Lietkabelis' real-life player Baslyk suffers heavy debut defeat - Koitka dominates with PAOK in Cyber EuroCup opener
Daniel Baslyk with blow out loss, as the reallife Lietkabelis player was dominated by PAOK's Jonas Koitka.
Former Cyber EuroLeague competitor Jonas Koitka guides PAOK to a convincing 67-33 victory, while professional basketball player Daniel Baslyk prepares for an intriguing upcoming clash with Balkan Botevgrad's Joshua Tzvetkov.
October 16, 2026 | Cyber EuroCup 2K27 – Group D
PAOK BC Thessaloniki opened its Cyber EuroCup 2K27 campaign with an emphatic 67-33 victory over Lietkabelis Panevėžys, as German representative Jonas Koitka comfortably defeated Lithuanian professional basketball player Daniel Baslyk.
The Group D encounter marked Baslyk's first-ever appearance in an official international Cyber European NBA 2K competition, making him one of the most intriguing newcomers this season.
Koitka's experience makes the difference
Despite a competitive opening quarter, which PAOK edged 11-10, Koitka gradually took complete control.
The German limited Lietkabelis to just four points in the second quarter before dominating the third period 20-6, effectively deciding the contest.
PAOK finished shooting an impressive 53% from the field, compared to Lietkabelis' disappointing 25%. Baslyk also struggled from beyond the arc, missing all 10 three-point attempts.
For Koitka, the performance was an encouraging start to his new campaign. Having competed in the elite Cyber EuroLeague last season before suffering relegation, the German will now be looking to establish PAOK among the Cyber EuroCup contenders.
Baslyk faces a new challenge: Professional basketball meets esports
Unlike most participants, Daniel Baslyk actually plays professional basketball for Lietkabelis Panevėžys, the same club he represents in the virtual competition.
However, his debut demonstrated the considerable difference between understanding basketball on the court and mastering NBA 2K against experienced European competitors.
Despite the heavy defeat, the Lithuanian will have opportunities to improve throughout the group stage.
Coming next: Baslyk vs Balkan Botevgrad's Joshua Tzvetkov!
One of Group D's most interesting upcoming encounters will see Daniel Baslyk face Joshua Tzvetkov, the official Cyber EuroCup representative of BC Balkan Botevgrad.
The matchup is scheduled for next week and is expected to take place just one day before the real-life EuroCup game at Arena Botevgrad, although the exact timing remains to be confirmed.
The encounter will provide another interesting connection between traditional basketball and competitive esports, with Baslyk looking to bounce back against Balkan's representative.
For Koitka, meanwhile, the convincing opening victory sends an early message to his Group D rivals.
Final Score: PAOK BC 67-33 Lietkabelis Panevėžys
Quarter scores: 11-10 | 15-4 | 20-6 | 21-13
Group D standings: PAOK 1-0 | Lietkabelis 0-1
Cyber EuroCup 2K27 is organized by the European Cyber Sports Organization (ECSO).