Maxym Klyshchuk's Performance in France
Ukrainian basketball player Maxym Klyshchuk delivered an impressive display of stamina by competing in two separate matches in a single day in France. First, in the French youth championship, his Monaco youth team suffered a narrow 117:119 defeat to Le Mans after two overtimes. In this contest, Klyshchuk logged 30 minutes, scoring 25 points on 11-of-16 two-point shooting and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also tallied 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4 fouls, and 2 turnovers.
Later that same day, Klyshchuk made his debut for the senior AS Monaco squad, playing for 4 minutes. While he did not score (0 for 1 on two-point attempts), he secured 2 rebounds. The senior Monaco team secured a convincing 99:85 victory over Le Mans.
Ukraine's Women's National Team
In other news, Ukraine's women's national basketball team has successfully advanced to the second qualification round for the 2027 European Championship. The team concluded the first round with three wins from six games, finishing third in their group. Qualification for the second round was granted to the two group winners and the three best third-placed teams, with Ukraine securing one of those three spots.
In the second round, seven additional teams will join the 17 from the first phase:
- Czech Republic
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Italy
- Spain
- Turkey
These nations are participating in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup. The draw for the second round will be held before it begins. The teams will be divided into six groups of four, competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Women's EuroBasket 2027. The second-round games are scheduled for November 8-18, 2026, and February 7-17, 2027, with each team playing three games in each window.
Klyshchuk's dual-duty performance underscores his growing importance within the Monaco organization, showcasing his potential at both developmental and elite levels. Playing for a senior EuroLeague contender like Monaco at a young age is a significant milestone for any prospect. Meanwhile, the women's national team's progression highlights the steady growth of Ukrainian basketball on the international stage, which could inspire greater domestic interest in the sport.
In addition to Klyshchuk's remarkable performance, it's worth noting that Ukraine's women's basketball team has also made significant strides by advancing to the second qualification round for EuroBasket 2027. Their success highlights the growing strength of Ukrainian basketball on both men's and women's fronts, creating a promising future for the sport in the country.