Eurobasket Day 5: Blowouts and Record-Breaking Performances

Greece 94, Georgia 53

Giannis leads another ruthless Greek performance. Greece came out intent on pushing the pace, and Georgia struggled to generate clean looks against their length and physicality. Early on, Dinos Mitoglou stretched the floor with two quick pick-and-pop threes, while Giannis Antetokounmpo was involved in every action on both ends. Georgia’s offense repeatedly found itself deep into the shot clock, relying only on the occasional late mismatch attack to stay in touch.

A brief attempt at a 2-2-1 press to start the second quarter fizzled and Greece capitalized. Their defense turned stops into a transition masterclass, building a 46-29 halftime cushion. By then, Georgia were already showing cracks in focus, committing sloppy errors that Greece punished.

The third quarter was more of the same: Greece shared the ball, punished the double-teams Giannis attracted and kept Georgia out of rhythm. Even when Georgia went small and switched everything, finding some success by allowing only 5 points in the final 4 minutes, they still couldn’t score consistently on the other end. Greece won the quarter 23-12 and never looked back.

Giannis was dominant with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 25 minutes, supported by Mitoglou’s 17 points. Greece finished with 28 assists, hit 14-of-26 threes (56%), and racked up a 19-0 edge in fast-break points. Georgia’s only positive came on the offensive glass (15 boards, 12 second-chance points), but they shot just 30% from the field and 18% from three. Mamukelashvili, Sanadze, and Shermadini reached double figures, while Goga Bitadze did not play and Toko Shengelia logged only a brief cameo.

The 94-53 win moved Greece to 3-0 in Group C, their defense and tempo once again overwhelming an opponent that quickly ran out of answers.

 

Slovenia 86, Belgium 69

Belgium opened with a clear defensive plan to contain Luka Dončić, using Jean-Marc Mwema on him early and switching with Ismaël Bako at times. Dončić missed his first four shots, and 2 quick fouls in the first quarter on Jean-Marc Mwema opened things up for Slovenia, with Edo Murić providing an early lift. Offensively, Belgium looked to pound the ball inside against Slovenia’s switching, but Slovenia’s guards and Dončić himself held up physically, keeping those post-up chances from turning into an advantage.

Trailing by double digits midway through the second quarter, Belgium started blitzing Dončić at the top of the floor. It worked briefly, but as Slovenia swung the ball, open threes began to drop. When Belgium abandoned that approach, Dončić went back to hunting mismatches against the smaller Lecomte. Unlike earlier games, Slovenia’s offense showed more balance, with multiple contributors easing the burden on Dončić. Defensively, they were sharp: Belgium had just 10 points in the first quarter, shot 1-of-7 from three in the half, and struggled to score in the paint against Slovenia’s compact help. Slovenia led 44-26 at halftime.

Slovenia opened the second half with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to 19, but careless turnovers allowed Belgium to claw back within 11. Belgium caught fire from deep, hitting five threes in the third quarter while producing just two points in the paint. Slovenia mixed in a 2-3 zone on baseline inbounds, but their rotations were shaky. Still, Belgium’s short bench showed as their energy faded in the fourth.

That’s when Klemen Prepelič stepped up, scoring 6 of his 12 points in the final quarter to put the game away. Dončić closed with a historic triple-double, 26 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, becoming only the fourth player since 1995 to record one at EuroBasket. Slovenia dominated the glass 43-31, outscored Belgium 40-18 in the paint, and sealed their first Group D win at 86-69.

Belgium, now 1-2, had Bako battling inside but struggled to sustain their perimeter momentum. Slovenia, meanwhile, looked more fluid and collective than in previous outings, with Dončić making history in the process.

 

Israel 82, France 69

France looked disjointed to open the game, managing only six points in the first five minutes. The entry of Zaccharie Risacher (back-to-back threes, then 10 quick points) and Jaylen Hoard’s activity shifted momentum, with their length and pace difficult for Israel’s bench to match. Still, foul trouble in the first quarter with Deni Avdija drawing 3 fouls in under 2 minutes and Israel’s zone defenses kept Les Bleus out of rhythm. France shot just 14% from the field for most of the second quarter and went 3-of-13 from deep by halftime, while Israel stayed close through free throws and timely three-pointers. The game was tied 26–26 midway through the second before France regained a slim edge.

In the third, Deni Avdija and Yam Madar sparked Israel with consecutive threes and strong defense, helping their side take a 42–38 lead. Hoard (6-of-6 from the field at one stage) and Okobo’s back-to-back threes, including a four-point play, briefly carried France ahead by one entering the fourth.

But France unraveled in the final frame. Two early turnovers fueled Israel’s transition game, and Avdija pushed the pace, drawing fouls and piling on pressure. Israel strung together an 11-0 run, holding France scoreless for nearly three minutes, and seized control at 66–59. From there, France’s offense, bogged down against Israel’s 2-3 zone and overreliant on athletic plays, produced just 13 points in the quarter, their lowest of the tournament.

Avdija finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals in a commanding all-around display. Madar added 17 points, while Roman Sorkin’s inside presence and Israel’s stretch bigs opened the floor for guards to create. Israel shot 7-of-18 from three and limited France to 8-of-32, suffocating them with disciplined zone rotations despite some backdoor lapses.

France did tally 19 assists and 9 blocks, but their inconsistency and inability to solve Israel’s defensive looks proved costly. With the win, Israel moved to 2–1 in Group D, tied with France, and solidified their reputation as one of the tournament’s dark horses.

 

Spain 91, Cyprus 47

Spain were in control from the outset and had no trouble dispatching hosts Cyprus, 91-47. The defending champions imposed their size and ball movement throughout, winning the rebounding battle 46-24 and piling up 29 assists against just 11 for Cyprus. The hosts never found rhythm, finishing 0-of-2 from the free-throw line and committing 18 turnovers. Darral Willis was the lone bright spot, contributing 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Willy Hernangómez set the tone inside, leading Spain with 19 points on near-perfect shooting plus 8 rebounds and 3 assists. His production anchored an offense that shared the ball and spread the floor with 14 made three-pointers. By halftime Spain had built a 41-17 lead, and from there the gap only widened.

We saw Coach Scariolo use this game to test Juancho Hernangómez at the small forward position, a different look we haven’t seen so far in this tournament. It could become a weapon to exploit later and even though its effectiveness was hard to assess in this type of game, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Head coach Sergio Scariolo praised his team’s approach on the second night of a back-to-back, highlighting the unselfishness and composure that defined the performance. Spain improved to 2-1 in Group C, with a much tougher test against Italy ahead, while Cyprus remain winless at 0-3.

 

Poland 84, Iceland 75

Poland opened the game by pushing the pace and relying on Mateusz Ponitka as the floor general, setting a strong rhythm early. Iceland struggled to find cohesion offensively, turning the ball over frequently, while Poland’s own aggressiveness in transition also led to some early miscues. Tryggvi Hlinason posed a serious threat in the paint, forcing Poland to crowd the lane and adjust their interior defense. Jordan Loyd complemented the team effort with efficient cuts and smart reads off screens.

By halftime, Poland had accumulated 13 assists and controlled the flow, despite Iceland’s continued struggles from deep (3-of-17 from three). Poland extended their lead through a dominant third quarter, relying on transition scoring and careful ball movement. Iceland refused to go away, however, mounting a late fourth-quarter comeback that briefly gave them the lead with about three minutes remaining.

Poland responded immediately, taking advantage of a string of Icelandic fouls, including an unsportsmanlike and a technical, that shifted momentum decisively. Dominik Olejniczak’s mid-range hook and Loyd’s free throws in the final seconds sealed an 84-75 victory.

Ponitka finished with a near triple-double line of 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, underlining his role as Poland’s engine, while Poland out-rebounded Iceland 41-31 and matched them point-for-point in the paint despite Hlinason’s dominance. Fast-break execution also proved crucial, with Poland outscoring Iceland 18-11 in transition. The win secured Poland’s ticket to the Round of 16, keeping them unbeaten at 3-0 in Group D.

 

Italy 96, Bosnia & Herzegovina 79

Bosnia & Herzegovina came out with energy, quickly building an early six-point lead. Italy responded, staying patient and methodical, and headed into halftime with a narrow 44-40 advantage. Both teams showed offensive creativity, but Italy’s superior ball movement and spacing kept them in control despite Bosnia’s early aggressiveness.

The second half began similarly, with Bosnia briefly reclaiming the lead. Italy, however, adjusted efficiently, relying on the hot hand of Simone Fontecchio, who ended the night with 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, including 7-of-10 shooting from deep. The Azzurri maintained their advantage with a 28-21 third quarter and a 24-18 fourth quarter, combining sharpshooting with disciplined ball movement that produced 25 assists on the night.

Jusuf Nurkic starred for Bosnia with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Edin Atic added 10 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Italy’s overall offensive efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 58.3% from three and limiting Bosnia to just 5-of-21 from deep. The team also dominated the boards, finishing with a 46-24 advantage, which allowed them to generate multiple second-chance opportunities and control the tempo.

Tactically, Italy’s combination of spacing, off-ball movement, and high-volume three-point shooting forced Bosnia into difficult defensive rotations, especially when Fontecchio was operating off screens. Italy also showed patience against Bosnia’s defensive pressure, moving the ball and exploiting mismatches, while staying disciplined even after the ejection of coach Gianmarco Pozzecco early in the second half.

Darius Thompson and Marco Spissu contributed 14 points each, combining for 9 assists, supporting Italy’s offensive balance. Italy’s victory improved their record to 2-1 in Group C and set up a important matchup against Spain, while Bosnia falls to 1-2 and will face undefeated Greece next.

Simone Fontecchio made history for Italy at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by setting a new single-game scoring record with 39 points against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 29-year-old forward, who struggled in Italy’s opening games, was unstoppable, hitting 13 of 20 shots, including 7 of 10 from three-point range, and also adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists. His performance surpassed Andrea Bargnani’s previous record of 36 points from EuroBasket 2011.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket Day 4: Action-Packed Thrillers!

Day 4 of EuroBasket 2025 was full of great basketball, showcasing some of the top teams in Europe. Germany, Serbia, France, Turkey, and Greece all stayed perfect, securing their spots in the Round of 16. The action was intense, with some teams pulling off nail-biting finishes while others cruised to victory.

From stunning individual performances to dominant team efforts, this day of games had it all. Nikola Jokić delivered a historic performance for Serbia, while Luka Dončić had a monster game for Slovenia. Belgium pulled off a great comeback win, Italy made a statement with a strong victory, and Estonia battled to a determined win. It was a day that truly highlighted the depth and talent of European basketball.

Germany 107, Lithuania 88

Germany, looking absolutely locked in, secured their spot in the EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16 by taking down Lithuania in Tampere with a final score of 107-88. It’s not just that they won; it’s how they did it.

Right from the opening tip, Germany’s offense was in a groove. Johannes Voigtmann was back in the starting lineup, the ball was zipping around, creating an immediate 10-2 cushion. Lithuania, to their credit, didn’t flinch, even briefly grabbing a 15-13 lead. But then the German shooting show started. Dennis Schröder, Daniel Theis, and Johannes Thiemann went a perfect 5-for-5 from downtown to start the game. Add in Franz Wagner, who was simply too much for Lithuania to handle due to his size making him a walking mismatch and you’ve got a recipe for a huge quarter. Maodo Lo’s three-pointer capped a 32-point offensive explosion, giving Germany a 32-20 lead after one, fueled by a slick eight assists on their way to six made threes.

The second quarter saw Lithuania hang tough. Wagner continued to capitalize on mismatches, and Andreas Obst drilled back-to-back threes to stretch the lead to 50-36. But Lithuania showed some real guts, with Sirvydis hitting a three as part of a 9-0 run that cut the deficit to just five, forcing Germany to call a timeout. Out of the break, Wagner put the hammer down with a clutch three of his own, stabilizing the Germans. They headed into halftime with a comfortable 55-47 lead, with Schröder (15 points), Theis (14), and Wagner (12) leading the charge. Jokubaitis and Sedekerskis did a nice job orchestrating for Lithuania, dishing out seven assists each.

In the third, it was more of the same, with Germany’s overwhelming depth and offensive firepower taking over. Obst knocked down his fourth three of the game, Theis remained perfect from the field, and the lead ballooned to 74-58. Lithuania battled hard, with Jokubaitis attacking the paint and their rebounding keeping them in the game, but they just couldn’t generate enough consistent offense to mount a serious threat. Germany maintained their double-digit lead, heading into the final frame firmly in control.

From that point on, it was vintage Germany. Their defense tightened up, leading to easy transition baskets, and their half-court offense was a thing of beauty. Wagner was creating mismatches all over the floor, Schröder was pulling the strings and role players like Lo, Obst and Isaac Bonga were stepping up with timely plays. In the end, Germany’s talent and depth wore Lithuania down. They finished the game hitting 19 threes at a blistering 54%, forced 17 turnovers and cruised to a 107-88 victory.

The final numbers tell the story. Daniel Theis was flawless, putting up 23 points on a perfect 9-for-9 from the field, including three from long range. Schröder and Wagner were a dynamic duo, combining for 50 points, while Obst was deadly from deep, adding 18 points on 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc. For Lithuania, Jokubaitis led the way with 20 points, but the high turnover count and lack of offensive options were just too much to overcome.

It was the usual German formula: stay close and then let their offense become an unstoppable machine in the second half. At 3-0, they’re not just perfect; they’ve officially booked their trip to Riga. Lithuania, now 2-1, will have to shake this one off quickly as they face a crucial game against host Finland to lock up second place in the group.

 

Estonia 89, Czechia 75

It almost felt like EuroBasket had shifted north to Tallinn. Backed by their many fans, Estonia fed off the energy in the arena and overwhelmed Czechia 89-75 for their first win of Group A at EuroBasket 2025.

Estonia’s effort and energy were evident from the opening tip. Even while starting 0-for-6 from three in the first quarter, they fought for extra possessions, defended physically, and closed the period ahead 23-19. The tone was set: hustle would be their weapon.

The second quarter was where Estonia truly broke the game open. They played a nearly flawless half, committing zero turnovers while punishing Czechia in every hustle category. They outrebounded their opponents 21-16, including eight offensive boards, and cashed in at the free-throw line (11/12 vs. 5/9). Despite a poor 2-for-11 clip from beyond the arc, they stormed to a 54-36 halftime lead thanks to 31 second-quarter points, 14 of them inside the paint.

