The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas: Recent Episodes
Euroleague Basketball Podcasts
Joe Arlauckas sits down with some of the biggest names in European basketball - past and present - to learn more about their lives on and off the hardwood.
In this special 25th anniversary episode of The Crossover, Joe Arlauckas is joined by Mike Batiste and Coach Dimitris Itoudis to revisit the legendary Panathinaikos run from 2007 to 2011. From wild locker room celebrations to brilliant tactical decisions, they dive deep into the iconic Final Four victories in Athens (2007), Berlin (2009), and Barcelona (2011), breaking down how stars like Dimitris Diamantidis, Vassilis Spanoulis, and Ramūnas Siskauskas helped build a dynasty.
The 25th Anniversary Special of The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is here — and it’s nothing short of legendary. J.R. Holden and Dave Vanterpool reunite to relive the highs, heartbreaks, and humor behind CSKA Moscow’s unforgettable 2006 EuroLeague Championship run. From locker room rivalries to the game that changed it all, this episode dives deep into what it truly means to go from winners… to champions.
In this special 25th anniversary episode of The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas, Joe sits down with legendary coach Xavi Pascual and former center Boniface Ndong to revisit FC Barcelona’s historic 2010 EuroLeague Championship run. They reflect on building one of the most dominant squads in EuroLeague history — a perfect blend of talent, character, and tactical discipline. From signing key players like Pete Mickeal, Ricky Rubio, and Terence Morris, to executing a nearly flawless season (losing only two games), this conversation covers every aspect of that unforgettable journey — including practice intensity, locker room dynamics, and strategic brilliance.
What does irrational confidence look like on the biggest stage in Europe? This episode of The Crossover celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by reliving one of its most unforgettable finals. Host Joe Arlauckas sits down with head coach David Blatt and Final Four MVP Tyrese Rice to break down how Maccabi Tel Aviv — once dismissed as the “worst Maccabi team ever” - shocked Real Madrid and lifted the 2014 title.
On a special Championship edition of The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas, Konstantinos Mitoglou’s looks back on the first season of his second stint with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, a year he will never forget. From the confidence Coach Ergin Ataman boasted in their first practice together to the three-pointer he sank to help seal the championship game victory over Real Madrid, it was a wild ride for Mitoglou with the Greens.
Joe Arlauckas is once again joined by coach Panagiotis Giannakis and İsmail Şenol in Berlin, as they look back on Friday night’s two semi-finals in the Final Four.
The panel also preview the matchup in Sunday’s Championship game between Real Madrid and Panathinaikos, and answer listener questions such as how can Pana best contain Edy Tavares?
Plus they give their prediction for who will claim the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title for 2023-24
Joe Arlauckas comes live and direct from Berlin ahead of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, to look ahead to Friday's semi-finals. Joining him to preview the matchups are legendary coach Panagiotis Giannakis and beIN SPORTS reporter İsmail Şenol.
The panel break down Panthanaikos v Fenerbache and Real Madrid v Olympiacos, as well as answering some listener questions!
As the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season nears the playoffs, Joe Arlauckus’ guest is a man who’s helped Olympiacos reach the post-season after a breakout year. Alec Peters charts his rollercoaster career in the EuroLeague, from winning a Championship in his first season, his appreciation for Duško Ivanović and being behind Sasha Vezenkov on the depth chart. Alec reflects on what has so far proven to be a career year in Piraeus before showing his knowledge in ‘The Crossover Test’.
The latest guest on The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is FC Bayern Munich’s Serge Ibaka. The ‘Mafuzzy Chef’ shares all the gossip from his hit cooking show before getting into his extraordinary life story. The conversation charts his amazing journey from playing basketball on makeshift courts in the Congo, to his big break in France and Spain, becoming an NBA Champion and Pablo Laso convincing him to return to Europe. Serge answers some of his own spicy questions, before taking ‘The Crossover Test’
The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas continues on a roll with another amazing guest – Baskonia’s Chima Moneke. We hear about Chima’s remarkable early life travelling the world and the sacrifices he had to make to reach where he is today. He recalls the setbacks he received early in his professional career before finding his feet in France and Spain. And of course, Chima shows off his knowledge of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in ‘The Crossover Test’
Joe Arlauckas’ latest guest on The Crossover is Partizan’s James Nunnally. The veteran charts his remarkable pro journey through Europe, China, the US and back again. The pair breakdown his Championship winning season with Fenerbache, and swap Željko Obradović stories. Then, things get real as talk turns to the shocking fall Nunnally suffered from the rim in 2018, an incident that could have cost him his career. Lastly, Nunnally shows off his knowledge of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in ‘The Crossover Test’
Joe Arlauckas’ latest guest is one of the summer’s most eye-catching arrivals to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague - AS Monaco’s Kemba Walker! The 4 time NBA All-Star recalls a childhood spent on the legendary street courts of The Bronx, and on-stage as a dancer. He touches on becoming a global basketball star while still in college and being drafted by Michael Jordan. Kemba also shares his first thoughts on life in the EuroLeague and he shows off his knowledge of the league in ‘The Crossover Test’
A new season of The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas kicks off with one of the most unique minds in the EuroLeague, Fenerbache’s Nigel Hayes-Davis. In a wide-ranging interview, Nigel shares with Joe the importance his mother and step-father had in shaping him into the man he is today both on and off the court. They also talk learning languages, Nigel’s ventures into the business world and his basketball experience so far in Europe. Finally, Hayes-Davis also passes the first edition of ‘The Crossover Test’
Joe Arlauckas is joined by not one, but two members of 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Champions, Real Madrid. Head Coach Chus Mateo and Point Guard Nigel Williams-Goss give Joe the lowdown on the team's journey to reach the Final Four this season and the remarkable way they clinched the Championship in Kaunas.
