MUNICH (Germany) - It seems like a long time since COVID-19 brought a halt to the 2019-20 FIBA Europe Cup season, and we decided to go all the way back to highlight the all-time leaders in various categories.

After covering the competition's all-time scoring, rebounding, assists and steals leaders, we take a look at the premier defensive players with a closer look at the top five blocks leaders followed by the top 10 list in full. 

5. Maksym KORNIIENKO - 36 blocks

POWER FORWARD

Birth date: June 26, 1987
Height: 2.06m (6ft 9in)
Nationality: UKR

Clubs: Lukoil (BUL); Juventus (LTU); BC Dnipro (UKR)

Games: 24
Statistics: 11.7 PTS, 8.2 REB, 1.5 BLK

Another prolific shot-blocker, Korniienko only has 24 appearances to his name in the competition despite suiting up for three different sides - in Bulgaria, Lithuania and his native Ukraine. The forward marked his return to BC Dnipro with a solid campaign including an average of 1.5 blocks per game across eight games.

Korniienko made his senior debut for the national team over a decade ago and became a regular amongst the squad, whilst also playing in Romania and Poland after a long first stint with Dnipro.

 

4. Moustapha FALL - 36 blocks

CENTER

Birth date: February 23, 1992 
Height: 2.18m (7ft 2in)
Nationality: FRA

Clubs: Elan Chalon (FRA)

Games: 20
Statistics: 10.5 PTS, 8.0 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.8 BLK

From one French big to another as Moustapha Fall stands tall amongst the top five with 1.8 blocks per game over the course of 20 appearances for Elan Chalon. As Lessort moved on, Fall arrived for the 2016-17 season and filled the stat-sheet in helping his side make a run to the Final.

Fall matched up against Lessort in the two-legged title showdown with his side coming up short in a three-point aggregate loss. He had registered 6 blocks during the second leg of the Semi-Finals against Oostende and has since had two different spells in Turkey.

3. Mathias LESSORT - 43 blocks

CENTER

Birth date: September 29, 1995
Height: 2.05m (6ft 9in)
Nationality: FRA

Clubs: Elan Chalon (FRA); Nanterre (FRA)

Games: 38
Statistics: 8.6 PTS, 5.7 REB, 1.1 BLK

A member of the French squad that earned bronze at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, less than a year ago, Lessort first enhanced his reputation with his performances in the FIBA Europe Cup. The center competed in the first two editions with Elan Chalon and Nanterre, respectively and patrolled the paint with 43 blocks coming in 38 appearances.

Lessort finished third in the inaugural campaign with Chalon before making the switch to Nanterre and he would help his new side lift the FIBA Europe Cup title in 2017 - beating his former side in the process.

 

2. Uros LUKOVIC - 46 blocks

CENTER

Birth date: June 8, 1989
Height: 2.13m (7ft 0in)
Nationality: SRB

Clubs: Kumanovo (MKD); Mornar Bar (MNE)

Games: 18
Statistics: 12.6 PTS, 8.8 REB, 1.0 AST, 2.5 BLK

The Serbian man-mountain plied his trade in both North Macedonia and Montenegro in FIBA Europe Cup action and was unsurprisingly effective at shot-blocking - standing at 2.13 metres tall. Lukovic enjoyed a dominant spell with Kumanovo; averaging 3.2 blocks over six games during the inaugural season.

In three seasons with Mornar Bar, Lukovic has played in three different European competitions with 27 blocks produced in the 2017-18 season including a best of 5 rejections in a single game.

1. Michel DIOUF - 80 blocks

CENTER

Birth date: April 19, 1989
Height: 2.08m (6ft10in)
Nationality: SEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 60
Statistics: 13.0 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.3 BLK

Who else? Diouf takes top spot for a second time having swatted away 80 shot attempts during his 60-game stint in FIBA Europe Cup action - leading the way by nearly double the next player on the list.

Diouf's interior defense has been key for Bakken Bears and twice averaged 1.4 blocks per outing in successive seasons from 2017-19 to add to his production at the other end of the floor.

