By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ahead of Thursday’s EuroLeague clash at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Kosner Baskonia head coach Paolo Galbiati offered a grim assessment of his squad’s health. Facing a Round 32 matchup against Olympiacos, the Italian tactician confirmed that Markus Howard will be sidelined for two to three weeks due to a thigh injury.
The loss of Howard is merely the tip of the iceberg for a Baskonia side ravaged by physical setbacks. Galbiati also ruled out Ognjen Joksimovic, who returned from the adidas Next Gen tournament with a shoulder issue, and confirmed that Rodions Kurucs remains out for the next challenge in the 2025-26 Regular Season of the EuroLeague despite nearing the final stages of his recovery. “It’s no secret that we’re missing pieces,” the 42-year-old Italian tactician lamented.
Further complicating the rotation is the status of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. While the 30-year-old wing traveled to Greece, his availability remains a day-by-day decision following a recurring pain that kept him out of domestic action. These absences join long-term casualties Khalifa Diop (knee) and Tadas Sedekerskis (ankle).
Despite the 9-22 EuroLeague record and being mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, Galbiati refused to accept the injuries as an excuse for poor defensive effort. “We need to defend as a team. Our perimeter players aren’t natural defenders, so we must compensate with desire and one-on-one competitive spirit,” he insisted.
With the continental campaign winding down, the focus shifts toward maintaining their sixth-place standing in Liga Endesa, where the stakes remain high.