Ahead of the Final Four in Kaunas, Joe Arlauckas hosts a special Roundtable edition of The Crossover previewing the week's action. Joe is joined by EuroLeague legend Nikola Vujic, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's Jake Cohen and Deniz Aksoy, basketball reporter for Saran TV. The panel look at how the four teams got to the Final Four, and give their predictions for the semi-finals and Championship game.
Joe Arlauckas is joined by Zalgiris Kaunas guard Ignas Brazdeikis on the latest episode of The Crossover!
The 24-year-old explains how constantly moving cities in his childhood, and the unwavering support of his family, helped him achieve so much in his youth basketball career.
Brazdeikis admits his experience in the NBA was a real struggle at times, and that he was drawn back to Europe to play in the EuroLeague because he thinks it's the most competitive league in the world.
He also describes his pride at regaining his Lithuanian citizenship, how he ended up living in Sabonis’ apartment, plus his high hopes for Kaunas come the end of the season.
And how will he get on when he faces The Crossover Test?
Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Lorenzo Brown drops in to The Crossover to catch up with Joe Arlauckas!
He takes us through his nomadic, and ultimately frustrating, early career in America, before making the game-changing decision to move to Europe in 2019 - something he wishes he’d done earlier.
The American recently nationalised Spanish gives an insight into how he dealt with being told that he’d never play basketball again after a failed physical, and first adapting to life in EuroLeague with Crvena Zvezda.
Brown explains why things didn’t work out as anticipated for him at Fenerbahce, and how he’s now looking forward to a settled period playing for Maccabi after signing a new contract.
And how many points will he score on The Crossover Test?!
In a first for The Crossover, Joe Arlauckas’ next guest is none other than legendary referee Luigi Lamonica! The Italian takes us behind the scenes on his journey to the highest level of officiating, which began at the age of just 13. Lamonica also recounts what he feels was one of the biggest mistakes of his career, and explains how poor refereeing can have very real consequences for those blowing the whistle. Luigi touches on the mental strength referees need to have to carry out their duties, and the extensive preparation that’s required before matches, including scouting the teams involved. Plus, find out where Lamonica’s favourite places to officiate were, and how will he get on when he faces the fearsome Crossover Test?
Joe Arlauckas is joined by Anadolu Efes forward, and former Final Four MVP, Will Clyburn on the latest episode of The Crossover!
The American explains how important his family and friends were to him whilst growing up in Detroit, and why he moved teams so much during a nomadic college and university career.
Clyburn admits he didn’t know a lot about European basketball before making the move to Germany in 2013, but recognises now that it was the best move for his career.
He also gives a unique insight into what it's like playing under inspirational coaches such as David Blatt, during his time at Darussafaka, Dimitris Itoudis, throughout a hugely successful spell at CSKA Moscow which included a EuroLeague victory and most recently Ergin Ataman.
No topic is off limits in this fascinating chat! Plus, how will Clyburn perform in 'The Crossover Test’?
Joe Arlauckas’ next guest on The Crossover is Virtus Bologna’s Head Coach, Sergio Scariolo. The pair delve into Sergio’s early life in Brescia and how he wound up coaching basketball in Italy. Sergio even reveals how Joe nearly became the centre-piece of his Fortitudo Bologna team in 1996. He also explains why he made the decision to coach in Spain, something that proved to be a career-defining move. He recalls his years with Baskonia, Real Madrid, and his 5 year tenure in Malaga, as well as his success with the Spanish national team. In this wide ranging conversation, Sergio talks coaching philosophy, managing big names, and life in general, plus he takes ‘The Crossover Test’.
In this episode of The Crossover, Joe Arlauckas gets to know Partizan Belgrade's Dante Exum. Dante speaks about growing up in a sporting family in Melbourne, dreaming of representing Australia at basketball. He discusses being drafted in the 1st Round by the Utah Jazz and the unfortunate run of injuries that defined his early career. Dante then explains why he joined Barcelona, and shares his memories of playing in 'El Classico' on his debut. Plus he discusses his move to Belgrade and life under Željko Obradović. To end the podcast, Dante faces The Crossover Test, and shows his EuroLeague knowledge.
The Crossover is back for season five, and Joe Arlauckas is joined by none other than the new CEO of EuroLeague basketball Marshall Glickman!
He discusses his ambitious plans for the competition, including disruptive ideas on numerous topics like the league format, the way content is produced, the financial side of the competition, the relationship of the League with the players and the expansion to new markets, among many others.
He also describes what his life was like growing up in America and the pride he took in being involved with the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that was founded by his father.
Get to know the new Euroleague Basketball CEO in the first episode of The Crossover season five!
The final guest on The Crossover in 2021/22 is EuroLeague winner Tibor Pleiss!
The German talks us through how supportive his parents were when he was chasing his basketball dream as a youngster and how a move outside of his native country to Baskonia was an important turning point for him.
Pleiss explains how his short stint in the NBA was the most frustrating time of his career before Ergin Ataman gave him the opportunity to return to Europe with Galatasaray in 2016.
He recounts the disappointment of a EuroLeague near miss in 2019 with Anadolu Efes and the elation of winning the competition in his home town Cologne two years later.
Pleiss then describes the crucial and breathtaking moments that led up to Efes winning a second consecutive EuroLeague title in Belgrade just a few weeks ago.
