EuroLeague clash in Podgorica: Anadolu Efes vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Three days after Hapoel Tel Aviv stunned Barcelona in the EuroLeague for the first time in club history, the Israeli side heads to Podgorica, Montenegro, to face a familiar foe in Anadolu Efes. The Turkish powerhouse already grabbed a win in this arena earlier in the week, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday, signaling Efes’ readiness to contend as the early-season phase unfolds.
A reunion with familiar faces
For Hapoel, the game carries an extra layer of drama because three players on the current roster will face the club where they spent significant EuroLeague years. One guard scored 18 points against Barcelona after spending five seasons with Efes before taking his talents to the NBA. A second featured contributor against Barcelona with 11 points and eight assists, after four seasons in Efes colors. A third, who poured in 18 points in that game, spent two seasons with the Turkish side before moving on. The matchup pits club loyalty against personal history in a high-stakes environment.
Vasilije Micić
Vasilije Micić, Efes’ veteran floor general, built his EuroLeague reputation over five seasons at the club before stepping into the NBA spotlight. He remains one of Efes’ most trusted playmakers, capable of dictating tempo, picking apart defenses, and delivering timely scores. His ability to control the ball and read defenses will be crucial for Efes as they look to impose cadence on the game.
Elijah Bryant
Elijah Bryant, a versatile wing who spent four seasons in Efes’ system, brings shooting range and playmaking to the court. He can stretch the defense, create for teammates, and push the pace in transition. His familiarity with Efes’ defensive schemes and offensive sets adds an extra wrinkle to this reunion, making him a key factor for Hapoel if they are to disrupt Efes’ rhythm.
Dan Oturu
Dan Oturu, another Efes alumnus who chipped in 18 against Barcelona, provides size and interior versatility. Oturu’s ability to anchor the defense, set screens, and finish around the rim will test Hapoel’s interior defense and rebounding effort. His two-year stint with Efes helped the team tailor its offense around a mobile big, a dynamic they’ll look to recreate on Thursday.
What Hapoel must do to stay perfect
Hapoel’s path to another strong result rests on pace, discipline, and defensive discipline. The Israeli squad will want to push Efes into transition opportunities where their length and athleticism can create mismatches. Containing Micić early and forcing Efes into difficult shots could swing momentum in favor of Hapoel. Offensively, Hapoel must balance ball movement with quick decision-making, ensuring they stay ahead of Efes’ rotating defense and keep their own rhythm intact in a challenging road environment.
Stakes and the derby backdrop
If Hapoel completes the victory and improves to an undefeated start, they will march into Wednesday’s blockbuster derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv with momentum and a bright early-season story. The upcoming clash between these two Tel Aviv giants in the EuroLeague would mark the first-ever derby between the clubs in the competition, underscoring the unique stakes of this point in the season. For both teams, the result could set the tone for the next phase of group play, shaping confidence, chemistry, and narratives as the schedule accelerates.
What to watch for
Look for how Efes handles Hapoel’s pressure and ball movement, whether the inside presence of Oturu translates into points in the paint, and how Bryant and the supporting cast respond to a tight road game in an unfamiliar setting. Hapoel, meanwhile, should prioritize hustle plays, shot selection, and defensive communication to keep Efes from getting comfortable. The balance of guard play, frontcourt battles, and coaching adjustments will determine which team rides the wave into the midweek derby and beyond.
