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European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Lithuania

Euroleague HoopsAugust 1, 2025

With EuroBasket 2025 tipping off, this is your one-stop destination for in-depth previews of all 24 national teams heading into Europe’s premier basketball tournament. Whether you’re tracking MVP candidates, X’s-and-O’s brilliance, or just figuring out who might crash the medal party, our Power Rankings and team-by-team breakdowns will keep you ahead of the curve.

Lithuania: Still Big, Still Balanced, Still a Threat

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

EuroBasket never feels complete without Lithuania looming. This year’s squad may look different — no Sabonis, no Buzelis — but Lithuania’s identity remains rooted in size, depth, and basketball IQ. With a new coach and a shifting rotation, they enter the tournament with questions to answer but a ceiling as high as any non-elite contender.

Lithuania: Valančiūnas Anchors a Deep, Physical Squad

Best Players: Gytis Radzevičius and Eimantas Bendžius led the way during qualifiers, combining scoring efficiency with reliability. But the spotlight naturally shifts to Jonas Valančiūnas, who thrives in FIBA play and can tilt matchups with his physicality and low-post skill. Domantas Sabonis and top prospect Matas Buzelis won’t be part of this run, but the core still features a blend of veteran toughness and emerging talent. Keep an eye on Deividas Sirvydis, who might be the tournament’s top perimeter defender.

Path: Lithuania finished 5–1 in qualifying, their only slip-up a six-point road loss to Estonia early in the cycle. Otherwise, they handled business, leaning on their structure and size advantage in most games.

Strengths: Balance defines Lithuania. They’ve got depth at every position, real size all over, and a frontcourt that crashes the offensive glass like it’s 1995. Sirvydis gives them a backcourt stopper, and the veteran core brings poise and structure.

Weaknesses: Shot creation is still a concern. They lack guards who can consistently generate offense off the dribble, and spacing can suffer as a result. Valančiūnas remains a defensive liability in pick-and-roll coverages, and when shooters like Ulanovas struggle, the offense can get congested and predictable.

Bottom Line: With Valančiūnas at his usual FIBA level and a well-rounded roster behind him, Lithuania is built to make a deep run — but they’ll need to find consistent shooting and perimeter creation to survive the upper tier of Group B.

Expectation: Long-shot contender
Deep, physical, and battle-tested — but when the game slows and creation dries up, their margin for error gets razor-thin.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos,…

Euroleague HoopsJuly 31, 2025

Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, Monaco & Fenerbahce — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Finland

Euroleague HoopsJuly 31, 2025

Finland: A Three-Point Shooting, Assist-Heavy Team Led by Markkanen

Group B – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

As one of the tournament hosts, Finland steps into EuroBasket 2025 with the home crowd behind them and a youthful, athletic roster hungry to make noise. Their 2–4 qualifying record doesn’t tell the full story — Finland used the qualifiers to experiment and build chemistry ahead of their biggest stage in years.

Best Players: Olivier Nkamhoua and Mikael Jantunen did the heavy lifting during the qualifiers, bringing two-way consistency and leading the scoring charge. Edon Maxhuni ran the show with 5.8 assists per game. But make no mistake — this is still Lauri Markkanen’s team. Coming off a 23-8-40% NBA season, he’s the engine and the closer. Rising star Miikka Muurinen — already on the radar of Duke and Kentucky — could be a surprise addition to the final roster, while veteran leader Sasu Salin provides the glue and voice in the locker room.

Strengths: Finland’s youth and athleticism fuel a fast, fluid system built on ball movement and spacing. They led their group with 24 assists per game — a product of clear offensive structure and smart reads. With Markkanen pulling defenders out to the arc and shooters surrounding him, their three-point shooting can flip a game in an instant.

Weaknesses: Interior presence is a glaring issue. Finland allowed one of the highest rates of two-point field goals in qualifying, and a lack of rim protection could be exploited by more physical, size-heavy teams. The roster’s youth raises questions about their poise and execution in high-pressure moments, where experience often matters most.

Bottom Line: Hosting EuroBasket 2025 gives Finland a platform to punch above their weight. Their style — collective, perimeter-oriented, and fast-paced — makes them tough to prepare for. But the lack of size and defensive toughness may limit how far they can go against Europe’s top contenders.

