Basket rumors

Will Wade to leave McNeese for NC State head coaching job

Will Wade has agreed to take over as the NC State head coach, sources told ESPN. The McNeese coach, who led his team to the Southland Conference regular-season and tournament titles, will face Clemson in the NCAA tournament before making the move official.

Wade, formerly at LSU, acknowledged the discussions, stating, “There’s no need to hide it, the guys see it on social media.”

The coach has had success at VCU, Chattanooga, and LSU, but also faced NCAA violations during his tenure with the Tigers.

Source: ESPN

Michal Sokolowski set to leave Dinamo Sassari?

The future of Michal Sokolowski with Dinamo Sassari appears to be coming to an end. The player and his family left the city on Thursday evening, yet the club has not released any official statement regarding his contract status. For now, Sokolowski remains under contract, but his departure seems inevitable.

Massimo Bulleri’s team, already struggling with multiple injuries, will also be without Sokolowski in their crucial matchup against Treviso, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:15.

Source: L’Unione Sarda

Jonah Radebaugh signs new one-year deal with UCAM Murcia

Jonah Radebaugh has extended his contract with UCAM Murcia until 2026, as announced by the Spanish club.

The 27-year-old guard leads the ACB with 1.8 steals per game, as well as 8.2 points and 2.3 assists in 21 minutes.

Radebaugh returned to Spain during last season after a brief stint with Galatasaray.

Dusko Ivanovic to stay with Virtus Bologna next season

Virtus Bologna has decided to extend Dusko Ivanovic’s contract even if the team does not win the Italian championship.

The club recently removed the contract clause that tied his future to a league title, securing continuity on the bench.

The move was led by president Massimo Zanetti, along with CEO Marco Comellini and GM Paolo Ronci.

The final confirmation will come once minority shareholder Carlo Gherardi gives his approval.

Source: La Repubblica Bologna

Keifer Sykes to sign with Legia Kosz

Keifer Sykes will end the season in Poland, at Legia Kosz. The news, anticipated by Prealpina on newsstands today, has been confirmed to Sportando. The announcement is expected in these hours.

Sykes officially terminated his contract with Varese Basketball a few minutes ago. The Chicago point guard played only 6 games in the LBA with an average of 6.8 points and 4.7 assists.

Kansas State lands 2025 three-star PG Exavier Wilson

Kansas State has secured a commitment from Exavier Wilson, a three-star point guard from Father Tolton High School (Columbia, MO) in the 2025 class.

The 6’1″ senior received an offer from Jerome Tang and his staff less than a week ago and took an official visit over the weekend before making his decision. Wilson chose K-State over offers from West Virginia, Saint Louis, Murray State, and others.

Source

Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen hired as Utah’s next head coach

The University of Utah has officially hired Alex Jensen as its next head coach, bringing back one of its former star players.

Jensen, currently an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks, has over a decade of NBA coaching experience, including a stint as head coach of the Canton Charge in the G League. Now, he returns to lead Utah’s basketball program, aiming to build on its rich tradition.

Miami hires Duke’s Jai Lucas as next head coach

The University of Miami has named Jai Lucas as its new head coach, signaling a fresh direction for the program.

Lucas, 36, has built a strong coaching résumé with Duke, Kentucky under John Calipari, and Texas, where he also played. Known for his player development skills, Lucas is a rising coaching talent. Miami is betting on his energy and experience to elevate the program in the highly competitive ACC.

Source: On3Sports

Real Madrid reportedly close to signing David Kramer

Real Madrid has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with David Kramer, currently playing for La Laguna Tenerife, for next season.

After attracting interest from several top Spanish clubs, including Barcelona and Valencia, Kramer has reportedly chosen Real Madrid as his next destination.

The 28-year-old German guard is having a standout season, averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 43.1% from three.

His performances, including 30 points against Andorra and 43 for Germany against Sweden, have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the European market.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

Selom Mawugbe reportedly to re-sign with Aquila Trento

Selom Mawugbe has reached an agreement with Trento to continue his adventure with the bianconero club. The American centre of Ghanaian origins is having an excellent season, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 stoppages per game, making him the best stopper in the LBA.

His defensive growth has attracted the attention of several clubs, but the excellent relationship with the coaching staff and Trento’s project have convinced the player to stay.