Czechia had no solutions after the break. Estonia’s physical defense denied anything easy, and by midway through the third quarter, the gap had exploded to 68-40. Heading into the final frame, Estonia led 77-54, having completely dictated the pace of the game.

The final numbers told the story: Estonia outrebounded Czechia 43-34, dominated the steal battle 7-2, and committed only five turnovers compared to Czechia’s 16. That translated into 24 points off turnovers (versus just 6 for Czechia) and a commanding 44-26 edge in points in the paint. Even on a night when they shot just 17 percent from deep, Estonia’s will and execution carried them through.

Kristian Kullamäe embodied that spirit. Wearing the now-iconic number 77, he nearly posted a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and a steal in just over 30 minutes. Henri Drell added 15 points off the bench, giving Estonia another crucial spark.

For Czechia, Martin Peterka led with 13 points off the bench, but the team fell to 0-3 and now faces a brutal finish against Serbia and hosts Latvia.

Meanwhile, Estonia climb to 1-2, keeping their knockout hopes alive. On Monday, they’ll meet Türkiye before closing the group against Portugal. With their fighting spirit, control of the little details, and the backing of their fans, Estonia proved they’re not done yet.

 

Italy 79, Georgia 62

Italy is officially on the board at EuroBasket 2025, grinding out a tough 79-62 win over Georgia in a physical Group A battle. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was exactly the kind of gritty, tactical victory they needed after an opening loss.

Early in the gaame, Italy’s game plan was crystal clear: shut down the paint and force Georgia to shoot. Georgia tried to run their offense through the Baldwin-Shengelia pick-and-pop actions, but with zero spacing and ice-cold shooting (an atrocious 0-for-8 from deep in the first quarter), their offense went nowhere. Italy wasn’t exactly a well-oiled machine on offense, but their defense and physicality were enough to give them an 18-10 lead after one.

The second quarter was a bit more back-and-forth. Italy’s offense, which looked much better than it did against Greece, started to get to the free-throw line and find some better looks. On the other end, Georgia tried to push the pace in transition to avoid their stagnant half-court offense. Sandro Mamukelashvili was a force with his attacks at the rim, and Kamar Baldwin started to find his rhythm, helping Georgia gain confidence and stay in the fight heading into halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Georgia had their best stretch of the game and really put the pressure on Italy. But the Azzurri stayed poised, got Goga Bitadze into foul trouble, and started to find ways to break down Georgia’s tough defense. By the end of the quarter, Italy had regained control of the game.

The fourth quarter is where the game was decided. Georgia went over seven minutes without a single field goal, while Italy blew the game open with a decisive 16-0 run, turning what was a close contest into a comfortable 66-47 cushion. Frustration boiled over for Georgia, with Tornike Shengelia getting ejected with under three minutes to play. From there, their fight gave way to complaints, and Italy coasted to the finish.

In the end, it was Italy’s patience, discipline, and physicality that made all the difference. They held Georgia to just 3-for-21 from three-point range, punishing their lack of spacing, and stayed composed while their opponents lost theirs. It was the kind of gritty, necessary win that keeps Italy in the hunt for a knockout round spot. As for Georgia, they’ll be left to regret not only the loss, but the way they completely unraveled when Italy pulled away.

 

Belgium 71, Iceland 64

Iceland started strong and led for nearly the entire game. They were up 21-17 after the first quarter, 36-32 at halftime, and still had a comfortable 52-46 lead heading into the final period. With just over five minutes remaining, a dunk from Tryggvi Hlinason extended their lead to 62-55, and the Icelandic fans in the arena could feel a historic first EuroBasket win was within their grasp.

But then, everything changed. Belgium clamped down on defense and started to dominate the glass. This hustle quickly translated into points, as they finished with a massive 20-4 advantage in second-chance scoring. That dominance led to a game-winning 16-2 run over the final three minutes.

Despite a tough shooting night, Emmanuel Lecomte came up huge when it mattered most. He hit a go-ahead driving layup with under 30 seconds left and calmly sank the free throws to seal the win for Belgium. He finished the game with a solid stat line of 16 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.

For Iceland, the shooting numbers were ugly, with the team going just 3-of-22 from three-point range. Tryggvi Hlinason had an outstanding performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but his effort wasn’t enough to hold off Belgium’s late charge. The Lions’ grit and depth earned them their first win in the tournament, while Iceland was left heartbroken, still searching for that elusive first victory.

 

Sweden 78, Great Britain 59

Sweden got their first win at EuroBasket 2025, taking down Great Britain 78-59 in a game they controlled pretty much the whole way. It was a historic win for them, their first in the tournament since 2013 and a much-needed one for their campaign.

From the very beginning, the contrast in energy was noticeable. Great Britain looked sluggish and flat, while Sweden came out with intensity, racking up six steals in the first quarter alone. They finished the period up 19-13 and it was so bad for GB that their coach called a timeout to challenge his players’ effort. The second quarter started with an 8-0 Swedish run that made it 27-13. Pelle Larsson, even though he was clearly not at 100% after missing the last game with an illness, still gave Sweden an edge. To their credit, GB found a rhythm late in the half by moving the ball more, cutting the deficit to 35-30 at the break.

That was as close as Great Britain would get. Sweden steadily rebuilt their lead in the second half, while GB’s offense never found its footing. Larsson, despite his five turnovers, was a huge spark, finishing with a game-high 23 points, to go with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Melwin Pantzar also stuffed the box score with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. The final numbers tell the story of Sweden’s dominance: they led for almost the entire game (39:55), shot a blistering 61.8% from the field, and had a massive 40-26 advantage in points in the paint. Great Britain’s offense, on the other hand, was an absolute mess, shooting just 27.8% from the floor, somehow managing a better percentage from three (29.6%) than their field goal percentage in this game.

The win puts Sweden at 1-2 in Group B and keeps their knockout stage hopes alive. Meanwhile, Great Britain dropped to 0-3, undone by a lack of intensity, too many turnovers and a complete inability to create any consistent offense.

 

Serbia 84, Latvia 80

Serbia’s perfect run in Group A continues, as they held off a resilient Latvia squad with an 84-80 victory in Riga. The win was a masterclass from Nikola Jokic, who delivered a historic performance with 39 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals to single-handedly push Serbia into the Round of 16.

The atmosphere was electric, with Latvia’s home crowd fired up. Latvia started the game looking good, moving the ball and getting everyone involved. However, a major blow came midway through the first quarter when Andrejs Grazulis went down with an injury and was ruled out. Serbia immediately capitalized on their physical advantage, attacking mismatches inside. They scored 18 of their 22 first-quarter points in the paint and dominated the glass, outrebounding Latvia 13-4.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Latvia hit back with back-to-back threes from Arturs Zagars and Davis Bertans to briefly take the lead. They even went to a small-ball lineup, but they had no answer for Jokic, who relentlessly drew fouls and punished them on the block. Serbia regained control, extending their lead to nine before Latvia cut it to 42-38 at halftime. The numbers were telling: Serbia had 22 points in the paint and eight offensive rebounds, while Latvia was kept in the game by shooting 44% from deep.

In the third quarter, Serbia built their largest lead of the game at nine points. While Kristaps Porzingis came up with back-to-back blocks to spark a small Latvian run, Serbia’s dominant interior presence eventually wore them down. By the end of the third, Serbia was up 67-56, with a commanding 38-16 advantage in paint scoring and a 29-22 rebounding edge.

Latvia, though, refused to quit. Davis Bertans put on a clinic in the fourth quarter, crashing the boards and hitting clutch shots to cut the lead to seven with seven minutes left. He and Rolands Smits hit key threes to bring Latvia within four, and Arturs Kurucs drilled a corner three to make it a two-point game in the final minute. But Serbia always had an answer. Ognjen Dobric hit two huge threes early in the quarter for some breathing room, and with 90 seconds left, Jokic sealed the deal by calmly draining a big three of his own. He then iced the game from the free-throw line after Latvia’s late surge.

For Latvia, Bertans was excellent with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Zagars controlled the pace for stretches. However, without Grazulis and with no real answer for Serbia’s physicality, they were simply overpowered inside. Serbia’s win, powered by Jokic’s brilliance, moves them to 3-0 and punches their ticket to the Round of 16. Latvia dropped to 1-2 but showed flashes of their 2023 identity, keeping their hopes very much alive with winnable games against Portugal and Czechia still ahead.

 

France 103, Slovenia 95

France has remained perfect in Group D after a hard-fought 103-95 victory over Slovenia in a heavyweight clash in Katowice. While Luka Dončić put on another spectacular show, France’s overwhelming depth and size proved to be the deciding factors. A career night from Sylvain Francisco and a massive second-half from Alexandre Sarr were key to the win.

France set the tone from the opening tip with full-court pressure, trying to disrupt Slovenia’s rhythm. Luka, though, was up for the challenge, creating 11 of Slovenia’s first 14 points. Slovenia managed to keep pace with transition baskets and by living at the free-throw line, where they shot 15 free throws in the first quarter. Zaccharie Risacher hit two quick threes off the bench for France, but Slovenia still closed the period up 30-28. In the second, Slovenia actually thrived with Luka on the bench, as their defense effectively collapsed on driving lanes. Francisco kept France in it with his relentless drives and perimeter shooting. But before halftime, Dončić took over, rattling off an 8-0 run by himself to send Slovenia into the locker room up 54-47. He was already sitting on 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists.

France responded in the third quarter by tightening up on defense. They were more disciplined, cut down on fouling, and started targeting Luka in pick-and-roll situations. Francisco was again the driving force behind the comeback, pulling France within two with his shot-making. Slovenia’s offense cooled off, managing just 16 points in the frame. The lead was down to 70-68 heading into the final period. With Luka resting to start the fourth, France immediately seized control with a 6-2 run. Slovenia’s fatigue began to show as they gave up costly offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Sarr’s length became a decisive factor, as he was switching onto guards, blocking shots, and punishing Slovenia inside. Francisco continued his remarkable night, and when Yabusele and Okobo added clutch buckets, France put together a late 6-0 burst to seal the win.

Francisco was sensational, finishing with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, silencing any doubt about France’s point guard rotation. Sarr added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. The real story, however, was France’s depth, with five players in double-digits and a stunning 78 points from their bench. They also dominated the interior, outscoring Slovenia 38-20 in the paint. Dončić did everything in his power, putting up a monster line of 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, while going 19-of-20 from the free-throw line. But in the end, Slovenia’s thinner rotation just couldn’t keep pace. France is now 2-0 in Group D, showing off their overwhelming depth, while Slovenia drops to 0-2 and now faces a critical game against Belgium to keep their hopes alive.

 

Greece 96 Cyprus 69

Greece stayed perfect in Group C, taking care of hosts Cyprus 96-69 behind the scoring of Tyler Dorsey and Dinos Mitoglou.

The game opened with both sides struggling to find rhythm, just 3-0 for Cyprus after three minutes. The hosts looked to their flex actions and post touches for their forwards but couldn’t convert. Greece, running with a tweaked lineup that only kept Dorsey from the previous starting five, also started cold despite creating the right looks. That changed quickly when Dorsey caught fire, scoring 8 straight points (two threes and a tough mid-range jumper), and Larentzakis added another triple to give Greece a 13-8 lead midway through the first.

From there, Cyprus tried to keep pace in transition but couldn’t contain Greece’s speed. Their defensive fouls fueled free points, while Greece’s energy in the open floor flipped the game. By the end of the first quarter, Greece led 22-13.

The second quarter followed a similar script, Cyprus hanging around thanks to Greece’s inconsistent intensity. Turnovers weren’t an issue for the hosts (just 12 all game), which allowed them to avoid being completely run out of their own gym. But once the second half began, Greece picked up the defensive pressure, strung stops together, and turned the contest into a track meet. They piled up 24 fast-break points and buried open looks from deep, finishing 13-for-29 from three.

Dorsey led the way with 18 points in just 20 minutes, while Mitoglou added an equally efficient 18 in 16 minutes. Cyprus got 15 points and 8 rebounds from Darral Willis and 12 from Filippos Tigkas, but once Greece’s defense locked in, the talent gap became too much.

Greece move to 2-0 with their expected win, while Cyprus remain winless and face the challenge of Spain next.

 

Finland 85, Montenegro 65

Tuovi’s defense and Markkanen’s double-double lead the way. Finland started with the usual spark from Sasu Salin and Lauri Markkanen, who combined for 8 of the first 10 points, but Montenegro matched their energy early. The first quarter ended tied at 23 after Montenegro closed strong by getting to the free-throw line.

The game flipped in the second period. Tuovi’s defensive game plan took over, forcing 11 turnovers in the first half and holding Montenegro to just 14 points in the quarter. On the other end, Finland executed some of the best half-court actions of the tournament so far, including a zoom action for Markkanen to attack the middle for a dunk, a backscreen lob, and an end-of-quarter pick-and-pop with a hammer set that successfully closed out both quarters with a made basket. By halftime Finland had built a 47-37 cushion, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and turnovers to control tempo.

In the second half, Finland’s defense never let Montenegro back in. The hosts forced 20 turnovers overall, scored 25 points off them, and limited their opponents to 39% shooting. Even on a cold night from three (26%), Finland dominated inside (67% on twos, 36–26 points in the paint, 14–7 second-chance points).

Markkanen was again the anchor with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while four other Finns also reached double figures. Montenegro got 15 points from Andrija Slavkovic and 14 from Drobnjak, but Nikola Vučević struggled with just 7 points on 2-of-10 shooting and 5 turnovers, despite his 12 rebounds.

With the 85-65 win, Finland advance to the Round of 16 in front of another sell-out crowd in Tampere, their defense and balance proving too much for a Montenegro side still searching for their first victory.

 

Turkey 95, Portugal 54

From the very beginning Turkey dictated the terms of this game, taking Portugal completely out of rhythm. Travante Williams picked up two quick fouls and without their best on-ball defender Portugal had no answer for Turkey’s physicality. On-ball defense from Turkey was elite, full of deflections, steals and ball pressure and Portugal never found any consistent offensive flow. By halftime they had already committed 14 turnovers, more than in their entire game against Serbia.

That defensive dominance fueled Turkey’s transition attack, piling up an estimated 25 points off turnovers. Their interior game was just as punishing: Portugal’s lack of depth and size inside was fully exposed, with Queiroz overmatched against Turkey’s bigs. The collapse of the Portuguese defense, including brief zone looks, only opened more clean shots. Turkey ended with 48 points in the paint and shot efficiently from deep (8-of-19).