Expectation: Dark Horse

Athletic, unselfish and dynamic — Finland could surprise, but need to improve inside.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, Red Star, Bayern,…

Euroleague HoopsJuly 30, 2025

Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Red Star, Bayern, Paris Basket, Real Madrid & Efes — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Türkiye

Euroleague HoopsJuly 30, 2025

Türkiye: Talented, Deep and Still Searching for Flow

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Türkiye heads into EuroBasket 2025 with talent to spare, but also with questions that still haven’t gone away. Their 3–3 qualifying record left a bitter aftertaste: while they swept Hungary, they lost both games to Italy and split with Iceland — the lone win coming via buzzer-beater from Biberovic at home. That qualifier version is now gone. What arrives in Group A is a reshuffled, star-powered roster with a higher ceiling — and a narrower margin for excuses.

Best Players: The qualifiers saw Cedi Osman, Omer Yurtseven and Tarık Biberovic stand out, while Sehmus Hazer played all six games as a steady ball-handler. But the rotation now shifts. Shane Larkin returns to lead the backcourt and take over as the primary creator — a role Türkiye needs filled with urgency. Alperen Şengün is the team’s best player, bringing scoring, passing and playmaking from the interior. Cedi remains a key wing, and Furkan Korkmaz is expected to fill the off-ball shooting role vacated by Biberovic, who arguably earned a spot but was left out due to FIBA’s one naturalized player limit with Larkin returning.

Strengths: This is a deep team. They have size, interior presence and a rare mix of frontcourt playmaking with shooting. Larkin gives them a true guard who can break down defenses and Cedi and Korkmaz provide secondary creation and experience. Türkiye can score in a variety of ways and with multiple players who can initiate offense, they are tough to scheme against when in rhythm.

Weaknesses: Defensive concerns remain, particularly in transition and when guarding off the ball. Opponents can exploit lapses in help rotations and lose them in movement-heavy sets. They also lack a true movement shooter — a gap that Biberovic might have helped fill. Larkin can add some of that off-ball punch, but shooting diversity is still thin. If they struggle to generate spacing through rhythm and motion, halfcourt execution can get bogged down.

The Bottom Line: On paper, Türkiye has the tools to make a deep run — high-level creators, skilled bigs, and bench depth. But that’s been true before. The difference in 2025 will come down to how well they defend, and whether they can find consistent shooting and chemistry quickly. If they do, they’re a real threat in Group A and beyond. If not, the same old problems will resurface.

Expectation: Talented but Unproven

Plenty of weapons, but cohesion and shooting will determine how far they go.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Estonia

Euroleague HoopsJuly 29, 2025

Estonia: Scrappy Execution, Interior Concerns and Kotsar at the Center of It All

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Estonia enters EuroBasket 2025 as one of the more balanced and competitive mid-tier teams in Group A. Their 4–2 qualifying record speaks to their consistency and ability to punch above their weight: they beat North Macedonia twice, split games with Poland (including a tight 2-point loss at home), and grabbed a signature win at home against Lithuania. This is a team with structure, energy, and just enough top-level talent to make life difficult for anyone.

Best Players: Janari Jõesaar was the heart of the team throughout qualifying — a high-energy, do-it-all forward who consistently impacted games on both ends. Maik-Kalev Kotsar was their most important piece in the paint, combining smart post play with passing instincts that gave Estonia offensive structure. Guard Kristian Kullamäe provided flashes as both a scorer and playmaker, but his 4.5 turnovers per game highlight the growing pains that come with responsibility.

Strengths: Estonia’s offense flows well when built around Kotsar. He draws defensive attention in the post and can pass effectively out of double teams, keeping the ball moving. They’re a solid rebounding team, with a collective effort on the glass, and while they only shot 32% from deep during qualifiers, the spacing was sound thanks to smart off-ball movement and a low-volume, high-quality shot profile. When they lean into ball movement and spacing, they can generate high-percentage looks consistently.

