since winning the Euroleague title in 2003 and the goal now is nothing but making it to the big event in Berlin. Few teams are as deep as Barcelona, which has talent at every spot and a squad that is hungry to fight for the ultimate club title. If coach Pascual is able to makae the chemistry work, keep everyone happy and the team keeps improving as it has since he arrived midway through last season, Barcelona will surely be a top contender to go all the way.

Off-court video: Andrey Vatutin

Among the contributors to CSKA Moscow's remarkable resurgence all decade is the Euroleague champions' current CEO, Andrey Vatutin, who now leads the clubs first-ever expedition to North America. He spoke with Euroleague.net on video in Orlando, Florida.

Team Focus: Lottomatica Roma

Lottomatica Roma will mark the 25th anniversary of its only Euroleague crown by making its third consecutive appearance in the top continental competition for the first time in club history. Moreover, the club has put together a star-studded roster that will have its eyes on the prize this season. Among the major new faces are former Euroleague champ Sani Becirovic, veteran center Primoz Brezec, reliable power forward Andre Hutson and American high school sensation Brandon Jennings. Roma head coach Jasmin Repesa also will have many of the stars of last year’s squad back, including playmaker Ibby Jaaber, swingman Rodrigo De La Fuente and shooter Allan Ray to round out a deep, versatile roster. There is plenty of reason for excitement in the Italian capital this season as Lottomatica arrives with the potential, experience and talent to go deep in this 2008-09 Euroleague Basketball season.

Jaaber and Becirovic look to anchor a deep backcourt that features a plethora of offensive weapons. Jaaber shined this summer with the Bulgarian national team this summer and has displayed the skills needed on both ends of the floor to become a Euroleague star. Becirovic, a young veteran at age 27, is the ideal combo-guard as he possesses the shooting and penetration abilities to score at will as well as the court vision to create for others. Ray hopes to improve on his Euroleague debut season offering excellent shooting range, explosiveness and strong on-the-ball defense. Jennings is considered one of the top prospects worldwide at point guard. He dominated high school basketball in the United States due to his athleticism, quickness and jumping skills, but the step up to the Euroleague level presents many question marks for a young, untested player. If Jennings can adjust his explosive game to play against grown-up men, he can join forces with Jaaber to form a deadly point guard combo. Jacopo Giachetti will look to show that his injury is a thing of the past by providing intensity, court sense and the occasional three-pointer when it matters.


De La Fuente returns at small forward to offer experience, defense and know-how, doing those little things that help a good team even better. Roberto Gabini is a hard-nosed, versatile forward whose fighting spirit and shooting range are always appreciated. Hutson is a blue-collar power forward, who combines great mid-range shooting with superb rebounding and post skills. Angelo Gigli is a mobile big man that can bury the outside shot, crash the defensive boards and run the break. Team captain Alessandro Tonolli enters his 15th season with Roma. He is a three-point specialist and a hard-nosed defender at power forward. Brezec is back in the Euroleague after nearly a decade ready to offer size, savvy post skills and determination. Brezec is at the prime of his career and could be one of the biggest steals of the off-season market.

Coach Repesa has always liked the up-tempo game with many three-point attempts combined with an aggressive defense and he now has the perfect team to do just that with players like Ray, Jennings and Jaaber. Repesa can also slow down the game tempo with Becirovic, trying to get Brezec and Hutson involved in the low post. Those game styles will make things tough on opposing defenses and turn Lottomatica into an unpredictable team which will aim for the Top 16 and beyond as it celebrates a quarter century since its greatest Euroleague success.

CSKA starts tour in Orlando

The first Euroleague Basketball North American Tour has touched down in a land of make-believe - Orlando, Florida. Euroleague champions CSKA Moscow arrived in Orlando early today on the first stop of a nine-day trip to both the United States and Canada. CSKA's stay in Florida will be highlighted by an exhibition game on Friday night against the local NBA team, the Orlando Magic.

CSKA spent almost 15 hours in travelling from Moscow to Orlando on Tuesday, and arrived without power forward Andrey Vorontsevich, who aggravated an old leg injury in practice right before the team left Moscow. Vorontsevich was having tests done to the injury in Moscow on Wednesday and joins another talented young big man, Artem Zabelin, on the injured list. Zabelin also stayed in Moscow to rehabilitate his injured knee.