All-Time Blocks Leaders:

Position	Player	Games	Blocks	BPG	Games Played
1.	Michel Diouf	60	81	1.3	60
2.	Uros Lukovic	18	46	2.5	18
3.	Mathias Lessort	38	43	1.1	38
4.	Moustapha Fall	20	36	1.8	20
5.	Maksym Korniienko	24	36	1.5	24
6-7.	Tommi Huolila	36	34	0.9	36
	Anthony King	36	34	0.9	36
8.	Mikael Hopkins	16	33	2.1	16
9.	Worthy De Jong	35	32	0.9	35
10.	Klavs Cavars	12	27	2.3	12

All-Time Steals Leaders

5. Iakovos PANTELI - 52 steals

GUARD

Birth date: October 3, 1985 
Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in)
Nationality: CYP

Clubs: Petrolina AEK (CYP)

Games: 34
Statistics: 6.3 PTS, 1.8 REB, 2.3 AST, 1.5 STL

Iakovos Panteli played in four consecutive FIBA Europe Cup campaigns with Petrolina AEK, with the club failing to make it through the Qualifiers in the 2017-18 season. The Cypriot guard made it past the half century mark in steals having collected 21 during the following season.

4. Sean CUNNINGHAM - 57 steals

POINT GUARD

Birth date: December 20, 1986 
Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)
Nationality: NED

Clubs: Donar Groningen (NED)

Games: 48
Statistics: 6.8 PTS, 2.3 REB, 2.5 AST, 1.2 STL

The California-born Dutch international played four consecutive seasons in the competition, accumulating 57 steals in 48 games, averaging a best of 1.7 per game in 2016-17.

Cunningham has enjoyed plenty of success in the Netherlands, winning multiple league Championships as well as individual accolades. He began his pro career in Iceland before moving to ZZ Leiden and was with Donar Groningen from 2014-19.

3. Michel DIOUF - 61 steals

CENTER

Birth date: April 19, 1989
Height: 2.08m (6ft10in)
Nationality: SEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 60
Statistics: 13.0 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.3 BLK

Points? Tick. Rebounds? Tick. Assists? Not quite. Steals? Tick. Blocks? Wait and see. 

Diouf is all over the FIBA Europe Cup record books, owing to his versatile skillset and longevity in the competition. An average of 1.6 steals per game during the inaugural season in 2015 set the tone and Diouf has been adding to his tally ever since, locking up a spot in the top three this past season.

2. Darko JUKIC - 63 steals

FORWARD

Birth date: August 23, 1990 
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Nationality: DEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 58
Statistics: 12.2 PTS, 4.2 REB, 2.5 AST

Another top-five showing for Darko Jukic with 63 steals in 58 games with Bakken Bears. The Dane added another 10 to his collection this past season, though the gap to top spot has been extended. 

Jukic is fourth in rebounds, third in scoring and second in steals with his best return coming in the first season with an average of 1.7 per game over the course of 12 games.

1. Worthy DE JONG - 82 steals

GUARD

Birth date: March 14, 1988 
Height: 1.94m (6ft 4in)
Nationality: NED

Clubs: ZZ Leiden

Games: 35
Statistics: 15.7 PTS, 5.5 REB, 3.5 AST, 2.3 STL

A worthy leader at the top of the All-Time steals charts as De Jong has a comfortable advantage in first place. The Dutch international has collected a total of 82 during his time with ZZ Leiden having been with the club since 2010 with the exception of a single season in France.

De Jong has played 35 times in the FIBA Europe Cup and had another strong defensive season including 2.2 steals across 14 appearances as Leiden made it through the Qualifiers before bowing out in the Second Round.

