All the players who took part in the survey unanimously view Real Madrid as the undeniable lock for the EuroLeague Final Four.
For the very first time, BasketNews proudly presents the EuroLeague Players Survey.
23 EuroLeague players shared their candid thoughts anonymously on various aspects of the league, including the best EuroLeague players, predictions for the 2023-24 season, potential changes to improve the EuroLeague product, and even aspects they are not particularly fond of.
Please keep in mind that because we received responses from only a relatively small number of players, this survey doesn't try to represent the views of all EuroLeague players.
Instead, it provides a space for players to share their thoughts, express their desires, and spark entertaining and quality basketball discussions among EuroLeague fans.
In the last third part of the BasketNews Players Survey, players expressed their 2023-24 season predictions, including the EuroLeague Final Four teams, title winners, and best players.
- Part I: BasketNews Players Survey: EuroLeague GOAT, new rule, and best offseason signing
- Part II: overrated/underrated stars and (un)likeable coaches
We also encourage you to take a look at the BasketNews GM Survey.
- Part I: best EuroLeague signing and next NBA player
- Part II: EuroLeague winners and best NBA newcomer
- Part III: Dubai plans and biggest EuroLeague's threat
Final Four teams' prediction
While the battle for the Top 8 spot in the EuroLeague seems more wide open than ever, one team stands out with unwavering confidence among the players.
Every player in the survey had Real Madrid securing a spot in the Final Four. The EuroLeague champions received a similarly strong vote of confidence from the general managers, with 92.3% casting their votes in favor of Madrid.
Olympiacos Piraeus emerged as another contender, with an impressive 72.8% of players picking them to make it to the Final Four.
AS Monaco, still riding high from their previous Final Four appearance, is widely believed to replicate their success, as 40.9% of players put their faith in them.
Olympiacos Piraeus / Schedule
Olympiacos Piraeus
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade
Anadolu Efes IstanbulFenerbahce Istanbul enjoyed a slight edge over a handful of other teams competing for a Final Four berth, securing 38.9% of the votes.
As for Milan, Maccabi, and Efes, they were the first teams after the Final Four line with 27.3% of the votes.
Partizan and Panathinaikos also boast many believers, with 22.7% and 18.2% of players, respectively, expressing their confidence in these teams.
Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, FC Barcelona, and Zalgiris also received multiple mentions.
| Team | Vote cast |
| 1. Real Madrid | 100% |
| 2. Olympiacos | 72.8% |
| 3. Monaco | 40.9% |
| 4. Fenerbahce | 38.9% |
| 5-7. Milan | 27.3% |
| 5-7. Maccabi | 27.3% |
| 5-7. Anadolu Efes | 27.3% |
| 8. Partizan | 22.7% |
| GM voice: Real, Olympiacos, Monaco, Milan | |
EuroLeague winners
While it's intriguing that 100% of the players surveyed picked Real Madrid to reach the Final Four, it's important to note that not all of them are convinced that they'll clinch the championship.
The Final Four can be seen as a bit of a lottery, with just two crucial games standing between the teams and glory. Despite the unpredictability, Real Madrid remains the top contender to defend their title, with 47.8% of the votes in favor of them winning the EuroLeague once again.
Olympiacos Piraeus is breathing down Madrid's neck, with 39.1% of the votes, making them a formidable challenger.
EA7 Emporio Armani garnered multiple votes, with Panathinaikos and Anadolu Efes being the only other teams mentioned in the survey.
| Team | Vote cast |
| 1. Real Madrid | 47.8% |
| 2. Olympiacos | 39.1% |
| GM voice: Real | |
All-EuroLeague Team prediction
Regarding forming an All-EuroLeague Team based on team and individual performances, it seems the EuroLeague players have opted for some well-established names.
Nikola Mirotic led the way, commanding 88.9% of the votes.
Edy Tavares claimed the second spot with 77.8% of the votes.
Will Clyburn stood out, earning his place among the All-EuroLeague Team with a solid 66.7% approval rate.
Many anticipate Mike James's return to the All-EuroLeague team, with 55.6% of the votes in his favor.
Lorenzo Brown, who secured 33.3% of the votes, is completing the stellar lineup.
Kevin Punter and Nikola Milutinov were the first after the first team line, both receiving 27.8% of the votes.
| Player | Vote cast |
| 1. Nikola Mirotic | 88.9% |
| 2. Edy Tavares | 77.8% |
| 3. Will Clyburn | 66.7% |
| 4. Mike James | 55.6% |
| 5. Lorenzo Brown | 33.3% |
| 6-7. Kevin Punter | 27.8% |
| 6-7. Nikola Milutinov | 27.8% |
| 8. Wade Baldwin | 16.7% |
| GM voice: Tavares, Campazzo, Punter, Mirotic, Clyburn | |
NBA newcomer primed for EuroLeague success
The EuroLeague this season has welcomed several intriguing new faces, including former NBA players who have transitioned to the European stage.
Among these ex-NBA players, the signing of Willy Hernangomez by FC Barcelona has generated significant buzz, and he's anticipated to make the most substantial impact on his team, as 31.8% of the players placed him in the top spot.
Kemba Walker of AS Monaco secured the second position with 22.8% of the votes.
Completing the top three is Willy's brother, Juancho Hernangomez, who has joined Panathinaikos Athens, earning 13.6% of the votes in recognition of his potential impact.
Additionally, Jabari Parker, Serge Ibaka, and Sterling Brown received multiple votes.
| Player | Vote cast |
| 1. Willy Hernangomez | 31.8% |
| 2. Kemba Walker | 22.8% |
| 3. Juancho Hernangomez | 13.6% |
| GM voice: Jabari Parker, W.Hernangomez, Dozier | |
Player poised for a breakout year
Many had already recognized his huge potential last season, and now, with his move from Fenerbahce to Bayern, he seems poised for a dazzling year.
22.8% of the players have positioned Carsen Edwards as the leading candidate for the breakout player of the year.
Chima Moneke of Baskonia and Alec Peters of Olympiacos share the spotlight, tying for the second spot as the only other players to receive multiple votes.
This question delivered many responses, with several players earning mentions. Isaac Bonga, Yam Madar, Tomas Satoransky, Leandro Bolmaro, Aleksa Avramovic, Naz Mitrou-Long, Alpha Diallo, and Isaiah Cordinier all featured among the mentions.
| Player | Vote cast |
| 1. Carsen Edwards | 22.8% |
| 2-3. Chima Moneke | 9.1% |
| 2-3. Alec Peters | 9.1% |
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