Despite its half-century standing in the elite of European basketball clubs, Friday's game will be CSKA's first ever in North America. After Florida, CSKA will continue its trip to Canada for a game next Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors.

"For me, it's important that a team with so many new players, as we have, gets this chance to stay together for 10 days," CSKA head coach Ettore Messina said in Orlando. "Obviously, it is also a challenge. We represent the Euroleague here, Russian basketball, and of course ourselves, too, and we want to show a good image for all of those organizations. At the same time, from the experience of previous games here, we know that NBA teams take these matchups extremely seriously, and the fact that we play by their rules can make a big difference in the games."

CSKA's arrival to the United States comes two years after its first and only NBA Europe Live tournament opened with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Moscow.

"Personally, I think that for us, we have these two games left to prepare for our season, and the season in Europe is what's most important," said all-Euroleague forward Trajan Langdon, last season's Final Four MVP. "We start the Russian League with Ural Great at home when we get back, and then we have Armani Jeans Milano at home to start the Euroleague. Coming here to North America, we just want to play well and perform well, regardless of the outcomes. We want to prepare our season, and these games are great for that, even though in the big picture they're not important. I see it as a good way to test ourselves and see where we stand right now."

The Magic have their own milestone celebration underway as the club has unveiled new uniforms to mark its 20th anniversary season.

The Euroleague Basketball North American Tour goes from Orlando to Canada, where CSKA meets the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, October 14. It continues when Regal F.C. Barcelona faces the NBA runner-up Lakers in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 18, and then either Toronto or the Los Angeles Clippers the next day. The tour concludes with Lietuvos Rytas visiting the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, California on Tuesday, October 21.

Roma adds swingman Luigi Datome

Lottomatica Roma unveiled swingman Luigi Datome as its newest signing on Saturday. Datome (202, 20), who arrives from Legea Scafati, inked a two-year deal. He grew up with Montepaschi Siena, making his Euroleague debut at the age of 16 in the 2004-05 season opener. His role continued to grow from year to year, but Datome decided to move to a smaller club during the 2006-07 season to get more playing time. He found his niche at Scafati and averaged 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 32 Italian League games there last season. Datome made his debut with the Italian senior national team at EuroBasket 2007 in Spain and then took part in seven games in the EuroBasket 2009 qualifying this past summer. Datome's signing gives head coach Jasmin Repesa 12 senior players under contract for the coming season.

Avellino tabs Drake Diener

Avellino got stronger for its Euroleague debut by inking shooting ace Drake Diener to a one-year deal, the club announced Monday. Diener (196, 26) arrives from Montepaschi Siena, which he helped win the Italian League title and make it to the Euroleague Final Four last season. He started the 2007-08 season with Pierrel Capo d'Orlando, where he averaged 18.2 points on 94% free-throw shooting, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 steals in 20 Italian League games before joining Montepaschi last February. Diener has also played for Ignis Castelletto Ticino since finishing his college career at the De Paul University.

Team Focus: Maccabi Electra

Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv has been one of the most dominant teams in basketball over the past decade, but despite seven Final Fours and three European titles in that span, the Israeli powerhouse is changing directions this season. Head coach Efy Birenboim is taking over a squad that returns only one starter from last season’s Euroleague title game, but the goal at Maccabi remains the same: to challenge for the top prize. In addition to rising star Omri Casspi and multiple-time Euroleague winners Derrick Sharp and Tal Burstein, Lior Eliyahu and Esteban Batista are also back from last season. Moreover the club has inked six newcomers – guards Carlos Arroyo and Dror Hagag, swingmen Tre Simmons and Jason Williams, forward Rodney White and big man D'or Fischer – and brought back center Yaniv Green from a year elsewhere. Birenboim will look to mold the group of talents into a cohesive unit that will follow in the club’s tradition and make noise from opening night until the Final Four in May.

