Fenerbahce is exploring potential replacements for guard Scottie Wilbekin, who recently suffered a season-ending injury. Wilbekin tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the first game of the 2024-2025 EuroLeague regular season, leaving Fenerbahce with a gap to fill in their backcourt. The Turkish club has reportedly set its sights on Skylar Mays as a possible solution.
According to Walla Sports, Fenerbahce has entered discussions with the 27-year-old American guard. Mays is currently participating in the Minnesota Timberwolves training camp in a bid to secure an NBA contract, but the interest from Fenerbahce presents an opportunity for him to transition to European basketball.
Mays has spent recent years oscillating between the NBA and the G League. Last season, he appeared in 17 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 1.3 points per game. Despite his efforts, Mays has struggled to secure a stable spot in the NBA, prompting him to consider a move to Europe. Earlier reports linked him to other European clubs, including Olimpia Milano, though those deals did not materialize.
Now, with Wilbekin sidelined, Fenerbahce is keen to bring Mays into their roster to bolster their backcourt. If Mays joins the Istanbul-based team, he will pair with Wade Baldwin, forming a new backcourt duo under head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius.
Wilbekin’s injury came just minutes after he entered the game during Fenerbahce’s season opener against Olympiacos. While attempting a jump-stop move on a drive to the basket, he sustained the ACL tear, forcing him to leave the court. Despite the setback, Fenerbahce managed to secure victories against Olympiacos and Anadolu Efes in their subsequent EuroLeague matches.
Fenerbahce will continue their EuroLeague campaign this week, facing Red Star Belgrade and Alba Berlin in a double-header. However, the loss of Wilbekin leaves the team in need of reinforcement to maintain their momentum throughout the season. Mays could be the player to step in and provide the depth and skill required for Fenerbahce’s title push.
Mays’ potential move to Fenerbahce would mark his first stint in European basketball. Known for his versatility and scoring ability, he could offer Jasikevicius the playmaking and offensive threat needed to fill the void left by Wilbekin. As talks between Mays and Fenerbahce progress, the Turkish team remains focused on finalizing a deal to secure their backcourt for the rest of the season.
