Despite recent encouraging performances, Justin Holiday will likely leave Virtus Bologna at the end of his short-term deal, reports Corriere di Bologna.
The team has no plans to extend his stay unless a major turnaround occurs. Holiday scored 16 points vs Barcelona and returned to the court in the Brescia game. Meanwhile, Virtus is scouting the market for a combo guard for the playoffs.
Source: Corriere di Bologna
According to Turkish reporter Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Mikael Jantunen has already reached an agreement with Fenerbahce for the next two seasons.
The Finnish forward, who had also been linked to other clubs including Virtus Bologna, made his EuroLeague debut this season with Paris Basketball, ending the regular season with averages of 7.8 points (47% FG, 40% 3P, 82% FT) and 4.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.
Jantunen is set to face Fenerbahce in the upcoming playoffs, which tip off next week.
Nadir Hifi, named EuroLeague Rising Star, is on the verge of joining AS Monaco, while Olympiacos is making a push for TJ Shorts and Tyson Ward, per Sportando.
Ward, once followed by Olimpia Milano, is averaging 10.9 points and 5 rebounds. He could replace Shaquielle McKissic, who is now a target for Virtus Bologna next season.
🚨 Selon nos informations, Nadir Hifi pourrait franchir un nouveau cap dans sa carrière cet été en rejoignant Monaco.
Le meneur français pourrait débarquer en Principauté cet été en lieu et place d’Elie Okobo, que le club monégasque souhaiterait voir partir.
📸 F.Blaise pic.twitter.com/HniGGSbe8c
— Tribune47 (@Tribune47) March 21, 2025
According to Encestando, Fenerbahce is moving ahead in the pursuit of Mikael Jantunen, one of the EuroLeague’s breakout players with Paris Basketball.
The Finnish forward (8 points, 5 rebounds, 40% 3PT) is also followed by Real Madrid and Virtus Bologna, but the Turkish club has already initiated talks. Interestingly, Paris will face Fener in the upcoming quarterfinals.
Valencia is already working to strengthen the roster for the upcoming season, which could mark the club’s return to Euroleague in the new Roig Arena.
According to Encestando, the team has reportedly set its sights on Ismael Bako, a Unics Kazan center on an expiring contract.
This year Bako has produced averages of 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 22 minutes per game in the VTB League.
Rupert Fabig also reports Valencia’s interest in Yovel Zoosman, an Israeli forward who could opt out of his deal with Hapoel Jerusalem. The player would also be on the notebook of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Barcelona will keep Joan Peñarroya as head coach next season. The team has improved lately and no coaching change is expected.
Meanwhile, Willy Hernangómez is on his way out despite being under contract, with Fall and Sarr (heading to the U.S.) also departing.
The club is targeting two frontcourt players and one perimeter addition. With Abrines underperforming and Anderson’s future uncertain, Barcelona wants to strengthen its depth. They face Monaco in a balanced EuroLeague playoff series.
According to Sportske.ba, Džanan Musa is on his way out of Real Madrid, with a reported three-year, $10 million deal lined up with the Dubai Basketball Club.
The ambitious UAE-based team officially joined the ABA League in March 2024, aiming to raise the level of competition. Coached by Jurica Golemac, the squad already includes Klemen Prepelič and Dāvis Bertāns.
UCAM Murcia announced the extension of Dylan Ennis’ contract for next season.
The 33-year-old Canadian guard with Serbian passport is enjoying an excellent year with the Spanish team, scoring 15.8 points (53% FG) with 3.1 assists per game in BCL, and 16.3 with 3.1 assists in ACB.
Ennis is the third best scorer of the Spanish league.
🔥 𝘿𝙮𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙨, ¡𝙍𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙙𝙤!
😁 El jugador canadiense comenzará una temporada más sonriendo en el UCAM Murcia CB
📰 https://t.co/tqdO5FIkgv#GameChangers pic.twitter.com/oAv2f4pNeC
— UCAM Murcia (@UCAMMurcia) April 11, 2025
After another disappointing EuroLeague campaign, Olimpia Milano is reportedly going “all in” on TJ Shorts, the dynamic guard from Paris Basketball.
Averaging 18.7 points and 7.5 assists, Shorts has become a serious MVP contender, defying doubts about his size.
