By Semih Tuna / info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce defeated Paris at the start of the 2025 EuroLeague Playoffs, but had a lucky charm in the Ulker Sports Arena.
The 2017 EuroLeague champion with the Istanbul team, Ekpe Udoh, came back to support the squad. Now an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, he spoke to Eurohoops about the experience.
“I came back for the playoffs and just to relax, you know. Unfortunately, our season ended after we lost to the Miami Heat in that final play-in game. But, you know, this opportunity to come back—I hadn’t been back since I played here—I definitely appreciated the love. I really felt embraced coming back,” Udoh said.
He spoke highly of the Paris team and what they achieved as debutants in Europe’s top competition.
“I love it. I love it because Tiago Splitter, being a big man, has a team of guards who really play hard and push the pace constantly. So, you know, it was great to see him have this kind of success. Fener was able to pull one out tonight, but Thursday will be another battle.”
On whether the 2017 team with Udoh at center or today’s squad is better, the former Nigerian-American center said:
“There aren’t a lot of teams better than that 2017 team. I mean, it’s just such an honor to have been a part of it and to bring a championship back here to Fener.”
Udoh has been working with the Hawks since 2023, and he shared his thoughts on whether any of Fenerbahce’s players are suited for the NBA.
“I think Nigel (Hayes-Davis) definitely has a chance—for sure. A couple of players, for sure.”
That led him to talk about Erick McCollum’s impressive run with the Istanbul team.
“I love seeing Erick McCollum still going. Man, he’s been really good for a long time. I definitely gotta shout him out, and the success he’s had playing overseas. I know how hard he works in the summer and how he takes care of his body—especially with his younger brother. You know, they compete. It’s great. It’s amazing to see.”
Udoh believes Fenerbahce can go all the way in the EuroLeague, but…
“This team has what it takes, but once you get to the Final Four, anything can happen. So it’ll be great to win this series and get to Abu Dhabi.”
When asked about the favorites, he pointed to Panathinaikos.
“The defending champs always have the right to claim the title until somebody knocks them off. Panathinaikos is probably the favorite—they’re in a battle with Efes right now—but Fener definitely has a chance. And, you know, that’s all you really want when it comes to the Final Four—because it’s just two games. That’s all it takes,” Udoh concluded.