Dante Exum's EuroLeague rookie year looks like a rollercoaster ride.

The Australian forward, who joined FC Barcelona in November 2021 and debuted with the Catalan side in the Spanish derby against Real Madrid on December 10, will need to put his elite athleticism to good use on Thursday night when the two teams lock horns again.

Barcelona have beaten their main rivals five straight times, but this one could be the most important of all their clashes so far in the season.

"Obviously, it's a big game because we're in the EuroLeague Final Four. We're preparing ourselves the same way we've been doing all year long," Exum told BasketNews during Barcelona's media availability ahead of the semi-final game. 

"It's going to be a hard-fought game. We know them very well and so do they. I don't even know how many times we've played them this season, but I feel like there's been many. We're going to play them a lot more times, too," he said.

New York Knicks draftee and FC Barcelona's point guard Rokas Jokubaitis received recognition on the European basketball stage.

The 21-year-old won the EuroLeague Rising Star award, becoming the first Lithuanian ever to achieve such a feat.

"It's a really tiresome experience," Jokubaitis shared the experience of being in the award ceremony. "Despite that, I really enjoyed it. There were many legends, and such great players were sitting next to me. I was really impressed. Only positive vibes."

This season, including the regular season and playoffs, Jokubaitis averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 7.6 PIR. In the Rising Star award competition, Jokubaitis beat a projected no. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama and Zalgiris Kaunas youngster Marek Blazevic.

Out of thirteen Rising Star award winners, eleven of them made it to the NBA. Jokubaitis admitted that such an achievement could help him to fulfill his NBA dream.

"It's true that all those individual awards bring the attention over there," Jokubaitis told BasketNews. "I think [Knicks] people seeing me winning the Rising Star award gives them more excitement than just simple highlights from the games. This award won't make things worse, that's for sure."

Jokubaitis was selected with the 34th pick in the last year's draft, but he almost confirmed the recent rumors about him staying in Europe for one more year.

"It's very likely that I'll stay in Barcelona for one more year, so I will try to impress them [Knicks] even more," he added.

EuroLeague Final Four will tip off on Thursday evening, and BasketNews asked its experts' opinion on which teams will advance to the grand final and win it all.

For those who missed, FC Barcelona will meet Real Madrid, while Anadolu Efes Istanbul will face Olympiacos Piraeus in the EuroLeague semifinals.

BasketNews members see a clear favorite in Belgrade's Final Four that has received more than three times as many votes as all three other teams combined.

How will the EuroLeague Final Four unfold? For your attention, the guesses of BasketNews experts.

FC Barcelona (1) vs. Real Madrid (4)

• Uygar Karaca: Real
• Lukas Katilius: Barcelona
• Pijus Sapetka: Barcelona
• Giorgos Kyriakidis: Barcelona
• Jonas Leksas: Real
• Orazio Cauchi: Real
• Edvinas Jablonskis: Barcelona
• Lukas Malinauskas: Barcelona
• Mindaugas Bertys: Real
• Miguel Lois Vidal: Barcelona
• Gustavas Klikna: Barcelona
• Jonas Miklovas: Barcelona
• Karolis Tiskevicius: Barcelona
• Martynas Ziurys: Barcelona
• Florian Kurth: Barcelona
• Tomas Vanagas: Barcelona
• Donatas Urbonas: Barcelona
• Deividas Silanskas: Barcelona

Final tally: Barcelona 14, Real 4.

Ahead of El Clasico in the semifinal phase, FC Barcelona front-runner Nikola Mirotic received his first EuroLeague MVP award.

"It's been a great pleasure for me to receive this award from our greatest coach Zeljko Obradovic," Mirotic said after receiving the award. "I would like to thank my team FC Barcelona, an entire organization, coaching staff, and all the players."

Mirotic guided the competition in average performance index rating (19.4) in helping Barca finish the regular season atop the standings with a 21-7 record.

Besides the league-best PIR stat line, he registered 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 36 games.

Just before the upcoming Final Four in Belgrade, FC Barcelona star Nikola Mirotic received his first EuroLeague MVP award.

"It's been a great pleasure for me to receive this award from our greatest coach Zeljko Obradovic," Mirotic said after receiving the award. "I would like to thank my team FC Barcelona, an entire organization, coaching staff, and all the players."