Plus, can he snatch victory away from our current leaders in the final Crossover Test of the series?
Joe Arlauckas looks back on a pulsating set of EuroLeague Final Four semi-finals, and previews the Championship game between Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Joining him are David Rivers, Andrea Trinchieri and Aleksandra Radivojevic, as this season’s competition reaches its thrilling conclusion!
Joe Arlauckas sits down with one of EuroLeague's most fascinating characters, AS Monaco's Mike James. In a revealing interview, he explains how his desire to compete led him to basketball, and eventually, Europe. The pair get real about some of the notable twist and turns throughout his career, as Mike gives his side of the story. And finally, Joe challenges his EuroLeague knowledge in 'The Crossover Test.' This is an episode not to be missed!
Joe Arlauckas’ next guest on The Crossover is Olympiacos Head Coach Georgios Bartzokas! He explains how tough it was to overcome the knee injuries he suffered as a player, and how that led to him becoming a coach at young age, even whilst he was still playing. Bartzokas describes how he learnt his trade at clubs like Maroussi and Olympia Larissa, before he experienced one of the happiest moments of his life by joining Olympiacos. He recounts what his year out from basketball entailed during the 2014-15 season, and how warmly he was welcomed by the Lokomotiv Kuban fans when he made his return to coaching. Bartzokas also takes us through what he calls the toughest season of his career at Barcelona, and the joy he’s getting during his second stint at Olympiacos. Plus, how will he perform when he sits The Crossover Test?
Partizan Belgrade’s Kevin Punter joins Joe Arlauckas on the latest episode of The Crossover! He describes what it was like growing up in the Bronx, and when he decided it was best to make a move to Europe to further his basketball career. Punter details what it’s like adapting to different clubs, and how incredible it was to win consecutive Champions League titles with AEK Athens and Virtus Bologna. He takes us through the joy of reaching the EuroLeague Final Four in 2021, and the hurt of ultimately not securing the title, plus his excitement of starting a new project with Partizan. Also, can Punter keep pace with this season’s top performers when he sits The Crossover Test?
Guerschon Yabusele drops by The Crossover to have a chat with Joe Arlauckas! He details his passion for boxing as a youngster and how he still does training drills regularly to help him out on the basketball court. Guerschon explains that whilst it was a big thrill to be selected so high up in the NBA draft in 2016, his time America was tricky at times, and didn’t quite work out how he thought. He describes how joining ASVEL was an exciting chance to play in the EuroLeague, and set the foundations for a move to Real Madrid where he's just earned a three-year contract extension. Plus, how will he perform when he sits The Crossover Test?
Joe Arlauckas chats to Olimpia Milano's Nicolo Melli on the latest episode of The Crossover! He explains how an initial passion for beach volleyball as a child transformed into basketball, and how he grew stronger mentally during an injury ravaged three years at his first club Reggiana from the age of 16. Nicolo looks back on his years in Bamberg and in the NBA and talks about what drew him back to Europe, particularly the opportunity to return to Milano. He outlines his hopes for the future too, including an appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics - somewhere his mother competed in 1984.
UNICS Kazan’s Mario Hezonja joins Joe Arlauckas on the latest episode of The Crossover! He explains how Basketball became his passion during a childhood filled with playing sport in his hometown of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Mario details his life changing move to Barcelona as a teenager and the adjustment it took, before his five-year stint in the NBA. Mario explains why the opportunity to return to Europe with Panathinaikos was an opportunity he could never refuse, then reveals why his green dream came to an end before this season. Finally, Mario sits The Crossover Test
The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas returns for the 2021-22 season with one of the best minds in basketball! Dimitris Itoudis is the longest tenured head coach in CSKA Moscow history, collecting two EuroLeague titles so far in Russia. Joe hears how Dimitris left his humble beginnings in Greece to find his big break in basketball coaching in Zagreb. Then they chart his extraordinary partnership with Željko Obradović at Panathinaikos before his rise to one of the game's most successful head coaches. Finally, Itoudis shows his knowledge in 'The Crossover Test'
Joe Arlauckas' final guest of the season is 2020-21 EuroLeague and Final Four MVP Vasilije Micić. The Anadolu Efes guard reflects on a career defining year for him, and explains how family helped get him to this point. He gives Joe the lowdown on Efes' run to the Championship including their dramatic Semi-Final victory over CSKA. Plus, hear how he plans to celebrate with another MVP this off-season, Nikola Jokic. Lastly, he goes 'One-on-One' with Joe, and takes 'The Crossover Test'.
The experts are back to review the drama of the Final Four semi-finals, and preview the Championship game - FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes. Javier Gancedo is joined by Piti Hurtado, Andrea Solaini, Sergey Tarakanov and Begum Unal. Hear what they think might go down on Sunday!
