By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce Beko ruled out Wade Baldwin IV for Round 17 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season and a meeting with Paris in Adidas Arena on Thursday evening.
The 28-year-old combo guard was hurt during the second quarter of Tuesday’s fixture opposite FC Barcelona and did not return. It seemed like another hamstring injury but Fener did not confirm the nature of the latest setback. Lasting 12 minutes in Palau Blaugrana, Baldwin registered four points with 1/4 field goals and two assists.
A losing display forced the team coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius to 10-6, one showing shy of the midway point of the 34-game Regular Season. The Istanbul outfit is currently tied for third.
Besides Baldwin resurfacing on the injury list, Scottie Wilbekin (right knee surgery), Dyshawn Pierre (right calf), and Arturs Zagars (right foot) remain sidelined. The rest of the players are available for the visit to the capital of France versus the co-leader of the EuroLeague standings.
“We will face another very good offensive team,” Jasikevicius previewed the challenge at the bottom end of the double-game week, “We need to reduce our mistakes in defense. In recent games, we have not been performing well on that end. And this is the reason behind our problems.”
“It will be a tough game,” added 29-year-old guard Devon Hall, “We need to play better. Stopping fast and easy transitions is very important for us. Therefore, we need to be especially careful in defense.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net