By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Basketball Champions League is set to launch the 2023-24 Regular Season, the eighth installment of the competition.
Eurohoops previews the new Regular Season, scanning the rosters of the 32 participating teams from 14 countries. Get ready to follow the action tipping off this week, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Five teams represent Turkiye. France, Greece, and Spain carry four teams apiece. Germany has three teams. Israel and Italy have two teams each. Belgium, Bosnia-Herzogovina, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Portugal all have one single team in the Regular Season. Basketball all around Europe is on the menu.
The experience
The Champions League has built a reputation for presenting promising youngsters to a high-level continental competition, providing the platform for them to shine. However, experienced players with impressive careers are on hand as well. This season is no exception with numerous stars ready to set the pace.
Errick McCollum
A second BCL campaign for the 35-year-old combo guard. Packing numerous stops all around Europe for more than a decade, McCollum running it back with Pinar Karsiyaka is a confirmation of plans to contend for the title, following the premature ending to the 2022-23 campaign.
Marcelo Huertas
A veteran of four BCL seasons, including the 2022 Final Four MVP award directly connected to the championship. Slowing down is far from the intentions of the 40-year-old combo guard, nor will Lenovo Tenerife shy away from the group of contenders.
Sam Van Rossom
At 37, he returned to Filou Oostende and will debut in the BCL. The lasting original of the competition, guided by Dario Gjergja, looks more than capable of reaching the later stages, especially with Van Rossom back in town.
And more
Dairis Bertans, Toney Douglas, Melvin Ejim, Dylan Ennis, Johnny Hamilton, Zach Hankins, David Holston, Vojtech Hruban, Paul Lacombe, Ben McLemore, Jonah Radebaugh, Joe Ragland, and Giorgi Shermadini along with head coach Vassilis Spanoulis will be around as well. So, don’t miss out.
Youngsters to shine
Flying under the radar must be the most important requirement for a promising upstart to log a breakout campaign but not necessary.
Mouhamet Diouf
After representing Italy in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the 22-year-old forward makes his way back to the BCL. Switching from UnaHotels Reggio Emilia to Rio Breogan can boost his production.
David Mutaf
Also changing teams over the summer, David Mutaf joined the project of Bursaspor Info Yatirim projects yet another possible breakout campaign. The 21-year-old forward will debut in the BCL.
Omiros Netzipoglou
His path led from Aris to AEK Betsson. The 21-year-old guard playing under experienced tactician Joan Plaza can work wonders.
Along with Sadik Emir Kabaca
Following in the footsteps of the 2022-23 Best Young Player Sadik Emir Kabaca can bring up a direct collision with the 22-year-old forward of Galatasaray Ekmas as the youngster is running it back with the Lions. The list of potential contenders for the award extends to Gerald Ayayi, Ege Demir, Ousmane Diop, Furkan Haltali, Benedek Kovacs, Mario Nakic, Xander Pintelon, Mario Saint-Supery, Len Schoormann, and more looking for the opportunity to up their games.