Basketball Champions League 31
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Basketball Champions League’s Defectors Are Reshaping Europe
With Badalaona officially announced as the venue for the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Final Four, the prospect of an all-Spanish affair is a topic of conversation. This coupled with the other machinations make for an interesting future for the competition, both near and medium-term, writes Emmet Ryan The defectors are already having an impact. With […]
What on earth is happening?
A new member body for non licensed Euroleague clubs is forming, Trapani Sharks played with two guys, and the NBA Europe project seems to be obsessed with minimising detail. It’s all quite a lot, especially for Emmet Ryan, whose own body has been fighting him in recent months. Right, let’s get the scary bit at […]
Sir’Jabari Rice has found a good fit
The first jump for an American baller to Europe can be crucial. Sir’Jabari Rice may have made the perfect choice for his future development and earnings. Emmet Ryan on how the former Texas Longhorn may have the perfect opportunity with ERA Nymburk in the Basketball Champions League. It was an opener that was expected to […]
BCL Glory Revives Unicaja Malaga’s Slam Hopes
Fear of defeat rather than the joy of winning had plagued Unicaja Malaga for months. With triumph in the Basketball Champions League final over Galatasaray, they refound their fun. Now, a season that has become historic is on the verge of becoming immortal. A grand slam campaign is on the cards. There are no easy […]
Will Cummings Leads Galatasaray’s BCL Surge
It was a familiar story for Galatasaray. When all around them were losing their heads, Will Cummings was putting his where most wouldn’t put their feet. Emmet Ryan on yet another headstrong effort in the Basketball Champions League. This one, of course, got them past Tenerife and into Sunday’s final. It is the one certainty […]
Kenneth Faried: The Manimal Rises in Reggio Emilia
Kenneth Faried has re-found his purpose in basketball. The Manimal’s move to Reggio Emilia raised eyebrows in November. Now, Emmet Ryan writes, it is proving an inspiration in Serie A and the Basketball Champions League Reggio Emilia signed Kenneth Faried to change their fortunes in Serie A and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). While the […]
Mario Saint-Supery: A Sleeper Pick in the NBA Draft?
He’s not exactly climbing NBA draft boards but Mario Saint-Supery is getting real minutes for a contender in Europe. Emmet Ryan got a closer look at the young Spaniard on Tuesday night, in a loss for his Manresa side to Petkimspor in the Basketball Champions League. This sounds dreadfully obvious but it’s much easier to […]