Alperen Sengun led the way with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists all in just 21 minutes, sitting the entire fourth quarter. Furkan Korkmaz and Onuralp Bitim added a spark off the bench to help build the halftime lead to 24 and from there the result was never in doubt. Turkey finished at 60% shooting while holding Portugal to just 31%, securing a 95-54 win and an unbeaten 3-0 start in Group A.

  

Spain 88, Bosnia & Herzegovina 67

Spain came out sharp and never really let Bosnia settle. Both teams played with flair early, but Spain’s efficiency made the difference: at halftime they were shooting 42% from deep compared to just 10% for Bosnia, while also taking better care of the ball (5 turnovers to 8). A late Bosnia three before the break trimmed the gap to 14, but Spain still held a comfortable 44-30 lead.

From there the defending champions kept their foot down. Quick threes out of halftime stretched the margin, and Bosnia’s attempts to hang around were undone by cold shooting from the perimeter (3-of-21 for the game). In contrast, Spain buried 15 triples overall. Santi Aldama (4-of-6 from three, 19 points) and Dario Brizuela (5-of-9 from deep, 15 points, 5 assists) led the charge in a shooting clinic that decided the game.

Spain’s defense also did its job, limiting Jusuf Nurkić to just 10 points and keeping Bosnia from generating rhythm in the halfcourt. In the end, the combination of perimeter firepower and defensive control gave Spain a crucial 88-67 win, leveling their Group C record at 1-1 and restoring momentum after their opening loss.

 

Poland 66, Israel 64

Loyd delivers late as Poland grind out second win. Poland jumped out quickly behind Jordan Loyd and Mateusz Ponitka, leaning on the short roll in pick-and-roll and even posting up Israel’s guards. They led 19-14 after the first, then mixed in a 2-3 matchup zone and constant defensive switches to keep Israel guessing. By halftime, Poland had controlled pace and execution to take a 37-26 advantage.

The game flipped in the third quarter. Israel ramped up ball pressure, delaying Poland’s offense and feeding Deni Avdija in adjusted post-up actions that pulled him away from the block and set him up to attack the middle of the floor. Avdija exploded for 16 points in the frame as Israel stormed ahead with a 25-11 quarter, seizing a 51-48 lead.

Poland answered in the fourth. Ponitka opened with a 5-0 run, and the hosts finally found their range, hitting 4-of-8 from three in the final period. Still, it came down to the final possessions. Avdija hunted mismatches and nearly carried Israel to the win, but Loyd scored 10 points down the stretch, including the game-winning tip-in off his own miss. Israel had one last chance, but Avdija’s contested step-back three rimmed out, sealing a 66-64 Poland victory.

It was a gritty contest with both coaches leaving fingerprints on the game plan. Poland shot inconsistently and turned it over 17 times, but won the rebounding battle 51-40 and leaned on their stars: Loyd (27 points, 5-of-8 from deep) and Ponitka (16 points, 11 boards). Avdija stood out in defeat with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, but Israel fell to 1-1 while Poland stayed unbeaten at 2-0 in Group D.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket Day 3: Domination & Hard-Fought Games

The third day of EuroBasket 2025 delivered a full spectrum of international hoops, from blowout statements to gritty, nail-biting finishes. We had bona fide superstars putting on clinics, a certain Denver big man stacking another casual 23 and 10 in just 22 minutes for Serbia and a towering Finn reminding everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic forwards in the world. But beyond the highlight reels, these games, offered a fascinating look at team identity, strategic adjustments and the sheer will to win.

While some matchups saw teams assert their dominance early and often, exposing defensive vulnerabilities or leveraging overwhelming talent, others were decided in the unforgiving final possessions. Latvia, for instance, survived a truly brutal shooting night to escape with a two-point victory, a testament to resilience over finesse. Meanwhile, Germany’s high-octane offense papered over some defensive cracks, while Turkey’s bruising interior game proved too much for Czechia. It was a day that underscored the diverse paths to victory at this level: sometimes it’s about flawless execution, sometimes it’s about just finding a way.

 

Germany 105, Sweden 83

Germany rolled to a 105–83 win over Sweden, though the scoreline hides some defensive concerns. Sweden was without Pelle Larsson (illness), yet still managed to exploit lapses and stay competitive in stretches.

Early on, Germany leaned on size and physicality. Franz Wagner and Tristan da Silva attacked mismatches, drawing fouls and getting to the line. A technical on Dennis Schröder briefly fueled a Swedish run, but Germany closed the first quarter up 27–17. While Germany played a consistent brand of basketball, they allowed too many second-chance points and open looks off broken presses, which kept Sweden in the game.

The second quarter saw Germany push the lead with an 8–2 spurt, but Sweden responded through staggered screens that freed up Melwin Pantzar and Ludvig Hakanson, who sparked a 5–0 run before halftime. Germany’s box-and-one and switching slowed the damage, but Sweden’s threes and inside mismatches remained an issue.

In the second half, Germany’s best unit, Schröder, Obst, Wagner, Bonga and Theis seized control. Their mobility created defensive versatility and offensive flow. Sweden stayed scrappy, hitting 6-of-9 threes in the third, yet Germany never let the lead slip below double digits. By the fourth quarter, Sweden cooled off while Schröder orchestrated relentlessly, drawing fouls and maintaining tempo.

Germany finished 11-for-22 from deep and 26-for-33 at the line, an elite offensive showing. Still, defensive cracks were clear: 16 offensive boards allowed, 14 second-chance points, and 34 paint points given up to a team without a true inside presence.

The firepower is undeniable, but tightening those defensive details will be key as the tournament level rises.

 

Turkey 92, Czechia 78
In a game defined by contrasting styles, Turkey’s physical dominance eventually overpowered Czechia’s hot shooting to secure a 92–78 victory.

The game began with a signature play from Turkey’s offense, a tip-off action where Alperen Şengün directed the ball to Ercan Osmani for an easy opening basket, a look they’ve now used in consecutive games. Early on, though, it was Czechia who set the tone offensively, knocking down 4 of their first 6 three-pointers to grab a 16–12 lead. With well-executed pick-and-pop actions, they repeatedly exposed Turkey’s defensive gaps, and the margin grew to 22–14 after a blistering 5-for-8 start from deep. Turkey responded by hedging hard on pick-and-rolls, forcing turnovers that helped them trim the deficit. Even so, Czechia finished the first quarter ahead 27–21.

Czechia cooled off in the second quarter, going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc on their first 6 attempts. Foul trouble compounded their struggles, putting Turkey at the line time and again. A 12–1 Turkey run flipped the game, giving them a 33–28 advantage. While Turkey missed some easy finishes inside, Czechia simply had no answer for their size and strength in the paint. The first half turned into a bruising battle, with Turkey outscoring Czechia 26–14 inside, piling up 13-of-14 free throws, and converting 16 points off 11 Czech turnovers. The half closed with Turkey ahead 45–37, though it came at a cost as Hazer exited with a painful-looking ankle injury.

In the second half, Czechia ramped up the defensive pressure with traps and ball-pressure schemes, but foul issues continued to undercut their momentum. Without the size to contend physically, they relied on ball movement and aggressive closeout attacks to generate looks and stay competitive. To start the fourth quarter, Czechia briefly made things interesting, hitting two threes for a 6–2 run that trimmed the margin to just six. But Turkey responded with more bruising paint touches, reasserting control down the stretch as their physicality once again proved decisive.

The numbers told the story: Turkey dominated the interior, outscoring Czechia 50–26 in the paint. Alperen Şengün was the clear engine of the win, coming within a whisker of a triple-double with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, that would’ve been the fifth ever in the competition history. For Czechia, Martin Peterka provided a bright spot with 23 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Turkey’s advantages in size, strength and skill.

 

Lithuania 94, Montenegro 67

Lithuania cruised to a dominant win, powered by elite guard play, a relentless full-court defense, and depth that overwhelmed Montenegro.

Montenegro opened with a good connection between Vučević and Andrija Slavković after Vučević’s short roll, Nikola Vučević was involved on their first six points. Montenegro started defending Jokubaitis by icing his screens to the baseline and forcing him right, where he still found some success. Rokas Jokubaitis controlled the pace. Montenegro’s plan to shade him right backfired, as he repeatedly got into the paint for mid-range shots and playmaking opportunities. Lithuania’s backcourt defense, locked down Kyle Allman and stalled Montenegro’s offense. The Jokubaitis–Valančiūnas two-man game was unstoppable, with Valančiūnas drilling back-to-back threes to spark a 26–15 lead.

In the second quarter, Lithuania’s offense stayed efficient while Montenegro unraveled. Ten turnovers midway through the quarter, many in transition, fueled Lithuania’s attack. The Jokubaitis–Valančiūnas pick-and-roll carved Montenegro apart, with Vučević offering little resistance defensively. Lithuania racked up 26 points in the paint in the first half and took a 49–33 lead into the break.

Montenegro opened the third with more pace and a few transition buckets. With Jokubaitis and Valančiūnas resting, Lithuania’s offense stalled, allowing Vučević more space inside. Andrija Slavković took advantage of switches to score against smaller guards, while Marko Simonović added key baskets to keep Montenegro afloat.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Lithuania. Montenegro’s lack of effort and composure led to 26 total turnovers, which Lithuania converted into 30 points. Lithuania’s bench contributed 48 points, keeping the intensity high until the final buzzer.

In the end, Lithuania’s suffocating backcourt defense, dominant pick-and-roll execution and depth overwhelmed Montenegro in a 94–67 rout.

 

Latvia 72, Estonia 70

Artūrs Žagars started this game, which is a great sign after leaving the last one due to injury, and Gražulis replaced Rolands Šmits in the starting lineup, but the team got off to a shaky start. Estonia opened aggressively, building an early 8–3 lead as Latvia’s defensive rotations struggled. Estonia exploited pick-and-pop opportunities from deep, hitting 3 of 4 early threes to extend the lead to 11–4. Latvia’s offense relied too heavily on Porziņģis, who drew fouls inside but also contributed to turnovers, including three in the first six minutes. When the ball moved, Latvia found quality looks, but stagnant possessions and defensive lapses allowed Estonia to dominate inside and finish the first quarter ahead 21–17.

In the second quarter, Latvia tried adjusting their lineup and approach, including using Šmits and later a smaller five with Lomazs, Žagars, Kurucs, Bertāns, and Porziņģis to improve offensive fluidity. Despite these adjustments, Estonia continued to capitalize on Latvian defensive struggles, maintaining a lead through hot shooting from beyond the arc and physical play from Tass. Porziņģis kept Latvia close with individual scoring bursts, but the team’s forced actions and poor perimeter shooting (1/12 from deep early in the quarter) limited their effectiveness. At halftime, Estonia led 42–38, aided by superior ball movement (12 assists to Latvia’s 6), though Latvia stayed competitive by controlling points in the paint.

The second half was a tense, physical battle, with both teams trading baskets and fouls affecting key players like Porziņģis and Tass. Latvia slowly regained control, with Porziņģis scoring all eight of their first fourth-quarter points, including critical baskets and free throws that built a 7-point lead late. Both teams struggled to score in the final quarter, with the first points of the period coming with under 5 minutes to play. Despite Estonia cutting the margin to two in the final seconds, Latvia held on to win 72–70. The victory came despite a brutal 6/33 shooting night from three-point range, with Porziņģis carrying the team with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist, though he also committed seven turnovers. It was an atypical, hard-fought win defined by resilience, points-in-the-paint dominance, and timely defensive plays down the stretch after struggling for most of the game.

 

Finland 109 Great Britain 79

The game between Finland and Great Britain started off with a quick pace, as both teams came out firing. Just four minutes into the game, Finland held a narrow 13-12 lead, with Sasu Salin and Lauri Markkanen scoring all of Finland’s points. Great Britain was focused on their pick-and-roll game, which allowed them to get into the paint easily. However, a 7-1 run by Finland, still led by the duo of Salin and Markkanen, forced Great Britain to call a timeout. At the end of the first quarter, Finland was up 30-21. Finland’s full-court pressure on defense and their use of big men to initiate plays, including a simple set with a UCLA screen to create a mismatch inside for Lauri after a Great Britain switch, caused problems for Great Britain. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s offense thrived when they were able to share the ball and find open shots after collapsing the defense. Both teams were shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc, at 45% or better.

The second quarter began with a quick 5-0 run by Great Britain, prompting a timeout however when the halftime buzzer sounded Finland’s lead had extended to 58-42. Lauri Markkanen was on fire, with 29 points at the half, including five three-pointers. Sasu Salin contributed 12 points, hitting four three-pointers, and was a great second option to Markkanen. Great Britain tried several different defensive looks, including a 1-2-2 press, but their attempts at a “2 for 1” were more hurtful than helpful. The half ended with a 9-1 run by Finland, as the game continued to be a battle of runs for both sides.

Finland came out of halftime with a more focused and aggressive approach on the defensive end. This resulted in them forcing six turnovers from Great Britain and not allowing the good looks Great Britain had been getting in the first half. The Lauri Markkanen show continued, as he was a walking mismatch all game. The third quarter ended with Finland up 81-56, as they outscored Great Britain 23-14 in the quarter.

Ultimately, Finland secured a dominant 109-79 victory over Great Britain. Lauri Markkanen was incredible throughout the game, and Sasu Salin was his vintage self. Great Britain was unable to keep up their hot shooting from the first half when Finland stepped up the intensity. Finland’s physical superiority, especially in the second half, was too much for Great Britain to handle, as evidenced by their 34-22 advantage in points in the paint and 42-29 lead in rebounds. Finland had an excellent shooting night, hitting 57% of their two-pointers and 50% of their three-pointers.

 

Serbia 80, Portugal 68

Serbia defeated Portugal 80–68 in a game that started with strong defensive energy from the Portuguese side. Portugal’s defense created steals and deflections that disrupted Serbia’s rhythm, while Diogo Brito led the charge offensively with a hot start and good playmaking. Serbia, meanwhile, looked disconnected early and lacked energy, as Portugal even shifted to zone looks on half-court out-of-bounds plays to keep them off balance.

The momentum shifted in the second quarter, when Serbia committed no fouls and Portugal’s offense stalled at 33 points. From there, Serbia came out of halftime with renewed focus, clamping down on Portugal’s scoring options. Serbia’s defense concentrated on shutting off the paint against Neemias Queta’s rolls, though it left Portugal with open three-point opportunities. Portugal’s backcourt trio of Brito (22), Travante (15), and Ventura (11) provided steady scoring, but Serbia stayed in control thanks to key three-pointers from Dobrić and despite committing more turnovers (15 to Portugal’s 10). Mistakes like fouling a three-point shooter also hurt Portugal’s chances, while Serbia rotated stars carefully—Jokić sitting the fourth quarter and Bogdanović the entire second half.