Arroyo was brought in to become the team’s floor leader. A dynamic point guard with explosive scoring skills, Arroyo also has past Euroleague experience that should help him find his way with his new team quickly. His backup will be the experienced Hagag, a pesky defender and experienced ball-handler who can hit the open three as well. Team captain Sharp seems to get better with age. One of the competition’s all-time best three-point shooters, he also brings the leadership and defensive toughness that makes Maccabi a winner. Burstein looks to finally be back at full speed after several injury-plagued years. His all-around skills see him make an impact as a ball-handler, passer, scorer and rebounder. Simmons brings his scoring to the Euroleague for the first time after helping his last team stun Maccabi for the Israeli League title last season. Simmons’s ability to create his own shot is a valuable skill in close games. Williams is also a Euroleague rookie. He is a tough defender and a blue collar player that can’t be overlooked on offense either.

Casspi is a star-in-the making at small forward who is a preseason candidate for the Rising Star Award. His mental toughness and quickness combined with his defense and desire to crash the boards are all things that can spark Maccabi. Eliyahu looks to bounce back from a poor sophomore season using his size and speed to dominate opposing power forwards. White is a physical forward with uncanny scoring skills, while Fischer has the makings of a true intimidator on defense, whose size and leaping ability could translate into eye-popping rebounds and blocks. The bruising Batista brings an aggressive style to the center position that not only brings points and rebounds, but energizes the crowd. Green is back with Maccabi as a top-notch rebounder hungry to establish his place among the best.

With 12 established players on the roster, Maccabi may have its deepest roster ever and coach Birenboim will have the choices to mix and matchup lineups to go big or small, attacking or defensive or anything in between. The creative coach has a knack for inspiring his players, but that may not be needed much as eight players are in their first or second Euroleague season and they will all be hungry for success. With the backing of the fiery sell-out crowds at Nokia Arena, there is every reason to see Maccabi back battling for another ticket to the Final Four.

Euroleague and Partizan fans: motivation and inspiration

This summer, I spent 82 days with the Serbian national team, preparing and playing qualification games for EuroBasket 2009. At the end of that time, head coach Dusan Ivkovic told me that he was extremely satisfied with my contribution, and I am very pleased because of that. I worked a lot during recent seasons and I must say that my Euroleague experience was extremely helpful in reaching this point. I see the challenge of playing in the Euroleague again this season as a special prize to Partizan for having won the Serbian League, Serbian Cup and Adriatic League trophies last season. The Euroleague is the most elite of competitions and offers another chance for all of us to prove ourselves and our place in the company of Europe's biggest clubs. It's an opportunity to make our childhood dreams come true and to give joy to our faithful fans.

Partizan, of course, has been a Euroleague competitor for years. I remember last season for the excellent atmosphere and energy that pushed us to reach the Top 16 and then the Quarterfinal Playoffs and then within one step of the Final Four. Nobody predicted success like that for us. Compared to last season, our team has changed a lot. Our main weapons from that team moved this summer. Nikola Pekovic and Dusan Kecman opted for the color green and will wear the Panathinaikos uniform this season, while Milton Palacio moved to Khimki of Russia. I know that we cannot replace them easily, and for that reason, we are going to face a difficult task in the Euroleague. But because they are gone, we cannot be considered a favorite at the moment. But that is nothing new. It is the same story as when we started last season and the season before. Our new players will have with a great motivation called the Euroleague. That motivation helped us a lot last year.

As for our group - CSKA, Efes Pilsen, Real Madrid, Milano and Panionios - well, our job will not be easy, also considering that the competition system changed. But if we prepare well and strike the right team chemistry, with the inspirational help we get from our supporters, we could be able to compete with the biggest Euroleague names - and even to beat them.

I don't want to end my first blog without giving my honest thanks to our fans. They are a story by themselves. A beautiful story. Any player who has been on the floor at Pionir Arena even once knows well what I am talking about. Our fans are giving us energy that makes us almost play in a trance from wanting to do well for them, and that transforms into victories. For their devotion and loyalty, and for being with us through the good and the bad over the seasons, I owe them all the thanks I can give.

We start this new campaign wishing that our relationship with our fans continues just as it has been. I do hope that Partizan shall prove that the best European club is ours. We and the fans have our hearts in that club. We will compete together.

