FIBA 1302
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 […]
Pat Beverley, PAOK and a shot at FIBA Europe Cup glory
In a way, they are a perfect match. Pat Beverley and PAOK have both been waiting a long time to feel confetti dropping on them. With the Thessaloniki club back in the FIBA Europe Cup final, PAOK and Pat Bev have a chance for something special. One of the most vocal players in basketball has […]
The old guard stands tall in the Basketball Champions League
There will be one fresh face at the Basketball Champions League Final Four. Indeed, it’s a new venue. Yet the season will climax with clubs that have long been part of the competition battling for the big prize in Badalona. Oh what a difference a couple of months make. When the round of 16 got […]
NBA Europe somehow became more complicated
Chus Bueno has shown Euroleague is more open to working on the NBA Europe project. Yet interest from PSG and the Saudi PIF has added a new layer of complexity. Emmet Ryan on how things have somehow become more confusing just as clarity stood a chance. I promise this is a basketball site that covers […]
The St Patrick’s Day Miracle
ERA Nymburk’s sheer refusal to die stood to them on St Patrick’s Day. On the road, with the odds having been against them all season, they somehow beat Gran Canaria in Las Palmas. Emmet Ryan was on the call for an epic night in the Basketball Champions League. He takes you through an odd day […]
Super League Basketball expansion: 10 things SLB must get right
Super League Basketball (SLB) in the UK has 9 teams. It would like to have more. To make that work, it’s going to involve a lot of work. Most of the necessary stuff is desperately boring to basketball fans. That doesn’t make it any more vital to success. Emmet Ryan does a deep dive. The […]
Michael Bree, a dash of Ergin Ataman, and Jordan Blount
It was a passing of the torch moment in Irish basketball on Monday night. It was also an inspired adjustment for the Ireland men’s basketball team as Michael Bree channeled Ergin Ataman. Emmet Ryan on the win over Luxembourg in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying and the path ahead. Ireland men’s basketball team recorded their first win […]
The other EuroBasket games Ireland must track
Ireland’s men’s national basketball team has two big EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers coming up on Friday and Monday. There are games outside of their control however that will go a long way towards deciding their next step. With big games against Azerbaijan on Friday and Luxembourg on Monday, it’s safe to say Ireland’s men’s basketball team […]