Coach Ettore Messina publicly praised him after facing him in Paris. However, interest across Europe is high, and a reunion with Tiago Splitter at FC Barcelona is also being floated. Milano will need to build “a system for TJ” to win the race.
Marcus Keene is set to leave Maroussi, just as the team enters the crucial phase of the Stoiximan GBL playouts. The American guard has received offers from Russia and Israel, prompting his exit.
Keene averaged 14.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 27 minutes per game. With five games left and a must-win clash against Lavrio on Saturday, coach Marios Batis now faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
Nenad Dimitrijevic’s time with Olimpia Milano appears to be over. As reported by Repubblica Milano, the Macedonian guard was left out of the 12-man roster against Baskonia, with youngster Achille Lonati taking his spot.
After the game, coach Ettore Messina clarified: “It was a technical decision.” The tension between player and staff had grown all season, and sources suggest this marks a definitive split. The Supercup MVP is now heading toward an early two-year contract termination.
Fonte: Repubblica Milano / ROM
✂️Pare agli sgoccioli l’avventura di Neno Dimitrijevic all’Olimpia Milano. Fonti sostengono che il playmaker macedone sia finito fuori dalle rotazioni e che la sua esperienza in biancorosso sia arrivata al capolinea 🔚@rep_milano
— Fabrizio Lorenzi (@fabry23lorenzi) April 10, 2025
1st Euoleague call-up for Achille Lonati 🤍❤️ #insieme #ForzaOlimpia pic.twitter.com/TDTXXIaxkC
— Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) April 10, 2025
Olimpia Milano-Baskonia, Achille Lonati in the roster. Neno Dimitrijevic out. As predicted by Fabrizio Lorenzi of Repubblica, there is a definite break-up in the air. pic.twitter.com/V4FzNcjdhj
— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) April 10, 2025
Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos announced on Instagram the contract extensions signed by Kendrick Nunn and Cedi Osman.
The U.S. guard has reached an agreement for a three-year deal, while the Turkish national team’s forward penned a two-year deal.
Cassius Stanley has signed a deal until the end of the season with ESSM Le Portel, the French club announced.
The athletic former Duke guard arrives from the Valley Suns (G League), where he scored 9.5 points with 4.1 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.
Stanley will replace the injured Déondre Burns.
🚨 @Cassius_Stanley 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒍’𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑴 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒒𝒖’𝒂̀ 𝒍𝒂 𝒇𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 ✅
Arrière scoreur formé à @DukeMBB et drafté par les @Pacers en 2020, Cassius Stanley (25 ans, 1.97m) vient compléter l’effectif stelliste ✍🏽
➕ 𝗱’𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼 : https://t.co/mRjkVMWdet pic.twitter.com/y3XOkrjaGn
— ESSM Le Portel (@ESSMbasket) April 9, 2025
Israelhayom’s Tomer Givati breaks down Hapoel Tel Aviv ‘s plans for the market, with a significant update on Vasilije Micic.
The Serbian playmaker, who is nearing the end of his second NBA season, has reportedly let the Israeli club’s management know that he is ready to join the team as early as the Winner League playoffs.
Micic rarely saw the court with the Suns, and in all likelihood the Arizona team will not exercise the Team Option included in his contract.
The current negotiations would start from a base of a five-year, 5-million-a-season deal, one of the richest contracts in European basketball history. There are still several details to be worked out, but the Israeli team appears confident.
In addition, Hapoel Tel Aviv, that appears more and more determined to build a competitive roster for the Euroleague, has reportedly begun negotiating an extension with Antonio Blakeney’s representatives.
The guard, 12.5 points with 48 percent from the field in 19 minutes per game in the Eurocup, could receive a raise on his current $750,000 deal to stay.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is making a strong push to sign Vasilije Micić, the Serbian guard currently with the Phoenix Suns. After a seventh straight loss for Phoenix, Micić is expected to end his NBA stint this weekend.
The Israeli club is in advanced talks with the player’s representatives, hoping to bring him to Tel Aviv immediately, before top European clubs make their move.
Dzanan Musa’s name sets the Euroleague market on fire, with many teams interested in signing him once his contract with Real Madrid expires.
The Bosnian forward has reportedly asked for a major raise from the Spanish team, but they would not be convinced due to his inconsistent play in some of the most important games of the season.
According to Marca, Musa would be along with Dario Saric one of the main targets of Dubai BC, a team determined to arrive in Europe’s top competition with an important roster.
