Matthew Strazel Chooses Anadolu Efes Over Other EuroLeague Teams for Key Role

Matthew Strazel, the 23-year-old guard, has become one of the most sought-after players in the EuroLeague this summer. After signing with Turkish club Anadolu Efes, where he will join teammate Mike James, Strazel revealed in an interview with First Team that every EuroLeague team except Panathinaikos and Hapoel Tel Aviv showed interest in him. He explained his decision by saying he wanted to join a competitive team where he could also have a significant role, and Anadolu Efes offered the ideal balance for that.

Last season, Strazel made a major leap forward, becoming one of the key players for Monaco. He averaged 9.2 points per game with shooting percentages of 51.2% on two-pointers, 36% on three-pointers, and 84% from the free-throw line, along with 3.9 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 24 minutes per game. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Monaco squad.

The upcoming season will mark Strazel's eighth in the EuroLeague, having previously played for Villeurbanne from 2019 to 2022 before moving to Monaco. This will be his first time playing outside France, as he embarks on a new chapter with Anadolu Efes in Turkey.