By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Playing in his 393rd Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game will set Kyle Hines above Paulius Jankunas and in sole possession of the record for the most appearances in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
In the opening week of the 2023-24 Regular Season, Hines matched the former player and current general manager of Zalgiris. The Round 2 contest versus Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv was rescheduled for October 31, so the upcoming Round 3 fixture opposite former team Olympiacos in Mediolanum Forum will set a new record on Tuesday.
“It is a huge honor, especially given the many great players that have taken part in this competition over the years. And as an American player the achievement is probably much more significant,” he said, per the official game preview shared by the Italian club, “So, it is special for me.”
Besides the 37-year-old forward/center, Olimpia Milan will also connect the EuroLeague home opener with inducting Luigi Datome in the club’s Hall of Fame. Datome retired after representing Italy in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and spending the last final three seasons of his club career with the Milan outfit. The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place before the game against Maccabi.
Injury list
Billy Baron (right elbow) and Maodo Lo (left thigh) will stay on the injury list for the team coached by Ettore Messina. Devon Hall will instead be available after missing the game in Istanbul due to muscle fatigue.
On the opposite end, Luke Sikma (left calf) and Nigel Williams-Goss (hamstring) are expected to return to action for Olympiacos. Shaquielle McKissic (knee) and Panagiotis Tsamis (knee) are both out.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net