Weaknesses: Kotsar is vital to everything Estonia does — but they ask a lot from him. He often self-creates off the dribble, which isn’t always the most efficient option and his workload becomes even more of a concern given their thin interior rotation. Defensive lapses — especially in pick-and-roll coverage — were a recurring issue throughout qualifying. Estonia is also turnover-prone, both from individual decisions and execution errors under pressure. Against elite bigs (like, say, Jokić), foul trouble could derail them early and often.

The Bottom Line: Estonia plays smart, moves the ball well, and has a clear offensive identity. But their ceiling is tied directly to how long Kotsar can stay on the court and whether they can clean up their defensive focus. They’re capable of a group-stage upset, but also one bad stretch away from being out of contention.

Expectation: Cohesive but Fragile

Structured enough to make it through the group, but vulnerable to elite size and pressure.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Czechia

Euroleague HoopsJuly 28, 2025

Czechia: Veteran Core, Smart Offense, but Question Marks on Defense

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Czechia arrives at EuroBasket 2025 as a team in transition, leaning on veterans to stay competitive while hoping the next generation can break through. Their 2–4 qualifying run was uneven, with both wins coming at home against the Netherlands and Great Britain. Three of the four losses came on the road, including both games against Greece. The final blowout loss to Great Britain came with key players resting and offered little as a measuring stick.

Best Players: Veteran center Ondřej Balvín was Czechia’s most reliable presence during qualifying, playing in five of six games and averaging 13 points per contest. When available, Tomáš Satoranský made a clear impact, averaging 14 points across three appearances while stabilizing the backcourt with his size and vision. The team is still awaiting clarity on the availability of Vit Krejčí, whose presence would add valuable two-way length and athleticism.

Strengths: With Satoranský and potentially Krejčí in the lineup, Czechia boasts excellent size at the guard spots — a rarity in Group A. Offensively, they showed strong discipline and execution: shooting 37% from three while consistently attacking closeouts and adapting well to varied defensive looks, particularly zone coverage. Their halfcourt offense is structured and difficult to disrupt when they’re in rhythm.

Weaknesses: On the other end, defensive issues are harder to hide. Their pick-and-roll coverage relies heavily on traditional drop schemes — Balvín anchors that setup, but it limits their ability to switch or pressure ball-handlers effectively. Czechia also lacks on-ball creation, especially when Satoranský sits, which stalls their offense in crunch moments. Transition defense remains a vulnerability — they’re slow to recover and can be punished by faster teams.

The Bottom Line: Czechia’s ceiling hinges on Satoranský’s health and whether Krejčí can suit up. With both, they’re a smart, veteran-led squad that can beat anyone on the right night. Without them, their margin for error shrinks considerably. Expect them to be competitive, but unless their defensive issues are masked by hot shooting and smart execution, they may find themselves fighting just to survive the group.

Expectation: Veteran Toughness, but Thin Margins

Capable of making it out of the group, but vulnerable if key players miss time.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, ASVEL, Baskonia, Zalgiris,…

Euroleague HoopsJuly 27, 2025

Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of ASVEL, Baskonia, Zalgiris, Partizan & Milan — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Serbia

Euroleague HoopsJuly 27, 2025

Serbia: Gold on Their Mind, Jokic at the Center of It All

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Serbia didn’t just qualify for EuroBasket 2025 — they cruised. A perfect 6–0 campaign with every win coming by at least nine points, rarely needing to shift out of second gear. But qualifying was the warm-up. The real story starts now: with Nikola Jokic likely back in the fold, Serbia instantly enters the tournament as a top-tier gold medal contender.

Best Players: During the qualifiers, Aleksa Avramović was their standout — consistent, disruptive defensively and productive offensively with 15.5 points per game and nearly 3 steals per night across all six games. Filip Petrušev also impressed in his four appearances, matching that scoring mark with efficiency. But of course, the conversation begins and ends with Jokic — arguably the best basketball player on the planet — and his potential pairing with Bogdan Bogdanović, who continues to thrive in FIBA play. If both are available, Serbia has the best 1-2 punch in the tournament.

Strengths: The identity is crystal clear. Jokic is the hub, but the beauty of this team lies in its clarity — everyone around him knows their role. They have perimeter creation outside of Jokic, reliable shooting and arguably the best depth in the field. From guards who can defend and make plays to skilled bigs like Petrušev, Serbia can adapt to multiple styles. Offensively, they’re efficient, deliberate, and punishing.

