MIES, Switzerland — The Basketball Champions League (BCL) returns for its landmark 10th season on October 7, with Groups G and H setting the stage for powerhouse contenders, rising Spanish teams, and possible Cinderella stories.
The competition format remains familiar: group winners advance directly to the Round of 16, last-placed sides bow out, and the second- and third-placed finishers fight through Play-Ins in best-of-three matchups. With Spanish giants in the mix and ambitious debutants looking to surprise, the stakes are as high as ever.
Group G: Unicaja Aim for a Three-Peat
Unicaja Málaga enter as heavy favorites, not just to top Group G but to defend their crown all the way to the BCL Final in May. Fresh off back-to-back BCL titles and consecutive FIBA Intercontinental Cup victories, the reigning champions have shown they know how to win on multiple fronts.
Head coach Ibon Navarro may have lost key names like Kameron Taylor, Tyson Carter, and Dylan Osetkowski, but reinforcements in Chris Duarte, Xavier Castaneda, and James Webb III ensure Unicaja remain one of the deepest squads in Europe.
Behind them, Mersin Sports Club and Karditsa Iaponiki look most likely to push for Play-In berths. The Turkish side will rely on backcourt duo Justin Coobs and Anthony Cowan, while Karditsa place their faith in the Jefferson brothers, Brandon and Damien. Filou Oostende, under new head coach Georgios Dedas, face a rebuilding phase but remain a wildcard.
Group H: Gran Canaria Joins the Party
Spain’s influence in the BCL grows stronger with Dreamland Gran Canaria entering the competition for the first time. Coached by Jaka Lakovic, the former EuroCup winners bring plenty of experience and exciting new faces, including Isaiah Wong, Braian Angola, and Carlos Alocen. If Alocen stays healthy, Gran Canaria could emerge as one of the dark horses of Season X.
The competition here is wide open. Le Mans Sarthe Basket (led by Trevor Hudgins) and Spartak Office Shoes (with Olivier Hanlan as their offensive weapon) will battle for Play-In spots. SL Benfica, meanwhile, could write another chapter in Portuguese basketball history after their national team’s EuroBasket 2025 success. With passionate fans behind them, the Eagles have the energy to spark an upset.
Potential Cinderella Stories
- Group G: Mersin may be a debutant, but their roster experience makes them more dangerous than most newcomers. By contrast, Oostende could surprise if their youthful rebuild clicks early.
- Group H: Benfica, already a trailblazer as the only Portuguese team to compete in the BCL, have a shot at turning Group H into one of the season’s most balanced battles.
Players to Watch
- Group G — Chris Duarte (Unicaja): The Dominican guard brings NBA pedigree and scoring punch, having averaged 20.2 points last season in Puerto Rico. Málaga fans expect fireworks.
- Group H — Isaiah Wong (Gran Canaria): A 2023 NBA Draft pick, Wong adds athleticism and shot creation to the backcourt. Ranked No. 10 in the BCL Player Power Rankings, he’s poised for a breakout season in Europe.
Young Prospects to Follow
- Group G — Noam Yaacov (Oostende): At just 21, the Israeli guard already has stints with ASVEL and Hapoel clubs under his belt. His maturity could make him one of the best young guards in the competition.
- Group H — Lucas Maniema (Gran Canaria): A standout at the FIBA U19 World Cup with Switzerland, Maniema may not log heavy minutes but remains a long-term talent to watch.
Must-Watch Games
- Group G: Unicaja vs. Mersin — October 8, 20:30 CET. The champions face a BCL newcomer in a clash of star power versus ambition.
- Group H: SL Benfica vs. Gran Canaria — October 7, 21:30 CET. Portuguese fans will bring the noise as Benfica test themselves against Spain’s newest contender.