Joe Arlauckas is back in the hotseat to look back on two incredible Semi-Finals and look ahead to Sunday's Championship game between FC Barcelona and Anadolu Efes. Helping him out are EuroLeague legend David Rivers, former Efes Guard Sinan Guler and Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos. Plus, Joe takes us into the finalists camps, as he speaks to Barça's Álex Abrines and Krunoslav Simon of Efes
EuroLeague's Javier Gancedo takes the mic to preview the Final Four Semi-Final matchups. Joining him are Piti Hurtado, Andrea Solaini, Sergey Tarakanov and Begum Unal as they cast their eye over CSKA v Anadolu Efes and AX Armani Exchange Milan v FC Barcelona. Hear who they think the difference makers will be as they break down each team's year. Plus, get inside each camp as we hear from CSKA's Toko Shengelia, Rodrigue Beaubois of Efes, Milan's Shavon Shields and Nick Calathes of Barca
Barcelona center Brandon Davies joins Joe Arlauckas for the latest instalment of The Crossover. They chart Brandon’s remarkable early life in Utah, where basketball wasn’t always in the picture. Davies opens up about his time at BYU and his stint in the NBA, then how he was convinced to join Žalgiris in 2017. He looks back on his first Final Four appearance that same year, then his ascension to one of the EuroLeague’s most consistent performers. The pair then look at Barcelona’s run to the Final Four, and preview the Semi-Final matchup with AX Armani Exchange Milan. Finally, Joe goes ‘One on One’ with Brandon, and sets him ‘The Crossover Test’.
On the latest edition of The Crossover, Joe Arlauckas talks to one of EuroLeague's greatest big men of all time, Sofoklis Schortsanitis. Sofo talks about the beginnings of his pro career in Greece when he was still just a teenager. They reflect on his moves from Olympiacos to Maccabi Tel Aviv, then Panathanaikos and back to Maccabi Tel Aviv where he clinched the only EuroLeague title of his career. Sofo explains the challenges he went through in his career and the difficult decision to retire in 2020. Finally, he goes 'One on One' with Joe and takes 'The Crossover Test'.
It's Part 2 of a special edition of The Crossover as Fenerbaçhe's General Manager Maurizio Gherardini, AX Armani Exchange Milano's Christos Stavropoulos and Paulius Motiejunas of Žalgiris Kaunas discuss management with Joe Arlauckas. There's talk of how you replace legendary coaches, managing players coming to the end of their careers and reflections on running a team in pandemic times. Finally, the trio offer their words of wisdom on a bright future for the EuroLeague.
In a special edition of The Crossover, Joe Arlauckas sits down with three of the best minds in basketball management - Fenerbaçhe's General Manager Maurizio Gherardini, AX Armani Exchange Milano's Christos Stavropoulos and Paulius Motiejunas of Žalgiris Kaunas. In this fascinating discussion, the three divulge their paths to the business side of basketball, project building at their clubs and the day to day life of a GM.
Make sure you don't miss Part 2 as well where the trio discuss dealing with players and coaches, plus, their reflections on an extraordinary year in EuroLeague basketball...coming soon!
Joe Arlauckus welcomes Norris Cole to The Crossover. The ASVEL Point Guard always seemed destined for a great career, but it wasn’t always clear it would be basketball, especially growing up in a family that emphasised academics. An excellent student and athlete, Cole eventually found his path through Cleveland State University to the Miami Heat and two NBA Championship rings. He discusses his time playing with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, then his move to Europe where he’s come to learn more about the game in a short space of time. Finally, Norris goes ‘One-On-One’ with Joe and tries his hand at the ‘The Crossover Test’
Zenit St Petersburg guard Kevin Pangos is Joe Arlauckas’ next guest on The Crossover. Growing up in Canada idolising Steve Nash, even copying his relentless practice habits, Pangos ventured south of the border to enjoy a successful college career at Gonzaga. After graduation, the 28 year old jetted across the Atlantic, first to Gran Canaria before joining Zalgiris Kaunas in 2016. Kevin reflects on his time in Lithuania playing for Šaras Jasikevičius, then his subsequent steps to Barcelona and now, Zenit. Finally, he goes ‘One-on-One’ with Joe, and takes ‘The Crossover Test’.
This week on The Crossover, Joe Arlauckus welcomes Fenerbahçe head coach, Igor Kokoškov. While the Serbian is one of the most experienced European coaches in the game, he is a relative newcomer to the EuroLeague. Igor charts his remarkable journey from a devastating accident that ended his playing career, to becoming the first European head coach in the NBA, and now to Turkey. Kokoškov discusses replacing his friend Željko Obradović and making a push for the Final Four with Fener. Lastly, Igor goes ‘One-on-One’ with Joe, and sits ’The Crossover Test’
This week, Joe Arlauckas is joined on The Crossover by Olympiacos’ Kostas Papanikolaou. Long identified as a big talent, Kostas has developed into one of the most consistent players in the EuroLeague. But as Joe finds out, it took a while for him to even find basketball. From there, the pair look at Papanikolaou's first stint with Olympiacos, reflecting on a career defining performance in one of EuroLeague’s greatest ever finals. Kostas explains his surprise move to Barcelona, then his years in the NBA. Then, it’s his return to the Olympiacos, and where he thinks they’re headed. Plus Kostas shares why his work with One Team is so important to him. Finally Joe gets to know Kostas a little better in a round of ‘One-on-One’, before setting him ‘The Crossover Test’
In the latest episode of The Crossover, Joe Arlauckus gets to know one of the EuroLeague’s top head coaches, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Ioannis Sfairopoulos. A player turned coach since the age of 21, the Greek worked his way up - from his hometown of Thessaloniki, via assistant jobs with PAOK and CSKA Moscow, to four successful seasons as Head Coach of Olympiacos. Sfairopoulos headed to Tel Aviv in 2018 where he has since transformed the fortunes of the club. In the podcast, Joe and Ioannis chart this amazing career, discussing all the 53-year old learnt on the way. He recalls the disappointment of two EuroLeague finals defeats with Olympiacos before divulging how he has rebuilt Maccabi. Finally, Sfairopoulos takes Joe on 'One-on-One' and sits ‘The Crossover Test'
Joe Arlauckas welcomes CSKA Moscow Assistant Coach Darryl Middleton to the first episode of The Crossover in 2021. They chart Darryl’s journey from playing Basketball in the parks of New York to Europe, and a staggering 25 year professional playing career. The duo reminisce about their head-to-head battles on the court back in the day, where Joe even gets called out for welching on a bet! Darryl explains his relentless work ethic, one he passed on to a young Marc Gasol when the two were teammates. We hear how Darryl got his coaching opportunity at CSKA - only after he’d worked as a chef in his own restaurant. Finally, Middleton goes ‘One on One’ with Joe, before testing his knowledge in ‘The Crossover Test’.