Weaknesses: Serbia’s main concern sits on the defensive end — specifically in pick-and-roll coverage. Both Jokic and Vasilije Micić can be targeted by quicker guards, especially when Serbia defaults to drop coverage or automatic switches. Against teams with elite ball-handlers, this could be a pressure point. Additionally, compared to top-tier opponents like France or Germany, Serbia might lack wing athleticism and defensive size on the perimeter — something that can become an issue against teams that thrive in transition or play with physicality at the 2–4 spots.

The Bottom Line: If Jokic and Bogdanović are both available and healthy, Serbia will enter EuroBasket as co-favorites alongside France and Germany. Even without one of them, this is a team that executes, plays with cohesion, and doesn’t beat itself. The path to gold is clear — and Serbia has the best player in the tournament to walk it.

Expectation: Title Favorites

Elite talent, elite structure and the best player in the world.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Portugal

Euroleague HoopsJuly 26, 2025

Portugal: Defensive Grit, Transition Hustle and Queta’s Paint Presence

Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Portugal returns to EuroBasket with a clear identity: defend, run and compete for every possession. They may be one of the least heralded teams in Group A but they are built to be a thorn in everyone’s side. Fast-paced, physical and powered by NBA big man Neemias Queta, Portugal is unlikely to go quietly.

Their 2–4 record doesn’t tell the full story. They beat Slovenia at home and nearly did it again on the road, losing by just one. Losses to Ukraine, Israel and Slovenia were competitive and the final blowout came in a meaningless game with qualification already secured.

Best Players: Neemias Queta is unquestionably Portugal’s top talent and most impactful player. His rim protection and interior presence give Portugal an anchor on both ends. Efficiency-wise, Miguel Queiroz stood out during the qualifiers, while Travante Williams and Diogo Brito were the leading scorers. Rafael Lisboa offers valuable shot-making and on-ball creation, while Diogo Ventura provides steadiness as a floor general.

Strengths: Portugal thrives in transition. Their up-tempo style creates easy points and keeps pressure on opponents, especially when Queta controls the glass. They were one of the best offensive rebounding teams in qualifying, averaging 16 second-chance opportunities per game. Defensively, Queta brings real rim deterrence—something most lower-tier teams lack.

Weaknesses: The shooting is a problem. Portugal averaged just 7-of-27 from three per game. Outside of Travante, Brito and Lisboa, there are few consistent threats from beyond the arc—and often few players even willing to shoot it. The backcourt is undersized and with Cruz (their most athletic wing) unavailable, the team is even more vulnerable on the perimeter. When pressured or trapped, they can be overwhelmed, especially in the halfcourt where creation is limited.

The Bottom Line: Portugal isn’t expected to make a deep run, but they’re not here to just make up the numbers. With Queta anchoring the paint and a transition attack that can catch slower teams off guard, they’re capable of an upset or two. But without Cruz and lacking reliable shooting or on-ball creation on the wing, they’ll have to scrap for every result.

Expectation: Tough Outs, But Long Shots

Not built for late-stage success, but competitive enough to shape the group.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroBasket 2025 Preview Series – Latvia

Euroleague HoopsJuly 25, 2025

Latvia: Beautiful Basketball, Home-Court Dreams and a Golden Ceiling

Group A – Hosts (Final Stage in Riga)

There’s a seductive clarity to Latvia’s game—what they lack in isolation scorers, they replace with rhythm, intelligence and spacing that would make a motion offense purist tear up with joy. Latvia’s undefeated run (6–0) in the qualifiers didn’t just punch their ticket—it launched them into the conversation. Quietly. Efficiently. Dangerously.

Let’s be clear: the 6–0 record, while statistically pristine, came with a few caveats. Yes, they beat Spain by 21 over two legs, but that was a young Spanish side—a development squad more than a battle-tested FIBA core. Belgium, their other notable opponent, isn’t a continental powerhouse. Slovakia offered little resistance. Still, you beat who’s in front of you and Latvia did so with conviction.

