As 2024 is about to end, BasketNews shares the Top 10 most-read stories this year. We'd like to thank you for being with us, engaging in our stories, supporting us, and, most importantly, inspiring us!
2024 is almost over, and it was a year to remember for BasketNews and its readers.
Throughout the year, the BasketNews teams covered multiple basketball games and tournaments, from the EuroLeague playoffs and Final Four to FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and Paris Olympics.
As the year is about to end, BasketNews shares the Top 10 most-read stories in 2024. Before that, we'd like to thank you for being with us, engaging in our stories, supporting us, and, most importantly, inspiring us!
So, let's take a quick look at 2024 and see you in 2025!
10. Which basketball teams qualified for 2024 Paris Olympics?
Following the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, many people wondered which nations will compete in Paris.
In case you forgot, Brazil, Greece, Spain, and Puerto Rico became the latest countries that qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics basketball tournament.
They joined France, Australia, South Sudan, Japan, Team USA, Canada, Serbia, and Germany which qualified for the Olympic basketball tournament through the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
9. Bogdan Bogdanovic takes a jab at referees after loss vs. USA
We stay in the Olympics, as this time, Bogdan Bogdanovic didn't mince his words after a semifinal loss against Team USA.
Bogi admitted he doesn't want to use refereeing as an excuse for the Olympic basketball semifinal loss vs. Team USA, but still had some harsh words for them: "The USA doesn't need that type of help against us."
8. 'We're not a secret anymore': South Sudan yet to face big guns after historic win
The Cinderella story of the Paris Olympics.
South Sudan forward Wenyen Gabriel and head coach Royal Ivey discussed the upcoming matchup against Team USA, highlighting the key aspects necessary for a shot at victory after their historic win against Puerto Rico.
7. How a heartbreaking mistake turned into historic win for South Sudan basketball
We stay in South Sudan. Most of you probably remember that South Sudan's start in Paris was far from perfect, as the organizers played the wrong anthem.
Nevertheless, South Sudan turned the heartbreaking incident into motivation, illustrated by dancing and partying with fans outside the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on a historic day for the country.
6. TNT lose NBA media rights to NBC, report states
Let's take a break from the Olympics and dive into the NBA world for a bit. Big changes came in the NBA media rights deal, as a long-term partner TNT was replaced by NBC.
Everything became official in July when the NBA signed new 11-year agreements through the 2035-36 season. It is estimated that the new NBA TV deal is worth $76 billion.
5. Japan shocks France, sends a message to the world
For those who might have forgotten, we remind you that a miraculous Matthew Strazel's 4-point play saved France against Japan.
Japan's basketball growth made its national team a formidable force on the Olympic stage. Its near-upset against France clearly showed that Japan is on the right track, showcasing its progress and potential.
4. Patrick Beverley's salary in Hapoel Tel Aviv revealed
Patrick Beverley's move to Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv this summer was probably the biggest European basketball transfer outside the EuroLeague.
Understandably, many fans were wondering how much the 36-year-old veteran will earn. Israeli media revealed that Beverley is expected to earn around $2 million per year, with an extra $1 million bonus if Hapoel win EuroCup.
3. Abiodun Adegoke: 7'11 Nigerian dunks on Shaquille O'Neal with minimal jump
We start our Top 3 with a rather unexpected story. Nevertheless, 7'11 Nigerian sensation Abiodun Adegoke dunked on Shaquille O'Neal and went viral.
For those who don't know, 'Big Naija' is the Nigerian giant, gaining popularity on social media and potentially turning into the tallest professional basketball player ever.
2. EuroLeague transfer market 2024: signings and rumors
Of course, your EuroLeague summer guide made the list. Just like in previous years, the EuroLeague transfer market provided the latest news about every signing, departure, and rumor about every EuroLeague team.
Don't worry, it will return in 2025 as well!
1. Steph Curry drug tested after Olympic final
We finish where we started – the Olympics. The most-read BasketNews story of 2024 was about Steph being drug tested following the Gold Medal game.
"We couldn't even really celebrate in the locker room, for real, because me, him [Durant], and Steph had to take like a drug test or something," Edwards shared in a conversation on Boardroom.
We can't blame the organizers since Steph put on a show with 24 points, including four clutch three-pointers and his iconic 'Night-night' celebration.
Top 5 most-read BN+ articles
It goes without saying that we are very grateful for our BN+ subscribers, who allowed us to cover the biggest basketball events throughout the world. Only with your support we can continue growing and expand our coverage even more.
Therefore, as a bonus, we share the Top 5 stories that were and still are exclusive to our BN+ members. If you'd like to become one, click here.
5. Partizan present strong arguments for A license ahead of key EuroLeague meeting
As EuroLeague gears up for an important meeting in April, Partizan is building its case for a long-term license, with obtaining an A license as its primary objective.
4. Meeting the Pistons doctor who ruled out Donatas Motiejunas' basketball future
Eight years ago, a Detroit Pistons doctor looked Donatas Motiejunas in the eye and told him he wouldn't be able to play basketball again. Today, Motiejunas holds the record for the longest active streak of consecutive EuroLeague games played.
3. Give Me Control: Why Zvezda should have protested refs' decisions in game vs. Barca
BasketNews Referee Consultant Todd Warnick analyzed the Crvena Zvezda-FC Barcelona matchup and the officiating decisions at the end of the 4th quarter.
2. 10 best remaining EuroLeague free agents
James Nunnally, Ricky Rubio, Billy Baron, and Raul Neto headlined a lengthy list of still-available players from the 2023-24 EuroLeague season who could have significantly bolstered teams ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
1. EuroLeague Transfer Portal: players on the last-minute move
The most recent story on this list became the most-read article for BN+ members.
EuroLeague teams actively explored market options ahead of the deadline, but as of December 26, the transfer window has officially closed. EuroLeague players who weren’t deregistered from their teams by this date will be unable to switch clubs for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