In episode 2 of the new series, Joe Arlauckas is joined by MVP for October, Zalgiris Kaunas superstar Marius Grigonis. They chat about Marius moving to Spain as a young player to learn the game and the hardship of being away from his friends and family. Joe and Marius take you through his journey back home and the big time of EuroLeague at his home club Zalgiris Kaunas. Marius talks about winning the MVP award and how much it cost him to take his team mates out for dinner! Joe then tests his EuroLeague knowledge in the ‘Crossover Test and also gets to know more about the Lithuanian in the ‘The One on One’…
Series three of The Crossover is back! Joe Arlauckas is back too and his first guest of the new series is the current FC Bayern Munich head coach Andrea Trinchieri. The passionate Italian tells his story and how his journey into coaching began – from disappointing his parents for not going to Harvard, to taking his first job as head coach in the third tier of Italian basketball, before finally achieving his dream and making it to the top flight in the EuroLeague. He tells us about his coaching philosophy, those who influenced him along the way and shares a funny story when EuroLeague legend, Kyle Hines parked his car in a river! Plus, the two new quick fire sections – ‘The One on One’ and ‘The Crossover Test’
Mike Batiste joins Joe Arlauckas to continue his remarkable story of life at Panathinaikos. The LA born star compares his first EuroLeague title win to falling in love, explains how the Greeks treated him like a rock star and why he isn’t closing the door on a coaching future at Panathinaikos. Plus he reveals why he would never break a Željko Obradović curfew!
From Long Beach to the EuroLeague. In the first of a two-part special, Orlando Magic Asst. Coach Mike Batiste tells us his incredible story of how he survived Californian gang culture to become a multiple EuroLeague Champion with Panathinaikos. He reveals how basketball changed his life, which coach he thinks is the greatest of all time, and why the Greek derby was so special!
In one of Joe’s special interviews to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Luigi ‘Gigi’ Datome is the latest to join The Crossover as they delve deep into the charismatic Italian’s fabulous career. They discuss his return to Europe from the NBA as he was ‘starving’ for basketball and playing in front of the big stage once again. Joe and ‘Gigi’ talk about Fenerbahce’s EuroLeague victory on home soil in 2017, as well as the bet he had with teammates to cut his hair if they were to lift the trophy. They also discuss his life off court, that includes his generous charity work, his love of the arts and his guitar playing skills in front of a huge audience!
In the latest episode of The Crossover, presented by Endesa, Joe Arlauckas is joined by Zalgiris Kaunas star guard, KC Rivers. They chat about life in lockdown, how his passion for basketball began growing up in North Carolina, influenced by his uncle and former NBA player, Byron Dinkins, and his respect and fear for his grandmother! He discusses playing for multiple teams throughout his career, including the highs and the lows, as well as some of the toughest opponents he has come across. Plus he chats about some of the fantastic derbies he has played in whilst playing for Real Madrid against Barcelona and for Panathinaikos versus Olympiacos.
Xavi Pascual is the latest to join Joe Arlauckas on The Crossover, with this episode presented by Endesa. In one of Joe’s special interviews to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Pascual talks about the 2009-10 season, which saw his FC Barcelona side become European champions at the Final Four in Paris. He discusses his coaching development and unexpected elevation to the Barcelona hot seat, just hours before an important game. Pascual also chats about the development of Barca great Juan Carlos Navarro, about moving to coach Panathinaikos and his first Athens derby, the EuroLeague games he would love to play again and about the start of his tenure at Zenit St Petersburg.
The Anadolu Efes Istanbul coach talks to Joe Arlauckas about his life and achievements. Ergin Ataman has won a host of titles at the helm of many different teams in Turkey and Italy, including Galatasaray, Besiktas, Montepaschi Siena and during three spells with the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague leaders. He discusses the pros and cons of criticising players in public, why there aren’t more of his countrymen coaching at the top of European basketball and how he took Anadolu Efes Istanbul from the bottom of EuroLeague to last season’s Championship Game after recruiting the likes of Shane Larkin, Vasilije Micic, Tibor Pleiss and James Anderson.
Not many people have three EuroLeague titles and fewer have won the competition with both Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, so there is plenty for Stratos Perperoglou to talk about on The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas. The Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade small forward explains why his family fell out over his teenage move to the Greek capital, responds to being called “the ultimate team player” and remembers his excitement at joining Zeljko Obradovic’s intense Panathinaikos side. Perperoglou discusses his controversial switch to Olympiacos and his first Athens derbies with both clubs. He also chats about his potentially career-ending blood clot, his strong Christian faith and making the move out of Greece, before picking a patriotic All-Decade EuroLeague team.
