Worldwide Sports Coverage • Fantasy • DFS • Gaming
Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of ASVEL, Baskonia, Zalgiris, Partizan & Milan — covering key performances, turning points and what’s next for each team.
Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!
Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).
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.
Serbia: Gold on Their Mind, Jokic at the Center of It All
Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview
Serbia didn’t just qualify for EuroBasket 2025 — they cruised. A perfect 6–0 campaign with every win coming by at least nine points, rarely needing to shift out of second gear. But qualifying was the warm-up. The real story starts now: with Nikola Jokic likely back in the fold, Serbia instantly enters the tournament as a top-tier gold medal contender.
Best Players: During the qualifiers, Aleksa Avramović was their standout — consistent, disruptive defensively and productive offensively with 15.5 points per game and nearly 3 steals per night across all six games. Filip Petrušev also impressed in his four appearances, matching that scoring mark with efficiency. But of course, the conversation begins and ends with Jokic — arguably the best basketball player on the planet — and his potential pairing with Bogdan Bogdanović, who continues to thrive in FIBA play. If both are available, Serbia has the best 1-2 punch in the tournament.
Strengths: The identity is crystal clear. Jokic is the hub, but the beauty of this team lies in its clarity — everyone around him knows their role. They have perimeter creation outside of Jokic, reliable shooting and arguably the best depth in the field. From guards who can defend and make plays to skilled bigs like Petrušev, Serbia can adapt to multiple styles. Offensively, they’re efficient, deliberate, and punishing.
Weaknesses: Serbia’s main concern sits on the defensive end — specifically in pick-and-roll coverage. Both Jokic and Vasilije Micić can be targeted by quicker guards, especially when Serbia defaults to drop coverage or automatic switches. Against teams with elite ball-handlers, this could be a pressure point. Additionally, compared to top-tier opponents like France or Germany, Serbia might lack wing athleticism and defensive size on the perimeter — something that can become an issue against teams that thrive in transition or play with physicality at the 2–4 spots.
The Bottom Line: If Jokic and Bogdanović are both available and healthy, Serbia will enter EuroBasket as co-favorites alongside France and Germany. Even without one of them, this is a team that executes, plays with cohesion, and doesn’t beat itself. The path to gold is clear — and Serbia has the best player in the tournament to walk it.
Expectation: Title Favorites
Elite talent, elite structure and the best player in the world.
This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.
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.
Portugal: Defensive Grit, Transition Hustle and Queta’s Paint Presence
Group A – EuroBasket 2025 Preview
Portugal returns to EuroBasket with a clear identity: defend, run and compete for every possession. They may be one of the least heralded teams in Group A but they are built to be a thorn in everyone’s side. Fast-paced, physical and powered by NBA big man Neemias Queta, Portugal is unlikely to go quietly.
Their 2–4 record doesn’t tell the full story. They beat Slovenia at home and nearly did it again on the road, losing by just one. Losses to Ukraine, Israel and Slovenia were competitive and the final blowout came in a meaningless game with qualification already secured.
Best Players: Neemias Queta is unquestionably Portugal’s top talent and most impactful player. His rim protection and interior presence give Portugal an anchor on both ends. Efficiency-wise, Miguel Queiroz stood out during the qualifiers, while Travante Williams and Diogo Brito were the leading scorers. Rafael Lisboa offers valuable shot-making and on-ball creation, while Diogo Ventura provides steadiness as a floor general.
Strengths: Portugal thrives in transition. Their up-tempo style creates easy points and keeps pressure on opponents, especially when Queta controls the glass. They were one of the best offensive rebounding teams in qualifying, averaging 16 second-chance opportunities per game. Defensively, Queta brings real rim deterrence—something most lower-tier teams lack.
Weaknesses: The shooting is a problem. Portugal averaged just 7-of-27 from three per game. Outside of Travante, Brito and Lisboa, there are few consistent threats from beyond the arc—and often few players even willing to shoot it. The backcourt is undersized and with Cruz (their most athletic wing) unavailable, the team is even more vulnerable on the perimeter. When pressured or trapped, they can be overwhelmed, especially in the halfcourt where creation is limited.