"In the end, this is a team job. A couple of weeks ago, my dear friend Nick Calathes said: 'In case you win MVP, please remember me in your speech.' I said to him I will. I want to thank Nick because he makes my life way easier on the court.

He's been an amazing teammate and friend. In the end, I want to say a couple of words about who's here today. My personal coach Vujacic, who was my first coach since I started to play basketball. He really pushed me very hard to get to this point, working hard all summers together. He was the person who believed in me. This trophy also goes to him," Mirotic told in his acceptance speech.

FC Barcelona have gotten the upper hand in their head-to-head encounters with Real Madrid this season, having beaten their rivals five straight times across all competitions. 

However, Sarunas Jasikevicius thinks that the third-ever EuroLeague semi-final clash between the two teams will bear no resemblance to what has preceded it.

Asked about the particularities of the game, the Lithuanian coach said "it always helps to have a good start, but the game is 40 minutes. You need to know how to react. There are many ups and downs and you need to be mentally strong for 40 minutes."

"You have to know how to react," he continued.

"It will be a bit like the Cup match, in a another gym. There are usually ups and downs and you have to know how to endure the bad times and go for more in the good times.

The Lithuanian coach relativized the importance of the previous duels against Real Madrid.

"I don’t think you can forget about what happened. Tomorrow, it’s going to be a new game. We have to take into consideration what went well and what didn’t.

Tomorrow it’s a new story, a different situation. We have to be ready for the challenge, we can't be less hungry because we've beaten Madrid a couple of times," added Barca's coach.

For Jasikevicius , facing the eternal rival in the FinalFour does not add importance to the game.

"The 'El Clasico' is a huge game, but it's a EuroLeague Final Four semi-final. So it doesn't matter if it's a clasico or not. Both teams are here for the same goal, which is to reach the final".

Barcelona star forward Nikola Mirotic was officially named EuroLeague MVP for the 2021-2022 season in an official ceremony in Belgrade.

The Montenegrin forward was the main factor behind Barcelona's success in the regular season, which ended with the Catalan side at the very top of the standings. 

Mirotic averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during the EuroLeague regular season while also shooting an impressive 45% from 3-point. Now in his third season with Barcelona, this is the first MVP award for Mirotic. 

He was also named in the first All-EuroLeague team of this season.

"It's been a big pleasure for me to receive this award from our greatest coach Zeljko Obradovic," Mirotic said after receiving the award. "I would like to thank my team FC Barcelona, an entire organization, coaching staff, and all the players."

In the end, this is a team job. A couple of weeks ago my dear friend Nick Calathes said: 'In case you win MVP, please remember me in your speech.' I said to him I will. I want to thank Nick because he makes my life way easier on the court.

He's been an amazing teammate and friend. In the end, I want to say a couple of words about who's here today. My personal coach Vujacic, who was my first coach since I started basketball. He really pushed me very hard to get to this point, working hard all summers together. He was the person who believed in me. This trophy also goes to him," Mirotic added.

In 2019, the forward decided to return to European basketball despite receiving very lucrative offers to remain in the NBA. 

Dante Exum grabs the rebound and waits for another opportunity to pass a ball to deadly shooter Kyle Kuric. Swish. One time. Twice. Six in a row after a shot from Michael Caicedo hit the ball to avoid the basket.

"He can't miss," said the Australian guard looking at BasketNews journalist during the FC Barcelona's Media Day ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four. 

Exum and Kuric have become good friends in Barca. Both are important in Sarunas Jasikevicius' plans. When Cory Higgins was sidelined, Exum erupted as a key piece for the Blaugranas. 

Meanwhile, Kuric is still the best executor for the Lithuanian playbook. Despite some injury problems in the last few days, the American sharpshooter will be ready to rumble at Belgrade. 

Exum attended the media after the practice in the middle of Palau Blaugrana's court.

"I am excited to play the Final Four. We are waiting to get out of there and show what we are capable of. We want to win. It won't be easy, but we are ready," stated Dante, while Kuric was next to him nodding his head.

In his first season with Barcelona, Rokas Jokubaitis has already proved his value. The 21-year-old Lithuanian guard was named Rising Star of the season in EuroLeague and gained an important role inside coach Jasikevicius' rotations. 

But the future of Jokubaitis isn't linked only to Barcelona and Spain but also to New York and the NBA.

