SIG Strasbourg have officially announced the signing of Jaylen Hands for the 2026-27 season. The 1.91-meter, 27-year-old American combo guard will strengthen Jānis Gailītis’ backcourt with his explosiveness, three-point shooting and ability to create his own shot.
Jaylen Hands’ journey through NCAA and the G League
Born in San Diego, Hands played two seasons at UCLA, in 2017-18 and 2018-19, before being selected in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers and subsequently sent to the Brooklyn Nets.
He began his G League career with the Long Island Nets during the 2019-20 season. In 2020-21, Hands moved to Europe for the first time, playing in Belgrade before continuing his career in Germany with Ludwigsburg and in Belgium with Antwerp Giants, where he also competed in the FIBA Europe Cup.
Jaylen Hands breaks out with PAOK
Hands took a major step forward during the 2022-23 season with PAOK Thessaloniki. He averaged 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the Greek league, helping the team finish fourth in the regular season and reach the playoff semifinals.
He also impressed in the Basketball Champions League, shooting 41% from three-point range during the regular season.
Liga Endesa experience and breakout season with Varese
After beginning the 2023-24 season with Peristeri, where an injury interrupted his campaign, Hands joined Palencia and averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists over 12 Liga Endesa appearances.
The 2024-25 season proved to be the best of his career. Playing for Varese, Hands became the Italian league’s leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. He scored at least 20 points 17 times and erupted for 42 points against Scafati, including an impressive 9-of-13 from three-point range.
Jaylen Hands joins SIG Strasbourg
Last season, Hands started with Panionios, where he made his EuroCup debut, before moving to China in January and finishing the campaign with Murcia. He appeared in eight Liga Endesa games for the Spanish club, averaging 8.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes.
Strasbourg will now rely on his ability to create shots, attack the basket, knock down catch-and-shoot opportunities and facilitate for his teammates.
Nicola Alberani and Jānis Gailītis welcome Hands
SIG sporting director Nicola Alberani highlighted the importance of the signing: “Jaylen’s signing is very important for us. We are bringing to Strasbourg a player who perfectly complements our team. With Jaylen, we are adding a player with unique talent who can create both for himself and for his teammates.”
Head coach Jānis Gailītis also praised Hands’ offensive profile: “Jaylen is a player with a very interesting offensive profile. He is capable of creating his own shot, but also of putting his teammates in good positions thanks to his vision.”
Hands has already signed his contract with SIG Strasbourg, but the club is still waiting for the completion of the administrative procedures required for his visa before he can join the team.
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