MUNICH (Germany) - With anticipation building towards the start of the FIBA Europe Cup season, there will be star players that will be looking to steal the show in the Qualifiers.
With the pairings set and the last spots ready to be decided, let’s see who will be the standout players in these Qualifiers.
Christian Sengfelder – JDA Bourgogne Dijon
POWER FORWARD
Birth Date: February 28, 1995 (29 years old) Height: 2.03m (6ft 8in) Nationality: GER
Joining Dijon from Telekom Baskets Bonn this season, Sengfelder is keen to hit the ground running for the French side having spent the majority of his playing career in Germany.
And Dijon have a player that is comfortable from the perimeter and can shoot with confidence, but also has a soft touch under the basket and can get it done inside. He last played in the FIBA Europe Cup back in the 2022-23 campaign with Brose Bamberg - averaging 14.5 points per game, as well as leading the team with 6.6 rebounds.
Zane Waterman – Neptunas Klaipeda
SMALL FORWARD
Birth: October 12, 1995 (28 years old) Height: 2.06m (6ft 9in) Nationality: USA
Having missed out on Regular Season action last season, Waterman arrives at Neptunas looking to go one better this term.
During the Qualifiers, the Manhattan College graduate, averaged 11 points per game for Nevezis and through the domestic campaign, the American was one of the leading scorers with his attacking prowess, using his athleticism to get to the basket, absorb contact and finish strong.
Whoever is given the task of marking Waterman, will be in for a long night.
Melwin Pantzar – Bilbao Basket
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: April 10, 2000 (24 years old) Height: 188cm / 6'2" Nationality: SWE
A dependable performer for Bilbao, Pantzar will no doubt look to carry the burden for a Spanish side filled with talent as they aim to improve on their Semi-Finals exit in the FIBA Europe Cup last season.
The Swedish international shot an impressive 50 percent from the floor, averaging 9.6 points and collecting 4 rebounds a game. He produced a season best of 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in Second Round, and is a player that thrives on finding cracks in the defense inside.
He is also an important defender, snatching 1.1 steals per game last season, reading the plays expertly and using it to him and his team’s advantage.
Cobe Williams – Spirou Basket
POINT GUARD
Birth Date: July 13, 2000 (24 years old) Height: 1.83m (6ft 0in) Nationality: USA
There is a lot of anticipation on Williams’ first professional season and he will be aiming to make an instant impact on his maiden European adventure.
In his final season with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, he averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 39 percent from the field with a season-best coming in March against South Florida, where he posted 23 points and 11 rebounds.
He will bring energy and a scoring touch to Belgium and the Spirou fans will hope he steers them to the FIBA Europe Cup Regular Season.
Miroslav Raduljica – Maroussi Basketball Club
CENTER
Birth Date: January 5, 1988 (36 years old) Height: 2.13m (7ft 0in) Nationality: SRB
A player that doesn’t need much of an introduction to basketball fans is still continuing to make his mark nearly two decades later. The accomplished big man with NBA experience along with international pedigree with Serbia is now enjoying his second season in Greece.
At 36-years-old, Raduljica would love one more crack at continental competition, and showed his importance last season with Maroussi with averages of 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in the Greek league.
Kenney Funderburk – Sporting CP
SHOOTING GUARD
Birth Date: April 13, 1992 (32 years old) Height: 2.06m (6ft 4in) Nationality: USA
Sporting CP reached the Round of 16 last season and with the addition of Funderburk to the roster this season, they have hopes of making it further.
A free-scoring American in Funderburk brings a good option for the Portuguese side after averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists last season in Romania. His first task with Sporting is to get them where they feel they need to be.
FIBA