By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dealing with several roster decisions amid continental and regional challenges on the 2025-26 schedule, Partizan Mozzart Bet head coach Joan Penarroya announced the return of Aleksej Pokusevski and Shake Milton.
Recovering from injuries and joining the team practice schedule, both players are labeled as available to play in Round 20 of the EuroLeague Regular Season, opposite AS Monaco in Salle Gaston Medecin on Tuesday.
Pokusevski, 24, has been sidelined since early December due to an ankle sprain. He previously averaged 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game over 11 EuroLeague appearances this season. He moved to the Belgrade outfit in 2024, after 168 NBA appearances since 2020 and his selection as the 17th overall draft pick.
Milton, 29, was dealing with a foot injury in recent weeks, after averaging 7.2 points, 3.2 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game over his first 12 EuroLeague appearances. The American combo guard is a veteran of 399 NBA games.
In contrast, Duane Washington Jr. remains sidelined due to an illness, after missing Round 13 of the AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season, a winning display against Borac Mozzart in Cacak’s Borac Hall on Saturday. Mitar Bosnjakovic (ankle), Carlik Jones (foot), Arijan Lakic (shoulder), and Mario Nakic (knee) are out as well.
“I think it is obvious Tyrique is a great EuroLeague player, but I think the club found the best option for both sides, especially for the club. At this moment, I think Tyrique couldn’t continue at Partizan,” noted 56-year-old Penarroya in a media session.
“I am not sure if he has a contract with CSKA or if he is a free agent, but he is not a Partizan player. The club is working hard to find a good solution. Considering a good solution, I am sure the club is making maximum efforts to replace Tyrique,” he added, responding to a question about Jekiri.
Entering EuroLeague’s next two-game week, the team based in the Serbian capital carries a 6-13 record and is tied with five more sides in last place of the standings, five games away from the Play-In Showdown zone.