From the Rock to the Rim: Monaco Basket’s Revival in EuroLeague
Betting on Change: How a coaching shift dealt Monaco Basket a different hand.
The Monaco Basket's EuroLeague season has been a story of transformation, driven by a key change on the sidelines. When Vasileios Spanoulis took over as head coach on November 18, replacing Sasa Obradovic, the team’s dynamics shifted significantly. After ten games under each coach, the numbers paint a vivid picture of progress. Let’s dive into the stats and see how Monaco has evolved under their new leadership.
1-Winning More, Playing Better
Under Sasa Obradovic, Monaco managed a respectable 60% win rate, with 6 wins out of 10 games. Spanoulis has reached a 70% win rate, capturing 7 of their last 10 matches. Beyond just wins, Monaco’s net rating has skyrocketed from +4.3 to +10.4, signaling a substantial improvement in overall performance.
The most striking development lies in the offensive rating, which leaped from 113.6 to 122.4, while the defensive rating has remained relatively stable, shifting slightly from 109.3 to 112.0. Spanoulis’ offensive approach is clearly paying dividends. Shooting efficiency also tells a compelling story, with three-point accuracy climbing from 32.6% to 40.3% and two-point efficiency rising from 54.9% to 59.8%. Additionally, the team’s assist percentage has seen a remarkable jump, going from 55.0% to 68.3%, reflecting better ball movement and team cohesion.
2-Player Usage and Development
Spanoulis’ tenure has brought significant changes to player rotations. Tarpey and Begarin have been integrated more frequently, while Jaiteh’s appearances have decreased. Key beneficiaries of this shift include Matthew Strazel, who’s seen a 3-minute increase in playing time per game, Vitto Brown (+6 minutes), and Tarpey, who went from no minutes under Obradovic to averaging 18 minutes per game.
Conversely, Jaiteh has lost 9 minutes per game, going from 19 to 10. This redistribution of minutes highlights Spanoulis’ tactical adjustments and preference for certain player profiles.
3-Scoring Surge and Efficiency Gains
The offensive output of several players has flourished under Spanoulis. Alpha Diallo has increased his scoring by nearly 6 points per game in the 4 matches he played before his injury. Blossomgame now contributes 9.8 points per game (up from 6.4), Strazel averages 9.7 points (up from 6.1), and Papagiannis adds 8.2 points (up from 6.4).
Efficiency metrics are equally impressive. Diallo’s field goal percentage has soared to 76.5% (from 52.0%), with similar improvements for Blossomgame, Strazel, Motejiunas, and Papagiannis. The team as a whole is shooting better, with the only exception being Cornelie, who has seen a slight dip in accuracy.
4-Shooting Precision: 2P% and 3P%
Monaco’s improvement in shooting accuracy is one of the most remarkable aspects of their transformation. The team’s two-point shooting percentage has seen substantial gains, with standout contributions from Alpha Diallo, Blossomgame, Vitto Brown, Motejiunas, and Papagiannis. Their efficiency in this area underscores the impact of Spanoulis’ offensive system, which prioritizes high-percentage looks.
From beyond the arc, the changes are even more pronounced. Mike James, Elie Okobo, and Matthew Strazel have all significantly improved their three-point accuracy. As key volume shooters for the team, their newfound precision adds a critical layer to Monaco’s offensive arsenal.
5-Usage Rates and Points per Possession
The shift in usage rates has redefined roles within the team. Diallo, Blossomgame, and Papagiannis have seen their usage rates climb, while Motejiunas has experienced a slight decline. This redistribution reflects Spanoulis’ strategy to lean on players who are thriving in his system.
In terms of points per possession, several players have stepped up their efficiency. Diallo, Strazel, and the two big men, Motejiunas and Papagiannis, are all delivering better results when tasked with finishing possessions. This balance between usage and efficiency highlights the team’s collective growth and adaptability under their new coach.
6-Playtypes and Strategy Shifts
Monaco’s tactical approach under Spanoulis has evolved significantly:
Isolation plays have decreased, now making up 8.7% of possessions (down from 11.7%), with slightly worse efficiency.
Pick-and-Roll Handler situations remain consistent in volume but have become more effective, improving from 0.82 to 0.89 points per possession.
The biggest leap comes in Catch & Drive plays, where efficiency has jumped from 0.76 to 1.08 points per possession.
Catch & Shoot, Pick-and-Roll Roller, and Cut plays all show increased volume and efficiency, highlighting a more dynamic offensive scheme.
7-Player Highlights: Strazel and James Shine
Two players stand out in the revamped system. Matthew Strazel has embraced his role as a primary ball-handler, with his efficiency in Pick-and-Roll Handler scenarios skyrocketing from 0.44 points per possession to an astounding 1.38.
Similarly, Mike James has transformed into a lethal threat in Catch & Shoot situations, improving his efficiency from 0.25 to a remarkable 1.53 points per possession.
8-Dynamic Duos
Spanoulis’ changes have also fostered impactful pairings. The duo of Mike James and Vitto Brown now plays 6 minutes more per game together, boasting a massive offensive rating of 132.0 (up from 107.5) and a net rating of +19.4 (up from +1.4). Meanwhile, Strazel and Loyd have improved defensively, cutting their defensive rating by 12.3 points and achieving a net rating jump from -4.5 to +14.1.
A Team Transformed
The numbers leave little doubt—Monaco Basket is a different team under Spanoulis. His focus on offensive efficiency, dynamic playtypes, and smarter player rotations has propelled the team to new heights in the EuroLeague. With a 70% win rate and marked improvements across the board, the future looks bright for Monaco. The question now is whether they can sustain this momentum and turn their newfound strengths into a deep playoff run. If the first 10 games are any indication, Monaco fans have plenty of reasons to believe.