All-Time Steals Leaders:

Position	Player	Games	Steals	SPG
1.	Worthy De Jong	35	82	2.3
2.	Darko Jukic	58	63	1.1
3.	Michel Diouf	60	61	1.0
4.	Sean Cunningham	48	57	1.2
5.	Iakovos Panteli	34	52	1.5
6.	Jason Dourisseau	52	47	0.9
7.	Damier Pitts	26	45	1.7
8.	Hristo Zahariev	28	44	1.6
9.	Tony Taylor	49	44	0.9
10.	John Roberson	39	43	1.1

All-Time Assists Leaders

5. Skyler BOWLIN - 149 assists

GUARD

Birth date: July 13, 1989 
Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Sodertalje Kings (SWE); s.Oliver Wurzburg (GER)

Games: 28
Statistics: 9.4 PTS, 2.1 REB, 5.3 AST

Skyler Bowlin was part of the first-ever FIBA Europe Cup season with Swedish side Sodertalje Kings before returning three years later with s.Oliver Wurzburg. The American has found a home in Germany having spent the past four seasons there and it was in 2019 when he helped his current side reach the Finals.

They fell short against Dinamo Sassari, though Bowlin averaged 5.6 assists per game across the campaign including 12 during the first leg encounter. He was unable to add more silverware to his collection from his time in Denmark and Sweden.

4. Tony TAYLOR - 188 assists

POINT GUARD

Birth date: August 9, 1990 
Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Enisey Krasnoyarsk (RUS); Pinar Karsiyaka (TUR)

Games: 49
Statistics: 12.4 PTS, 2.5 REB, 3.8 AST

Taylor would have had his sights on the 200-mark with Pinar Karsiyaka well placed with a possible four remaining games before the season was postponed. The American is 12 shy having built on the foundations laid down from successive seasons with Enisey in Russia.

Taylor increased his assists per game average from 3.3 to 4.6 in the 2016-17 season and dished out 60 more upon his return to the competition this past season with his side rising up through the Qualifiers.

3. Adama DARBOE - 229 assists

GUARD

Birth date: April 26, 1986 
Height: 1.90m (6ft 3in)
Nationality: DEN

Clubs: Boras (SWE); Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 60
Statistics: 7.9 PTS, 2.9 REB, 3.8 AST

Darboe has amassed 60 games in the competition - tied for most in history alongside Diouf - with three seasons with Bakken following a Scandinavian switch from Boras in Sweden. The veteran guard played in the inaugural season and is the third player with over 200 assists with his best return coming in the 2018-19 season with 4.8 assists per game.

2. John ROBERSON - 232 assists

GUARD

Birth date: October 28, 1988 
Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Elan Chalon (FRA)

Games: 39
Statistics: 14.7 PTS, 2.4 REB, 5.9 AST

Roberson spent successive seasons competing in FIBA Europe Cup action with French side Elan Chalon during the first two editions and caught the attention with his style of play.

The American point guard has the best average amongst the top 10 with 5.9 assists per game with Roberson often turning provider as well as being a prolific scorer - leading his side to the final in 2017.

1. Trae GOLDEN - 298 assists

POINT GUARD

Birth date: October 5, 1991 
Height: 1.89m (6ft 2in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: ETHA (CYP); ESSM Le Portel (FRA); Avtodor Saratov (RUS); Bahcesehir College (TUR)

Games: 51
Statistics: 17.6 PTS, 3.1 REB, 5.8 AST

The all-time scoring leader and number one in assists, too, for Golden. The American playmaker was having his best season to-date in the competition with 119 assists at an impressive rate of 8.5 per game for Bahcesehir College including 14 in a win against Enisey Krasnoyarsk.

Golden handed out 10+ assists in a game on three other occasions to help facilitate the offense, while only one other player reached the century mark on the season. 

