Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius offered a clear stance on the future of European basketball while addressing ongoing NBA Europe discussions, describing the EuroLeague as “the last form of pure basketball” in an interview with Eurohoops Turkiye.
The Lithuanian coach spoke as EuroLeague, the NBA, and FIBA continue formal talks on a potential NBA-backed European league, a project that could launch as early as 2027 and reshape the continent’s basketball landscape.
“I think the European basketball model is still the only thing that’s left that I believe is so pure,” Jasikevicius said, pointing to the intensity of competition and emotional investment tied to every result.
He contrasted the week-to-week urgency in Europe with the NBA’s longer regular season rhythm, saying, “Every day is a dog fight,” while losses carry consequences for teams, fans, and coaches alike. “In the NBA, it’s like, okay, let’s get the next one,” he added.
Jasikevicius acknowledged that the NBA’s financial strength makes its interest in Europe inevitable, but he questioned whether that approach aligns with the continent’s basketball culture.
“It’s all about the business model,” he said, adding that European basketball continues to grow organically through fan bases, media exposure, and competitive balance.
The Fenerbahce coach also addressed the stylistic evolution of the game, criticizing the increasing uniformity he sees in modern basketball, particularly in the NBA.
“They all play the same now,” Jasikevicius said, referencing the analytics-driven emphasis on spacing, pace, and scoring that has reduced tactical variety.
He contrasted that with earlier eras defined by distinct coaching identities and roster constructions, citing examples ranging from Phil Jackson’s triangle offense to Mike D’Antoni’s pace-and-space systems.
Jasikevicius warned that a single dominant model risks limiting creativity and marginalizing traditional playmaking roles, which he believes remain central to basketball’s appeal.
“There are no point guards anymore,” he said, noting that scorers now dominate the position, often at the expense of ball movement and collective decision-making.
“I hope we don’t lose it,” Jasikevicius said, referring to the competitive edge and emotional weight that define EuroLeague basketball regardless of financial disparities.
EuroLeague officials have repeatedly stated that any collaboration with the NBA must protect European governance, traditions, and competitive balance. That position aligns with Jasikevicius’ belief that identity, not just commercial growth, should guide the sport’s future.
