BasketNews did the research on teams that produce the most players for EuroLeague clubs, with teams from Turkey dominating the list.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic
Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

The NBA and G League continue to serve as the primary source for EuroLeague signings, with 38 players making their EuroLeague debut directly from the world's strongest basketball league and its affiliates since 2020.

Despite the ACB holding the status of the strongest domestic league in Europe, Turkey has emerged as the most popular talent pool for future EuroLeague players since the 2020 offseason.

It's crucial to highlight that only direct movements from a specific team to the EuroLeague were tracked, focusing on the pivotal last stop before the debut EuroLeague season.

It is essential to note that this list does not imply that the mentioned teams are the best at the future EuroLeague player development.

Certain clubs and coaches significantly influenced players' career trajectories more, making it extremely challenging to quantify the impact on each individual's journey to the EuroLeague.

Given the subjective nature of evaluating the best situations for players to advance in their careers within the chaotic European basketball landscape, it remains a nuanced and complex task.

However, understanding the context and conditions that convince EuroLeague GMs to pursue players from outside the EuroLeague is essential.

Perhaps these numbers and this list, to some extent, reflect teams that consistently prioritize player development, molding them into EuroLeague-caliber material. Alternatively, it could illustrate effective strategies for creating bridges that connect domestic leagues to the EuroLeague.

For clarity, only post-covid season acquisitions starting from the 2020 offseason were considered to illustrate player movements within the last four-year cycle. The research focused solely on non-local signings, acknowledging the restrictions many EuroLeague teams face due to foreign player limits.

These criteria, although strict, ensure a fair representation and picture of the evolving landscape of the EuroLeague market.

Donatas Urbonas
Donatas Urbonas
Senior Staff Writer
Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.
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