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- Lens v17: The International Game
It’s Gone Global.
That basketball is an international game won’t be new anyone, but did you know 125 players from 43 countries across six continents are NBA rosters this season?
Or that the last 6 NBA MVP Awards were given to players from outside of the States: Nikola Jokić (Serbia, Nuggets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece, Bucks), and Joel Embiid (Camaroon, Sixers). And, it’s just a matter of time for Luka Dončić (Slovenia, Lakers).
Here are a few pearls of basketball wisdom, outside of the 50:
Across the Atlantic, the EuroLeague—Europe’s premier club competition—is a thrilling competition with 18 elite teams battling through a 34-game regular season. The top club from last season Real Madrid (yes they win everything in basketball too) is currently languisihing in the middle of the table at 14-14.
Another traditional powerhouse, Greek outfit Olympiacos Piraeus is sitting tops. They’re a defensive juggernaut and a title contender and led by Sasha Vezenkov.
Fenerbahçe out in Turkey is led by Nigel Hayes-Davis and co. are pushing pace, sitting near the top with a potent offense.
Beyond the Big Leagues, Basketball Africa League is now in its fifth season, operated by the NBA. BAL’s top clubs like Egypt’s Al Ahly and Rwanda’s Patriots are drawing eyes. Players like Ehab Amin (Egypt) are pushing for bigger stages, averaging double-digits.
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) features imports like Dominique Jones (ex-NBA) racking up 30+ PPG, keeping Xinjiang competitive.
Australia’s NBL is moving on their Finals starting this weekend. Illawarra and Melbourne have been the best teams all year and will battle it out in a best of 5 series.
And, for those complaining about the 3 point dominant style of play in this season’s NBA, Global leagues mirror the NBA’s pace-and-space evolution—3-point attempts are up 10% in EuroLeague from last season.
UCD Marian Climbing the Ireland Super League Tables
In Ireland, UCD Marian Basketball Club has embraced SportsVisio’s AI-driven video analysis and stat tracking to revolutionize game preparation and player development. By automating film breakdowns and stat compilation, the club’s coaches have reduced time spent on analysis, uncovering key performance trends and making training adjustments faster. Players, too, benefit from access to personalized clips, fostering self-improvement and social media visibility for professional aspirations.
The impact will extend beyond the current season, aiding long-term player development and club innovation. Former player Conor Meany noted its accessibility and effectiveness, calling it a “game changer.” UCD Marian sees SportsVisio as an evolving tool, with plans to integrate multi-season data and enhance community engagement through social media content.
Read more here: UCD Marian Basketball Club - A Legacy Elevated by AI.
Player Spotlights
Our players are the best! From Vegas to Boston to Dublin and Belfast, they are lighting it up this time of year!
Shoe Pick of the Week
KD’s legacy is undeniable, but his love for the game keeps him grinding. These come in all kinds of rare and wonderful colorways, but this one is our favorite (and still available at retail!). The KD17 Christmas is icy cold and built for players living in the gym at 6am. Wrapped in a winter-themed design, it’s a nod to KD’s cold-blooded mentality—because greatness never takes a season off.
What we’re reading this week
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