Usman Garuba found the right way back
He wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last. Usman Garuba impressed as a young gun in Europe, made the leap to the NBA, and came back having struggled to find a place. Now, as he enters a Euroleague Final Four with Real Madrid, Garuba has a stage to prove his relevance more than […]
Why Nikola Jokic Stood Out in the 2026 NBA MVP Futures Race
The NBA calendar has reached its most intense stretch, with the Conference Semifinals unfolding and the Finals just weeks away. Yet, one of the league’s biggest storylines wasn’t decided on the court – The MVP race. Nikola Jokić found himself, once again, at the center of that conversation, even after Denver’s early playoff exit. With […]
Jean Montero shows the madness of modern basketball
Jean Montero is the star for Valencia ahead of the club’s first ever appearance in the Euroleague Final Four. Yet the discussions of his future, be they a big money move in Europe, a jump to the NCAA, or finding an NBA opportunity, dominate the conversation around him. Emmet Ryan on how Montero just being […]
Valencia refuse to blink and reach Euroleague Final Four
Valencia took the best punches Panathinaikos could throw and asked them to hit harder. In only their second ever trip to the playoffs, they are headed to the Euroleague Final Four. Emmet Ryan on how hockey subs, an unselfish attitude typified by Jean Montero, and a refusal to let fear creep in guided them to […]
Panathinaikos and Valencia have turned Game 5 into theatre
They are the two greatest words in European basketball; Game 5. Wednesday’s battle between Panathinaikos and Valencia is already historic for a range of reasons but it’s the drama behind this burgeoning Euroleague rivalry that has got a continent salivating. Emmet Ryan on what promises to be an extraordinary night. The first two games teed […]
Rytas complete the impossible to win Basketball Champions League
This was over. It was done. Until it wasn’t. Rytas came into Badalona with house money and they bet big on themselves to pull off the greatest comeback in Basketball Champions League history. Emmet Ryan on a stunning night that left AEK in tatters. Basketball is a 40 minute game. The game isn’t over until […]
AEK bring the hammer down on Unicaja’s three-peat dream
AEK controlled every aspect of their Basketball Champions League Final Four clash with Unicaja Malaga in a statement win. The three-peat chasing Unicaja couldn’t handle the Athens club in any aspect of the game. Emmet Ryan on a most impressive display. This was a true team effort. Everyone in a yellow jersey had one goal […]
Rytas outsmart Tenerife to reach BCL title game
Rytas arrived from Vilnius playing with house money, having reached the Basketball Champions League final four for the first time ever. La Laguna Tenerife were more than familiar with both the stage and the venue in Badalona. The freedom from pressure felt decisive, writes Emmet Ryan, as even the heroics of Marcelinho Huertas weren’t enough […]
Achille Polonara leaves basketball beloved and unbowed
This is not a time to be sad. It is one of celebration. Achille Polonara has announced his retirement from basketball. Obviously we’ll miss him but he won’t be far away. Emmet Ryan on a man whose approach on the court led to so much love when he needed it away from it. Achille Polonara […]
European basketball is wasting its biggest nights
It’s a great time of year if you’re a basketball fan. All four of the pan-continental competitions have either reached or are hitting their climaxes. Yet all involved with the Euroleague, the Basketball Champions League, Eurocup, and the FIBA Europe Cup missed opportunities. Emmet Ryan on why scheduling collaboration is needed. It’s a simple problem […]
Real Madrid turn crisis into control
No Edy, no problem. Real Madrid reminded us just how capable they are of adapting, even without Walter Tavares. On Friday night, missing arguably their most important player, they just plain decided they would beat Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 2 of the Euroleague playoffs. Emmet Ryan on the sheer inevitability of Los Blancos. Losing […]
Nikola Jokic is right: the Denver Nuggets need changes
It was a grim exit from the NBA Playoffs for the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic knew it too. While he urged against panic, the greatest player in the game today said change is needed. That’s easy to say but making it happen, necessary as it is, won’t be easy, writes Emmet Ryan. The Denver Nuggets […]