In the end, Serbia’s talent advantage carried them to victory, though Portugal’s fight and defensive disruption kept the contest competitive. Portugal’s 11 steals and low turnover count reflected a smart game plan, while Serbia’s superior shot-making and depth proved decisive. Brito finished as Portugal’s standout performer with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, while Jokić posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in just 22 minutes. Jović added 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists to seal Serbia’s win over a resilient Portuguese team.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket Day 2: Georgia Upsets Spain, Poland Shocks…

The second day of our EuroBasket Diary is in the books, and what a day it was. Groups C and D tipped off in Poland and Cyprus, delivering wild results right from the start. From a historic first basket for the host nation to an upset that few saw coming, the day had it all.

The stars showed up, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić both put on clinics with individual brilliance. But while Greece secured an important win and Slovenia came up short, it was Poland and Georgia who owned the headlines by the end of the day. Poland’s Jordan Loyd couldn’t miss, turning the opener into his personal shooting showcase, while Georgia’s size and physicality overwhelmed the defending champions.

Day 2 had everything: surprises, highlight-reel plays, and the kind of intensity that reminds you why EuroBasket is must-watch basketball. Read more in this article!

 

Georgia 83, Spain 69

One of the biggest surprises of the tournament unfolded in Cyprus: Georgia stunned reigning champions Spain, 83–69. Unless you’ve been listening to the European Hoops Podcast and tracking our daily tips, this one likely caught you off guard.

From the tip, Georgia looked sharp offensively. Their movement without the ball was crisp, built on handoffs designed to free Sandro Mamukelashvili and Tornike Shengelia, while Kamar Baldwin carved up Spain’s defense by creating for both himself and teammates. Transition play was key, Georgia scored 10 points off turnovers in the first seven minutes, punishing Spain’s early sloppiness. Baldwin repeatedly pierced the paint and Georgia’s physicality set the tone. Even their wrinkles hit: a clever “grenade” action, a post handoff late in the clock, paid dividends multiple times.

Spain eventually steadied, cranking up defensive pressure and leaning on ball movement to find a rhythm. Their younger guards brought energy, but struggled to generate their own offense. Willy Hernangómez emerged as a reliable option inside, though Goga Bitadze made every post touch a battle.

At halftime, Georgia’s 37–35 edge came largely from a 15–8 lead in points off turnovers. Spain opened the second half with Jaime Pradilla in the lineup, perhaps hoping for more defensive mobility and pace. But Shengelia responded with six quick points to re-establish control, and coach Ilias Zouros kept urging his team to run. Georgia ripped off a 7–0 burst out of a Spanish timeout, and suddenly the pressure was on the champs.

When Georgia kept the ball moving, Spain’s defense cracked. Closeouts left Mamukelashvili open from deep, and he made Spain pay. Still, Georgia’s offense sputtered at times, long dry spells that left the door open. Spain tried to wedge their way back with a full-court press and later a 3–2 zone, trimming the margin to five in the fourth. But their shooting betrayed them: 6-for-13 at the line, and just 7-for-32 from three.

Ultimately, Georgia’s size and force dictated the outcome. They controlled the glass (16–9 on offensive rebounds, 12–5 in second-chance points) and wore Spain down physically. Mamukelashvili was brilliant, consistently making the right reads and serving as the hub of the offense. Baldwin and Shengelia delivered when needed, and Bitadze anchored the paint.

Spain, meanwhile, couldn’t find enough from key pieces. Santi Aldama and Dario Brizuela combined for just 23 points, while Hernangómez’s touches mysteriously dried up in the second half despite his success. That decision will linger as one of the big “what ifs” of this upset.

Georgia didn’t just pull off a shocker, they imposed their style on the defending champs. For a team long known as scrappy but inconsistent, this was a defining EuroBasket moment.

 

Israel 82, Iceland 71

In a hard-fought, physical matchup, Israel eventually wore down Iceland to secure an 82–71 victory.

Iceland opened with a crisp offensive rhythm, leveraging sharp off-ball movement and quick passes to expose Israel’s defense. But Israel countered with pace, attacking the rim early and pushing in transition to keep Iceland on its heels. As the first quarter wore on, Israel tightened its defense, cutting off driving lanes and forcing Iceland into tougher looks. Still, Iceland’s transition attack kept them close, and Israel held just a 23–19 edge after the first.

The second quarter was a grind. Iceland leaned on high ball screens with Martin Hermannsson and Tryggvi Hlinason to manufacture offense, but Israel’s rotations were sound, showing timely help and taking away clean driving angles. From deep, Iceland was frigid, just 2-of-9 in the first half, while defensively they clogged the paint to deny Israel easy finishes. Both teams struggled to generate perimeter scoring, but Israel’s edge in talent nudged them ahead 36–32 at halftime.

The game shifted dramatically after the break. Roman Sorkin drilled back-to-back threes to stretch the floor, and Israel’s defense amped up the pressure on Hermannsson, who endured a brutal night (1-for-11 from the field). The result: a 17-point Israel cushion. But Iceland refused to fold. They leaned on rugged, physical defense and Hlinason’s relentless presence inside, logging nearly 30 minutes through three quarters with 11 points and 14 boards, to trim the deficit to single digits. Heading into the fourth, Israel’s lead was cut to eight.

From there, Israel’s depth took control. Sorkin, unstoppable all night, buried his fourth three on his way to a career-type line (31 points, 5 rebounds). Deni Avdija imposed his size and strength, earning trips to the line and anchoring a 19-point lead with a balanced two-way effort (20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks). Israel’s perimeter defense also sealed the deal, limiting Iceland to a dismal 5-for-29 from three (16%).

To their credit, Iceland’s bench showed fight, pressing full court and cutting the lead to 10 with late-game turnovers forced. But the damage was done. Israel’s ability to punish Iceland’s 16 turnovers, combined with dominant performances from Sorkin and Avdija, proved decisive.

 

France 92, Belgium 64
France opened their EuroBasket campaign with a statement, dismantling Belgium 92–64 in a game defined by depth, defense and relentless pressure.

From the start, Belgium had no answers inside. France controlled the paint on both ends, and their defense turned every Belgian pick-and-roll into a dead end. Aggressive hedges bottled up ball-handlers, with only Jaiteh operating in drop coverage. Offensively, France’s spacing looked shaky early, an 0-for-7 start from deep in the first quarter made it clear, but they consistently generated good looks. When the second unit checked in, the offense bogged down a bit, partly because Alexandre Sarr’s screens lacked the force of Jaiteh’s. But the defensive disruption was constant: France forced eight first-quarter turnovers, with a flurry of deflections that made Belgium’s perimeter life miserable.

The depth advantage showed quickly. Sixteen of France’s first 32 points came from the bench, and there was virtually no drop-off when the starters sat. The shooting woes lingered into the second quarter (1-for-12 from three with two minutes left in the half), but France simply overpowered Belgium at the rim, scoring 24 of their 43 first-half points in the paint. Belgium tried to hunt mismatches against smaller French guards, but with switches on every ball screen, those mismatches rarely turned into efficient offense. France led 43–30 at the break, despite leaving a bunch of open threes on the table.

The third quarter started with a lull in intensity, but France locked in quickly, especially on Emmanuel Lecomte, Belgium’s lone reliable creator. France denied him touches with full-court pressure and turned him over five times. With the defense smothering Belgium’s halfcourt flow, the offense finally found rhythm: 3-for-6 from three in the quarter stretched the margin into blowout territory.

By the fourth, France had both the cushion and the momentum. The offense hummed along, the full-court press never relented, and the shooting surge continued (3-for-4 from deep to start the final quarter of the game). The final numbers underline the dominance: France shot just 28.6% from three but crushed Belgium in the paint (38–20), on points off turnovers (19–8), in transition (17–3 fast break points), and on the glass (14–4 second-chance points).

France didn’t just beat Belgium, they strangled the game with defensive intensity, depth, and control of every margin that mattered. Outside of a brief dip early in the third, it was a clinic in how to win ugly while still looking overwhelming.

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 91, Cyprus 64

Bosnia and Herzegovina opened their Group D campaign with a 91–64 win over host nation Cyprus, though the final margin glosses over a few shaky stretches.

Bosnia came out firing, ripping off a 10–0 run before Cyprus even got on the board. The hosts settled in after a timeout, with Ioannis Pashialis notching their first-ever EuroBasket basket, a milestone moment in front of the home crowd. Cyprus leaned heavily on the three-ball in the first quarter, finishing with zero points in the paint. Bosnia occasionally mixed in a full-court press to disrupt rhythm, but Cyprus stayed within reach thanks to Konstantinos Simitizis, who drilled 3-of-5 from deep. Bosnia’s focus wavered at times, letting Cyprus hang around longer than expected.

By halftime, Bosnia had pulled away to a 47–26 cushion. Cyprus had already cycled through multiple defenses, including a 2–3 zone, trying to find answers. Filip Tigkas was a bright spot, tallying nine first-half points while flashing creativity as both a scorer and a passer. Still, Bosnia’s size was overwhelming and they controlled the paint despite some carelessness (seven first-half turnovers). Their offense was balanced, with 20 points inside and seven threes before the break.

The third quarter, however, flipped the script. Cyprus outscored Bosnia 23–11, powered by 10 points from the red-hot Simitizis. Bosnia’s offense cratered, they went 0-for-10 from beyond the arc in the quarter and their lead shrank to single digits. But in the fourth, experience and talent reasserted themselves. John Roberson sparked a decisive 8-point burst, and Bosnia’s shooting normalized at the right time (6-for-11 from three in the final frame).

Ultimately, Bosnia’s superior size and length wore down the Cypriots. Jusuf Nurkić was efficient in limited minutes, posting 18 points and 6 rebounds in just 21 minutes. But Bosnia’s lapses were clear—they surrendered 13 offensive boards and let Cyprus dictate stretches of the third quarter. For the hosts, Simitizis was sensational, finishing with 22 points, while Tigkas chipped in 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Bosnia left with a convincing win, but also a reminder: careless stretches and lapses in focus could prove costly against stronger opponents in Group D.

 

Slovenia 95, Poland 105

Poland outgunned Slovenia 105–95 in a pure shoutout.

The tone was set immediately: bombs away. Slovenia opened 3-for-6 from deep in the first quarter, but Poland was even hotter, burying 5 of 8. Luka Dončić and his crew showed they were ready to trade buckets, but Poland had Jordan Loyd in flamethrower mode 5-of-6 from three in the first half alone. Slovenia’s occasional lapses in transition defense gave Poland extra bite, and a buzzer-beating layup from Kamil Łączyński sent them into the half with a narrow 47–46 edge. Dončić carried Slovenia with 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, plus 2 steals and 2 blocks before the break, setting the stage for a classic Luka night.

The third quarter swung the game. Poland erupted with a 15–3 run out of halftime, stretching the lead to 13 and eventually 15. Slovenia tried an ultra-small lineup, but the lack of a true big left their defense shredded. Dončić poured in 10 in the period, but Poland couldn’t miss, 11-for-18 from three through 30 minutes.

Still, Poland never fully slammed the door. Their own lapses, fouls, defensive breakdowns, thin rotations, kept Slovenia hanging around. The final quarter turned into a chess match of mismatch hunting and defensive scrambling. Slovenia cut the deficit to seven with just over five minutes left, but frustration boiled over, unnecessary fouls, and a general lack of composure to try to close the gap. Poland had their own problems, losing both big men to foul trouble or injury, leaving them without a true center down the stretch.

In the end, the difference was simple: shot-making. Poland finished a blistering 14-for-26 from deep (54%), while Slovenia hit just 13-for-37 (35%). Loyd stole the spotlight with 32 points on 7-for-8 from three, a near-perfect display of perimeter scoring. Dončić answered with his own masterpiece 34 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, plus 5 steals and 2 blocks, but Slovenia’s defense couldn’t withstand Poland’s pace and precision.

Poland didn’t just steal a game, they won a firefight, leaning on their home crowd, fearless perimeter shooting and Loyd and Ponitka’s brilliance to topple one of the best players in the tournament.

 

Greece 75, Italy 66
In a gritty, physical contest, Greece leaned on their size and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance to grind out a 75–66 win over Italy.

From the opening tip, Greece’s physical edge was obvious. Italy threw doubles at Giannis after his first dribble and switched screens liberally, but the strategy only led to early foul trouble and mismatches inside. Greece exploited those breakdowns for easy half-court looks. On the other end, their defense was locked in, Kostas Papanikolaou in particular frustrated Simone Fontecchio, denying Italy’s star any rhythm. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis went back to a familiar wrinkle: spacing the weak side with a stretch four, preventing help rotations on Giannis and freeing shooters for open threes.

Even so, the game never broke open. Despite Fontecchio going scoreless, Italy trailed just 36–32 at the half after tightening up defensively in the second quarter. Nicolo Melli was especially effective attacking closeouts, giving Italy just enough juice to stay close while Greece’s offense stagnated.

The second half was more of the same, slow, physical, and choppy. Italy hovered within striking distance but could never seize momentum. Fontecchio’s struggles continued, scoreless through three quarters, and every brief opening seemed to close quickly. When Giannis sat to start the fourth, Italy had a window, but Greece’s supporting cast weathered the stretch.

Down the stretch, Italy’s defensive pressure finally forced a few turnovers, but they couldn’t cash them in. Then came the backbreaker: a defensive lapse that left Thanasis Antetokounmpo alone for a dagger three. Italy’s Matteo Spagnolo slashed for a few late buckets, but Giannis slammed the door with back-to-back finishes in the paint to put the game away.

Giannis finished with a commanding 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, underscoring just how central he was to every possession. Italy, meanwhile, shot a woeful 7-for-27 from deep, and with Fontecchio neutralized until a meaningless late score, they simply lacked the firepower to keep up.

This wasn’t pretty, but it was quintessential tournament basketball: a star bending the game to his will, and a defense suffocating an opponent’s best weapon. Greece will take it. Italy, on the other hand, will be left wondering how far they can really go without Fontecchio carrying more of the load.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket 2025 Diary: The Action Kicks Off!

Here we are, back in the thick of it, with EuroBasket finally underway. The hype has been building and after a long summer of friendlies and preparations, it’s time to see who is for real. Every game is a fresh page in this tournament’s story, and we’ll be here with you every step of the way, covering all the action. The European Hoops team is ready to dive in, offering our takes on the tactics, the players and the moments that matter. The road to the title is long, but it begins now.

