#72: Hoops, Hopes and Hardwood: The EuroLeague Mid-Season Shuffle + College Sports Madness

#73: Money issues in the EuroLeague and why the "most exciting player" debate is more fun than talking MVP

In this episode, Simon and Matej reconnect after a longer than anticipated break, discussing the latest developments in Euroleague basketball, including team performances, financial troubles faced by Monaco, and playoff predictions. They also delve into player movements, coaching changes, and MVP candidates, before reflecting on the recent All-Star game and its evolving format. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of basketball and the importance of player commitment. Chapters 00:00:00 Reconnecting After a Break 00:02:38 Current Euroleague Standings and Team Performances 00:06:44 Monaco's Financial Troubles 00:10:55 Impact of Financial Issues on Team Performance 00:15:00 Partizan's Struggles and Coaching Changes 00:18:53 Tony Parker's Coaching Role and Team Goals 00:20:11 MVP Contenders and Player Performances 00:25:30 Nigel Hayes-Davis's Return to Euroleague 00:28:17 The Rise of Exciting Players in EuroLeague 00:31:38 The Debate on Player Potential and Club Choices 00:34:55 Comparing Player Styles and Their Impact 00:37:48 Reflections on the NBA All-Star Game 00:41:47 Innovations in the NBA and Future Directions   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552548746418]) Instagram (@uphilldownunder [https://www.instagram.com/uphilldownunder/]), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder [https://twitter.com/uphilldownunder]) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com [hello@uphilldownunder.com]

#72: Hoops, Hopes and Hardwood: The EuroLeague Mid-Season Shuffle + College Sports Madness

In this engaging conversation, Simon and Matej discuss various topics ranging from personal fitness resolutions to the latest happenings in the Euroleague basketball scene. They analyze surprising game results, the challenges teams face during the demanding season and the implications of roster changes. The discussion also touches on the Greek Derby, the rise of Fenerbahce plus the need for strategic moves by teams like Barcelona. Additionally, they delve into the evolving landscape of college football, highlighting the impact of new formats and player transfers. The episode concludes with reflections on the upcoming sports year and a warm New Year's greeting to listeners. Chapters 00:00:00 Getting in Shape: New Year Resolutions 00:02:30 Euroleague Updates: Surprising Results 00:04:41 The Split New Year's Eve Rounds: A Fan's Perspective 00:06:54 The Meat Grinder Season: Roster Depth and Performance 00:10:43 Greek Derby: Olympiakos vs. Panathinaikos 00:16:31 Fenerbahce's Rise: The Hottest Team in Euroleague 00:24:43 Roster Moves: Teams in Need of Change 00:32:04 Competitive Spirit in Basketball 00:36:21 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 00:42:30 Navigating Difficult Situations in Sports 00:46:41 The Evolution of College Football 00:54:41 The Changing Landscape of College Basketball   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552548746418]) Instagram (@uphilldownunder [https://www.instagram.com/uphilldownunder/]), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder [https://twitter.com/uphilldownunder]) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com [hello@uphilldownunder.com]

#71: EuroLeague Coaching Carousel is spinning heavily + some Christmas Vibes

Ho ho ho! In our final episode of the year, we’re unwrapping the gift that keeps on giving: the EuroLeague Coaching Carousel. Before we head off for the winter break, we dive deep into the recent sidelines shakeups that have sent shockwaves across Europe: * The Coaching Merry-Go-Round: We break down the biggest moves, including Bayern Munich’s decision to part ways with their head coach and Efes’ new direction. (00:03:20) * The Partizan Puzzle: Belgrade is still on the hunt—what’s the latest on their search for the perfect fit? (00:05:57) * The Hot Seat: Which EuroLeague coach is currently under the most pressure and might not make it to the New Year? (00:25:38) * Euroleague to NBA: Which players offensive game would translate best across the Ocean. We debate (00:37:57) * Holiday Special: On a more personal note, we share our own Christmas Eve traditions and how we’ll be spending the festive break (hopefully with less stress than a EuroLeague coach!) (00:47:30) Thank you for an incredible year of support. Grab your mulled wine, settle in, and enjoy our last huddle of 2025! Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552548746418]) Instagram (@uphilldownunder [https://www.instagram.com/uphilldownunder/]), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder [https://twitter.com/uphilldownunder]) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com [hello@uphilldownunder.com]

#70: Partizan’s Turbulent Week: Coaching Fallout & Future Uncertain

In this episode, we break down Round 14 of the EuroLeague and discuss the hottest storylines that defined the week. We begin with the positives: Valencia picks up another impressive road win in Athens, Barcelona delivers a strong performance in Belgrade, and Monaco puts on a historic offensive display with 125 points in 40 minutes (00:01:34). On the downside, Zalgiris drops a disappointing home game against Maccabi, the Olympiacos–Fenerbahce clash is postponed amid a swirl of blame.  The biggest storyline, however, is Partizan’s turmoil. The club finds itself in complete disarray—fans vs. management, fans vs. players, internal tensions around the coaching situation—painting a picture of instability that goes far beyond on-court issues. Barcelona’s broader strategic direction continues to spark debate, particularly in light of the recent discussions around a potential “NBA Europe” concept (00:42:38). After unpacking the implications of this storyline, we shift gears and close the episode with a look at the FIFA World Cup 2026 landscape—examining Austria’s path against global competition and asking the lingering question: what exactly is the “FIFA Peace Prize,” and why does it exist?   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552548746418]) Instagram (@uphilldownunder [https://www.instagram.com/uphilldownunder/]), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder [https://twitter.com/uphilldownunder]) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com [hello@uphilldownunder.com]

#69: Shockwaves in Belgrade: Zeljko Obradović steps down

We break down the situation in Belgrade and explore the early signals for Partizan’s future. Further, we look at how the coaching carousel across Europe is starting to spin — from Ettore Messina’s departue to Igor Kokoškov’s exit and the ripple effects across top clubs. We also touch on some of the feel-good stories emerging around the league as some teams surprise us for the right reasons. And finally, we take a closer look at the growing uncertainty around the NBA Europe project and what this really means for European Basketball and especially the EuroLeagues future.   Co-Host: Matej Hopp and Simon Pichler Producer: Simon Pichler Music: Lunatic - HLM 3 (Intro) & 113 - Outro (113 fout la merde) You can follow the Up Hill Down Under podcast on, Facebook (@uphilldownunder [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552548746418]) Instagram (@uphilldownunder [https://www.instagram.com/uphilldownunder/]), on Twitter/X (@uphilldownunder [https://twitter.com/uphilldownunder]) and on YouTube (coming soon). For advertising opportunities please reach out via e-mail: hello@uphilldownunder.com [hello@uphilldownunder.com]