Bogdan Bogdanovic 26
Slovenia Supreme as they claim EuroBasket 2017 title
Goran Dragic said he had dreamt a thousand times of nights like this but, after an epic battle, he need dream no more as Slovenia overcame Serbia to win EuroBasket2017. Emmet Ryan looks back on a thrilling final where the Dragon spurred his team on and the less heralded players came big when it mattered […]
Preview: Slovenia vs Serbia – EuroBasket 2017 final
After two and a half weeks of action it all comes down to this. One game to lift the Nikolai Semashko Trophy. Slovenia is looking to make history on multiple levels while Serbia is looking to go that one step further after losses in major finals in 2009, 2014, and 2016. 40 minutes will decide […]
Serbia’s ice man cometh
Bogdan Bogdanovic has not just been Serbia’s leader in EuroBasket 2017, he has been a model of calm when the game is on the line. In part two of our look ahead to Sunday’s final, Emmet Ryan looks at how Bogdan has grown over the past year and this tournament into a man who feels […]
Bogdanovic comes big to put Serbia in the final
It should never have been this close but Alexey Shved reminded every young player why they should practice their free throws. After a dominant first half, Serbia had to grind out victory over Russia to book their place in the final of EuroBasket 2017. Emmet Ryan writes that we saw the leadership of Bogdan Bogdanovic […]
Individual battles will define collective glory
Ahead of Serbia’s re-match with Russia, Emmet Ryan has selected three key battles that will decide who makes the semi-final. The group game won’t matter when a place in the final is at stake but there were lessons from that clash which could prove telling on Friday night The group phase game was an upset. […]
Serbia show no mercy in disposal of Italy
Italy came to Istanbul with a plan and their goal was to essentially kill basketball. Sasa Djordjevic was having none of it and neither for that matter were his bigs. Emmet Ryan on how Serbia put Italy to the sword in a clinical display that was their most accomplished of the tournament to date And […]
Bogdan wants the weight that comes with the crown
With his side in with a good shot at taking top seed out of Group D at EuroBasket 2017, Bogdan Bogdanovic has a chance to lead Serbia to its first medal finish since 2009. Bogdanovic however has been up and down across the competition, despite coming good when it matters. Emmet Ryan looks at how […]
Bogdan shines as Serbia cruise past Great Britain
Serbia had to keep their starters in for a little longer than expected but eventually they eased to victory over a gallant Great Britain side to formally book their spot in the second round of EuroBasket 2017. Emmet Ryan reports from Istanbul on an entertaining if somewhat predictable contest As expected this one started with […]
Russia fend off the Bobinator to beat Serbia
Serbia looked flat and predictable on offence as a relaxed Russia side pulled off an upset on the second day of action in Group D of EuroBasket 2017. Despite a big personal outing for Boban Marjanovic, Serbia were flat on offence throughout the contest and will lament a poor display that could end up costing […]
The players demand a voice
Behind the glory, the players are revolting With the players not being quiet anymore, FIBA and Euroleague both need to work together to fix the calendar issue. Emmet Ryan on why player power, with our without a union, is greater than ever and why those who play the game are important voices in shaping its […]
Fenerbahce make history as they claim 2017 Euroleague title
Fenerbahce were made to work for it but eventually, with the help of an unexpected intervention by Pero Antic, they romped to victory over Olympiacos as the Euroleague Final Four and the season as a whole came to a conclusion with a new name on the trophy. Emmet Ryan, on a memorable night in Istanbul […]
Ekpe Udoh reigns supreme as Fenerbahce beat Real Madrid
The nerves didn’t get to the hosts as Ekpe Udoh delivered a tremendous performance to guide Fenerbahce past Real Madrid and into Sunday’s Euroleague Final Four championship game. Emmet Ryan reports from Istanbul There was no doubt who the home team was as Fenerbahce and Real Madrid got ready for battle. Real’s players were greeted […]