 

Great Britain vs. Lithuania: The opener

The opening game for Group B was a matchup of styles and expectations, with Lithuania coming in as the heavy favorite against a Great Britain team looking to make some noise. From the opening tip, it was clear Lithuania wanted to leverage their size advantage, immediately running pick-and-rolls and targeting mismatches inside. While they managed to get some good looks early on, their engagement was a bit spotty, particularly on the defensive glass, allowing Great Britain to snag some offensive rebounds, something to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses. A lot of the Lithuanian offense seemed to run through Jokubaitis, but you could tell they were missing a secondary ball-handler. On the flip side, Great Britain struggled to counter Lithuania’s size, often settling for tough mid-range shots while trying to get Jonas Valanciunas involved in their pick-and-roll game.

Despite some offensive inconsistencies, including a rough 2-for-19 performance from three-point range, Lithuania dominated the paint, racking up 62 points inside and securing an astonishing 57 rebounds, including 23 offensive rebounds, setting a new EuroBasket record for most rebounds in a game. They controlled the tempo, pushing in transition whenever possible and relying on their athleticism. The coaching staff also threw some interesting looks at Great Britain, including some brief full-court pressure, suggesting they’re willing to experiment with different defensive schemes. While their half-court offense looked a bit clunky at times, living off transition and offensive rebounds, their size and physical dominance were too much for Great Britain. Akwasi Yeboah led the way for GB with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced Lithuanian attack led by Jonas Valanciunas (18 points, 9 rebounds) and Azuolas Tubelis (17 points, 7 rebounds), who both made a significant impact in limited minutes. Great Britain’s coach also noted that Gabriel Olaseni is day-to-day, a potential boost if he can return later in the tournament.

 

Portugal vs. Czechia: A group opener with big implications

In a game that was all about defensive grit and a star big man, Portugal outlasted Czechia 62-50. Both teams looked a bit flustered early on, with turnovers aplenty. Czechia, in particular, coughed it up 19 times and, as Portugal’s head coach Mario Gomes later described, it seemed like stress played a big factor in the offensive execution. Yet, while their offense sputtered at times, Portugal’s defense was the real story, and it made all the difference.

From the jump, Portugal’s defensive pressure was intense, with strong ball pressure and a smart game plan in place to deal with Czech screening actions. They completely disrupted Czechia’s guard play, making life difficult for even the most dynamic players. Neemias Queta, in particular, was an absolute game-changer. He was everywhere, impacting the game on both ends with blocks, rebounds, and a very efficient 15 points in the first half alone. Czechia’s Vit Krejci noted in his post-game remarks that playing 5-on-5 against Portugal is “very hard” when Queta is in the paint. Queta’s dominance was historic, as he became the first player in EuroBasket history to put up more than 20 points and 15 rebounds in his debut.

The Portuguese defense, anchored by Queta, was fantastic, especially with their rim protection. Portugal was over-helping and collapsing the paint on Czechia’s drives with no necessity of doing it because Neemias was controlling and not in foul trouble, allowing easier looks for Czechia. This worked perfectly against a team that struggled with guard play and lacked consistent outside shooting.

While the defense was a team effort, with Travante Williams and Diogo Brito doing an excellent job containing Krejci, Queta was the anchor. As he said after the game, Portugal can’t always count on a perfect offensive night, so their defense has to be at this level. This defensive mindset, coupled with Queta’s rim protection, was the key to their win. Even with some offensive hiccups, like issues with out-of-bounds plays, Portugal’s “Spain” action sets in the half-court created good looks and gave Neemias the space to post up or roll to the basket. Portugal’s ability to hit the glass was key too, scoring 12 points off second chances against 5 points for Czechia. In the end, it was a crucial win for Portugal, proving that even on a bad offensive night, great defense can lead to victory.

 

Germany vs. Montenegro

In a game that turned into a runaway train in the second half, Germany defeated Montenegro 106-76, but the early minutes told a different story. Montenegro came out hot, shooting 50% from behind the arc in the first quarter, while Germany was struggling, hitting just 1 of their 10 attempts. Despite the stark difference in shooting, Germany’s initial defensive pressure kept the game close, allowing them to hold a slim 24-20 lead heading into the second quarter.

By halftime, Germany was up 46-43, but the momentum had shifted. Montenegro settled into their offense, getting the looks they wanted. Germany seemed to relax defensively after their initial strong start, which allowed Montenegro to keep pace. At the half, Montenegro was a blistering 6-for-11 from three, compared to Germany’s ice-cold 4-for-18. However, the game changed completely after the break.

Germany came out with renewed focus, led by Andreas Obst, who hit three threes in the first six minutes of the third quarter. The entire team found its shooting rhythm, with Dennis Schröder also connecting from deep. Germany’s offense exploded for a 33-12 run in the third quarter. Their size and constant attacking paid off, as they lived at the free-throw line and began to dominate the glass, out-rebounding Montenegro 38-26. Montenegro simply couldn’t match Germany’s physicality.

The final stats told the story of Germany’s second-half dominance. They forced 15 turnovers, scoring 25 points off them, compared to just 7 for Montenegro. Germany’s relentless pace also led to a 20-2 advantage in fast break points and a 22-3 edge in second-chance points, fueled by their rebounding. Montenegro’s poor free-throw shooting (8-for-15) didn’t help their cause either. While Nikola Vucevic (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Kyle Allman (18 points) had solid games for Montenegro, they were no match for Germany’s balanced attack, led by Franz Wagner with 22 points and Obst, who shot an incredible 5-for-6 from three-point range.

 

Latvia vs. Turkey

In a game defined by a scorching shooting performance and dominant rebounding, Turkey defeated Latvia 93-73. While Latvia showed heart and tenacity early in the game, Turkey’s hot shooting from beyond the arc was too much to overcome.

Turkey started strong, building an early lead, but Latvia fought back, showing their trademark resilience. Latvia’s offense was characterized by constant movement and fluid ball-sharing, often ending possessions with a “Spain” pick-and-roll action to leverage the gravity of their shooters like Davis Bertans. On the other side, Turkey’s offense was largely centered around Alperen Şengün operating in the left block early in the game.

The tide began to turn in Turkey’s favor as they started to impose their physical advantages. Their length and size caused problems for Latvia on both ends of the court. By halftime, Turkey was in control, leading 47-39, powered by their rebounding dominance, holding a 21-12 advantage. They were also red-hot from three-point range, shooting an incredible 64% (7-for-11) by the half. Kenan Sipahi was a key contributor, leading all scorers at halftime with perfect shooting, including 3-for-3 from deep.

Turkey continued to pour it on in the third quarter, extending their lead to 72-55. Their three-point shooting remained stellar, finishing the quarter at a remarkable 12-for-19 from deep, and their rebounding advantage only grew, leading 31-16 on the glass. Ultimately, Turkey’s physical superiority and a truly insane shooting night, finishing 15-for-25 from three and out-rebounding Latvia 40-23, proved to be the deciding factors in the game.

 

Finland vs. Sweden

In a nail-biting, back-and-forth game, Finland defeated Sweden 93-90. The victory was a testament to their clutch play and superior free-throw shooting.

Sweden started the game strong, particularly with their interior offense. Despite Larsson picking up two quick fouls, Sweden’s focus on attacking the paint paid off, as they scored 16 of their first 28 points inside. This highlighted Finland’s frontcourt issues, particularly with Lauri Markkanen’s pick-and-roll defense against Swedish guards. While Olivier Nkamhoua provided some crucial verticality and blocks, Finland’s transition defense also showed weaknesses. To counter, Sweden slowed the tempo and twice used a 2-3 zone, which completely stalled Finland’s offense.

The second half turned into a three-point shootout, with both teams trading blows from deep. Sasu Salin found his rhythm for Finland, while Sweden caught fire in the third quarter, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc with Hakanson leading the charge. Larsson also started to find his groove, chipping in buckets and giving Sweden a much-needed offensive boost.

As the fourth quarter began, Finland’s interior defense problems persisted. Trailing by four with under five minutes to play, Finland’s Muurinen provided a spark with his defensive tenacity and athleticism, leading to two crucial stops and four quick points. The game remained a one-possession contest in the final three minutes. Ultimately, Finland’s experience and star power sealed the win. Their physicality drew more fouls, and they capitalized from the free-throw line, shooting an efficient 21-for-26, a significant advantage over Sweden’s terrible 9-for-16 from the stripe. Despite being outscored 50-34 in the paint, Finland’s victory was secured by their free-throw accuracy and a strong 28-point, 6-rebound performance from Lauri Markkanen, who lived up to his star reputation.

 

Serbia vs. Estonia

In the final game of the night, Serbia left no doubt, cruising past Estonia 98-64 in a dominant showing. From the opening tip, they controlled the tempo and quickly built a lead that ballooned to as much as 44 points.

It was as complete a performance as you could ask for, Serbia dictated the game in every area. They finished with a blistering 75% on two-pointers compared to Estonia’s 50%, knocked down 44% from beyond the arc, and were nearly automatic at the free-throw line (89.5%). On the glass, their size and energy translated into a 39-26 rebounding edge.

The stars barely had to break a sweat. Nikola Jokic logged just 23 minutes but still delivered a smooth 11-point, 10-rebound, 7-assist line, highlighted by some brilliant passing. Nikola Jovic led all scorers with 18 points in under 16 minutes, adding 4 rebounds and 6 assists of his own. Serbia looked every bit the well-oiled machine we expect, with Jokic serving as the hub of an offense that flows beautifully and a basketball force that will be difficult to dethrone in this tournament.

Even in a lopsided loss, Estonia showed some willingness to fight. They battled for 10 offensive rebounds and turned them into 10 second-chance points, refusing to fold despite being outmatched across the board.

 

The EuroBasket action continues tomorrow in Katowice and Limassol, and we’ll be here to break it all down for you.

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro, Diogo Valente and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

EuroBasket 2025: Final Power Rankings & Tournament Predictions

It’s the ultimate EuroBasket 2025 preview! André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro deliver their final power rankings for all 24 teams before the tournament officially tips off. They dive into the top contenders, debating whether Serbia with Nikola Jokić, defending champs Germany, or a host-nation Latvia has the best chance to win it all.

The guys break down the next tier of teams, including a surging Italy, a new-look France, and a battle-tested Lithuania. They also share their thoughts on dark horses like Slovenia and Finland that could make a surprise run. The episode wraps up with their final predictions for the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners, along with some bold takes on who will shock the world. Don’t miss this final pre-tournament breakdown!

Check our Power Rankings here: https://sportsethos.com/top-posts/eurobasket-2025-power-rankings-the-ultimate-guide-to-the-european-hoops-hierarchy/

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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

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

EuroBasket 2025 Group D Breakdown: Slovenia, Israel, &…

In the final part of their Group D preview, André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro break down the remaining teams for EuroBasket 2025. They discuss Belgium, a shorthanded squad that will rely on defense to cause problems, and a high-octane Israel team with NBA star Deni Avdija leading a dangerous offense. Finally, they dive into the biggest question surrounding Slovenia: how far can Luka Dončić carry a team with some clear weaknesses? To close out the show, the guys look at the Group D odds and give their top picks for the winner and the final qualifying spot.

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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).

EuroBasket 2025 Group D Preview: France, Poland, &…

Join André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro as they kick off their EuroBasket 2025 Group D preview! They first analyze Poland, a host nation with a disastrous qualifying record that’s now looking to turn things around with the addition of EuroLeague guard Jordan Loyd.

Next, they break down a new-look France. Even without stars like Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, their incredible depth and defensive identity make them a serious medal contender.

Finally, the guys discuss Iceland, a team with a proven trio and remarkable chemistry that can make them a tough out for anyone. Tune in for all the insights and analysis on these three teams before the tournament begins.

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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).

EuroBasket 2025 Group C Preview: Spain, Georgia, &…

André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro are back focusing on Group C. They break down three of the tournament’s most interesting teams: Georgia, a physically dominant team looking to use its size; Spain, a squad in transition with a new-look roster; and Italy, a fast-paced team that can either be a dark horse or a major upset waiting to happen. To wrap things up, the guys give their best betting picks for Group C, brought to you by FanDuel. Tune in for all the insights, analysis, and picks you need for the upcoming tournament!

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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).

EuroBasket 2025: Group C Breakdown – Giannis’s Greece,…

André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro dive into Group C of the EuroBasket 2025 tournament. They break down what to expect from three of the key teams, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential matchups.

First, they look at Greece, a team with a strong defensive foundation and the superstar power of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Can they finally put it all together and go deep into the tournament?

Next, the guys discuss the host team, Cyprus, who come in as heavy underdogs. With the home crowd behind them, will they be able to make some noise?

Finally, they examine a tough Bosnia & Herzegovina squad. Could their physical frontcourt with Jusuf Nurkić and Luka Garza make them a dark horse contender?

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast episode is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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).

EuroBasket 2025 Power Rankings: The Ultimate Guide to…

It’s the most beautiful time of the year. The summer sizzle is giving way to autumn cool and some of the world’s best basketball players are gathering to play on a different stage. This isn’t the World Cup. This isn’t the Olympics. This is our game. This is our continent. This is EuroBasket 2025.

The stakes? Unfathomably high. The field? Deep, competitive and totally unpredictable. Everyone thinks they know who’s on top—but what happens when Nikola Jokić returns to Serbia, or when Latvia, the plucky, deep-shooting hosts, get the full-throated home crowd behind them in Riga? What about Germany, the World Cup champs, who’ve proven they can win when it matters most, or the new-look French team playing without their two best big men?

This is where the magic happens. Where two guys from the European Hoops Podcast, André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro, who watch more FIBA basketball than is probably healthy, get to work. They’ve been poring over film, crunching numbers and arguing with each other about who’s for real, who’s a paper tiger and who’s a dark horse just waiting to shock the world.

So, who are the top dogs? Who are the teams that can go home with the Gold? And who’s going to be a tough out, a team you absolutely do not want to see in a knockout game? This is our definitive, take-no-prisoners EuroBasket Power Rankings. You’ll want to read every word.

1. Serbia (Andre 2, Cordeiro 1. Score = 3)

 

 

André: Nikola Jokić is back. That’s the headline, that’s the headline’s headline and that alone makes Serbia a rightful No. 1 for most. He’s flanked by Nikola Jović, who dropped 22 points in a friendly against Germany, a glimpse of how frightening this roster can be if the next wave is ready to pop. And of course they have the ultimate competitor and perhaps my personal favorite FIBA player Bogdan Bogdanović.

