By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, celebrated its tenth anniversary with a prestigious 2025-26 Awards Ceremony on Friday, bridging the gap between the intense Semifinals and the highly championship clash between AEK and Rytas. Held at the Palau Municipal d’Esports de Badalona, the event honored the season’s elite while welcoming legendary former players to present the hardware.
The evening’s crowning individual achievement went to AEK’s Frank Bartley IV, who was named the Most Valuable Player. The 32-year-old guard was visibly moved by the recognition in his debut BCL campaign. “It’s a special feeling. Coming from where I come from,” he mentioned after receiving the MVP trophy. “I felt like I had always been overlooked. Every step I’ve taken, I’ve matured as a player, and everything has kind of prepared me for this moment.”
Bartley also headlined the Star Lineup First Team alongside Jerrick Harding of Rytas, the iconic Ricky Rubio of Asisa Joventut, teammate RaiQuan Gray, and perennial force Giorgi Shermadini of La Laguna Tenerife.
The Second Team featured a blend of experience and emerging talent, including Marcelinho Huertas of Tenerife, Errick McCollum of Galatasaray MCT Technic, Jack Kayil of ALBA Berlin, Chris Duarte of Unicaja, and Arturas Gudaitis of Rytas.
Beyond the court, Dragan Sakota of AEK was honored as Best Coach for guiding his squad to the Final. Youth and grit were also recognized, as ALBA’s Kayil took home Best Young Player honors, while Kendrick Perry of Unicaja was named Best Defensive Player.
These selections were determined by coaches, captains, media, and fans.
List of Season X award winners
Most Valuable Player
Frank Bartley IV (AEK)
Star Lineup
First Team
- Jerrick Harding (Rytas)
- Frank Bartley IV (AEK)
- Ricky Rubio (Asisa Joventut)
- RaiQuan Gray (AEK)
- Giorgi Shermadini (La Laguna Tenerife)
Second Team
- Marcelinho Huertas (La Laguna Tenerife)
- Errick McCollum (Galatasaray MCT Technic)
- Jack Kayil (ALBA Berlin)
- Chris Duarte (Unicaja)
- Arturas Gudaitis (Rytas)
Best Coach
Dragan Sakota (AEK)
Best Young Player
Jack Kayil (ALBA Berlin)
Best Defensive Player
Kendrick Perry (Unicaja)
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