With this confirmation, Aquila Basket puts an important building block for the future, already having Bayehe, Pecchia, Ellis and Cale under contract for next season.

Source: L’Adige

Hapoel Tel Aviv in talks with Vasilije Micic: “Ready to make him Europe’s highest-paid player”

Hapoel Tel Aviv is making a bold move to sign Vasilije Micic for next season. In an appearance on the Pini & Friends at All-In podcast, hosted by Pini Gershon and Arale Weisberg, club owner Ofer Yannay revealed that he has been pursuing Micic for a month and a half.

The Phoenix Suns guard is reportedly tired of the NBA routine and intrigued by Hapoel’s vision. “I told him I’d make him the highest-paid player in Europe. No one else will offer him $5 million, but I’m ready,” Yannay stated.

Source: Podcast Pini & Friends at All-In

Panathinaikos reportedly offered rich multi-year extension to Kendrick Nunn

Panathinaikos is working to extend the contract of Kendrick Nunn, guard and leader of the team that won last Euroleague.

According to a Shot Vetakis report, President Dimitris Giannakopoulos has already offered the player a three-year deal worth about 11 million total.

Nunn this season is scoring 20.7 points with 3.8 assists per game in Euroleague -top scorer in the competition-, shooting 55 percent from 2, 41 percent from 3 and 84 percent at the free.

His intentions are not yet clear, but after two seasons at an excellent level he may wait until the start of NBA Free Agency to evaluate all options before deciding.

 

Marcus Zegarowski joins Legia Kosz

Marcus Zegarowski is a new player of Legia Kosz, as announced by the Polish club.

The former Crieghton guard spent last year in Italy with Cremona (10.4 points, 2.3 assists, 42% from three).

 

Joel Embiid could undergo radical knee procedures

The situation surrounding Joel Embiid continues to get more complicated. According to the Philly Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers center could undergo one of the following surgical procedures to address his ongoing knee issues:

  • Meniscus replacement
  • Low-dose radiation therapy
  • Osteotomy, a procedure where doctors break a bone in the hip to realign the joint and alleviate pressure

A source described these procedures as “radical,” considering the initial injury was supposed to be routine. However, something has gone terribly wrong in his recovery.

Meanwhile, if Embiid is not with the Sixers next season, the Toronto Raptors are the favorites to land him, according to Bovada (+1500), followed by the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets (+1800) and the Phoenix Suns (+2500).

Source: Philly Inquirer

Claudio Coldebella on Maccabi’s rumors: In Reggio I’m fine

Claudio Coldebella, GM of Pallacanestro Reggiana, commented in Il Carlino and the Gazzetta di Reggio the rumors about an interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

‘The work of managers always has a beginning and an end, in Reggio however I’m fine, we have a fantastic ownership and the president Veronica Bartoli for me has a crucial role on the continuity of this club and the vision: everything starts from her. I was lucky enough to be chosen and I don’t see why I should ‘ruin’ everything…’.

And also on the future of Dimitris Priftis, no doubts: ‘I’ve already said that this is the period of rumours… Priftis is a Euroleague-level coach, but he’s doing great in Reggio and he’ll be here next year too. There’s a perfect environment here, his work is appreciated and he’s supported by the environment. Like the people of Reggio Emilia, he is a tireless worker and is very stubborn, almost stubborn, in the best sense of the word’.

Vasilije Micic: I am focused on this chapter of my career in the NBA

Vasilije Micic discussed his NBA future, stating his desire to continue in the United States while not ruling out a possible return to Europe, with Barcelona among the options.

“Honestly, I never considered returning to Europe as long as I have a contract in the NBA. The reason I came here was my personal challenge, to step out of my comfort zone.”

“I believe I have done enough to prove that I can play. Obviously, many things are beyond my control, but I feel I have done what was necessary to showcase my value.”

“I don’t feel any pressure regarding my expiring contract. I have been very tough on myself in terms of expectations, but at the end of the season, I will see what the best situation for me is and accept it.”

“As for a possible return to Europe and Barcelona? Of course, every team is an option. There are a few European clubs I really like, but for now, I am focused on this chapter of my career in the NBA and want to finish the season strong. We will see in the summer.”

