2008–09 FIBA EuroChallenge
| Season | 2008–09 |
|---|---|
| Champions |
 Virtus Bologna (1st title) |
| Runners-up |
 Cholet
|
| Third place |
 Triumph Lyubertsy
|
| Fourth place |
 AEL Limassol
|
| Teams | 32 |
| Dates | 25 November 2008 – 26 April 2009 |
| Awards | |
| Final Four MVP |
 Keith Langford
|
| Statistical leaders | |
| Points |
Austin Nichols
19.6
|
| Rebounds |
 Abdullahi Kuso
8.8
|
| Assists |
Dontaye Draper
6.2
|
|
← 2007–08
2009–10 →
|
|
The 2008–09 FIBA EuroChallenge was the sixth edition of Europe's third-tier level transnational men's professional club basketball FIBA EuroChallenge Tournament, and the first under the FIBA EuroChallenge name, organized by FIBA Europe. In the previous year it was known as FIBA EuroCup.
Teams of the EuroChallenge 2008–09
In all there are 40 teams from 21 countries, plus sixteen unknown teams from the ULEB Eurocup 2008-09 first preliminary round and second preliminary round. The competition is jointly run by FIBA Europe.
The competition starts from the first qualifying round. Thirty two teams will participate in this round. These teams will be paired in two-legged matches, with winners decided on two matches aggregate score. The eight winners advance to the second qualifying round, losers are eliminated. First matches will be played on October 14, while second on October 21–22.
Winners from the first round advance to the second qualifying round. Teams will played with each other, with all those teams from first qualifying round. Matches are also two-legged and decided on aggregate score, with the winners are advancing to the EuroChallenge Regular Season and the losers are eliminated. First matches will be played on November 4 and second on November 11.
EuroChallenge Regular Season is the main phase of FIBA EuroChallenge tournament. Eight winners from the second qualifying round, eight automatic qualifiers and sixteen teams from 2008–09 Eurocup Basketball First preliminary round and Second preliminary round (eight losers from the first round and eight losers from the second). The teams are divided into eight groups of four teams each, with each group playing a double round-robin schedule. The first and second-place teams in each group advance to the Top 16. The Regular Season matches will be held from November 25, 2008 until January 13, 2009.
As in the Euroleague and for the first time Top 16 will be held. The top two places from each group from the regular season will advance to the Top 16. There are four groups with four teams in each. The matches are also double round-robin. The top two places from each group advance to the Quarter Final Round. The matches must be played from January 27 to March 10, 2009.
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