By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
2018 has been yet another noteworthy year in the history of European Basketball, with plenty of highlights taking place throughout these twelve months.
Together we will unravel the 10 moments that will be remembered the most. Our focus isn’t only limited in European territory, but also spreads across the NBA.
Buckle up and let’s begin!
Luka Doncic’s draft
By the end of the 2017-18 season, European fans knew that they wouldn’t be able to enjoy Luka Doncic in EuroLeague for the foreseeable future. And they were right since the Slovenian wonderboy was selected with the third pick in this year’s draft by the Atlanta Hawks, before being traded to Dallas Mavericks, with which he’s on a fantastic rookie season, touching numbers only LeBron has achieved in the past.
Real Madrid – EuroLeague/Spanish Champion
Coming off from a tough season full of injuries (Sergio Lllull, Anthony Randolph, Ognjen Kuzmic and more), Real Madrid not only managed to advance to the EuroLeague Final Four but also was crowned champion in May. Thanks to a superb breakthrough season of MVP Luka Doncic, the Queen put two more trophies up to the shelves.
Zalgiris‘ success story
The Cinderella story of 2018 – Zalgiris beat Olympiacos in the EuroLeague quarterfinals of the 2017-18 season and advanced to the Final Four for the first time this century, causing delirium to fans across Europe. A huge achievement for coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, who chose to stay in his homeland after turning down lucrative offers from European clubs.
AEK – Basketball Champions League Champion
As 2018 comes to an end, AEK is back in the European elite after winning its first Basketball Champions League title in the Athens Final Four this May. The Greek side won its first continental title in many years at the end of a dreamy season for the club.
Navarro’s retirement
Juan Carlos Navarro, EuroLeague legend with Barcelona, decided to hang up his sneakers this year, leaving behind a great legacy of achievements and records, both with Barca as well as the Spanish national team. La Bomba wraps up a unique career with 2 ΕuroLeague titles and 11 medals with the Spanish NT (3/4/3) among other honors.
Larry Brown’s European debut at 78!
It’s never too late to get a taste of European basketball! Legendary coach Larry Brown joined the bench of Fiat Turin this season, bringing decades of experience to the Italian club.
“I came here to teach, but I’m the one who’s learning”, Brown admitted in a recent 7DAYS EuroCup press conference.
A truly classy move for Turin, that made our 2018 a little bit better!
EuroLeague Players Association
May 2018 – Belgrade Final Four; The EuroLeague Players Association is officially launched. Luigi Datome has been elected as the President of ELPA for the next three years, Kyle Hines as First Vice President for a term of two years, Derrick Brown, Marcelo Huertas, and Tornike Shengelia as Vice Presidents for a term of 2 years. The ELPA aims to outline suggestions regarding improvements for EuroLeague players.
Dirk’s 21st season with the Mavericks
41 years young and still kicking! Dirk Nowitzki remains loyal to the Dallas Mavericks for the 21st straight season, making history both in the franchise and the NBA! Nowitzki, at last, began his 21st on December 13, coming off the bench in the first quarter in a 99-89 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
No other NBA player has played that many seasons with the same team.
Dino Radja’s Induction to Basketball Hall Of Fame
Another European basketball great was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, following last year’s induction of Nick Galis. Croatian legend Dino Radja was part of the HOF Class of 2018, a great achievement to add in his prosperous career.