EuroLeague winner Tyrese Rice chats to Joe Arlauckas about delivering eye-catching performances at the very biggest moments. His basketball career has run parallel to the life of his son, who was born just as he was getting started in college. In another special episode to mark twenty seasons of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the American talks about building a relationship at Maccabi Tel Aviv with coach David Blatt and about dominating the Final Four in 2014, when Maccabi upset both CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid to win the title. Rice was the Top Scorer and MVP in Milan. He also speaks his “crazy” first derby for Panathinaikos against Olympiacos, when he netted 41 points in their EuroLeague win last December. Find out why Tyrese Rice has moved between ten clubs in ten years and whose name he has tattooed on his arm.
Toko talks to Joe Arlauckas about growing up in Georgia without electricity, his tireless work ethic and his part in that infamous fight during a Basque derby. Before picking his EuroLeague All-Decade team, Baskonia’s power forward discusses his dream NBA draft, subsequent US disappointments and how he was influenced by Kevin Garnett while at the Brooklyn Nets.
The legendary point guard joins Joe Arlauckas to discuss his life and career, including four EuroLeague-winning seasons and his transition to coaching at Zalgiris Kaunas. ‘Saras’ Jasikevicius talks about the sacrifice that his mum made when she fell pregnant with him and about growing up both inside then outside the Soviet Union. There is also chat about his time in America and spell in the NBA, his Final Four nerves and the highlights of the Lithuanian star’s time playing for Barcelona, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos, as well as Zalgiris. Plus, Jasikevicius gives us memories of Vassilis "Billy" Spanoulis, playing under Zeljko Obradovic and being shouted at by Arvydas Sabonis.
Four-time EuroLeague-winning coach Ettore Messina joins Joe Arlauckas to chat about his life in basketball. The Italian is now back on the continent leading AX Armani Exchange Milan, after enjoying a stint in the NBA assisting Gregg Popovich at the San Antonio Spurs. In another special episode to mark twenty seasons of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the Italian talks about his successful time with Bologna and about bringing European glory back to CSKA Moscow after 35 years. But amid those titles were defeats that still hurt today, having to cope with his young son’s hospitalisation during CSKA’s 2006 triumph and regrets about his teenage decision to become a coach.
The incredible transformation of a Cape Verdean kid into Sergeant Swat! The life and career of Walter ‘Edy’ Tavares is the raw material for Joe Arlauckas on the latest episode of The Crossover, and the Real Madrid centre’s story leaves Joe almost speechless. Tavares had close to zero interest in basketball when a holidaymaker recommended him to Gran Canaria because of his height. After sleeping through his original try out, Tavares then earns his passage into the professional ranks wearing sneakers three and a half sizes too small. It is the start of his journey to the NBA, to winning EuroLeague and to becoming the league’s Best Defender.
One of the few men to have claimed back-to-back EuroLeague titles joins Joe Arlauckas to chat about his life and career so far. In another special episode to mark twenty seasons of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Georgios Printezis talks about his Olympiacos team’s iconic victory over CSKA Moscow in the 2012 Championship Game, coach Ivkovic’s half time masterclass in motivation and his own correct premonition that he’d score the final basket to clinch their astonishing comeback win. Printezis also remembers what it felt like to be champions again twelve months later, discusses his relationship with ‘Billy’ Spanoulis, talks about his loyalty to Olympiacos and picks an All-Decade EuroLeague team.
Two-time EuroLeague winner Cory Higgins talks to Joe Arlauckas about his life and career, including the feeling that he continues to be “overlooked and underrated.” In another special episode to mark twenty seasons of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the American analyses those recent triumphs with CSKA Moscow and chats about some Final Four pain in-between. With his father and brother working in the NBA, the Barcelona star discusses getting into ‘the family business’ and a childhood surrounded by Hall of Famers, including his godfather Michael Jordan. Higgins also talks about the quiet confidence in his own ability that helped him become a major player and about his basketball journey so far; around America and then to Russia, Turkey and now Spain.
CSKA Moscow’s Daniel Hackett joins Joe Arlauckas for a chat about his life and career. In the summer of 2018, Dimitris Itoudis was looking to sign a player with a very specific profile. The Italy international fitted the bill perfectly and became a EuroLeague winner at the end of his first season in the Russian capital, impressing in the Championship game. Hackett discusses his first Final Four and also looks back on his time with Olympiacos, the crazy atmosphere of games against Panathinaikos and watching Spanoulis v Diamantidis from close quarters. His time in Greece ended with serious injury, depression and Olympiacos not renewing his contract, but after a great year at Brose Bamberg, he received a phone call that made him cry...
Joe Arlauckas speaks to shooting guard Jaycee Carroll about his life and career, in another special episode to mark twenty seasons of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The American talks about the key moments in Real Madrid’s two recent EuroLeague-winning campaigns and discusses the reasons why his club fell short in others. We also hear about Carroll’s faith, family and freakish ability to nail three pointers.
Joe Arlauckas goes to Athens to speak to Theo Papaloukas, in the first of The Crossover’s special episodes to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague! A veteran of nine Final Fours, the former CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos star talks about his two EuroLeague-winning seasons with CSKA and the many times in which his teams went close to European glory – campaigns which were often curtailed by stinging defeats at the hands of big rivals and good friends. Find out how Papaloukas became a EuroLeague legend, despite rarely being a starting player.
Season 2 of The Crossover begins with Joe Arlauckas chatting to Fenerbahce’s Ali Muhammed. In a frank and open interview, the Chicago-born guard talks about his traumatic early life, including the violent death of his brother and his mother’s issues with addiction. Muhammed reveals how he ended up in prison and tells of the struggle that the young Bobby Dixon had to change his life for the better and find a way out of poverty. He also chats about a daunting start to life in Europe, linking up with Zeljko Obradovic at Fenerbahce, career highs like the 2017 EuroLeague title and lows like the Championship Game twelve months earlier. Plus, stacks of sneakers, darling daughters and a reward Rolls Royce.
