MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Europe Cup Regular Season is set to tip off, with a host of star players ready to make their mark in the new campaign.
We take a closer look at 10 players to watch as the Regular Season gets underway.
Shannon Evans (Promitheas Patras BC)
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: Jul 19, 1994 (32 years old) Height: 185 cm / 6'0" Nationality: USA/GUI
A prominent scorer on both the club and international scene, Guinea international Shannon Evans combines an uncanny ability to put points on the board in many ways with excellent court vision, finding open teammates for easy scores - having twice led the ACB in assists.
While Promitheas fell short in the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers, Evans averaged a solid 16.0 points and 7.0 assists in three games. In his debut FIBA Europe Cup season, he will look to make an immediate impact for the Greek side.
Mac McClung (FIATC Girona)
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: Jan 6, 1999 (27 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Nationality: USA
One of this summer’s biggest offseason signings, Mac McClung heads into his FIBA Europe Cup debut with plenty of fanfare after his exploits as a three-time NBA Dunk Contest champion.
But beyond his aerial ability, McClung uses that athleticism to take a quick first step, letting him attack the basket with ease. The American can also shoot the ball well and will look to utilize that in this competition. Offensively, McClung will be fun to watch.
Johnny Davis (Biotekno Korfez Basket)
GUARD
Birth Date: Feb 27, 2002 (27 years old) Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Nationality: USA
Johnny Davis will be another player looking to stamp his authority early, using his skill set to get to the basket at will and possibly causing matchup nightmares at guard in some instances.
A strong scorer, Davis will be one of Biotekno Korfez Basket’s main offensive options, but the former top 10 NBA Draft pick will certainly be up to the challenge.
Kris Richard (CSM CSU Raiffeisen Oradea)
GUARD
Birth Date: Mar 1, 1989 (37 years old) Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Nationality: USA/ROU
You can’t have a list of players to watch without including the FIBA Europe Cup’s all-time leading scorer, Kris Richard.
The veteran returns with high-volume scoring, incredible court awareness, and solid playmaking. Last season, Richard averaged 16 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists, as well as reaching the magical 1000-point mark to stand alone at the summit. He will aim to continue his hot streak this season with Oradea looking to go far.
Marko Pecarski (Yukatel Denizli Basket)
POWER FORWARD
Birth Date: Feb 12, 2000 (26 years old) Height: 208 cm / 6'9" Nationality: SRB
While Yukatel Denizli Basket were eliminated from Basketball Champions League contention, Marko Pecarski flirted with a double-double in his only game; scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds against RASTA Vechta.
A physical inside presence, Pecarski has a high motor and constantly looks for the best position under the basket; he's also an effective rebounder at both ends, grabbing second chances and preventing them for the opposition. A former youth national team standout for Serbia, the 26-year-old has a lot of experience under his belt.
Jordan Sears (VEF Riga)
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: Sep 5, 2001 (25 years old) Height: 180 cm / 5'10" Nationality: USA
While VEF Riga didn’t advance through the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers, Jordan Sears certainly left his mark - averaging a whopping 35.5 points in just two games.
The offensive wizard exploded for 38 points with seven three-pointers in their win over LANDAU Lions, but his side fell in the next game against Dziki Warszawa, despite his 33 points. Needless to say, Sears will bring pure scoring to the Latvian side, along with playmaking ability. He also averaged 5 assists in those two games.
Errick McCollum (Esenler Erokspor)
SHOOTING GUARD
Birth Date: Jan 22, 1988 (38 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Nationality: USA
A Basketball Champions League veteran, Errick McCollum makes his FIBA Europe Cup debut after more than 15 years as a professional.
McCollum brings an elite three-point threat for Esenler Erokspor, along with an unmatched isolation game; if he faces his defender one-on-one, it will almost certainly be an automatic bucket. Even at 38, he can still put points on the board, as proven by his 16.1 points per game for Galatasaray in the BCL last season.
Jeremiah Hill (Elan Chalon)
SHOOTING GUARD
Birth Date: Sep 4, 1995 (31 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Nationality: USA/CMR
A solid all-round player, Jeremiah Hill will bring a scoring touch, tremendous court vision, and fantastic defense to Elan Chalon this season, instantly making them a worthy contender.
The Cameroon international last appeared in the FIBA Europe Cup back in 2022 for Parma and last season averaged 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 14 games for Chalon in the Basketball Champions League.
Devin Cannady (Mykonos Betsson BC)
GUARD
Birth Date: May 21, 1996 (30 years old) Height: 188 cm / 6'2" Nationality: USA
A key figure in the USA's 3x3 program, Devin Cannady also represented the Lakeland Magic of the NBA G League in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in 2022.
A sharpshooting, high-IQ combo guard who projects as an ideal dynamic role player. Renowned for his relentless perseverance, the 6'2" guard has built his reputation on elite perimeter shooting, smart decision-making, and disciplined play - and returns for a second season with the Greek club.
Keye Van der Vuurst (Esenler Erokspor)
GUARD
Birth Date: Dec 29, 1996 (29 years old) Height: 191 cm / 6'3" Nationality: NED
Netherlands international Keye Van Der Vuurst is a free-scoring guard, known for getting to the basket through ball fakes, exceptional ball handling and laser-sharp vision.
He is also a master of the pick-and-roll, making him a delight for big men to play alongside. His high basketball IQ will benefit Esenler Erokspor this season on a stacked roster.
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