POSTED BY

Milenko Tepic - Belgrade, Serbia

Euroleague cities enjoy arena construction boom

In a tour of Croatia and Slovenia last weekend, Euroleague Basketball CEO Jordi Bertomeu met with local government and basketball officials to review arena plans that will greatly enhance the seating capacity and quality of facilities for basketball fans in the region. The arena boom in those two countries include one new arena already finished, one that is more than half-built and another in the design stage. They are part of an arena building movement in Euroleague cities across the continent that promises to exponentially improve the European basketball experience for teams, fans and communities in the near future. Starting last season, arenas have been opened, put into construction or approved in no less than seven Euroleague cities. "The impetus to build big, new arenas with capacities to fit many more fans in spectacular new settings speaks to the constant growth in popularity of the Euroleague in particular and European basketball in general," Bertomeu said. "Everyone recognizes the great potential in our sport now, which is why governments, investors, clubs and sponsors are putting their faith in these ambitious projects."



Bertomeu's first stop in Croatia was the construction site of a new 15,400-seat Zagreb Arena, which is slated to open by early 2009. The building is expected to become Cibona Zagreb's home for future Euroleague games and will almost triple the size of the club's current arena. Next, Bertomeu visited the new 9,200-seat Zadar Arena, in one of Croatia's largest city, that will be the home court of that city's Eurocup team, KK Zadar. Three-time Euroleague champion KK Split is also building a brand new, 12,500-seat arena. Finally, Bertomeu met with officials in Ljubljana, Slovenia about their plans, still in development, to open a new 12,000-seat venue in the country's capital city.

The arena-building explosion in progress has included the 13,000-seat Khodynka Sports Palace in Moscow, where champion CSKA Moscow played a sold-out Euroleague game last season. Already this autumn, the shining new O2 World, site of next spring's 2009 Euroleague Final Four, has opened with a splash in Berlin, Germany as Euroleague team Alba Berlin sold out the 14,800-seat venue for its first domestic league game.



Fans in several other cities can expect their own large new venues to watch Euroleague Basketball. Construction has recently begun on a new home for Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania's second-largest city. The arena, as yet unnamed, will seat 15,000 fans, tripling the capacity of the team's current building. The Turkish capital of Istanbul is planning two new arenas that, when ready, are expected to be available to Euroleague teams Fenerbahce Ulker and Efes Pilsen. At the same time, Siena, Italy, plans an 11,000-seat arena where Italian champions Montepaschi Siena will play full-time. Presentation of the project, to be built with the help of Fondazione Montepaschi, is slated for mid-November and the arena opening targeted for the second half of 2009. In Malaga, Spain, where Unicaja already plays before 10,000 fans, an expansion of Martin Carpena Sports Palace is also planned.

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Teodosic and Erceg: we are a new team, the results are not such important now

Milos Teodosic (195-G-87) and Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85), the two Serbians of Olympiacos talked to us about the new season and their two-days experience from their team, after returning from their obligations with their National team and before travelling to Italy for their first friendly games with Olympiacos:

Milos Teodosic:' I have still not anticipated to get used after so much time in the National team. The new persons in the team are many, but what is important is that they all are great players. We will not achieve our goal from the very first day and that is why each day that passes is in favour for us. Substantially, the season began for all the team on Wednesday, although the three of us who had obligations have not entered 100% in the trainings. I do not know whether we will participate on our friendly games in Bologna, but what matters at that moment is to learn each other and this will happen only with the daily get-together'

Zoran Erceg: 'I have now begun to realise the big change not simply in my career, but generally in my life. I am still a little out of the whole situation in the team but I am trying a lot to be adapted to the new data. I do not know the rest players, I still do not know our coaches philosophy and what they wait from me. It is good that we are all together for the first time and it is really very nice to be a member of such a complete team. In Italy we will have the chance to know better each other, to train together and to acquire pictures. The results are not such important now, but what really matters for each one is to understand the role of everyone in the team'

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Pops ready for new challenge

Pops Mensah-Bonsu is hoping to translate his success with team GB into further spoils with his new club DKV Joventut as the Spanish season gets underway.

The 25-year-old, who averaged 12.2 points and 10 rebounds per game in Britain's successful EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign, only joined the ULEB Cup champions at the end of September, but is looking forward to adjusting to life in Badalona.

