BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss CSKA problems, dirty play that got Shavon Shields hurt, what was surprising about UNICS, reasons behind Fenerbahce’s winning streak, and dead wrong preseason predictions. Topics: Weird Christmas table & Yao Ming’s shoe in Lithuania (00:00); Shields injury & if Rudy made a dirty play (14:24); Reasons behind the Fenerbahce winning streak (25:40); Why De Colo is so special (31:00); A unique fact about Maurizio Gherardini (34:45); N...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 32
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the EuroLeague El Clasico in Barcelona, Llull’s middle finger, furious Maccabi fans, the next Vesely’s paycheck, and crazy trade scenarios for the EuroLeague teams, which include Mike James, Shane Larkin, and Jaylen Reynolds. Topics: Breaking news & out of the box scenario for Monaco (00:00); MVP Mirotic & why Barcelona dominated Real (11:41); Crazy numbers by Laprovittola and Jokubaitis (20:37); How we feel about Llull’s middle...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 31
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas returns to discuss the best game of the EuroLeague season, poor officiating night and suggests some adjustments for struggling teams to improve their situation. Topics: Advanced stats behind Donatas newborn (00:00); Exclusive Ataman reaction on referees (5:10); Unfair Ataman’s ejection and terrible calls (6:40); This is why Saras signed Sanli (17:03); Fantastic Saras adjustment that changed the game (19:22); Impressive individual performances &...
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 30
Fenerbahce BEKO Istanbul head coach Aleksandar Djordjevic joined the Urbonus podcast in Kaunas to talk about early days playmaking for Larry Bird, choosing between two NBA offers, the quite weird similar thing he shares with Sarunas Jasikevicius, the great leader he found in Fener, and what fuels Serbian basketball. Topics: Intro & playing with Larry Bird (00:00); Two NBA offers & Sabonis joke (5:05); Crazy Djordjevic numbers & radical change (9:05); Scorer’s advice to solve Fenerbah...
Nov 19, 2021•32 min•Ep. 29
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss Mario Hezonja’s return to Athens, the most exciting things from the first Crvena Zvezda and Partizan derby game, a coaching change in Baskonia, and top EuroLeague teams facing issues. Topics: Intro, Vysniauskas comeback, Urbonas mystery (00:00): Did Hezonja deserve to be booed at OAKA (6:22); Timma, Lambo and OJ Mayo (18:07); Rivalry ghosts in Europe (22:39); Uncomfortable scenes in Crvena Zvezda - Partizan derby (27:30); Why Zvezda dom...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 28
FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius joined the Urbonus podcast in Milan to talk about his philosophy of building a championship team in Barcelona, the direction in which the EuroLeague should be heading, his good old friend Zeljko Obradovic in Belgrade, and his first love Zalgiris going through a very challenging rebuild process after his era in Kaunas. Topics: Intro about what’s more important than winning (00:00); How to get better after losing the final against Efes (2:00); Explainin...
Nov 09, 2021•32 min•Ep. 27
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the game of the week in Milan and what was unusual behind the scenes, why CSKA are not in crisis yet, painful days in Vitoria & Kaunas, and crazy fan experiences in the top EuroLeague arenas. Topics: Intro about the unsung heroes (00:00); A game-changer in Milan (4:59); Unusual post-game scenes at Mediolanum Forum (12:29); Hines three-pointer, Armani’s question marks (18:19); “Fire Itoudis!“; “CSKA in crisis!“; “Shved is bad!” (24:3...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 26
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the possibility of a coaching change in Anadolu Efes and Baskonia, the roster changes in Zalgiris, and the hottest topics of the latest EuroLeague double-game week. Topics: Intro, if Ergin Ataman is on a hot seat (00:00); The pros and cons of Zalgiris signing Zoran Dragic (12:37); Can Tai Webster be the answer for Zalgiris problems (17:45); The necessary mentality change in building Zalgiris roster (26:39); If Mudiay belongs in the Euro...
Nov 02, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 25
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas talk about Jordi Bertomeu’s position as CEO and the most interesting Euroleague games of round 5 Topics: Intro about Rytis finally joining Twitter (00:00); Potential NBA project in Europa (3:43); Who could replace Jordi Bertomeu as Euroleague’s new CEO? (08:51); Anadolu Efes get their first win (20:09); The struggles of O.J. Mayo and other newcomers from the NBA (27:15); Xavi Pasqual facing tough challenges with Zenit (30:43); Kenneth Faried’s ...
Oct 25, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 24
Sergio Scariolo talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about building a connection with Spain NT stars, Spain basketball future in the post-Gasol era, the missing piece in the bridge between NBA and Europe, why it would be a mistake to create a rivalry between him and Ettore Messina, and his expectations from a new chapter with Virtus. Topics: Intro, the reasons behind the discipline of Scariolo (00:00); The first speech at Spanish NT locker room (5:22); The turning point, when Scariolo went for h...