The Bottom Line: Portugal isn’t expected to make a deep run, but they’re not here to just make up the numbers. With Queta anchoring the paint and a transition attack that can catch slower teams off guard, they’re capable of an upset or two. But without Cruz and lacking reliable shooting or on-ball creation on the wing, they’ll have to scrap for every result.
Expectation: Tough Outs, But Long Shots
Not built for late-stage success, but competitive enough to shape the group.
This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.
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.
Latvia: Beautiful Basketball, Home-Court Dreams and a Golden Ceiling
Group A – Hosts (Final Stage in Riga)
There’s a seductive clarity to Latvia’s game—what they lack in isolation scorers, they replace with rhythm, intelligence and spacing that would make a motion offense purist tear up with joy. Latvia’s undefeated run (6–0) in the qualifiers didn’t just punch their ticket—it launched them into the conversation. Quietly. Efficiently. Dangerously.
Let’s be clear: the 6–0 record, while statistically pristine, came with a few caveats. Yes, they beat Spain by 21 over two legs, but that was a young Spanish side—a development squad more than a battle-tested FIBA core. Belgium, their other notable opponent, isn’t a continental powerhouse. Slovakia offered little resistance. Still, you beat who’s in front of you and Latvia did so with conviction.
The Stars: Rodions Kurucs led in scoring at 14 points per game (in just 3 appearances), but Artūrs Žagars’ backcourt partner Kristers Zoriks has been the quiet heartbeat—13.7 points per game across all six qualifiers on strong efficiency. And then there are the NBA names: Kristaps Porziņģis and Dāvis Bertāns (Last played in the NBA during the 2023–24 season). Porziņģis, in particular, is the tournament’s biggest potential swing factor. If healthy and integrated, he brings not just elite scoring and spacing, but rare rim protection in a system that often needs help on the back end.
Strengths: Latvia lives—and often thrives—by the three. When they catch fire, as they did with a 14-of-31 night in qualifiers, they’re borderline unguardable. Their off-ball movement and tactical discipline create a symphony of cuts, flares and extra passes that can dismantle slower, iso-heavy teams. Head coach Luca Banchi has designed a system where no possession is wasted and everyone touches the ball—think old-school Spurs, Baltic edition.
Weaknesses: But that same ball movement can come at a cost. Latvia’s commitment to pace and passing can lead to turnovers, especially when opponents speed them up. They don’t have a clear-cut on-ball creator to break down switching defenses or beat traps. And when the three-point shot isn’t falling—as it didn’t during an 8-of-31 shooting night against Belgium—things can get shaky quickly.
The Bottom Line: Latvia isn’t coming in with the gaudy NBA-heavy rosters of France or Serbia, but don’t let that fool you. With home-court advantage through the final stage in Riga, an airtight team identity and two NBA level weapons in Porziņģis and Bertāns, this group has a real shot—not just to make noise, but to win the whole thing. They might not enter EuroBasket 2025 as title favorites, but come early September, don’t be surprised if they’re still playing when it matters most.
Expectation: Dark Horse Contenders
Dangerous dark horses with a system that can beat anyone, especially on home soil.
This article was co-written by the hosts of the European Hoops podcast, Tiago Cordeiro and André Lemos. Subscribe to the podcast and follow European Hoops on Twitter: @EthosEuroleague.
European Hoops kicks off the 2024–25 EuroLeague season recap series! Tiago Cordeiro breaks down the campaigns of Alba Berlin, Virtus Bologna, and Maccabi Tel Aviv — covering key performances, turning points, and what’s next for each team.
Subscribe and rate on Apple and Spotify, and follow @EthosEuroleague on Twitter and Instagram for Euroleague men and Women, FIBA, and Olympics updates all season long!
Follow our team: André Lemos (@andmlemos) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).
