Maccabi Rottstein Ashdod have announced the signing of Markis McDuffie, a 2.03m, 29-year-old forward who has agreed to a one-year deal.
McDuffie becomes the team’s fifth import, joining Augustine Rubit, Isaiah Hill, Robert Turner and Kodos Wahab.
Extensive experience across Europe’s top leagues
After playing college basketball at Wichita State, McDuffie built an extensive European résumé, competing in several of the continent’s major leagues, including Italy, France and Turkey.
His first European stop was Hungary, before moving to Udine in Italy’s second division, where he averaged an impressive 20.4 points per game.
His performances earned him a move to the Italian top flight with Napoli, where he continued to produce at a high level, averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
He then joined French club Dijon, finishing the season with 16.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game across 35 appearances.
From Turkey back to Italy
McDuffie’s next stop was Türk Telekom in Turkey before he moved to Pesaro during the 2023-24 season.
He again put up strong numbers in Italy, averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, earning a place on the Italian League Second Team.
After returning to Dijon, McDuffie spent last season with another French club, Nancy, averaging 6.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Nati Cohen: “He completes the puzzle we wanted”
Club sporting director Nati Cohen highlighted the qualities McDuffie will bring to Ashdod:
“Marquis brings a lot of experience from the top European leagues. Everywhere he has played, he has brought a lot of energy, athleticism, high-level individual skills and rebounding.”
Cohen believes the signing completes the roster the club had planned:
“Marquis completes the puzzle we wanted and we are very happy with the roster we have built, especially considering the budget we are working with and without taking unnecessary risks or adventures.”
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