All-Time Assists Leaders:

Position	Player	Games	Assists	APG
1.	Trae Golden	51	298	5.8
2.	John Roberson	39	232	5.9
3.	Adama Darboe	60	229	3.8
4.	Tony Taylor	49	188	3.8
5.	Skyler Bowlin	28	149	5.3
6.	Darko Jukic	58	144	2.5
7.	Branko Mirkovic	28	138	4.9
8.	Giordan Watson	31	137	4.4
9.	Ilari Seppala	27	121	4.5
10.	Worthy De Jong	35	121	3.5

All-Time Rebounds Leaders

 5. Thomas KOENIS - 239 rebounds

CENTER

Birth date: December 11, 1989
Height: 2.10m (6ft 11in)
Nationality: NED

Clubs: ZZ Leiden (NED); Donar Groningen (NED)

Games: 43
Statistics:  6.7 PTS, 5.6 REB, 1.7 AST

The Dutch center has played multiple seasons in FIBA Europe Cup in his native country with a season at ZZ Leiden before spending the past three seasons at Donar Groningen. Koenis posted 7.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in the 2019-20 campaign with his side exiting in the First Round.

Koenis averaged a near double-double at the FIBA U20 European Championship in 2010 and has represented the Netherlands senior side during FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers campaigns.

4. Darko JUKIC - 241 rebounds

FORWARD

Birth date: August 23, 1990 
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Nationality: DEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 58
Statistics: 12.2 PTS, 4.2 REB, 2.5 AST

Darko Jukic just misses out on a podium spot in the all-time rebounding charts, being one board shy of Evan Bruinsma's total of 242. Jukic added 51 further rebounds to his tally this past season with his most productive year on the glass coming in the 2018-19 season when he averaged 4.8 rebounds per game.

3. Evan BRUINSMA - 242 rebounds

POWER FORWARD

Birth date: September 9, 1992 
Height: 2.02m (6ft 8in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Rilski Sportist (BUL); Donar Groningen (NED); Falco (HUN); medi Bayreuth (GER)

Games: 38
Statistics: 12.4 PTS, 6.4 REB, 1.3 AST

Another player who has played all across Europe in the competition for various clubs, Bruinsma has always been a reliable rebounder for his team. The American had his strongest statistical seasons at Rilski Sportist and Donar Groningen, averaging 7+ rebounds per game in back-to-back years.

2. Peter LORANT - 247 rebounds

POWER FORWARD

Birth date: October 23, 1985
Height: 2.06m (6ft 9in)
Nationality: HUN

Clubs: Alba Fehervar (HUN)

Games: 40
Statistics: 13.8 PTS, 6.2 REB, 2.3 AST, 1.1 BLK

Lorant has played for a number of teams in his native Hungary during his career, but only represented Alba Fehervar in FIBA Europe Cup action. The now 34-year-old played three seasons in the competition from 2016-19 and neared 250 rebounds over the course of 40 appearances.

1. Michel DIOUF - 380 rebounds

CENTER

Birth date: April 19, 1989
Height: 2.08m (6ft10in)
Nationality: SEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 60
Statistics: 13.0 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.3 BLK

The towering Senegalese center makes a second appearance with Diouf the dominant leader on the boards in the competition's history. Diouf stands clear with 380 rebounds in total from his 60 appearances, averaging a best of 7.8 rebounds per game during the inaugural campaign. 

All-Time Rebounds Leaders:

Position	Player	Games	Rebounds	RPG
1.	Michel Diouf (SEN)	60	380	6.3
2.	Peter Lorant (HUN)	40	247	6.2
3.	Evan Bruinsma (USA)	38	242	6.4
4.	Darko Jukic (DEN)	58	241	4.2
5.	Thomas Koenis (NED)	43	239	5.6
6.	Drago Pasalic (CRO)	56	227	4.1
7.	Zeljko Sakic (CRO)	30	225	7.5
8.	Reigarvius Williams (USA)	24	216	9.0
9.	DJ Kennedy (USA)	30	216	7.2
10.	Mathias Lessort (FRA)	38	216	5.7

All-Time Points Leaders

5. Cameron CLARK - 575 points

SMALL FORWARD

Birth date: September 16, 1991 
Height: 2.01m (6ft 7in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Elan Chalon (FRA); Bahcesehir College (TUR)

Games: 34
Statistics: 16.9 PTS, 5.3 REB, 1.5 AST

Cameron Clark was another returnee to the FIBA Europe Cup fold this past season and was able to add to his points tally having been the leading scorer in the 2016-17 season. The former Oklahoma Sooner put up 20.2 points per game as Elan Chalon made it all the way to the Final.