The return of Nikola Jokić isn’t just about his scoring; it’s about the entire offensive system that coach Svetislav Pešić can now run. Pešić is a master at building half-court offenses around a central hub and with Jokić, he has the ultimate creator. Expect Serbia to lean heavily on constant motion and off-ball screens, with Jokić acting as the “point center” from the high post. He’ll be setting up cutters and shooters, turning every possession into a chess match where Serbia has the first move. The real question is whether Pešić can instill the defensive discipline needed to contain teams that play with pace and high-volume shooting. I believe Latvia has enough to use clever defensive schemes against this team while being able to grind Serbia’s defense. Picking the number one of these Power Rankings was a close call and Serbia will look like a well-oiled machine starting the tournament as favorites from day 1.

I’ve Serbia on the top Tier with Latvia and Germany as true contenders. I project them to win Group A and make it all the way to the finals where I have them taking silver. Range: 1–2 feels right given their talent and Jokić’s presence, though a 1–3 window is the safer hedge if their defense gets cracked in a semifinal.

Cordeiro: Best player in the world. Is that enough?

With that being said, I can explain more about why they deserve the No. 1 spot.

Jokić thrives with smart teams and role players who can shoot, play off the ball, and an on-ball creator like Bogi. So, if I’m talking about elite players scoring 20-plus for their team, with these two guys paired up you can expect 45-plus points from them. Defensively, we can expect some liabilities. Slow-footed centers are the worst, as we know. Milutinov and Jokić will sometimes get exposed. Of course, Jokić is a good enough team defender to do the best he can and to cover up his weaknesses, so expect Serbia to still be quite good on defense.

Jović might become the key to this team. They were missing an elite 3-and-D guy who could bring athleticism on the wing, and he has been delivering so far.

This is a team that has it all. They can play smaller with Petrušev at the 5 or even Jokić at the 5, or they can play with size and get easy points in the post. They’re prepared to play against anyone. France’s athleticism might raise some warning signs, but aside from that style of play, I see Serbia having big advantages against any team.

 

2. Germany (André 3, Cordeiro 2. Score = 5)

 

 

André: The defending World Cup champs stumbled against Serbia, but don’t mistake that for weakness. Germany is built around balance, chemistry and relentless guard play. Dennis Schröder is still the engine, Franz Wagner is already a star and the whole group plays like they’ve rehearsed every possession for years.

If you believe in battle-tested teams that play hard and have enough options to adjust to different styles, and this one has earned that label, Gold is absolutely still in play.

I’ve them on my Tier 1 with Latvia and Serbia. I project them to reach the semifinals and lose there, before bouncing back to win Bronze. Range: clear number 3, though a 1–3 window is fair, Gold is still on the table if they repeat their World Cup form, while their battle-tested floor keeps them locked inside the medal range.

Cordeiro: Depth is the word to describe this team. Compared to previous years, they will miss some players like Mo Wagner, who I believe will be a big loss. This team might have the second-best dynamic duo in Franz Wagner and Dennis, and surrounding those two is a supporting cast that can stretch the floor and switch everything on defense. That’s why they won the World Cup, because of their intensity and versatility.

I do expect them to take a slight step back on defense with Weiler-Babb and Wagner missing. Their inside game, while versatile and able to shoot, might lack both talent and size compared to bigs like JV.

This group will only go as far as Dennis and Franz can take them, so Franz needs to become a better 3-point shooter compared to the last Olympics. Their margin of error is smaller than in previous years, so the question is: can Dennis control the tempo of the game and keep his turnovers low? Personally, I wouldn’t bet on it.

 

3. Latvia (André 1, Cordeiro 7. Score = 8)

 

 

André: Latvia is riding a wave. They stormed through qualifiers unbeaten building on their impressive World Cup run. Hosting matters in FIBA basketball and in Riga it will matter a lot, this is a home crowd that turns games into events and events into pressure cookers.

I said before the World Cup that this group could be special and nothing since has changed my mind. EuroBasket 2025 feels like Latvia’s tournament. Serbia may have the bigger names, but Latvia has the blueprint to make them sweat: pace, depth and relentlessness. They’ll run, shoot threes in volume and swarm ball-handlers until the opponent gasps for air.

The engine is fueled by guards and the numbers back that up. Latvia’s offensive rating in their qualifiers was among the best in Europe, but what’s more telling is their team-wide “assist-to-turnover ratio.” They don’t just move the ball; they move it smartly, creating efficient shots without wasted possessions. The bigger issue is on the other end. Their “defensive rebounding percentage” has been a consistent concern. Teams that pack the paint and crash the boards, like Lithuania, could expose this weakness and limit Latvia’s fast-break opportunities.

Artūrs Žagars looks ready to reprise his breakout run, and his chemistry with Kristaps Porziņģis is brewing in training camp into what could become the defining two-man action of the tournament. Rihards Lomažs and the rest of the guard rotation give Latvia the rare ability to keep two steady ball-handlers on the floor at all times, an underrated weapon in a FIBA setting. The question is whether that backcourt production holds when the shooting cools, and whether they can avoid being bullied on the glass.

The frontcourt pairing of Porziņģis and Andrejs Gražulis is another key dynamic worth tracking. If they click, Latvia unlocks yet another dimension, size, rim protection and shooting all in one package. Don’t expect Latvia to necessarily win Group A. Their roster looks like one that’s wired to peak as the competition goes, turning knockout games into chaos. That could mean revenge paths against Slovenia (2017 heartbreak) and Germany (2023 heartbreak). That’s a gauntlet, but this team isn’t built for shortcuts. They’re built to take the long way and finish with gold.

I have Latvia on my top Tier with Serbia and Germany. I project them to finish second in Group A, catch fire in the knockouts and ultimately win Gold. Range: 1–2 reflects their ceiling and hosting boost, though a 1–3 window might be the truer call, defensive rebounding issues and matchup variance could see them stumble in the semis.

When I was writing these Power Rankings, I had scribbled: “Keep an eye on Rodions Kurucs’ health status. At the moment, he’s still recovering from an injury and his status for the tournament is uncertain. He plays a key role for this team.”

And now, sadly, the worst has been confirmed, Kurucs will miss EuroBasket 2025. It’s a blow, no sugarcoating it. Latvia loses something they cannot really replace: the size, the length, the defensive presence that stretches across both ends of the floor. He would have been the go-to guy to chase players like Luka Doncic, Fontecchio, Dorsey, Bogdanovic, Franz Wagner. He should even have mattered in the group stage, especially against a team built with wing length and size like Turkey. Simply put, Latvia cannot replicate what he brings.

And so I sit, thinking. Rethinking. Simulating endless scenarios in my head. Is his absence enough to shake my #1 ranking heading into the competition? Maybe. It could be. Yet here’s the thing: I still keep Latvia in the top tier, shoulder to shoulder with Serbia and Germany. Kurucs was an essential piece of Banchi’s puzzle, yes. But the core of this team, the preparation, the design, the chemistry, is still intact.

I believe in them. I believe in a team built to ignite in the knockout stages, a team that plays with heart, that finds the margins when it matters most. And more than that, I truly believe they are the only other team in this tournament with a real shot to beat Serbia.

So when it comes down to a do-or-die final, when the gold hangs in the balance… I’m picking home court. I’m picking Latvia. I’m picking them to leave this tournament with the gold.

Cordeiro: One of the best offensive systems in the tournament, everyone knows their role and their off-ball movement is off the charts. This allows them to break down defenses and create easy buckets.

Defense, however, has been an issue in their last three games, where they’ve allowed around 90 points per game (outside of that OT game against Lithuania). Italy really exposed them defensively with a playing style somewhat similar to Latvia’s. On offense, when their shots aren’t falling, they look like a regular team that struggles to score inside.

Still, expect them to improve as the tournament goes on. This roster is built to last, and with each knockout game, they should get sharper. Plus, playing at home gives them an extra edge that could make a real difference.

 

4. Italy (André 5, Cordeiro 3. Score = 8)

 

 

André: Italy has been the preseason darlings: undefeated, blowing out quality opponents and looking like the most cohesive team outside of Tier 1. Simone Fontecchio has led, but what makes Italy dangerous is that they don’t need one savior. They move, they share, they punish mistakes.

I project them to win Group C, reach the semifinals, and then fall short of a medal in the Bronze Game. That places them firmly in my second tier of medal contenders alongside France, Slovenia, Lithuania, Turkey and Greece. I give Slovenia a better shot at beating one of the Top 3 in an elimination game, which is why I rank them ahead, but I expect Italy to play at a very high level being in my top 5 heading into this tournament. Range: 4–8 reflects their solid floor and ability to make a deep run, though a slip in a knockout game could push them toward the lower end.

Cordeiro: Am I crazy? This might be Italy’s best chance to actually win something. The meeting of two generations brings both irreverence and a lot of experience. This is a team that can drag you into their chaotic style of play, they’re not afraid to make the game as ugly as it gets. You can expect full-court zone presses, different zone looks, and overall chaotic defensive schemes.

Offensively, it’s a completely different story. Their smart bigs are always looking for space to operate, while the guards consistently apply rim pressure and mix it with playmaking. Fontecchio raises their ceiling, he not only creates for himself but also frees up his teammates with his off-ball movement and even on-ball creation at this level.

The only thing they’re really missing is size in the frontcourt. Melli is smart, and Diop and Niang bring athleticism, but they lack a true rim-running big who can provide reliable rim protection.

 

5. France (André 6, Cordeiro 4. Score = 10)

 

 

André: No Wembanyama. No Gobert. That’s the reality. And yet: perfect in warmups. The talent is still there: athleticism, depth and switchability. The questions are about experience and creation. FIBA basketball doesn’t usually reward youth-heavy cores and this group might struggle with consistency. I believe Luka can pick them apart in group play, and even Israel might give them headaches. France belongs in this tier because everything could click, but you wouldn’t bet on it game after game.

France is a team built on athleticism and depth, but the “intangible” here is their identity. They’ve traditionally been a team defined by their rim protection and physical defense with Wembanyama and Gobert as the anchor. Without them, their defensive mindset has to shift dramatically. Can their young, athletic core find a new identity on that end of the floor?

And in late-game situations, who is the leader that demands the ball and dictates the offense? These aren’t things you can see on a stat sheet, but they’re the difference between a team that fizzles out in the quarterfinals and one that finds a way to win a medal.

I project them to finish second in Group D, but fall in the quarterfinals. They’re in my second tier of legit medal contenders, but near the bottom of that cluster due to the lack of experience. Range: 4–8 reflects their potential if everything clicks, though their inexperience and lack of star anchors could easily see them exit earlier.

Cordeiro: If Wemby, Gobert, and Fournier were here, France would be a top-2 team for sure. But with all the injuries in the frontcourt, the players who stayed don’t inspire too much confidence in me. Jaiteh is the only guy who doesn’t shy away from contact, but against bigger and better bigs, he will get exposed. Alex Sarr’s ability to stretch the floor doesn’t fit as well here, because spacing isn’t as valuable compared to the NBA game.

Their defense does have real upside, they can press full court and throw multiple lineups at you. But they haven’t been tested enough against bigger teams, and Willy Hernangómez took too many advantages inside against them. That’s a big red flag for when they face dominant bigs.

So why are they still ranked higher than some of the bigger teams? It comes down to firepower and versatility. They can play every style, and their on-ball defense will give nightmares to anyone.

 

6. Lithuania (André 8, Cordeiro 6. Score = 14)

 

 

André: Beating Latvia in overtime during preparation was a statement. Lithuania will still lean on size and muscle to grind games down, and they have the discipline to win rock fights. The missing piece is guard creation. Without it, they’ll hit a ceiling against the very best. But in any game, they’ll make you earn every inch.

I’ve them on my second tier of medal outsiders with Italy, France, Slovenia, Turkey and Greece. I project them to finish 2nd in Group B and reach the quarterfinals, where their lack of creation will likely cap their run. Range: 4–10 reflects their solid fundamentals and ability to grind games, though their limited guard creation could prevent a deeper medal run.

Cordeiro: I wasn’t that high on them to be honest. But their preparation games? They’ve been something else, flawless, cohesive, undefeated. Every player knows their role. I had doubts about a creator on the ball, but Jokubaitis has been shutting me up, and if he keeps that up, it gives them the spark they desperately needed.

JV might just be the second most dominant center in this tournament. He’s a reliable scoring option, and defenses will naturally gravitate toward him, leaving open looks for others. Valančiūnas, though, remains a defensive weak spot in pick-and-roll coverage. And when their shooters struggle, the offense can get congested, predictable, even a little suffocating.

Sure, maybe they’re overperforming, and maybe this level of play isn’t sustainable. But for now? They deserve their flowers. Their preparation games have been a statement, and you can’t ignore that kind of rhythm going into a tournament.

 

7. Slovenia (André 4, Cordeiro 11. Score = 15)

 

 

André: The good news: Luka Dončić is fine after his scare against Latvia. The bad news: Vlatko Čančar and Josh Nebo are out. That’s a huge hit for their fragile depth. Slovenia lands here because Luka is the ultimate ceiling-raiser. He can single-handedly drag them through games no one else could win. But the cast around him isn’t quite strong enough to lift Slovenia into the top tier, especially against the heavyweights.

I expect a quarterfinal exit, not because Luka will shrink, but because eventually the margin for error disappears. Still, in terms of a puncher’s chance to win a medal I’ve them at the top of this tier of teams. I project them to win Group D, ride Luka’s brilliance to the quarterfinals, and then bow out against Latvia. They remain in my second tier, a half-step below the top three. Range: 3–9 reflects Luka’s ability to lift them in bursts, though roster gaps make a deeper run unlikely.

Cordeiro: Too Doncic-dependent, which locks them into the No. 11 spot. There are simply too many issues holding them back: no true rim protector, very little creation outside of Doncic and Prepelic, and a lack of reliable shooters to space the floor around him.

Doncic is their only real chance to compete and stay relevant. If he goes down with an injury or even has an off night (knock on wood), this team doesn’t have the tools to survive.

 

8. Finland (André 10, Cordeiro 5. Score = 15)

 

 

André: Lauri Markkanen dropped 42 on Poland, which is both exhilarating and a little alarming, because Finland needs him to do exactly that to stay competitive. If Lauri is brilliant, they can win a game against almost anyone. If he’s merely good, they’re out.

Despite that they are a good and well run team, I expect them to deliver good performances, I just don’t expect them to have the consistency and experience to make a deep run and be in contention for medals.