Oct 21, 2021•41 min•Ep. 23
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the hottest topics of the first four EuroLeague rounds. Topics: Intro about the long break between Urbonus episodes (00:00); What crossing the street between Monaco and France means (1:54); Are Anadolu Efes in trouble? (9:49) Rytis does his Ergin Ataman impersonation (16:11); The best EuroLeague team after four games (18:15); Our gift for Messina, jokes and unexpected atmosphere in Milan (22:23); Nikola Mirotic nemesis (30:05); Olympiac...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 22
Nikola Vujcic talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about the championship formula in the EuroLeague, debating the best modern EuroLeague team ever, a tough transition from playing to working in a front office for former basketball stars, the core of Maccabi future and changes he would like to see in Israeli basketball. Topics: The plan of surviving in Tel Aviv before the miracle happened (00:00); Maccabi vs. Anadolu Efes & the best EuroLeague team ever (3:13); Provoking miracles in Maccabi &...
Oct 13, 2021•37 min•Ep. 21
Monaco GM Oleksiy Efimov joins BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas to talk about creating a miracle in Monaco, recruiting Mike James, going through an incredible basketball journey, and building a team where one-third of residents are millionaires. Topics: Intro about meeting Alex Albon, Caroline Wozniacki, Novak Djokovic, and NBA stars in Monaco (00:00); How AS Monaco signed Mike James (5:37); The biggest highlight of the first-ever EuroLeague game in Monaco (10:57); How AS Monaco went after Donatas Mo...
Oct 06, 2021•47 min•Ep. 20
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas make the EuroLeague regular season predictions, listing all 18 teams from the 18th to 1st seed. Topics: Intro about playing poker with Marc Gasol in Vilnius and what Drew Nicholas picture is doing in our studio (00:00); Unprecedented hype around Wembanyama (11:18); The mysterious case of Luke Sikma (16:30); Why there’s not a lot of optimism about Zalgiris (19:39); Why it feels terrible to rank Crvena Zvezda that low (24:51); The potential game-...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 19
Kevin Punter joins BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas to talk about the roots of his scoring mentality, crucial shot in the Final 4 which could have changed a future, and his road from getting paid $5k per month to choosing between the elite clubs in Europe. Topics: Intro about comparisons with Kevin Durant and mastering his signature pull-up shot (00:00); The most challenging defender and facing Mike James or other elite scorers (4:58); The crucial shot in the EuroLeague Final 4 that still hurts to th...
Sep 21, 2021•28 min•Ep. 18
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas pay their respects after the passing of legendary coach Dusan Ivkovic. When they discuss sensational Monaco move with Mike James, how Barca lost the Supercopa final, and emotional Zeljko’s return to Istanbul. Topics: Intro about Manu’s retro jerseys and Cibona in the second-hand shop (00:00); How we’ll remember Dusan Ivkovic (7:18); Great fit for Mike James and if he makes Monaco the playoff team (13:00); Another incredible story of Sergio Llul...
Sep 17, 2021•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 17
Mario Hezonja joins BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas to talk about a blessing offer going through a very tough period of his life, an enormous love story with Panathinaikos, a weird situation that forced him to leave Athens, NBA leadership examples for his new chapter in Europe, and feeling alive again. Topics: How the EuroLeague changed, and what Hezonja was missing in the NBA (00:00); Why Sarunas Jasikevicius would have cut Hezonja’s head, and how the NBA changed his game (5:19); “I felt like I’m d...
Sep 14, 2021•46 min•Ep. 16
We apologize for the sound in this episode, as we ran into some technical issues with Donatas' microphone during the recording & had Vasilije's microphone too close to his beard. Vasilije Micic talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about why he turned down the CSKA offer and the NBA opportunity, how he makes the most important decisions of his life, and the special qualities of this championship team. Topics: - Intro & the party with Nikola Jokic that didn’t happen (00:00); - From Mega to...
Sep 12, 2021•56 min•Ep. 15
Ergin Ataman talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about the vital thing of building championship Anadolu Efes roster, why it could make the NBA playoffs, his son making the impact on his basketball philosophy, and the biggest EuroLeague title challengers. Topics: Intro about two-time EuroLeague champion status and life as the EuroLeague champion (00:00); The biggest EuroLeague title challengers for the upcoming season (5:40); The key thing in building Anadolu Efes championship roster and signifi...
Sep 09, 2021•45 min•Ep. 14
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the first preseason games of Real, Monaco, Baskonia and Zalgiris, Mike James situation, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Shabazz Napier potential. In the second part of the podcast, they named their All-Time best EuroLeague five and All-Time most underrated EuroLeague five. Topics: Intro (00:00); Unshaved Laso, Ivanovic’s baseball cap, basketball commentators talking about Mbappe, and new-look Real (1:40); If Baldwin and Ivanovic can survive the se...
Sep 03, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 12
Errick McCollum talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about his unexpected journey in basketball, him and CJ McCollum playing for the same EuroLeague team, learning from the best in Europe, and setting an example for his brother and future generations. Topics: - Intro (00:00); - CJ McCollum’s favorite EuroLeague team & McCollum brothers reunion scenario in Europe (01:00); - Why it’s personal every time Errick comes to Israel (6:54); - When ‘maybe basketball was over’ for Errick McCollum (11:3...
