By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce Beko tipped off a busy week of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague teams holding their annual season-opening Media Days. FC Bayern Munich and LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne were featured in other Media Day sessions on Monday.
The team based in Istanbul recently completed the transfer of Sehmus Hazer. Offseason additions also include Achille Polonara and Pierria Henry, both arriving from Baskonia. Perhaps the most significant change compared to 2020-21, Sasha Djordjevic replacing Igor Kokoskov at the head coaching position.
“We know the importance of this jersey,” stated the latest Serbian boss of Fener during the Media Day, “Our goal is to present the best team possible and win every competition. We are aware of the expectations. There is an incredible amount of talent in this team.”
Bayern, coming off its first Playoffs berth in EuroLeague, picked up Augustine Rubit, DeShaun Thomas, Corey Walden, Joshua Obiesie, Othello Hunter, Darrun Hilliard, Gavin Schilling, Andreas Obst, and Ognjen Jaramaz this summer aiming for even more EuroLeague success under the guidance of Italian mastermind Andrea Trinchieri.
ASVEL, ran by Tony Parker and coached by T.J. Parker, threw in the mix Youssoupha Fall, Chris Jones, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Dylan Osetkowski, Elie Okobo, Raymar Morgan, and Victor Wembanyama pairing them with returning players Charles Kahudi, Paul Lacombe, Antoine Diot, William Howard, and Matthew Strazel.
Baskonia, ALBA Berlin, FC Barcelona, Zenit Saint-Petersburg, and Zalgiris have already gone through the annual Media Day to present their new teams. More EuroLeague participants will be following in the footsteps of the aforementioned sides taking their turn later this week.