UNC to Hire NBA Agent Jim Tanner as General Manager

The University of North Carolina is set to appoint Jim Tanner as its new general manager, sources tell HoopsHype.

Tanner, a UNC alum and longtime NBA agent, has represented Hall of Famers such as Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, and Ray Allen as President of Tandem Sports & Entertainment.

African Big Man Paul Mbiya Considering College Route

Congolese center Paul Mbiya is weighing his options and could take the college path, per sources.

Standing 6’11” and 260 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan, Mbiya is a raw but intriguing prospect, having played basketball for only three years. He developed at NBA Academy Africa before joining ASVEL in the EuroLeague, a club owned by Tony Parker.

According to reports, two Big Ten programs have already shown interest in recruiting him.

Armel Traoré reportedly on Baxi Manresa’s radar

Baxi Manresa is reportedly interested in signing Armel Traoré, a 6’9″ (205 cm), 22-year-old power forward currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Traoré has played 9 NBA games this season, averaging 7.9 minutes per contest, while excelling in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he posted 14.6 points and 9.1 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game over 13 appearances.

The Spanish club is evaluating the feasibility of the move.

Damien Jefferson joins NINERS Chemnitz

Damien Jefferson signed a contract until the end of the season with the NINERS Chemnitz, the German team announced.

The forward arrives from Pinar Karsiyaka, where he was producing 9.4 points (45 percent from three), 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists between BSL and BCL.

David DeJulius joins Bursaspor

David DeJulius moves from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Bursaspor on a contract until the end of the season.

For the point guard it’s the third team in 2024/25, after Aris and Maccabi.

DeJulius scored 4 points with one assist in 11 minutes per game in Euroleague.

Previously, with Aris, the former Cincinnati recorded 14.3 points per game in Eurocup and 20.2 in the Greek league.

Mets de Guaynabo sign former NBA players Derrick Williams and DeMarcus Cousins

The Mets de Guaynabo have signed a duo of former NBA players to bolster the roster under the boards.

They are Derrick Williams, a former second overall pick also seen several times in the Euroleague, and DeMarcus Cousins, a 4-time All Star center and 2016 Olympic champion with Team USA.

Cousins returned to the Mets in a trade with the Vaqueros de Bayamon, another Puerto Rican team that has decided to focus on players with significant NBA pasts (JaVale McGee and Danilo Gallinari).

 

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Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia among teams reportedly interested in David Kramer

Tenerife guard David Kramer has caught the attention of Spanish bigs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia thanks to his good performance this season.

Between ACB and BCL the 28-year-old the shooting guard of the German national team is scoring 12.4 points in 19 minutes, with an excellent 46% from long range on more than 6 attempts per game.

Kramer last summer signed a 1+1 contract with Tenerife.

The news was reported by Olga Lorente.

 

Tomas Dimsa joins Casademont Zaragoza

Casademont Zaragoza announced the arrival of Tomas Dimsa to strengthen the backcourt.

The Lithuanian shooter arrives on loan from Zalgiris Kaunas until the end of the season, with an option for next season.

Dimsa in the Euroleague was scoring 6.4 points with 1.7 assists per game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Targets Coldebella, but Reggio Emilia Shuts the Door

Reports from Israel suggest that Maccabi Tel Aviv is eyeing Claudio Coldebella, the general manager of Pallacanestro Reggiana, as a candidate for their sporting director position. However, the Italian club has firmly denied any possibility of an exit.

Coldebella signed a three-year contract with Reggio Emilia in May 2023, which reportedly does not include an escape clause. Additionally, he is fully focused on the final stretch of the season, with Unahotels competing in both the Italian league and the Basketball Champions League.

The team will return to action on March 1 against Sassari, followed by a crucial March 5 matchup against Baxi Manresa, which could determine their Champions League playoff fate.

While Maccabi’s interest is real, Reggio Emilia has no intention of parting ways with its key executive at this stage.

Source: Gazzetta di Reggio

Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly interested in Claudio Coldebella for the role of new sporting director

Maccabi Tel Aviv has set its sights on Claudio Coldebella, according to One.co.il the ‘leading candidate’ to become the new sporting director of the historic Israeli team.

Coldebella is currently in his second season as the general manager of UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia.

After a 5th place finish and Final Eight semifinal last year, this season the Italian team is in sixth place with 12 wins in 19 games.