"It has been an easy adjustment for me, although I came late to join the team I was able adjust to the new system, new players and new surroundings," he said.

"The players, coaches and administration have embraced me nicely and have made my time here so far very comfortable.

"I am looking forward to playing in this new league, it is an exciting, fast league with a high level of competition."

Mensah-Bonsu is also hoping to emulate Spain and DKV Joventut guard Rudy Fernandez, who signed for NBA side Portland Trail Blazers this summer.

"I feel that if you are able to play well in this league you can be successful anywhere," he said.

"Ever since I was with Dallas (Mavericks) I've always wanted to go back to the NBA. I was hoping to do so this year but Spain was a better option financially and I was so excited to go there, so hopefully I will put myself in a better position."

Despite having the EuroBasket finals in Poland as well as hopes of an NBA return to look forward to, Mensah-Bonsu says he is focused on DKV Joventut's first regular season game against FC Barcelona on Sunday.

"Although the summer went well I have to put it behind me for now and concentrate on the goal at hand," he said. "I will start thinking about Britain and Poland '09 a little closer to the time."

"There are a few teams in the mix in the ACB this year with the contenders being us, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tau Ceramica, and Unicaja Malaga, so we all want to get off to a strong start."

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Avellino signs Travis Best

Avellino has reached an agreement with playmaker Travis Best, who inked a one-year deal with his new team. Best (180, 36) arrives from Virtus Bologna, where he averaged 12.6 points, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 19 Italian League games last season. Best started the 2007-08 season with Prokom Trefl Sopot, averaging 9.3 points in 3 Euroleague games. He has also played for Unics Kazan in Kazan, as well as for the New Jersey Nets, the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. Best scored 5,812 points in 771 NBA career games. He helped Indiana to make it to the NBA Finals in 2000 and also reached the Italian League and Italian Cup finals with Virtus in 2007. Best replaced Dan Dickau, who reached a mutual agreement with Avellino to terminate his contract.

Interview: Josh Childress, Olympiacos

One of the Euroleague's biggest summer signings, Josh Childress of Olympiacos B.C., has been making himself a new home in Athens, Greece, the last few weeks. Under the tutelage of a legendary coach, with the help of star teammates, the gifted forward is getting ready for a Euroleague season for which he, the Reds and their one-of-a-kind fans hold high hopes. Childress surprised a lot of people by choosing Olympiacos and the Euroleague in the prime of an accomplished NBA career, but as he says in this Euroleague.net interview, he's already finding what he came for. "The style of play here in terms of getting back to a team game was something that really attracted me." Childress told Euroleague.net. "I had been four years in the NBA and it's a different game. This is little more team-focused, team-oriented, which is something I felt like it would be good to get back to."

First of all, Josh, how do you like Greece so far?

"So far, I am really enjoying myself and getting to see what I can of Athens. It's a great city and I am just having fun using my free time to try to learn about a new culture."

You surprised a lot of people this summer by joining Olympiacos to play in the Euroleague. What was the opportunity you saw that convinced you to make this move?

"I think that what I found was a good opportunity for me as a person and as a player to grow. Granted, it's not growing in the NBA, where I was until now, but it's growing in a way that was important to me. Obviously, it was a big step both personally and career-wise, but I am sure right now that it was a good move."

After you made your decision this summer, everyone was talking about some of the best basketball they had ever seen involving European teams and players at the Olympics. Did that reinforce your decision to try the European game?

"That didn't have a great effect on me personally, because I was already mentally ready for this change. But I think seeing the Olympics allowed other people who maybe didn't know before to see the level of basketball here and see that it's very, very high. That, obviously, was a good thing for basketball."

As a player who proved himself at all levels in your own country, what attracted you to the European game in the prime of your career?

"I think just seeing the style of play here in terms of getting back to a team game was something that really attracted me. I had been four years in the NBA and it's a different game. This is little more team-focused, team-oriented, which is something I felt like it would be good to get back to."

Everyone wants to see you in action, but have you had a chance to see the Greek fans in action, yet?