Four-time NBA champion Tony Parker chats to Joe about his life and career, in an interview recorded shortly before the point guard decided to end his time with the Charlotte Hornets and retire from basketball. Parker discusses what he’ll do next and speaks about his growing involvement with sport in Lyon, including as President of EuroLeague wild cards ASVEL Basket. The former France international and six-time NBA All-Star talks about his start in the U.S. and tells Joe what it was like to play alongside Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan at the San Antonio Spurs, under legendary coach Gregg Popovich.
Joe Arlauckas sits down with EuroLeague legends Theo Papaloukas and Nikola Vujcic to analyse CSKA Moscow’s 91-83 victory over Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the 2018-19 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game.
You’ll hear from CSKA coach Dimitris Itoudis, Ergin Ataman of Efes, the 2019 Final Four MVP Will Clyburn and the Season MVP Jan Vesely of Fenerbahce.
Joe Arlauckas has exclusive interviews with two players who’ll feature in Sunday’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague decider and exclusive analysis from a couple of two-time EuroLeague winners.
CSKA Moscow’s Cory Higgins talks on the morning after his side’s 95-90 comeback victory over Real Madrid, plus Adrien Moerman of Anadolu Efes Istanbul chats at the team hotel following their 92-73 victory over city rivals Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. We also hear from defeated coaches Pablo Laso and Zeljko Obradovic.
Joe sits down with EuroLeague legends Nikola Vujcic and Johnny Rogers to review the semifinals and discuss the all-important championship game between CSKA and Efes.
Joe Arlauckas brings his podcast to the Final Four in Vitoria-Gasteiz, as the Turkish Arlines EuroLeague season reaches its climax. In the company of European basketball greats Nikola Vujcic and Michalis Kakiouzis, Joe looks ahead to Fenerbahce v Anadolu Efes and CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid in Friday’s semifinals. There are exclusive interviews with Sergio “Chacho” Rodriguez of CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid’s Trey Thomkins, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s Ali Muhammed and Tibor Pleiss from Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
Joe Arlauckas sits down with his old friend and legendary former coach Zelimir "Zeljko" Obradovic.
The Serbian is regarded by many as the greatest European head coach of all time. He's taken clubs to 40 titles, including nine EuroLeague successes with five different teams.
Obradovic tells Joe some of the tales behind the triumphs, including five EuroLeague trophies with Panathinaikos, but he also talks about some of his Final Four failures as well.
Find out why Fenerbahce's celebrations had an extra special impact and hear behind-the-scenes stories from their EuroLeague-winning time together at Real Madrid, including the real reason that Obradovic kicked Joe out of practice.
Adam Hanga is the latest EuroLeague star to sit down with Joe Arlauckas and talk about his life and career.
The Hungarian discusses his family and basketball beginnings in Budapest, being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA and the tough moments he experienced with his knee injury.
Hanga also speaks about moving to Spain, how he became a defensive star and his spells with Baskonia and now FC Barcelona Lassa.
Joe sits down with Shane Larkin, to chat about his life and career.
The Anadolu Efes point guard also opens up about his OCD and how the disorder impacts on the life of an athlete.
He talks about his family and what he learnt about being a professional sportsman from his father Barry Larkin, who is in baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Larkin discusses his disrupted college career, when he ended up as a huge part of a fabulous Miami Hurricanes team. One of his alley-oop passed prompted a standing ovation from Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, who were in the crowd.
Since his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks, Larkin has played for US organisations New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, while his first spell in EuroLeague was with Baskonia. The American tells Joe how and why he has made his moves around the basketball world.
Joe gets his man, as Olympiacos captain Vassilis Spanoulis takes the time to sit down and talk through his life and remarkable career.
‘Kill Bill’ has amassed a huge number of personal awards and won plenty of major trophies, including three EuroLeague titles - one with Panathinaikos and two with Olympiacos, who Spanoulis led to a historic championship repeat in 2013.
He reflects on his high profile move between the two Greek rivals and about the NBA draft that quickly turned to disappointment, causing him to turn his back on the Houston Rockets and come back to Athens.
Spanoulis talks about his pride in representing his country, about his relationships with some of European basketball’s most high profile figures and reveals the games that he'd like to go back and play again.
Joe catches up with an old friend - the Real Madrid head coach Pablo Laso.
The two played together in Vitoria-Gasteiz, as well as for the club that Laso has so far led to sixteen trophies, including two EuroLeague championships.
There are plenty of stories from their time as teammates, plus we get a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the twice Alexander Gomelskiy Coach of the Year as he discusses some of his most significant decisions and biggest games.
Laso reflects on how Real Madrid conquered EuroLeague in 2018 with a hugely depleted line-up and about his part in the emergence of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who swapped the Spanish capital for the NBA after that title.
He also talks about his excellent playing career (Laso still holds the ACB records for most career assists and steals) and the decision to leave his hometown club Baskonia to join Real Madrid.
Keith Langford speaks openly about his basketball journey to date, which has been packed with individual awards, team honours, lucrative contracts and a few falling outs.
The well-travelled American was an All-EuroLeague First Team selection in 2014 and is twice a winner of the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy.
But Langford's career took a while to get going. Injuries caused doubts about how long he could be a pro and after his college performances failed to earn an NBA contract, he had some big decisions to make.
