The Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul duo, Scottie Wilbekin and Marko Guduric, have one thing in common, which is shared by completely different circumstances.

They are among the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four players who played the most games without winning the title.

Guduric already made 247 appearances and will play in his third EuroLeague Final Four. Meanwhile, Wilbekin played in 239 matches throughout 8 seasons and will make his debut in the Final Four.

Title-less players with the most EuroLeague games in the 2024 Final Four:

Player	Age	Team	Games	Seasons
Ioannis Papapetrou	30	Panathinaikos	271	11
Marko Guduric	29	Fenerbahce	247	8
Scottie Wilbekin	31	Fenerbahce	239	8
Nikola Milutinov	29	Olympiacos	225	10
Thomas Walkup	31	Olympiacos	212	6

"It feels good," Wilbekin shared his thoughts about coming to the Final Four. "We played here [in Berlin] before, but obviously, it's a different court, and there's a lot more people in here for our practice. Hopefully, we can stick to our regular game, push the nerves aside, and play a good basketball game." 

After being asked whether he had a monkey on his back for not reaching the Final Four earlier, the 31-year-old guard brushed off that idea. However, he admitted that there were a couple of times that left a bitter taste.

"I think if I'm bothered by anything that we didn't make it last year and the COVID year that I had with Maccabi," Wilbekin told BasketNews. "I really think that we would have made the Final Four and possibly had a chance to win a championship. So, other than that, I don't have a right to be disappointed, but last year, I think we could have made it."

Many emphasize the experience factor when it comes to the Final Four. Even though Wilbekin plays his 8th season in the EuroLeague, he's still a rookie on a Final Four level.

Will it be enough in Berlin?

"I mean, your guess is as good as mine," Wilbekin said. "You're right. I have zero experience in the Final Four, but you know, [I played for] 8 seasons in the EuroLeague. Everybody says that the Final Four is different. So, I guess we'll see it tomorrow."

For Guduric, it's a little bit different. Before leaving for the NBA, Guduric played for the Turkish powerhouse for two seasons and reached the Final Four on both occasions.

However, he had to wait four seasons to make his third Final Four. The Serbian international admitted that this Final Four is much more special for him because of that.

"Of course, it's much more special," Guduric admitted while talking to BasketNews. "The first two times I was young, and I came to one of the best teams in Europe. For us, it [playing in the Final Four] was a normal thing. Then, when I left and came back, I realized how hard it is to make it to the Final Four. So, it is way more special in this Final Four."

Fenerbahce turned their ship around after Sarunas Jasikevicius took over as head coach. Both players praised the Lithuanian coach for his influence on the team.

"I think his arrival to the team changed many things for us," Guduric noted. "It took us some time to adjust to his system and his philosophy. But once we clicked, I think it was really going well for us, and I'm just trying to be a part of the team, part of the system and the rules."

"It's this team spirit. First of all, team game and just following the rules. He is really preaching a lot about this, like 'Follow the rules, do this, do that,' and it really was like that. Every time we followed the rules, it was good for us. So, we just have to try to do more of those," the Serbian added.

"It's been great. His basketball mind is incredible. I'm lucky to be able to learn from him and he's a great guy, too. [He's] fun to be around," Wilbekin chipped in.

When asked about holding the unpleasant record regarding their trophyless resumes, both Fenerbahce members admitted it would be great to cross themselves out of the list.

What needs to be done to make it a reality?

"Beat Panathinaikos first and then whoever comes on Sunday," Guduric said in a literal and funny fashion.

"It would be a dream come true for sure. You work and practice for these moments and this title since you're a kid. It's going to be amazing and an awesome feeling," he added on a more serious note.

"It would be amazing," Wilbekin answered when asked about the possibility of winning the trophy on his first attempt. "That's the goal for every EuroLeague season. So, if we were to do that this year, I mean, I would just be incredibly happy."

Wilbekin will also have some special fans here in Berlin. His family, including his dad, came to town to watch him compete for the title.

"My dad has been saying for 8 years, 'If you make the Final Four, I'm gonna come.' So, it finally happened, and he came on the first flight," Fenerbahce guard revealed.

So, Wilbekin and Fenerbahce can only hope it won't be the last time his dad comes to cheer for his son in the most prestigious European basketball event.

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