I project them as a tough out, finishing 3rd in Group B and falling to Latvia in the Round of 16. They’re Tier 3, dangerous in a one-off but not built for a medal run. Range: 9–12 reflects their ability to steal a game, though their lack of depth and consistency makes a deep run unlikely.

Cordeiro: It might be too soon to rank this team this high since they’re still so young, but Lauri is that type of player, a top-3 scorer in this tournament whose versatility and dominance push them into 5th place. Even though they’re inexperienced, the team is built around Lauri, and he can score from anywhere in every way possible. Offensively, they’ll be dangerous because they share the ball well, which allows them to generate better looks as defenses collapse on Lauri.

Honestly, Lauri could justify ranking them even higher, but they’re missing a true rim protector to pair with him and let him play full-time at the 4. As dominant as he is, they’ll eventually need more defensively than what Markkanen alone can provide. And of course, in EuroBasket, every game and every possession carries extra weight, so their youth and inexperience are legitimate concerns.

 

9. Greece (André 7, Cordeiro 10. Score = 17)

 

 

André: Giannis Antetokounmpo changes everything. With him, Greece is at least a threat to medal. Without him, they’re just a solid team with no real bite. The presence of Giannis makes Greece a threat, but the roster’s “effective field goal percentage” without him on the floor is a real problem.

They often struggle to get high-quality shots, relying on isolation play that a top-tier defense can easily shut down. The question isn’t just how well Giannis fits, but how the team’s “points per possession” metric drops when he’s on the bench and more importantly how well the team fits around him. He can raise the ceiling, but a lack of a cohesive offensive system around him means their floor could be lower than you’d expect for a team with a talent of his level.

I project them to finish 2nd in Group C, then edge out Israel in the Round of 16 before running into Germany in the quarterfinals. Tier 2 team, but closer to the bottom than the top. Range: 6–12 reflects Giannis’s ability to elevate them, but the roster limitations and reliance on his presence cap consistency and ceiling.

Cordeiro: Giannis has become more adapted to these types of FIBA competitions, and he will be their go-to guy on both ends of the floor. He’ll anchor the defense while serving as the centerpiece on offense. Compared to last year, he’ll have more talent around him with players like Sloukas and Dorsey.

Spacing will be key, surrounding Giannis with reliable three-point shooting is essential, but they may not have enough guys capable of hitting 35–37% from deep. That makes their defense even more important. If they can defend at a high level, it will fuel transition opportunities, and that’s where they can rack up easy points.

 

10. Turkey (André 9, Cordeiro 9. Score = 18)

 

 

André: Turkey hasn’t found a way to consistently organize its individual pieces. Losses to Germany and Lithuania underline the gap between talent and cohesion. Şengün can dominate offensively, Adem Bona could add defensive bite, but will he even get the role big enough to matter? Turkey’s range is wide: they could look like a top-4 team in one game and a Tier 3 group in the next.

Turkey’s biggest intangible is their “cohesion.” They have incredible pieces, but it often looks like they’re playing a series of one-on-one possessions rather than a fluid team offense. This can often be a sign of a lack of trust in the coaching staff or a clash of egos among the players. While Şengün’s low-post brilliance is undeniable, the team’s ability to play with a shared purpose, moving the ball for an open look rather than just passing to the best player, will be the true test of their success.

They’ll need to figure things out quickly. Larkin’s experience helps, but their projected high-minutes players lead to defensive questions that can be exploited by the top teams in this tournament and expose them in any given game.

I’ve them in my third tier with teams that have a chance to contend for a medal, they are volatile but talented. I project them to finish 3rd in Group A, upset Lithuania in the Round of 16, and then lose a close one to Italy in the quarterfinals. Range: 7–12 reflects their upside in a one-off and the high floor volatility that keeps them a long-shot medal contender.

Cordeiro: Turkey is still searching for their rhythm and the best way to play. They’ve looked solid so far, but they lack a clear system and set plays that maximize their top players. Cedi has the ball in his hands too much for the level of production he’s giving, and Ataman needs to figure out that part of their offense.

Bona has become an underrated piece, he brings defensive tenacity and verticality, but defense as a whole remains their main issue. As dominant as Bona can be, he needs the other four guys to be more cohesive around him.

Talent and depth alone make this team deserving of the No. 9 spot in my Power Rankings.

 

11. Israel (André 11, Cordeiro 8. Score = 19)

 

 

André: Deni Avdija leads a guard-heavy squad that can punish careless opponents. But without interior presence, they’re exposed against strong bigs. The loss to Estonia underlined their volatility. Israel should be consistent but it is hard for me to see them having a deep run.

I project them to finish 3rd in Group D, fight Greece hard in the Round of 16, but ultimately fall short. Tier 3, dangerous but capped. Range: 9–12 reflects their ability to compete in a one-off while acknowledging the limitations without interior presence and depth.

Cordeiro: The top-end talent here is impressive, Avdija might be the best wing in the tournament outside of Franz Wagner. They do lack physicality inside (besides Sorkin), but their frontcourt still provides plenty on offense. Everyone can shoot, react quickly, and make smart off-ball plays, which consistently creates easy buckets.

Madar can push the pace, and Deni thrives in that kind of game. This versatility, combined with the fact that Deni is surrounded by players who fit his style so well, makes me believe they deserve the No. 8 spot in my Power Rankings.

 

12. Spain (André 12, Cordeiro 13. Score = 25)

 

 

André: This year’s Spain is a pure test of the “Scariolo System.” It’s less about individual brilliance and more about collective discipline. On offense, they will likely run a very deliberate pace, using constant off-ball movement, back cuts and staggered screens to create the one or two open looks they need. The key for Spain isn’t just scoring, but not turning the ball over and milking every second off the shot clock. On defense, their identity is built on communication and team rotations.

They’ll try to clog the paint and force contested outside shots. It’s a high-floor, low-ceiling approach, but if any coach can turn a group of role players into a knockout-round threat, it’s Scariolo.

I project them 3rd in Group C, where they’ll get France in the Round of 16 and likely bow out. Tier 3, steady but not spectacular. Range: 9–12 reflects their disciplined, high-floor approach while acknowledging the limited ceiling of this roster.

Cordeiro: This is the lowest they’ve ever been in any Power Rankings. With or without Santi Aldama, they belong here, though there’s some upside for improvement since they’ve been playing fairly well. The team shares the ball effectively, the Hernangómez brothers are performing like it’s EuroBasket 2022, and Yusta is shooting at a high clip.

However, depth, lack of size, and limited overall talent could become major problems against stronger opponents. Defensively, expect them to be elite, Scariolo can run defensive clinics, which might pay off in the long run (whatever “long run” means in a knockout-heavy tournament).

That said, their margin for error is extremely thin.

 

13. Georgia (André 13, Cordeiro 12. Score = 25)

 

 

André: This team will make life miserable physically. The Mamukelashvili–Bitadze pairing is imposing, and Toko Shengelia adds creative punch. They won’t quit, but talent-wise, they’re capped when compared to the top teams despite that Kamar Baldwin, Duda Sanadze and Giorgi Shermadini gives them just enough when compared to other teams within this range.

I project them 4th in Group C, enough to make the Round of 16 before falling to Slovenia. Tier 4, fighting for a knockout spot. Range: 13–17 captures their ability to compete in the group stage but acknowledges the talent ceiling against stronger opponents. From all teams on tier 4, they are the only that I believe can beat on of the top12 teams on a good night.

Cordeiro: If you want to compete, you need a top-tier center. Georgia has two, plus Mamukelashvili, which makes them a competitive squad. Their biggest challenges will be spacing and on-ball creation. Kamar Baldwin will need to get creative to bring out the best in this team.

Three-point shooting is somewhat guaranteed by Sandro and Duda Sanadze, but is it enough? Creation remains a problem, so they’ll rely heavily on Shengelia’s playmaking abilities. Their overall record this summer hasn’t been great, they lost all five games leading up to August 20, so qualifying for the knockout phase could be a headache given that form.

Still, their top four players Mamukelashvili, Baldwin, Toko, and Goga make them a team to watch, with the potential to fight for something meaningful beyond just making the knockout stage.

 

14. Poland (André 14, Cordeiro 14. Score = 28)

 

 

André: A reminder of their fragility: Markkanen torched them for 42. Jordan Loyd and Mateusz Ponitka will have to deliver if Poland wants to sneak out of the group, at home I expect them to do so.

I project them 4th in Group D, which means a tough draw vs. Italy in the Round of 16. That’s where their run ends. Tier 4, fighting for a knockout spot. Range: 13–17 reflects their ability to reach the Round of 16 but limited upside beyond that.

Cordeiro: Playing at home gives them a noticeable boost, but they remain fragile. They’ve given up a lot of points in nearly every preparation game, though they’ve recently picked up wins against Georgia and Sweden.

Sochan would have improved their defense, so his absence will be felt, they’ll likely continue to struggle defensively. Lloyd, on the other hand, provides much-needed support to Ponitka as an on-ball creator and allows Ponitka to focus more on off-ball duties, creating mismatches inside.

Overall, expect them to get out of the group stage.

 

15. Montenegro (André 15, Cordeiro 16. Score = 31)

 

 

André: Nikola Vučević is a legit difference maker. The issue is that once he’s neutralized, there’s no real Plan B. The frontcourt should deliver but backcourt creation is a must and they will need to find that spark sooner rather than later.

I project them 4th in Group B, which gives them Serbia in the Round of 16. That’s basically the end of the road. Tier 4, fighting for a knockout spot. Range: 13–17, reflecting their likely finish in the Round of 16 but limited upside beyond that.

Cordeiro: Their top-tier center is their biggest weapon. Vucevic provides outside shooting and can score 20+ points efficiently. The supporting cast, however, is a major concern. Alltman is their rookie import and will need to fill Perry’s shoes; from what we’ve seen, it could be a rough road, especially with turnovers and mistakes in crunch time.

Defensively, the team struggles, Vucevic tends to shy away from physicality, and their perimeter defense is weak. Still, Vucevic gives them a fighting chance against any team in their group, outside of Germany. For a deeper run, though, Alltman will need to bring his A-game.

 

16. Bosnia and Herzegovina (André 17, Cordeiro 16. Score = 33)

 

 

André: Dzanan Musa’s surgery looms large. With him, Bosnia has offensive punch. Without him, they’re just fighting uphill and might drop both in the tournament and on these Power Rankings. Musa is out due to injury that takes away their engine and I dropped them from 16 to 17 being a close call between them and Czechia. As I don’t see Bosnia beating Italy, Greece, Spain nor Georgia. While I favor Montenegro and Portugal to be 4th on their groups making them below of them in these power rankings because of the expected outcome, but talent wise they would rank ahead of these teams but the lack of Musa’s creation is too big of a blow.

I project them 5th in Group C, which means elimination in the group stage. Tier 4, fighting for a knockout spot. Range: 16–17, reflecting their likely finish at the bottom of their group without Musa nor Garza.

Cordeiro: With or without Musa, they belong here. They’re more than just one player creating, and their frontcourt now carries a bigger offensive role. Expect better looks from three as Nurkic kicks out and with good shooters around him plus smart off-ball movement, they function well as a team.

On the downside, their slow-footed center (and currently out-of-shape) could be exposed against teams like Italy, and on-ball creation remains a concern. Still, they’ve had multiple double-digit scorers, and having NBA talent on the roster will boost their scoring potential.

 

17. Portugal (André 16, Cordeiro 17. Score = 33)

 

 

André: They shocked Slovenia in qualifying and have Neemias Queta as a real anchor inside on both ends of the court. Portugal has a real shot to sneak into knockouts if everything breaks right and they perform in the right games.

I project them 4th in Group A, which gives them Germany in the Round of 16. They’ll bow out there, but just making the knockouts is already a statement. Tier 4, competitive but capped. Range: 16–17.

Cordeiro: Neemias Queta might be a new “cheat code” for EuroBasket. He’s a high-flying big who brings physicality, supported by a cast that adds defensive intensity and can create on the perimeter. They may lack consistent creation beyond their primary ball-handlers, and they haven’t been tested enough against teams above their Power Ranking position, Portugal’s only challenge so far was a hard-fought win over Spain.

Their three-point shooting has been falling, but whether it’s sustainable remains to be seen.

 

18. Czechia (André 18, Cordeiro 18. Score = 36)

 

 

André: A proud program now in transition. Tomas Satoransky brings steadiness, Vit Krejci adds hope, but the talent gap is too wide. At the same time you can’t disregard their experience and I believe it is a close call between them and Portugal, a must-watch game that might very well decide the 4th place in Group A.

I project them 5th in Group A, just missing the cut. Tier 4, solid effort but ultimately capped. Range: 17–18.

Cordeiro: A predictable team, but experienced enough for these competitions. Satoranský pushes the pace and acts as a true floor general, providing guidance on offense, without him, the team looks very different.

They lack a rim protector, which could be an issue in their group, and defensively they have some clear weaknesses. Their pick-and-roll coverage relies heavily on traditional drop schemes and recovers slowly.

On the bright side, Krejčí and Satoranský form a legitimate backcourt duo who bring size and take advantage inside. Surrounding them is a team that shoots 37% from three, giving them enough firepower to compete if their defense improves even slightly.

Edit: Satoranský has been ruled out of EuroBasket due to back issues. While the team would normally project in the 18–20 range alongside squads like Sweden or a healthy Estonia, their chances of reaching the knockout stage take a major hit with his absence.

19. Sweden (André 20, Cordeiro 19. Score = 39)

 

 

André: Sweden’s fate rests on Pelle Larsson being able to elevate their level of play. They have the upside to push Montenegro, but the margins are razor thin, and I lean Portugal over them as having a better chance to move into the knockout stages. No Bobi Klintman means less upside, he left as he keeps rehabbing from injury.

I project them 5th in Group B, narrowly behind Montenegro. Tier 4, talent limited and upside capped. Range: 17–19.

Cordeiro: It might sound harsh, but I had them ranked much higher on the podcast. Their frontcourt issues remain unresolved and likely won’t be fixed. They’ve lost to Portugal, Poland and Montenegro, and while Larsson provides a scoring punch alongside Pantzar, there’s little creation beyond them. Klintman won’t be available, and he would have been their frontcourt hope.

Larsson is their only player elevating their ceiling, standing out as one of the best guards in Sweden’s group. Bottom line: Montenegro now has a better chance to qualify for the knockout phase.