The Stars: Rodions Kurucs led in scoring at 14 points per game (in just 3 appearances), but Artūrs Žagars’ backcourt partner Kristers Zoriks has been the quiet heartbeat—13.7 points per game across all six qualifiers on strong efficiency. And then there are the NBA names: Kristaps Porziņģis and Dāvis Bertāns (Last played in the NBA during the 2023–24 season). Porziņģis, in particular, is the tournament’s biggest potential swing factor. If healthy and integrated, he brings not just elite scoring and spacing, but rare rim protection in a system that often needs help on the back end.

Strengths: Latvia lives—and often thrives—by the three. When they catch fire, as they did with a 14-of-31 night in qualifiers, they’re borderline unguardable. Their off-ball movement and tactical discipline create a symphony of cuts, flares and extra passes that can dismantle slower, iso-heavy teams. Head coach Luca Banchi has designed a system where no possession is wasted and everyone touches the ball—think old-school Spurs, Baltic edition.

Weaknesses: But that same ball movement can come at a cost. Latvia’s commitment to pace and passing can lead to turnovers, especially when opponents speed them up. They don’t have a clear-cut on-ball creator to break down switching defenses or beat traps. And when the three-point shot isn’t falling—as it didn’t during an 8-of-31 shooting night against Belgium—things can get shaky quickly.

The Bottom Line: Latvia isn’t coming in with the gaudy NBA-heavy rosters of France or Serbia, but don’t let that fool you. With home-court advantage through the final stage in Riga, an airtight team identity and two NBA level weapons in Porziņģis and Bertāns, this group has a real shot—not just to make noise, but to win the whole thing. They might not enter EuroBasket 2025 as title favorites, but come early September, don’t be surprised if they’re still playing when it matters most.

Expectation: Dark Horse Contenders

Dangerous dark horses with a system that can beat anyone, especially on home soil.

This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.

European Hoops: EuroLeague Season Recap, Alba, Virtus &…

Euroleague HoopsJuly 24, 2025

European Hoops kicks off the 2024–25 EuroLeague season recap series! Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Alba Berlin, Virtus Bologna, and Maccabi Tel Aviv — covering key performances, turning points, and what’s next for each team.

Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!

Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).

SportsEthos NBA Show with Rick Kamla: Wemby Ready,…

All NBA PodcastsJuly 23, 2025

Join Rick Kamla and special guest Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) for a thrilling breakdown of the latest NBA news and rumors!

Breaking News:

Wemby Is Good To Go! The Spurs have officially cleared Victor Wembanyama to play in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Dame Goes Home: Damian Lillard signs a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Trail Blazers.
Clippers Add Beal, John Collins, and Paul: Are the Clippers now a “low key super team” with these new additions?
Paul George Down Again: Paul George underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee and will be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.

Kam’s Core Four: Rick’s top insights on the hottest topics, including key breaking news.

Kammy of the Week: A special shout-out to the Charlotte Hornets for finally winning something—Kon Knueppel was the MVP of the 2025 Las Vegas NBA Summer League Championship Game!

Interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson:

Thoughts on Dame’s return to the Blazers.
Do the Clippers have a superteam, or are they “paper tigers”?
Scoop B’s insights on Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) and the new CBA.
Key takeaways from the Summer League.
LeBron to Dallas??? Debating the rumors.
Bronny James vs. Dalton Knecht for a rotation spot.

Does Marcus Smart still have any game left?

Rick’s Rant: Rick unloads on how the NBA and WNBA currently have a hammerlock on their players.

Kam Goodies: Rick’s early top 15 teams in each conference!

Apple: https://apple.co/3Y0GxmK

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3En6CW6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsEthos

Wizardscast: Spencer Belt Joins the Pod!

All NBA PodcastsJuly 17, 2025

https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/spencer-belt-joins-the-pod/

DC sports enthusiast and Rockville legend Spencer Belt joins the pod to break down summer league, free agency, Euro Basket, the ESPY’s and so much more!

Wizardscast: Summer League Record: Alex Sarr Has EIGHT…

2025 NBA DraftJuly 15, 2025

https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/summer-league-re…has-eight-blocks/

Alex Sarr had eight blocks! Dave discusses the Wizards big summer win over Brooklyn – highlighting the great performances from Sarr, Johnson, Riley, George and Bub Carrington!