Sep 01, 2021•51 min•Ep. 11
The general manager of Fenerbahce Istanbul, Maurizio Gherardini, talks to BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas about the Fener’s rebuild, interesting calls before Djordjevic’s hire, Zeljko Obradovic’s decision to join Partizan, the NBA we never dreamed of in Europe, and the EuroLeague’s situation. Topics: Intro and the speech which inspires Maurizio Gherardini (00:00); The main concerns after Kokoskov’s departure, and the first evaluation of Djordjevic (13:25); How Djordjevic surprised Gherardini in Trev...
Aug 26, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 10
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Orazio Cauchi discuss the biggest EuroLeague teams needs and what was behind the latest most exciting EuroLeague signings. Topics: Intro (00:00); Nigel Hayes to Barcelona and Gabriel Deck rumors (1:12); a possible turnaround for Kevin Pangos and CSKA patience on the reinforcement (4:12); what’s the latest on the market for Baskonia, Crvena Zvezda, and Greg Monroe (8:50); UNICS move for a point guard (12:17); Jaleen Smith and ALBA rumors (16:05); Olympiacos after...
Aug 19, 2021•38 min•Ep. 9
In the latest episode of URBONUS podcast BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vysniauskas discuss the final games of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Basketball Tournament. Topics: Intro (00:00); Very disappointing face of Slovenia (1:50); Patty Mills leadership lesson for Luka Doncic (11:20); Andrew Bogut’s role behind this Boomer success (16:05); Challenge for Luka Doncic and if he made the right decision against France (21:40); Well deserved credit for Vincent Collet (28:20); Kevin Durant’s case for...
Aug 07, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 8
URBONUS Podcast is back with BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas and Orazio Cauchi discussing the Top 10 EuroLeague market players to land in the NBA, 10 most intriguing players coming from the CBA with potential destinations in Europe, and uncertainty around the next CBA season. Topics: Intro (00:00); The current information and feelings if foreigners will be allowed to play the CBA next season (1:07); Top 3 players coming from the CBA (4:54); Two intriguing veteran big men for the European market (14:...
Aug 06, 2021•51 min•Ep. 7
BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas & Rytis Vyšniauskas discuss the group stages of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Basketball Tournament. Topics: intro and the level of Olympics Group phase (00:00); why Spain played a better game than Slovenia and how they stopped Luka Doncic (06:09); terrible call on Doncic and Spain getting under Luka’s skin (11:57); incredible stat of Doncic and why Tobey is a better fit than Randolph (19:57); how Germany can surprise Slovenia (24:24); why France will reach the gold meda...
Aug 01, 2021•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 6
BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas talks to Buducnost Podgorica coach Aleksandar Dzikic. Topics: intro and no time to feel sorry about Serbia and Lithuania (0:00); NBA Draft today and 15 years ago (4:35); the change of Vlatko Cancar and credit to Aleksander Sekulic (7:43); the gamble of the NBA Draft and enormous difference in numbers between the EuroLeague and the NCAA (12:30); Usman Garuba quality and a weird hype of the NBA Draft (21:25); the magic of private work-outs before the draft (27:17); what...
Jul 27, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 5
URBONUS podcast is back with BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas and Orazio Cauchi debating topics, including Igor Kokoskov and Fenerbahce on track to part ways, Alexey Shved returning to CSKA Moscow, and Milano Armani making big roster changes. Topics: introduction (0:00); Igor Kokoskov on track to become a part of the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff (2:03); would Sasha Djordjevic be the right leader of Fenerbahce? (13:20); Alexey Shved’s return to CSKA Moscow (17:12); CSKA on the market for another pl...
Jul 19, 2021•43 min•Ep. 4
BasketNews’ insider Donatas Urbonas and sports commentator Rytis Vyšniauskas debate the biggest winners and losers of the EuroLeague offseason. The guys also discuss the biggest question marks for EuroLeague clubs going into next season. Topics: EuroLeague free agency winners (5:50); Anadolu Efes keeping their championship core together (6:05); are Fenerbahce ready to make a comeback? (18:30); controversial moves by Real Madrid (28:17); borderline winners of the offseason (37:40); Maccabi Tel Av...
Jul 17, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 3
BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas and Orazio Cauchi discuss two of the biggest stories in European basketball this offseason: Partizan Belgrade big moves with Zeljko Obradovic and Vasilije Micic signing a new deal in Istanbul. Topics: Zeljko Obradovic’s return to Partizan (5:00); is politics behind Partizan’s cash flow? (10:37); possible Ekpe Udoh and Obradovic reunion? (20:21); what about Serbians in Partizan (25:30); a dangerous new format of EuroCup (30:00); how Vasilije Micic turned down CSKA’s of...
Jul 13, 2021•56 min•Ep. 2
