Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Dominates in EuroLeague with Baskonia

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot no longer seems rushed. That’s the first thing that stands out about the French forward this season. Not just his improved statistics or better percentages, but his way of managing possessions – measured, controlled, stress-free. The game now unfolds at his pace.

A Spectacular Offensive Explosion Under Paolo Galbiati

The Frenchman’s progress is striking. Last season, Luwawu-Cabarrot surpassed the 16-point mark only four times in 26 EuroLeague games. This year, under Paolo Galbiati, he’s done it in 20 of his first 23 appearances. With 19.0 points per game, he ranks fourth among scorers, behind Kendrick Nunn (19.4), Sasha Vezenkov (19.4) and Nadir Hifi (19.3).

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024-2025, he averaged 10.0 points per game with 43.4% on 2-pointers and 33.7% on 3-pointers. This season, he’s nearly doubled his production while improving his efficiency: 56.6% on 2-pointers and 42.1% from deep, with a rating of 16.0 compared to 7.3 last year.

« First, the system is different. It’s a system that suits me better, » he explains to Euroleague.net. « I also think consistency comes from reaching the age of maturity. I think my calmness on the court shows. I’m not in a hurry and I let the game come to me, but I’m aggressive at the same time. Before, maybe I was too rushed. Maybe I was trying to do too much. Now, with this system, I can just be myself playing at the 3 position. »

Confidence Restored Through Experience and System

This confidence particularly translates into his shot selection. Luwawu-Cabarrot is attempting more 3-pointers and this increased volume has sharpened his decision-making. « The volume this year has been so much higher than last year. Last year, I could go an entire game without attempting a 3-pointer. This year, I don’t know if I have a single game without attempting five, » he notes.

The relationship with Paolo Galbiati, despite a difficult start (0-7 to begin), has proven decisive. « He’s a coach close to the players. He listens to what we have to say and has his vision. At the beginning, of course, it was an adjustment. We started 0-7, then we started winning, » the Frenchman analyzes.

Today, with an 8-16 record, Baskonia has found its identity and Luwawu-Cabarrot his role as offensive leader. Although he’s in the race for top scorer, his priorities remain clear: « It wasn’t a goal when I started the season. I just wanted to win games and play to the best of my abilities. If it happens, it would be great, but it’s not the most important thing. I want to win games. »