Soon, passport in hand, he embarked on a roller coaster world tour, with stops in Italy, Russia, Israel, China and now in Greece with Panathinaikos.
Langford gives his opinion on a few prominent coaches and is honest about why his relationship with some of them broke down.
Joe sits down with Anthony Gill to chat about pranks, personal grooming and the American forward’s eventful basketball journey to date.
His route through the college game was far from straightforward and since then the Khimki player has had to bounce back from a number of setbacks, including missing the NBA draft and failing his first European medical.
But now he’s in Moscow and fired up by Khimki’s city rivalry with CSKA!
Gill discusses his faith, the influence that his family has had on his life and values, and why #13 means so much to him.
And he opens up about the death of his friend and teammate Tyler Honeycutt.
Joe chats to the Croatian basketball legend Nikola Vujcic, whose one dream was to win EuroLeague.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s sports director started his career in the former Yugoslavia, when his father was away fighting in the civil war. As well as those early days, the five time All-EuroLeague selection talks about his many career highs (and occasional lows), about the basketball rivalry between teams from Croatia and Serbia and about making Israel his home.
Vujcic also has great stories about helping to save his first club Split from bankruptcy and an explosive, uncharacteristic row with one of his coaches!
The All-Decade Team member has shared a court with many of the best players we’ve seen on the continent, so standby for his take on the likes of Arvydas Sabonis, ‘Saras’ Jasikevicius and Darryl Middleton.
In this episode of The Crossover, Joe sits down with one of Lithuania’s best-known basketball players, former Zalgiris center and now Zalgiris Kaunas Sports Director, Robertas Javtokas.
Javtokas opens up about his childhood, including how attempts to rebel against his parents and their basketball dreams saw him sent away to school in America - without a scrap of English in his repertoire! – the eventual return to his home country which he longed for, and the bittersweet nature of his charmed life in Greece playing for Pana amongst one of their superstar squads.
The giant Lithuanian also talks about the motorcycle accident that almost cost him his life, how he defied the medical world and made an incredible basketball comeback despite all the odds, and how the decision to retire tormented him long before he called time on his playing career. He also talks tattoos, getting drafted in the NBA by accident and ice fishing with his children!
CSKA Moscow center, Kyle Hines, is the latest EuroLeague star to sit down with Joe Arlauckas, and with three EuroLeague titles to his name - and counting! – the American knows better than most what it takes to become the best in Europe.
The CSKA captain talks about disregarding those who questioned his aptitude for the game and staying focused on himself, the moments in his career that will stay with him forever, and how a gift from his Grandmother shaped his destiny, enabling him to capitalise on his opportunities in Europe and leaving a trail of broken records in his wake.
Hines tells us how his wife is his biggest fan and greatest basketball critic, how much it means to him to give back to the game and help future players, as well as offering a unique insight into both the glory and the bitterness of defeat when it comes to EuroLeague’s Final Four!
The CSKA star also reveals the exciting new project he has been working on with EuroLeague Basketball, bringing you – the fans! –unprecedented access to some of your favourite players and their lives on the road. Stay tuned…
KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Jayson Granger, sits down with Joe in this episode of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s official podcast, for a revealing chat about his life on and off the court.
The Uruguayan born guard speaks about growing up the son of a basketball legend in his home country, his initial struggles when he moved to Spain to pursue his EuroLeague dreams, and recovering from the bitter disappointment of just missing out on a place in the Final Four in 2017.
Granger also discusses the close-knit nature of Baskonia and the chemistry within camp, his quirky sneaker fixation, how computer games got him into trouble with his former coach and he also reveals his romantic side!
Budućnost Podgorica head coach Aleksandar Dzikic joins Joe on the latest episode of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s official podcast. Last season, the Montenegrin side were crowned champions of the ABA League for the first time in their history, securing a spot in EuroLeague for 2018-19.
The hugely experienced Serb first came through the coaching ranks at Partizan, where he has been head coach on two different occasions. In between, he had spells in Slovenia and Lithuania, as well as in the NBA Summer League and with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA itself.
Dzikic reflects on the highs and lows of his coaching career, talks about life in Belgrade during the Yugoslavian conflicts of the 1990s, chats about his eccentric parents, about motivating people with music and about how he managed to get away with accepting two NBA offers at the same time!
Panathinaikos point guard, Nick Calathes, joins Joe for the third instalment of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s official podcast.
The Greens’ playmaker talks about honing his craft against his big brothers in their parents’ yard, his controversial decision to bypass the NBA and come over to Greece, plus how much he learned in his early years playing under notoriously tough coach Željko Obradović.
We also learn more about the failed drug test that led to what he describes as his lowest point, how he bounced back and why last season was such a golden one for the Pana talisman.
Joe Arlauckas chats with Real Madrid shooting guard, Fabien Causeur, in the second episode of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s official podcast.
The Frenchman speaks about growing up in a basketball-obsessed family, how his career nearly came to an abrupt end, and how sweet it was to win the EuroLeague title playing for his dream club. We also learn about his model wife, the love affair with his EuroLeague trophy, and movie-star moments with his talented dog!
In the first episode of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s brand new podcast, one of the most revered coaches in European basketball, David Blatt, sits down to chat with one of the EuroLeague greats, Joe Arlauckas.
The Olympiacos head coach talks openly about how a trip to the Maccabiah Games changed his life, how it feels to achieve over 800 victories and counting, and what it took to achieve Olympic glory with the Russian national side. We also hear his take on his turbulent time in the NBA, the EuroLeague championship with Maccabi in 2014, and his future hopes for Greek giants Olympiacos Piraeus.