Three French players defeated in final, Hapoel Tel Aviv crowned 2025 EuroCup champion
Hapoel Tel Aviv made history on Wednesday by winning its first EuroCup, after defeating Gran Canaria in two games. Facing a French trio composed of Andrew Albicy, Pierre Pelos and Mehdy Ngouama, the Israelis shone offensively, even setting records in their victory (94-103) on the Spanish island.
A dominated final, three frustrated French players
After winning Game 1 74-65 in Samokov (Bulgaria), Hapoel Tel Aviv didn’t falter away to close out the series (2-0) and claim their first continental title. Led by Antonio Blakeney’s 27 points (including 5 three-pointers) and Johnathan Motley’s 26, Coach Dimitris Itoudis’s team outclassed Gran Canaria, setting two EuroCup finals records: most points scored (103) and most three-pointers made (15).
The three French players couldn’t turn the tide. Andrew Albicy tried to lead by example with 10 points on 7/8 free throws, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Pierre Pelos was quieter (2 points, 3 rebounds in 13 minutes), while Mehdy Ngouama made the most of his bench time with 11 points on 4/8 shooting in just 12 minutes.
Motley MVP, Itoudis makes history
Johnathan Motley was named Finals MVP for his complete performances on both ends. The former Fenerbahce big man averaged 22 points in the series, with an average PIR of 23.5 – tied highest with Antonio Blakeney.
Coached by Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel becomes the first Israeli club to win the EuroCup. For the Greek coach, who previously won EuroLeague with CSKA Moscow, this trophy puts him in an exclusive circle alongside Dusan Ivkovic, David Blatt and Ergin Ataman as the only coaches to have won both major European trophies.
A diverse team with former LNB players
This collective achievement was driven by a united team, as Ishmail Wainright highlighted: « This is my first championship, whether in NCAA or pro. We have real chemistry, everyone is involved. What we’ve just done is crazy. »
Several former LNB players are part of this roster, including Wainright (ex-SIG Strasbourg), Bruno Caboclo (ex-Limoges), Tomer Ginat (ex-Levallois) and Noam Yaacov (formerly with ASVEL).
Thanks to this victory, Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to play in EuroLeague next season, a first in its history. And to get there, this wealthy club wants to seriously strengthen its roster.
Commentaires