The chance to go one step further was denied as the 2019-20 season was halted by COVID-19 shortly after Bahcesehir College progressed to the Semi-Finals. Clark once again averaged double figures in scoring and edges out compatriot and former teammate John Roberson into fifth spot having played five fewer games in the competition.

4. Tony TAYLOR - 609 points

POINT GUARD

Birth date: August 9, 1990 
Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: Enisey Krasnoyarsk (RUS); Pinar Karsiyaka (TUR)

Games: 49
Statistics: 12.4 PTS, 2.5 REB, 3.8 AST

Tony Taylor made his return to FIBA Europe Cup action this past season when he signed with Pinar Karsiyaka. The American helped the Turkish side progress to the Semi-Finals after averaging 11.5 points per game including a best of 23 points in the Second Round.

He previously played in the first two editions of the competition with Enisey Krasnoyarsk - advancing to the Final Four in 2016 before spending another season. Taylor has also played in Poland, France and Italy during his pro career after four years at George Washington.

3. Darko JUKIC - 708 points

FORWARD

Birth date: August 23, 1990 
Height: 1.98m (6ft 6in)
Nationality: DEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 58
Statistics: 12.2 PTS, 4.2 REB, 2.5 AST

Darko Jukic passed the 700-point mark during the 2019-20 season and rounds out the top three, behind his Bakken Bears teammate Michel Diouf. The Danish forward has played alongside his brother Zarko at national team level, whilst enjoying recent success in the domestic league.

Jukic is now 99 points ahead of fourth-place having racked up 58 appearances in the competition to average 12.2 points per game with Bakken Bears having advanced to the Semi-Finals in the 2019-20 season.

2. Michel DIOUF - 781 points

CENTER

Birth date: April 19, 1989
Height: 2.08m (6ft 10in)
Nationality: SEN

Clubs: Bakken Bears (DEN)

Games: 60
Statistics: 13.0 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 1.3 BLK

Diouf has been a mainstay for Bakken Bears and a prominent feature at both ends of the floor in the paint since joining the club in 2015. The now 31-year-old averaged 15.4 points per game in the first of four seasons in the competition having reached the Semi-Finals in 2017-18.

The Senegalese big man spent the majority of his pro career in Spain, starting out in 2009, before his move to Denmark and has helped the Bears to a run of consecutive domestic championships.

1. Trae GOLDEN - 897 points

POINT GUARD

Birth date: October 5, 1991 
Height: 1.89m (6ft 2in)
Nationality: USA

Clubs: ETHA (CYP); ESSM Le Portel (FRA); Avtodor Saratov (RUS); Bahcesehir College (TUR)

Games: 51
Statistics: 17.6 PTS, 3.1 REB, 5.8 AST

The runaway leader at the top of the all-time scoring charts of FIBA Europe Cup history, Trae Golden has been a constant threat on the offensive end having played for four different teams in the competition during a six-year pro career to date.

Golden finished his college career in his native Atlanta, Georgia after transferring from Tennessee to Georgia Tech before turning pro in 2014 with a move to Finland. This season, he broke the all-time record for points scored in a game with 42 in a Play-Off victory for Bahcesehir College with almost 20 points per game during the 2019-20 campaign. 

All-Time Points Leaders:

Position	Player	Games	Points	PPG
1.	Trae Golden (USA)	51	897	17.6
2.	Michel Diouf (SEN)	60	781	13.0
3.	Darko Jukic (DEN)	58	708	12.2
4.	Tony Taylor (USA)	49	609	12.4
5.	Cameron Clark (USA)	34	575	16.9
6.	John Roberson (USA)	39	575	14.7
7.	Drago Pasalic (CRO)	56	568	10.1
8.	Peter Lorant (HUN)	40	551	13.8
9.	Worthy de Jong (NED)	35	548	15.7
10.	Daequan Cook (USA)	32	544	17.0

FIBA