"The truth is that I really haven't yet. We have played just one preseason tournament in Greece, and that was in a smaller gym, so I haven't been able yet to get a real idea of how it's going to be. We have our first games in the next few weeks, and then I'll get the chance to see how crazy they are and rowdy they are. I am looking forward to it."

Tell us about the team. Who did you know about before you arrived and who are the guys that are new to you that you've connected with on the court so far?

"The only player I really knew, and not personally, was Lynn Greer and Sofoklis Schortsanitis. Those were the only two I had seen much of. Now, during preseason, I'm just connecting with all the guys and I think we have a great team. We have a lot of new players to it takes everybody time to get accustomed to each other. So far I enjoy play with them and getting to know them on and off the court."

How has learning a new style of play been so far?

"I'm trying. The last game we play I got a couple traveling calls I am not used to. It's going take time in that regard, and I am impatient to do well. My coach and my teammates have been great in trying to help me be patient and realize that it's going to take a little time. I just know that the sooner I can get used to it, the better."

Your coach, Panagiotis Giannakis, is a legend in Europe, a champion as both a player and a coach, and obviously an important person in your transition. How is he helping you get accustomed?

"He's been very helpful, doing whatever he can to try to help me through this process. He's basically trying to teach me, taking it upon himself to teach me how to be successful here like he has been in his career. And I appreciate it."

Some people have called Euroleague game a perfect hybrid between the NCAA and the NBA: the very passionate crowds and team basketball of the former, with a skill level that is always getting closer to the latter. Do you see that comparison as accurate?

"I think it's a very accurate comparison. It's the same exact thing that I would say, both ways. And I think that year after year that skill level is getting higher. European basketball is getting better and more skillful at the same time."

Do you consider yourself a trailblazer?

"People have called me that, and I do agree to an extent. I guess I am just the first guy in my position who wanted to try Europe at this stage of his career. And I'm going to give it my best shot. Whether a trailblazer or not, I felt comfortable that this was a good fit for me. I am sure it will be an eye-opener for other guys who will see me and maybe give Europe a shot, too."

Barça goes big with Santiago

Regal F.C. Barcelona made a move to shore up its frontcourt Wednesday, signing veteran center Daniel Santiago. A major presence since he arrived to the Euroleague in 2005, Santiago (216, 32) spent the last three seasons helping Unicaja reach its first-ever Final Four and winning its first Spanish League crown. Santiago averaged a high of 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in his first season, playing 25 minutes per game. He ranked 10th among all Euroleague players with an average 15.4 performance index rating. The next season, he put up 11.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks, but couldn't join Unicaja at the Final Four after suffering an injury in the Quarterfinal Playoffs. Last season, his numbers were 9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks.

Road to Athens 2007/2008

Cibona brings in Rawle Marshall

Cibona keeps getting ready for the upcoming Euroleague season by inking small forward Rawle Marshall to a one-year deal. Marshall (201, 26) arrives from Hemofarm Stada, where he averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He helped Hemofarm to make it to the Adriatic League, Serbian Cup and Serbian League finals, but lost them all against Partizan Igokea. Marshall has also played for the Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, as well as for the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBDL. He also shined throughout his four-career college career at the Oakland University (NCAA). Marshall averaged 19.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in his senior season with the Golden Grizzlies, making it to the 2005 Mid-Continent Conference first team and leading Oakland to win the MCC title that season, also becoming the tournament MVP. He is now set to offer his versatility and athleticism to his new team.

Prokom inks veteran center Burke

Polish champions Asseco Prokom Sopot have added experience and size to their roster with the signing of veteran big man Pat Burke. A former Euroleague champion, Burke (208, 34) last season appeared in 11 ULEB Cup games for Khimki Moscow, putting up 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12 minutes on average. Burke has played for three Euroleague teams in his pro career, starting with Tau Ceramica in 1997-98. He spent the following three seasons with Panathinaikos, winning the 2000 Euroleague title as well as three Greek League crowns. Burke moved from Maroussi in Greece to Orlando of the NBA to Gran Canaria of Spain before finishing the 2003-04 season with Real Madrid. The following season, still with Madrid, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19 Euroleague games. From Madrid, he moved to the NBA for two seasons in Phoenix before returning last season to Europe with Khimki.