RIGA (Latvia) - The curtain is raised at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 in Tampere and Riga and our eyes were blessed with some incredible individual performances on the first day of action already.
But who had the best showing on the opening day? We have left that for you to decide by casting your vote in the fan poll below and letting us know who you think deserves to be named Player of the Day.
Neemias Queta made his FIBA EuroBasket debut in Riga, and it was one to remember. Portugal's big man dominated in the paint, inspiring his country's 60-52 victory over Poland - their first EuroBasket success after 18 years. A monstrous 23-point, 18-rebound double-double with 4 blocks to add amounted to an efficiency of 39, an early tournament-high.
Elsewhere, Nikola Vucevic had a big start to his last FIBA EuroBasket campaign. Even though Montenegro lost to Germany 106-76 without much drama, the center gave his all with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Even that kind of double-double was not enough to kickstart an upset over the world champs.
Sweden were inches short of upsetting Finland on their home soil in Tampere, but still fell in a close 93-90 encounter. However, Ludvig Hakanson was the main reason Sweden even came that close as he showed a red-hot hand with six made three-pointers on his way to 30 points, also dishing out 5 dimes.
Finland had a hot hand of their own in that battle of the neighbors. Lauri Markkanen went into the tournament with a preparations campaign to remember, and followed those steps with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. A stellar showing which set up hosts on the path to more success.
A packed Arena Riga also witnessed Türkiye stun hosts Latvia 93-73 powered by an unexpected hero. Kenan Sipahi shot a perfect 100 percent from the field and drained five three-pointers to silence the 11,000 fans in the arena. The guard tallied 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for Ergin Ataman's revenge squad.
FIBA