In the 2021 NBA Draft, Rokas Jokubaitis was selected with the 34th pick overall by the Knicks and there's the general expectation that the Lithuanian guard will end up playing in the NBA sooner rather than later. 

Despite the good performances of this season, Jokubaitis is not expected to join the Knicks next season.

According to the New York Post, the Knicks are leaning towards letting Jokubaitis stay in Europe for at least another season so that he can have more minutes and a stable role. 

According to the NY Post, the Knicks are also skeptical that Barcelona will allow Jokubaitis to play in the Summer League during the offseason. 

The Lithuanian guard averaged 7.2 points and 2.8 assists per game in EuroLeague. 

Argentinian guard Nicolas Laprovittola has been hands down one of the best players for Barcelona this season. After joining the Catalan side from Real Madrid, some were skeptical about his potential impact on coach Jasikevicius' side but Laprovittola quickly became one of the key pieces for Barcelona. 

The player gave an interview to the Spanish website AS and talked about his impressive season and the upcoming EuroLeague Final Four. 

"I feel well but now a big challenge is coming, this will be my first Final Four, what can I tell?", Laprovittola said during the interview. 

"We had different injuries throughout the season, you know, between Calathes and Higgins, but even without them we kept playing well and winning, we reacted in the right way. Now they're back and they'll be available but I'm still playing well and I feel comfortable", Laprovittola continued. 

Talking about his impressive season, the Argentinian guard confessed that it's going even better than he expected. 

"I think that this season exceeded my expectations", Laprovittola revealed. "Both my personal ones and the club's ones. But I always trusted my game, I knew what I could give. Today I'm in a different role, I play more like a guard, as a scorer. I think I found my game". 

Laprovittola also talked about the Final Four and the chances of Barcelona winning the Euroleague. 

"The feeling that I had since I arrived at this team has always been the same, that the EuroLeague is the most important goal for this club. We've arrived here in Belgrade but the job is not done yet". 

Nikola Mirotic was not included in the All-ACB team announced by the Spanish league on Sunday.

For that reason, FC Barcelona have expressed their disagreement with the All-ACB team of the season through Josep Cubells - an executive responsible for the Blaugranas basketball team, sources told BasketNews. 

The Catalan club does not understand how it could be possible that a player who has been elected to the All-EuroLeague First Team is not included in the domestic league's one. 

Cubells expressed his discomfort to the ACB for Mirotic's absence, requesting a review and a turnaround of the voting systems. 

Instead, Dzanan Musa (Rio Breogan), Marcelinho Huertas (Lenovo Tenerife), Nico Laprovittola (Barcelona), Chima Moneke (BAXI Manresa), and Giorgi Shermadini (Lenovo Tenerife) were included in the All-ACB team.

Throughout the regular ACB season, Mirotic averaged 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 16.7 EFF.

Meanwhile, in the EuroLeague, his numbers were 16.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 19.4 PIR.

The votes for the All-Team ACB are divided into four branches: fans, players, coaches, and media. Each of them has a 25% in the final saying.  

"It does not matter which team is the favorite. We are 80 minutes away from winning the Euroleague, just as the others". 

Sarunas Jasikevicius sent a clear message in the FC Barcelona's Media Day ahead of the Final Four. The Lithuanian mastermind did not care about which team has more options to lift the trophy at Belgrade. 

Minutes later, after the practice, Jasikevicius attended the media in a crowded press conference room - there was a huge expectation before the 16th FC Barcelona's Final Four. 

The 46-year-old revealed all his players should be ready to play the semifinals on Thursday.

"Everyone has practiced today except Sergi (Martinez), who has a cold. At this stage all the teams have problems, but we will count on everyone. It's a pity that Kyle (Kuric) hasn't been able to play much lately," admitted Saras. 

The iconic city of Belgrade will host the 7th Clasico of the season. The Blaugranas have beaten the Blancos five times in a row this season. 

Despite the numbers, Jasikevicius reminded that every game is a new story.

"Maybe the fact that we've beaten Madrid in the last few games could be against us. Possibly they are hungrier than us to beat us. We have to match them in that, first of all. They are in their best moment of the season," he praised Madrid's momentum. 

Saras analyzed possible could be the game's keys. 

"We already know the opponent very well, we have played them many times this season. We have to do a lot of things right and not give anything away. That's the key to everything.

It will be difficult to surprise them. If in any game against them the scoring is high it is because we have given away many easy baskets," he said. 

