Ergin Ataman and the Theatre of Control
The mental limit is almost invariably misunderstood. Ergin Ataman is a walking demonstration of this. Considering all he has won and lost, it’s remarkable how significant one single series might be. His Panathinaikos side takes on Valencia in the Euroleague playoffs with the Turkish head coach as the centrepiece of the affair. I’ve got a […]
How Athletes and Fans Are Spending Money Differently in 2026
Sport’s finances operate silently‚ yet powerfully․ The old model of earn‚ spend on lifestyle‚ retire broke is in decline‚ replaced by a more conscious approach on one hand‚ a more reckless one on the other․ Athletes are competing longer‚ and fans are spending more money‚ faster‚ and through more channels than ever․ Increasingly‚ fans spend […]
Inconsistency plagues Franz Wagner and the Orlando Magic
That was a bowling shoe ugly game and an even worse performance from the Orlando Magic. Their series with the Detroit Pistons was predicted to be the toughest watch of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. After an overachieving Game 1, on the entertainment scale, Game 2 saw Franz Wagner and company bullied off […]
AS Monaco has one last big shot
Calling AS Monaco’s future uncertain is like calling me open to an occasional beer. Never mind Euroleague, we don’t know if they’ll even play professionally next season. That makes Friday’s play-in game with FC Barcelona all the more important, writes Emmet Ryan. Friday. On Friday there is not an AS Monaco baller that shall standalone. […]
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 […]
Nikola Jokic delivers as Nuggets take strange Game 1 win
That was definitely a game that happened. Despite his early struggles and never reaching his peak game, Nikola Jokic once again delivered big for the Denver Nuggets as they took down the Minnesota Timberwolves. The greatest player alive today is now 1-0 in the NBA Playoffs. Emmet Ryan on a predictably strange encounter. Game 1 […]
Moses Wright delivers in a very on-brand win for Zalgiris
They are who we thought they were. Zalgiris Kaunas and Paris Basketball had clear identities coming into the regular season Euroleague finale. In Kaunas, they both delivered extremely on-brand displays as the Lithuanian club punched its playoff ticket. Emmet Ryan on a most watchable battle. Moses Wright is going to get most of the love […]
Wembanyama and Sengun look to shape NBA playoffs
Two Euros carry the hopes of Texas in the NBA Playoffs. Alperen Sengun is looking to prove the Houston Rockets are better than their own fans have thought for much of the season. Meanwhile Victor Wembanyama is making his playoff debut and wants to show the San Antonio Spurs are ready now. Wow, the rest […]
It still starts with Nikola Jokic
In the second part of our look ahead at the Euros in the NBA Playoffs, it’s the turn of Nikola Jokic to come under the microscope. He’s done it all for the Denver Nuggets already. He’s being asked to do it again. The Serbian big man is looking for an extended wait before meeting his […]
European NBA players to watch in the 2026 playoffs
We all expect Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama to dominate headlines during the NBA Playoffs. Just a step below those superstars are some big time Euros that could make a big impact in the post-season. From Sandro Mamukelashvili through Neemias Queta and Zaccharie Risacher, Emmet Ryan breaks down the players who can gain real traction […]
Breaking Down Clippers Odds Ahead of Their Play-In Tournament Push
April basketball brings a different kind of tension, where every possession carries extra weight. For the Clippers, that urgency is clear; they’re in the Play-In mix, but their position and path forward remain unsettled. The real question isn’t whether they’ll be there. It’s how they’ll get there. With the regular season ending April 12, this […]
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 […]