In the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul captured their second title, overcoming Monaco in the Final Four held for the first time outside Europe, in Abu Dhabi. A pivotal factor in their success was the performance of Hayes-Davis, who, despite a shooting slump in the final, dominated the game with perfect free throws and strong rebounding. However, what if a key injury that affected Fenerbahçe’s roster earlier in the season had never occurred? This alternate scenario could have reshaped the competitive landscape of the EuroLeague that year and beyond.
Had Fenerbahçe’s star player remained fully healthy throughout the season, the team’s regular-season dominance might have been even more pronounced. The injury had forced coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius to adjust rotations and strategies, sometimes limiting offensive options and defensive flexibility. Without this setback, Fenerbahçe could have secured a higher seed entering the playoffs, potentially avoiding tougher early matchups and preserving player energy for the Final Four. This might have led to even more convincing victories and a stronger psychological edge over rivals such as Monaco and other contenders.
The ripple effects would extend beyond Fenerbahçe. Monaco, which reached the final but fell short, might have faced a more formidable opponent earlier in the playoffs if Fenerbahçe had been at full strength. This could have altered Monaco’s path, possibly preventing their deep run or forcing them to make tactical changes. Other top teams like Real Madrid, Olympiacos, and Barcelona might have also encountered a different playoff bracket, affecting their strategies and roster decisions in response to a healthier Fenerbahçe.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the absence of that injury could have influenced transfer market dynamics. Fenerbahçe’s stronger showing might have attracted more high-profile signings or retained key players who otherwise considered moves. Conversely, teams like Olympiacos, which made several roster changes including extensions and new signings, might have adjusted their recruitment plans to counterbalance a more dominant Fenerbahçe. The competitive balance in the expanded 20-team EuroLeague could have shifted, impacting regular-season results and playoff seedings.
In this alternate timeline, the narrative of the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four would emphasize Fenerbahçe’s sustained dominance and possibly a more decisive championship victory. The team’s confidence and cohesion, uninterrupted by injury setbacks, might have set a new standard for excellence in the league. Meanwhile, Monaco and other challengers would be compelled to innovate further to break Fenerbahçe’s hold on the title, potentially accelerating tactical evolutions and player development across Europe’s premier basketball competition.