Asked about two of the most determinant players of FC Barcelona, Nikola Mirotic and Cory Higgins, Saras highlighted the importance of the whole team.

"We need all the players. We have shown it these two seasons, we don't depend on one single player, not even the best player in Europe," Jasikevicius confessed.

"We expect Niko (Mirotic) to be at his level, of course, but if he is not, as he is quite human, others have to step up," Saras continued. "Cory (Higgins) will surely play. His experience is very important for us. He has been in several Final Fours and he has won two. He is not at 100%, but I think he can be important."

Jasikevicius will seek to join Svetislav Pesic, Armenak Alachachan, and Lolo Sainz as the only people to win the EuroLeague both as a player and as a head coach. 

"The secret to face a Final Four is to have experience. I've always said that in my first one I was super nervous. I was without sleeping like one week before. I'm sure this will happen to some people. I take it differently now. I sleep much better than before," he concluded. 

Three times EuroLeague champion Dejan Bodiroga gave an interview to Radio Marca ahead of the Final Four. Bodiroga spent a season with Sarunas Jasikevicius at FC Barcelona back in 2002-03, crowning after an exciting final against Benetton Treviso. 

Bodiroga praised his former teammate and current Barcelona head coach, admitting he knew his capabilities.

"I knew he was going to be a great coach. He gave character to the team," expressed Bodiroga, who played both in Madrid and Barcelona. 

The legend analyzed the upcoming semifinals in which the Spanish powerhouses will seek a spot for the final. It will be the 7th Clasico of the season. Barcelona have won 5 of them so far. 

"Barcelona has been more consistent during the season. They have a slight advantage, as we have seen during the season in their head-to-head. Madrid suffered some ups and downs in the last weeks, but this is over.

Both teams are in a good moment, so it won't be easy for both of them. I hope to see a thrilling game," explained Dejan. 

Asked which team he will support in the Final Four, Bodiroga preferred to be polite. 

"It's difficult, I've been lucky enough to win it three times, but there are many competitive teams. You have to have continuity in the regular league, the Playoffs, and the Final Four and know how to withstand the pressure. Being in a city with four teams and fans is like a celebration of basketball, and it's something special," the legendary player continued.

Finally, Bodiroga could not hide his admiration for Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar completed a historical series against the Phoenix Suns to lead the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals after 11 seasons. 

"Even when he was young, he was seen as a spectacular talent, he is a great player with great character on the court. He has everything, and I see great things for him in the future," he concluded.

The last round of the regular season in the Spanish ACB League, known as Liga Endesa, was played on Saturday, and all eight teams that will be fighting for the prestigious title are now clear.

The Teams

FC Barcelona captured the top stop in the standings with 27 wins and only 7 losses during the year. Led by Nikola Mirotic and Brandon Davies, the Catalan club ensured the first place in the regular season several weeks before the final round.

Real Madrid were comfortably second, winning 25 matches out of the possible 34. They lost both games against the first-placed Barcelona by a combined margin of 21 points. Led by a big man duo of Edy Tavares and Vincent Poirier, the royal club finished the regular season with 6 wins in a row.

Next, we have the EuroCup semifinalists Valencia Basket and fellow EuroCup competitors Joventut Badalona who sensationally lost to ratiopharm Ulm in the Round of 16 in the European competition.

The fifth spot was captured by the Basketball Champions League winners Lenovo Tenerife who beat MoraBanc Andorra in the last round, sending the opponents to the relegation. The team that battled Tenerife in the BCL final, BAXI Manresa, finished the season in 7th place.

FC Barcelona took the Catalan duel against Baxi Manresa by 94-80 (15-21, 18-19, 30-16, 31-24) in a game in which the locals dominated until the middle of the third quarter, but Nicolas Laprovittola's surge initiated a comeback that put the contest at rest.

Barcelona, as the ACB regular season winners, will face Gran Canaria in the first round of the playoffs in a best-of-five series, while 7th-placed Manresa will take on second-spotted Real Madrid.

Manresa were up 33-23 midway through the second quarter, but Barca managed to reduce the deficit to seven points.

The third period belonged to Laprovittola, who exploded with 16 points, giving his team a seven-point lead. A partial score of 4-12 in the last quarter was enough for Sarunas Jasikevicius' side to break the game open (60-75) and finish off their opponents.