Obradović returned to Belgrade with Panathinaikos and beat Partizan 72-55: the stands cheered him, and Yabusele says he was spat on

Partizan - Panathinaikos 55:72: Obradović didn't accept "Forever"

Željko Obradović walked into Belgrade Arena as an opponent for the first time since leaving Partizan last November, and left with a 72-55 win, with Panathinaikos unbeaten after five EuroLeague rounds. Partizan fans put on a huge tifo for him and chanted his name, and the club prepared a video and a picture inscribed "Forever", but according to Serbian media Obradović didn't want to accept the gift. From the stands, meanwhile, came insults aimed at club president Ostoja Mijailović, whom some fans see as the main culprit for the coach's departure. After the game Guerschon Yabusele said he loves a hostile atmosphere, but that as he left the court objects were thrown at him and he was spat on in the face. "Everyone knows, and nobody does anything," said the Frenchman, whom Belgrade remembers from the Real Madrid - Partizan brawl in the 2023 playoffs. How many times does the EuroLeague need to hear that sentence before it hands out a penalty that hurts more than a statement?

Jokić: "I'll sign next year. If they want me"

Nikola Jokić was clear at Denver's media day: he will sign his extension next summer, when he becomes eligible for a record five-year deal estimated at 360 million dollars. He could sign a four-year deal now for around 280 million, but waiting pays more. Still, American analysts write, there is nervousness in Denver - not about Jokić, but about the team around him. Last season the Nuggets went out in the first round of the playoffs, and this summer they brought in DeMar DeRozan, Alpha Diallo and Marvin Bagley III. The three-time MVP from Sombor is under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, with a player option in the final year. "If they want me" sounds polite. The real question is whether Denver will build him a team worthy of that signature.

MZT - Tartu 92:95: A three in the final seconds for another defeat

MZT Skopje Aerodrom were favourites at the Jane Sandanski arena against Estonia's Tartu, who had lost by 27 in the first round. On the court it looked the other way round: the visitors led almost the whole game and were up by 15 (77-62) in the 32nd minute. The Macedonian champions did fight back, and Nikolić tied it at 92-92 with a three in the final minute, but Pasoja hit a three at the other end and MZT missed their last possession - 92-95. Nikolić finished with 22 points, Farrakhan with 18, Tadić with 13 and Vojdan Stojanovski with 11. After two rounds of the FIBA Europe Cup, the Aerodrom side are still waiting for their first win, and next up is a trip to Würzburg on October 29. How long can a champion keep waking up only in the fourth quarter?

Baskonia sack Galbiati, Perasović returns to the bench

Last season's Copa del Rey wasn't enough to buy peace in Vitoria. After a 1-4 start and last place in the EuroLeague, Baskonia fired Paolo Galbiati, and Croatian Velimir Perasović returns to the bench for the fourth time, on a two-year deal. Perasović played there from 1993 to 1997, coached the club in 2005-07, 2015-16 and 2018-19, and since 2021 had been in charge of UNICS Kazan. On the day of the sacking Baskonia also parted ways with Markus Howard, who leaves after three games averaging 4.7 points for Zenit, under Duško Ivanović. When the house is on fire, Baskonia call someone who knows the building. Whether that's a plan or nostalgia, the standings will tell by New Year.

Dimitrijević with 15 points, Aris unbeaten in the EuroCup

Nenad Dimitrijević put in another strong performance for Aris, who beat Italy's Tortona 88-68 in Thessaloniki to stay unbeaten after three EuroCup rounds. The Macedonian international finished with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes and was the team's third-highest scorer, right behind Americans Morgan and Robinson. While MZT chase their first European win at home, Dimitrijević is having the kind of season in Greece that any national coach would sign up for. In at least one position, the national team has no reason to worry.