Article by David Istrate – published on Thursday, October 9, 2025, 12:16 / Updated Thursday, October 9, 2025 12:19
The fans of Aris Saloniki, one of the rivals of U-BT Cluj-Napoca in group A BKT Eurocup, created an incredible atmosphere in the start of the match with Hamburg, won without Greek problems: 98-76.
The enthusiasm is at maximum levels in Thessaloniki, where the strong investments this summer have raised the hopes of Aris's supporters in an exceptional course in the 2025-2026 edition of BKT Eurocup.
In a dreamy atmosphere, Aris Thessaloniki imposed at 22 points in front of Hamburg
So far, the yellow-blacks have confirmed the expectations and, after winning on the field of the human Reyer Venezia, returned home, in the Palace of Sport in Thessaloniki, to confront with Hamburg.
Aris's room was filled to the refusal, 5138 spectators Coming to attend the first game on their own field in the current Eurocup season. After the holders of the two opponents entered the field and prepared for the start of the match, Greek passionate fans threw confetti and began to sing.
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Atmosphere pic.twitter.com/7ienbws0np
– Eurohoops (@eurohops) October 8, 2025
The images from Thessaloniki spread quickly on social networks, including Hamburg, the guest team, posting a video with the atmosphere in the Palace of Sport. The Greeks supported their favorites throughout the game, and they rewarded their confidence, winning 98-76 and demonstrating that they become a force in EuroCup.
Bryce Jones, the former player of U-BT Cluj-Napoca, was the best scorer of the Greeks: 16 points, 5 decisive passes, 3 interceptions. He was followed by Elijah Mitrou-Long (15 points) and Panagiotis Lefas (13 points). A solid performance also had Ronnie Harrell (7 points, 11 recovery), the former basketball player of the Bucharest Star.
On the other side, Zacharie Perrin (14 points, 14 recovery) and Leonard Thorpe (13 points, 6 decisive passes) were noted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txd3umgk6l8
Bryce Jones, the leader of Aris Thessaloniki and the former U-BT player: “Fans are our vertebral column”
“It was a beautiful match. A wonderful effort from everyone, starting from fans, coach and me, my teammates and young players. We have demonstrated the potential we have. Supporters showed where their heart is. We showed where our soul is. We have a lot of work, but we have shown what we can bring to the city, and fans have shown why we deserve to be one of the top teams in Eurocup.“Harrell said, quoted by the official website of Eurocup.
Due to this victory, Aris Thessaloniki has reached a balance of 2-0 and is in the second position in Group A. with 1-1, U-BT Cluj-Napoca is 7th.
So far, the Greek leader was Bryce Jonesthe former player from Mihai Silvășan's lot. It has mediums of 21.0 points, 5.5 decisive passes, 4.5 recovery and 2.0 interceptions.
The American defender spoke, in turn, about Aris Saloniki's fans and about the atmosphere in the Palace of Sport.
“Man, I can't even put it in words. For most of my career, I waited to play for fans like them. They are so passionate, so connected by the players. I am a passionate player, and they have the same energy. It is above basketball – they are our vertebral column.
When players and fans align, they become unstoppable. Aris has huge energy – the whole club feeds on it. That's exactly why I prayed: numerous public, enthusiastic fans. I am blessed to be here“Jones concluded.
In the 3rd stage, Aris Thessaloniki will move to the field of the Olimpija Ljubljana Cedevita, another undefeated group. The duels between Bogdan Karaicic's band and U-BT Cluj-Napoca will take place on December 4, in Thessaloniki, and on February 11, in Cluj.
Group ranking A.
Group A ranking, after stage 2nd Eurocup/Photo: Capture Euroleaguebasketball.net