Join Rick Kamla and special guest Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) for a thrilling breakdown of the latest NBA news and rumors!
Breaking News:
Kam’s Core Four: Rick’s top insights on the hottest topics, including key breaking news.
Kammy of the Week: A special shout-out to the Charlotte Hornets for finally winning something—Kon Knueppel was the MVP of the 2025 Las Vegas NBA Summer League Championship Game!
Interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson:
Does Marcus Smart still have any game left?
Rick’s Rant: Rick unloads on how the NBA and WNBA currently have a hammerlock on their players.
Kam Goodies: Rick’s early top 15 teams in each conference!
Follow us: @EthosFantasyNBA, @SportsEthos and @RickKamlaSports
Apple: https://apple.co/3Y0GxmK
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3En6CW6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsEthos
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/spencer-belt-joins-the-pod/
DC sports enthusiast and Rockville legend Spencer Belt joins the pod to break down summer league, free agency, Euro Basket, the ESPY’s and so much more!
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/summer-league-re…has-eight-blocks/
Alex Sarr had eight blocks! Dave discusses the Wizards big summer win over Brooklyn – highlighting the great performances from Sarr, Johnson, Riley, George and Bub Carrington!
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/wizards-turn-joh…up-summer-league/
Dave breaks down the Wizards most recent acquisitions, the Summer League opener, and the high quality play of Kyshawn George against the Suns!
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/enemy-1-kelly-olynyk-is-gone/
The Wizards trade for Kelly Olynyk, the Wizards most hated opponent. Only a few days later, the Wizards trade Olynyk away to the Spurs, acquiring a second round pick and two young players with lots of potential. Dave discusses the trade feedback and the summer league roster.
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
Join Rick Kamla for a solo episode, breaking down the most significant news and happenings across the NBA offseason!
Follow us: @EthosFantasyNBA, @SportsEthos and @RickKamlaSports
Apple: https://apple.co/3Y0GxmK
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3En6CW6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsEthos
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/were-a-destinati…re-to-washington/
Welcome Cam Whitmore! Dave discusses the changes in culture, the excitement around Whitmore in Washington, and runs through some highlights from summer league.
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
wheeling-and-dealing-wizards-add-jamir-watkins-kadary-richmond
Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! Dave breaks down all of the players the Wizards are still paying (Ian Mahinmi!), discusses their recent additions through the draft, trades and free agency, and breaks down free agency around the league.
FOLLOW us on Twitter: @EthosWizards @DavidAsherLevy
The offseason begins with a bang! Host Tiago Cordeiro returns to break down every key moment from the EuroLeague Final Four — from tactical triumphs to emotional turning points. Who rose to the occasion? Who fell short? And what does it all mean for Europe’s elite clubs heading into the summer? Tune in as we kick off EuropeanHoops’ offseason coverage with insight, analysis, and a whole lot of passion.
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), Diogo Valente (@DV10201) and Tiago Cordeiro (@tiagoalex2000).
Join Rick Kamla and special guest Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) for a deep dive into the latest breaking news and burning questions across the NBA, with an eye on the upcoming free agency landscape!
Deandre Ayton Buyout – What this move means for the Blazers and the league.
LeBron’s Lakers Future: Is there a “snowball’s chance in hell” of LeBron James being traded? Get the latest insights on his contract situation and potential free agency.
Timberwolves’ Offseason: A look at Minnesota’s moves so far – are they making the right plays and impacting future free agents?
Rockets: Offseason’s Biggest Winners? Examining Houston’s aggressive approach this summer and its implications.
Ace Bailey Situation: What to make of the rookie’s journey and how it might unfold in the league.
James Harden’s Clippers Return: Was his return ever in doubt? How does this impact the Clippers’ future cap space?
Latest Buzz on Key Pending Free Agents/Trade Candidates:
Follow us: @EthosFantasyNBA, @SportsEthos and @RickKamlaSports
Apple: https://apple.co/3Y0GxmK
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3En6CW6
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsEthos