EUROLEAGUE Belgrade rivals aren't in action, but all of Serbia is backing Dusan and Zeljko!

Pulse Sports Team 17:03 - 30 September 2026

Round 2 of the EuroLeague wraps up this Wednesday with two games you can follow live on Sportal.

"Dušan, I won't interfere with your job—I'll bring you whoever you want!"
Here is how the EuroLeague standings look after the Belgrade giants' games

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Besiktas

Panathinaikos vs. ASVEL

"European basketball is better than the NBA"

Shaquille O'Neal surprised the basketball world with an unexpected comparison coming from one of the greatest NBA legends of all time. The former Los Angeles Lakers center and four-time champion was in Kaunas to catch the EuroLeague clash between Zalgiris and Olympiacos, but his visit was headlined by a statement sure to stir up plenty of debate.

I know European basketball is slightly better than the NBA. I know a lot of people will criticize me for saying this. In the EuroLeague, they play hard-nosed basketball across all 38 games. In the NBA, there is a certain level of coasting until the All-Star break or the playoffs. - Shaquille O'Neal

However, what drew the most attention was Shaq's comparison of player development between the two continents.

I've always said that European players have vastly better basketball fundamentals than Americans. Americans might have more raw talent and bounce higher, but Europeans play with their heads first, whereas we rely more on athleticism. - Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq also offered his own formula for building a team capable of reaching the highest heights in Europe.

You need one or two marquee players to build the squad around. Then you add defensive stoppers, shooters, and above all, a stronger desire to win than anyone else. - Shaquille O'Neal