Baskonia sack Steblaj after 0-4 disaster as Noreikevičius takes over; Fedoruk leads Reyer race

Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz have parted ways with Bor Steblaj following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 Cyber EuroLeague campaign, appointing Donatas Noreikevičius as his replacement.

The decision follows four consecutive defeats and two reported quits in just four matches, bringing Steblaj's short-lived tenure at the Spanish club to an abrupt end.

Meanwhile, the managerial market continues to develop across the Cyber EuroLeague and EuroCup, with Hlib Fedoruk emerging as the leading candidate for Reyer Venezia and Ivan Vujaklija also in contention.

Four defeats and two quits seal Steblaj's fate

Baskonia's opening weeks of the season have been nothing short of disastrous.

The Spanish outfit suffered a humiliating 97-54 defeat against Beşiktaş before falling 61-48 to EA7 Milan and 60-40 against Valencia Basket.

Their latest setback came against Olympiacos Piraeus on October 17, with another 60-40 awarded defeat completing a miserable run of four consecutive losses.

However, the results alone were not the only concern.

With two of Steblaj's four EuroLeague matches reportedly ending in quits, questions began to emerge surrounding his commitment and ability to consistently compete at the highest level.

Baskonia ultimately decided to make an immediate change rather than risk further damage to an already struggling campaign.

The club currently holds a 0-4 record with a -96 point differential, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing its new representative.

Donatas Noreikevičius takes charge

Donatas Noreikevičius has been confirmed as Steblaj's replacement, inheriting a Baskonia side desperately searching for stability and its first victory of the season.

The appointment represents a fresh start for the Spanish club, whose immediate priority will be restoring competitiveness and ensuring that future fixtures are completed without further complications.

Noreikevičius faces a difficult task, but with the campaign still in its early stages, an opportunity remains to turn Baskonia's fortunes around.

Steblaj could be left without an EuroCup opportunity

For Bor Steblaj, the consequences of his dismissal could extend considerably further than losing his EuroLeague position.

The former Baskonia representative's competitive future is now in serious doubt, with even a potential move to the Cyber EuroCup appearing uncertain.

Despite the possibility of continuing at a lower competitive level, there is currently no reported interest from EuroCup clubs in securing his services.

Two reported quits in four matches, combined with a winless record, could make potential teams reluctant to offer Steblaj an immediate return.

As a result, the former Baskonia representative faces the possibility of being left without a team in either European competition.

Fedoruk leads race for Reyer Venezia, Vujaklija remains in contention

While Steblaj's future remains unclear, developments elsewhere in the market could soon produce another significant appointment.

Hlib Fedoruk has emerged as the frontrunner for the Reyer Venezia position, placing him in pole position to secure an opportunity in the Cyber EuroCup.

Ivan Vujaklija is understood to be the second-leading candidate for the role and remains an alternative should the Italian club decide against appointing Fedoruk.

No final decision has been confirmed, but the developing situation could have implications for the wider market as representatives seek opportunities for the 2026/27 campaign.

With Steblaj currently outside the leading candidates for Reyer, his prospects of an immediate EuroCup return remain particularly uncertain.

A changing landscape across European NBA 2K

The latest developments underline how quickly circumstances can change in competitive NBA 2K27.

For Baskonia, the appointment of Noreikevičius offers a chance to rebuild after an embarrassing opening to the season.

For Fedoruk and Vujaklija, the Reyer Venezia situation represents a potential opportunity to establish themselves in the Cyber EuroCup.

For Steblaj, however, the outlook is considerably more difficult.

After four defeats and two reported quits, his EuroLeague opportunity has ended almost as quickly as it began, leaving his immediate future in European NBA 2K competition uncertain.

Baskonia have moved on. Noreikevičius takes over. Fedoruk leads the Reyer race. And Steblaj could find himself without a European club.