"Partizan Built a EuroCup Team, McIntyre's Departure a Blow to Zvezda..." Lithuanians Rate the Eternal Rivals' New Rosters: Lacking Reach, Too Many Gaps

Pulse Sports Team 05:57 - 29 July 2026

The new EuroLeague season is approaching, and clubs across the continent are rapidly finalizing their rosters before pre-season training begins. Although the transfer window is still open and many teams are hunting for last-minute additions, the respected Lithuanian basketball portal BasketNews has conducted a detailed review of the transfer period, analyzing the moves made so far and the current state of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan.

In their exclusive show, journalists Donatas Urbonas and Gitis Blaževičius graded EuroLeague teams on a scale of 1 to 10. Crvena Zvezda emerged with a significantly better impression, receiving a seven from both authors, while Partizan earned a three and a five.

Interestingly, the only perfect ten in the entire analysis went to Panathinaikos. The hosts vividly explained that they would have awarded them a "ten even without a single new player, simply due to the arrival of Željko Obradović and the immense respect for his coaching system."

Crvena Zvezda Analysis: Ibon Navarro is the Key to a Higher Level

Both Lithuanian analysts gave the team led by Spanish coach Ibon Navarro a rating of seven. Blaževičius admitted he initially leaned towards a six but ultimately trusted the head coach's abilities.

"Initially, I considered a six because I didn't see too many drastic changes. Jones and Motley are two big names, but the departure of McIntyre will be keenly felt defensively. Bolomboy also left, struggling to regain his rhythm after injury. Expectations around Zvezda are always huge, and I don't see a spectacular turnaround here. However, I gave them a seven because of coach Navarro. I believe in his ability to assemble the right rotation and get the most out out of the squad. On paper, it's a good team, but last season they struggled to maintain a winning streak," Gitis stated.

His colleague Urbonas wanted to push the Red Star's score to 7.5, but as they agreed against half-points, he settled for the lower mark.

Zvezda already had a formed and stable team, so a massive overhaul wasn't necessary. Losing McIntyre is a blow, but Jones has arrived, and it remains to be seen if he can fill the same role. I like the overall picture of the team, and that's why they deserve a seven.

Partizan Analysis: This is a EuroCup Team

Before moving on to Partizan's assessment, the Lithuanian journalists recalled Carlik Jones's social media reaction, who, upon seeing the departures from the club, briefly asked: "What are we doing?"

I gave them the lowest score – a three. They were extremely inactive for most of the transfer window, and the market has since completely dried up. Last year, they had significantly bigger names on paper, whereas now they've brought in Hayes, Stevens, Vildoza, and Pajola, along with Tanasković as a local player. I have a strong feeling that Partizan has weakened compared to last season. - Blaževičius

Urbonas didn't have much positive to say either.

To me, this strongly resembles a slightly upgraded version of Virtus, which is not a good sign at all. Pajola and Vildoza, who played for the Bologna club, have arrived. I believe Carlik fits better than Edwards, but the playing quality is similar. I highly rate Hayes; he would be a reinforcement even for teams with championship aspirations, but this squad is missing too much – especially at the wing position. I gave them a five, though I'm not even sure why. A four would be more realistic.

Blaževičius concluded with an even sharper remark about the team from Humska.

I know it sounds harsh, but this looks like a team built for the EuroCup. I love it when Partizan is strong and competitive; then every Eternal Derby is a spectacle, and the whole league benefits. But if they enter the season with this roster, their fantastic atmosphere in the stands will be in vain – they lack the reach. Of course, I'm talking about the current situation, assuming they don't activate some transfer bombshell.

Urbonas concluded the discussion by drawing parallels with other competitions:

"It's enough to look at the reinforcements teams in the EuroCup are bringing in, like Aris and PAOK. Everyone is waiting for some big move from Humska, but if that doesn't happen, Carlik's question makes perfect sense."

VIDEO: Katrina Dangubić follows Partizan - Dubai!

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