 

20. Estonia (André 19, Cordeiro 21. Score =40)

 

 

André: Estonia’s scrappy, their win over Israel in prep was a nice indicator of their competitive edge. They rely heavily on Maik-Kalev Kotsar, and he delivers, but he can’t do it on his own. This group plays hard, executes their sets, and will hang around with mid-tier teams, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Kotsar availability changes everything.

I project them 6th in Group C, competitive but limited. Tier 5, heavily reliant on Kotsar, with upside capped by depth and injuries. Range: 18–23.

Cordeiro: A scrappy team for sure, and I consider them a tier above the previous teams. Their go-to guy, however, is a center playing slightly out of position and acting as the primary playmaker for others. With recent updates, it’s unclear if he will play; if not, Belgium might belong in the same ranking spot but a tier lower. That said, their surrounding pieces know exactly what they’re doing when the team leans on ball movement and spacing.

 

21. Iceland (André 21, Cordeiro 20. Score = 41)

 

 

André: They can shoot. That’s their puncher’s chance. But once opponents crowd them, the lack of depth shows.

I project them 5th in Group D, competitive in spurts but ultimately out. Tier 5, limited depth, upside capped. Range: 21–23.

Cordeiro: They’ve been underperforming, but their big three is very strong. Hermansson gives them a clear go-to guy, capable of scoring 20 points when he wants. Tryggvi Hlinason anchors their defense with his shot-blocking, averaging three blocks per game. He underperformed against Neemias Queta, but against smaller teams like Sweden, he recorded a double-double.

They play well as a team, and their big three have strong chemistry, generating good looks while keeping turnovers low.

 

22. Belgium (André 22, Cordeiro 23. Score = 45)

 

 

André: Missing Camara, Mitchell, and Obasohan strips Belgium of what could have been a very intriguing core. That trio gave them versatility, ball-handling, and enough scoring to make things complicated for better teams. Without them, Belgium will grind defensively, they’ll rotate with discipline, but the lack of offensive solutions is glaring. They’ll have moments where their toughness shines, but there’s only so far a patchwork offense can carry you in a tournament this stacked.

I project them 6th in Group B, tough defensively but limited offensively. Tier 5, depth issues and missing key contributors cap their upside. Range: 21–23.

Cordeiro: The absences of Ajay, Obasohan, and Camara make this roster very thin and lacking in playmaking. Defenses might struggle with them, and while they are solid on-ball defensively, they lack a true rim protector. Add to that their scarcity of on-ball creation and against top-tier defenses, they might really struggle to generate offense.

 

23. Great Britain (André 23, Cordeiro 22. Score = 45)

 

 

André: A respectable qualifying run deserves credit, but this roster still lacks reliable creators beyond Quinn Ellis. The offense often stalls, relying too much on one or two players to make something happen late in the shot clock. Defensively, the rotations are a work in progress, and the lack of consistent rim protection leaves them vulnerable. They’ll show fight and maybe flash some shooting streaks, but sustaining that for 40 minutes against Europe’s elite is another story.

I project them 6th in Group D. Tier 5, competitive in stretches but limited by offensive creation and interior defense. Range: 21–23.

Cordeiro: They’ve struggled in recent friendly games, but I still rank them higher because of their size and the number of players capable of scoring. Defense could be an issue, as we’ve seen so far, but offensively they might have enough firepower to act as “one-game spoilers at best.

 

24. Cyprus (André 24, Cordeiro 24. Score = 48)

 

 

André: Hosting should be a celebration, and in many ways it is, but the roster is simply outmatched at this level. Darral Willis would be a massive help if he ends up joining after not showing up on the first announcement, but even with him, the ceiling is modest: keeping games respectable and avoiding blowouts. The energy in the gym will matter, but home-court advantage can only cover so many gaps. Cyprus is here to grow and showcase their basketball culture, not to win games.

I project them 6th in Group C. Tier 5, primarily developmental and here for experience; wins are unlikely. Range: 24.

Cordeiro: Bottom-end talent with virtually no experience in competitions like this, either at the club or national team level.

 

André’s Tournament Predictions

Group Predictions

Group A: 1. Serbia 2. Latvia 3. Turkey 4. Portugal 5. Czechia 6. Estonia

Group B: 1. Germany 2. Lithuania 3. Finland 4. Montenegro 5. Sweden 6. Great Britain

Group C: 1. Italy 2. Greece 3. Spain 4. Georgia 5. Bosnia & Herzegovina 6. Cyprus

Group D: 1. Slovenia 2. France 3. Israel 4. Poland 5. Iceland 6. Belgium

 

Bracket Predictions

Round of 16:

  • Turkey vs. Lithuania – Pick: Turkey (close call)
  • Italy vs. Poland – Pick: Italy
  • Serbia vs. Montenegro – Pick: Serbia
  • France vs. Spain – Pick: France (close call)
  • Germany vs. Portugal – Pick: Germany
  • Greece vs. Israel – Pick: Greece (competitive game)
  • Latvia vs. Finland – Pick: Latvia (competitive game)
  • Slovenia vs. Georgia – Pick: Slovenia (hard-fought game)

Quarter-Finals:

  • Italy vs. Turkey – Pick: Italy
  • Serbia vs. France – Pick: Serbia
  • Germany vs. Greece – Pick: Germany
  • Latvia vs. Slovenia – Pick: Latvia (With Luka going for 50+!)

Semi-Finals:

  • Serbia vs. Italy – Pick: Serbia
  • Latvia vs. Germany – Pick: Latvia (high-scoring, competitive and hard fought game)

Bronze Medal Game:

  • Germany vs. Italy – Pick: Germany

Gold Medal Game:

  • Latvia vs. Serbia – Pick: Latvia (hard-fought shoutout unless Serbia dominates rebounds)

 

 

Cordeiros’s Tournament Predictions

Group Predictions:

Group A: 1. Serbia 2. Latvia 3. Turkey 4. Portugal 5. Czechia 6. Estonia

Group B: 1. Germany 2. Finland 3. Lithuania 4. Montenegro 5. Sweden 6. Great Britain

Group C: 1. Italy 2. Greece 3. Georgia 4. Bosnia & Herzegovina 5. Spain 6. Cyprus

Group D: 1. France 2. Israel 3. Slovenia 4. Poland 5. Iceland 6. Belgium

 

Bracket Predictions

Round of 16:

  • Turkey vs. Finland – Pick: Finland (close call)
  • Italy vs. Poland – Pick: Italy (not close)
  • Serbia vs. Montenegro – Pick: Serbia
  • Israel vs. Georgia – Pick: Israel (closest call)
  • Germany vs. Portugal – Pick: Germany
  • Greece vs. Slovenia – Pick: Greece (not close)
  • Latvia vs. Lithuania – Pick: Latvia (don’t fully trust Lithuania’s scorers)
  • France vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina – Pick: France (France has the pace to outrun Bosnia & Herzegovina and with Yabusele spacing the floor, they can pull Nurkić out of the paint)

Quarter-Finals:

  • Finland vs. Italy – Pick: Italy (likely until end or OT)
  • Israel vs. Serbia – Pick: Serbia (not close)
  • Germany vs. Greece – Pick: Germany
  • Latvia vs. France – Pick: Latvia (France will consistently struggle with off-ball defense against Latvia)

 

Semi-Finals:

  • Italy vs. Serbia – Pick: Serbia (no one can contain Jokic)
  • Germany vs. Latvia – Pick: Latvia

 

Bronze Medal Game:

  • Italy vs. Germany – Pick: Italy (high-scoring game)

 

Gold Medal Game:

  • Serbia vs. Latvia – Pick: Serbia (Jokic dominant; Serbia can contain Latvia’s off-ball game)

 

 

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.

EuroBasket 2025: Group B Deep Dive – Germany,…

Welcome back to the European Hoops Podcast! In this episode, André and Tiago are breaking down the rest of Group B for EuroBasket 2025. We dive into the surprising qualifying runs, key players, and tournament outlook for Great Britain, Montenegro, and Germany.

Will Germany’s NBA talent and elite depth make them a clear-cut favorite? How will Montenegro’s new-look backcourt without Kendrick Perry impact their tournament? And can a cohesive Great Britain squad pull off a surprise upset? We’ll get into all of it.

Plus, stick around for our Group B wagering preview, brought to you by FanDuel. We’re giving you our picks for who wins the group and which long shots are worth a bet to make it to the knockout stage.

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast episode is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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).

EuroBasket 2025 Group B Preview: Finland, Lithuania &…

In this episode of the European Hoops Podcast, hosts André Lemos and Tiago Cordeiro dive deep into EuroBasket 2025 Group B, previewing three key teams:

  • Finland — The hosts bring Lauri Markkanen, ball movement, and home-court advantage, but can they fix their paint defense?
  • Lithuania — A classic contender led by Jonas Valančiūnas, physical play, and depth, but still searching for guard creation.
  • Sweden — Guard-heavy, well-drilled, and now boosted by Pelle Larsson and Bobi Klintman. Could they be Group B’s sleeper?

We break down each team’s strengths, weaknesses, matchups, and expectations heading into the tournament. From Finland’s pace-and-space offense to Lithuania’s rebounding dominance to Sweden’s disciplined backcourt, we cover everything you need to know before EuroBasket tips off.

👉 Perfect for basketball fans, analysts, and fantasy players following EuroBasket 2025.

This episode of the European Hoops Podcast is presented by FanDuel!

Follow the podcast for more EuroBasket previews and European basketball coverage!

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 – Slovenia

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.

 

Slovenia: Luka’s Team — All-In Again

Group D – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Slovenia enters EuroBasket 2025 with familiar hopes — and familiar risks. The roster is aging, the supporting cast is flawed, but when you have Luka Dončić at the controls, anything is possible. After a disappointing 2023 World Cup and another rocky qualifying stretch, this might be the last big run with this core. And Luka seems ready to carry the weight once again.

Best Players: Luka Dončić remains the focal point — and possibly the best player in the entire tournament. Klemen Prepelic (26 PPG in qualifiers) is their top perimeter shot-creator outside of Luka, while Gregor Hrovat does a bit of everything as a two-way glue guy.

Path: Slovenia finished the qualifiers 4–2, dropping both of their road games (to Portugal and Israel). Not a disaster, but not the sign of a top-tier squad either. They often struggled without Luka, and the team’s dependency on him was hard to miss.

Strengths: Luka Dončić. That’s it. He can single-handedly dominate a game.
Low Turnovers. They protect the ball well and rarely give opponents easy points.
Pace Control. Luka slows the game to a tempo he can manipulate — useful against faster, deeper teams. Scrappiness. They get physical on defense and force teams into uncomfortable shots. Continuity. The core group has played together for years, and that chemistry still matters in international play.

Weaknesses: Slovenia’s biggest issue is floor spacing — only Prepelic shot reliably during qualifiers, and most of his looks came off the dribble. The aging core doesn’t help; many key pieces are past their peak, and the younger players bring defense but not much creation or shooting. The Luka dependency is real — when he sits, the offense stalls. Defensive lapses are another concern, especially beyond the guard positions where lateral quickness and rotations falter. No reinforcement is expected from Vlatko Čančar, who opted to focus on his EuroLeague prep — a significant loss on the wing. And with no athletic rim-runner in the frontcourt, their offense becomes more static and reliant on halfcourt brilliance.

Bottom Line: This team will go as far as Luka can drag them. Without a vertical threat like Nebo, Slovenia becomes easier to guard in the paint and lacks the physical interior presence needed to deter elite slashers. The defense holds up in stretches, but without a true eraser at the rim, they’ll need to outsmart — not outmuscle — better teams. If Luka goes nuclear, this team can absolutely threaten anyone in a single-elimination game.

Expectation: Dangerous because of Luka, flawed everywhere else

If the roster around him steps up just a little, we might be watching another deep run. If not? It’ll be Luka vs 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 – Belgium

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.

 

Belgium: Grit, Guts and No Go-To Guy?

Group D – EuroBasket 2025 Preview

Belgium comes into EuroBasket 2025 as one of the most disciplined and hard-working teams in the tournament. They don’t have the raw talent of the top contenders, but they make up for it with structure and toughness. Originally, the presence of NBA-level names like Toumani Camara and Ajay Mitchell promised to boost their upside, but both have now been ruled out of the tournament. The recent news that star guard Retin Obasohan will also miss the competition due to an injury is a devastating blow. This absence of their primary offensive engine and two key NBA players completely changes the outlook for Belgium, narrowing their margin for error and putting immense pressure on their established core.

Best Players: With Obasohan out, this is no longer a team with a clear-cut leader. He was one of the most productive guards in any group during qualifiers, averaging 20 points and over five assists per game. His ability to break down defenses and create for others was the foundation of Belgium’s offense. Now, with Mitchell and Camara also out, the team’s offensive and defensive depth takes a massive hit. Emmanuel Lecomte, who was the second-best scorer in qualifiers, is now expected to step up. While he is a capable scorer, he isn’t the same type of playmaker as Obasohan and creating for others isn’t his strong suit.

Path: Belgium finished with a 3–3 record. They were swept by a red-hot Latvia squad but did snag a gritty win against Spain at home. That victory came with Obasohan on the floor — they lost the return game without him, but qualification was already in the bag. Slovakia was no match, as Belgium swept that series behind physicality and defensive pressure.

Strengths: This team thrives in structure. Their defense is tough and connected, particularly on the ball — they held Spain under 60 points, a rare feat in modern international basketball. They don’t beat themselves and they’ll punish sloppy opponents. The double-teaming and pressure that opponents used to put on Obasohan on every pick-and-roll will likely be softened now, which could open up opportunities for other players.

Weaknesses: The ceiling is now more limited than ever without Camara, Mitchell, and maybe most critically, Obasohan. The biggest concern is the lack of a reliable shot creator. While Lecomte can score, he isn’t as efficient when he’s forced to be the primary playmaker. Belgium still lacks interior presence, which Spain exposed badly. Their shooting is streaky (just 31% from deep during qualifiers), and in games where the offense can’t get into a rhythm, they’ll struggle to generate consistent looks.

Bottom Line: Belgium won’t wow you with highlight plays or high-octane runs. They’re stubborn, physical, and well-drilled, but losing their top three players for EuroBasket makes their task incredibly tough. The team will have to rely on their defense and an offense-by-committee approach. They can still be a difficult opponent, but their chances of stealing a game or two in the group stage are now much slimmer.

Expectation: A well-coached spoiler, if they’re lucky

Don’t expect a deep run. The defense is real, but without their main offensive weapon, it’s hard to see where the scoring will come from. They will be a tough out, but their margin for error is 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.