Nacho Duque also lists Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes among the interested teams, while an Israeli reporter confirms the interest of Dubai and Fenerbahce and adds Panathinaikos to the list.
Musa could also receive attractive offers from the NBA, that would allow him to redeem the negative two-year period he spent early in his career with the Brooklyn Nets.
Khadeen Carrington has signed a deal to stay another season with Hapoel Jerusalem, as announced by the Israeli club.
The 29-year-old guard this year scored 15.9 points with 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game in the Eurocup.
דינו לא הולך לשום מקום! קאדין קרינגטון חתם בהפועל עד סוף עונת 25-26! לכל הפרטים >>>https://t.co/Itxk3RQDvN pic.twitter.com/Mz8gSGmTI7
— Hapoel Jerusalem BC (@JerusalemBasket) April 5, 2025
Tenerife strengthens the frontcourt by bringing Ibou Badji back to Spain.
The 22-year-old Senegalese big man arrives from the Wisconsin Herd, where he was producing 6 points, 5.3 rebounds and an impressive 3.5 blocks (first) in 22 minutes per game in the G League.
Badji signed a deal until the end of the season.
OFICIAL | La Laguna Tenerife se hace con los servicios de Ibou Badji ➡️ https://t.co/AcWrhctZic
👋 ¡Bienvenido, Ibou!
💛🖤 #VamosCanarias pic.twitter.com/eAc3e0ViSq
— La Laguna Tenerife (@CB1939Canarias) April 3, 2025
Bayern Munich strengthens the frontcourt with the signing of Jack White.
The Australian forward, who will only be eligible to play in the Bundesliga, has signed a deal for the rest of the season.
In his last NBL year with Melbourne United, White averaged 13.7 points, 8.9 rebounds (3rd) and 1.5 assists per game.
The news was reported by Olgun Uluc and Donatas Urbonas.
Pallacanestro Trieste acknowledges and supports Coach Jamion Christian’s decision to return to the United States at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. He will be the Head Coach at Bryant University in the NCAA commencing with the 2025-26 season.
“Jamion’s decision to reunite with his family in the US and continue his coaching career in the NCAA next season is one we’ve openly discussed and unequivocally support – Michael Arcieri, the team’s General Manager, stated – The opportunity for him to do what he loves with his family by his side is a true gift. Jamion’s unwavering commitment to Pallacanestro Trieste for this special 2024-25 season is stronger than ever as we approach the most important and exciting months of our season.”
“Family is the fabric that binds us, completes us – Paul Matiasic, president and owner of Pallacanestro Trieste, stated – We are thus fully supportive and very happy for the Christian family that the next step on Jamion’s coaching path will be back home in the United States, surrounded by the warmth of his family. Jamion’s contributions to our organization are substantial, and continuing. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence this season, and beyond.”
According to Repubblica Bologna and EuroDevotion, Virtus Bologna is finalizing deals with Saliou Niang (Trento) and Mikael Jantunen (Paris).
Niang, a 2004-born Italian forward, averages 7.7 points and 5 rebounds in LBA. Jantunen, a 204 cm Finnish forward, previously played in Treviso and now stars in EuroLeague. His contract with Paris expires in 2025.
During this morning’s press conference, Paolo Ronci, General Manager of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, addressed the futures of Isaïa Cordinier and Tornike Shengelia, both of whom are in the final months of their contracts.
“Cordinier is drawing a lot of attention. We’ve always had NBA scouts attending Virtus games, and we’ll make our assessments at the end of the season,” Ronci said.
“He came to us from Nanterre, and now he’s a player being followed not only in the EuroLeague. It’s a journey we’re proud of. The same goes for Toko—we’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season.”
Ronci also commented on potential roster moves:
“If the coach sees a chance to bring in a player, we’ll evaluate that with the president. It’s a possibility, but it’s up to the coach to decide whether someone can give us an extra push, taking into account rotations and responsibilities.”
Finally, he spoke about the situation of Justin Holiday, who joined the club during Will Clyburn’s injury absence:
“He came in to replace an injured player, Will Clyburn, without further guarantees for the remainder of the season. We bet on an experienced NBA veteran. Does his contract end on April 30? Yes. Now that Will is back, we’re monitoring his condition, and once he’s fully reliable, Justin’s role will naturally come to an end.”
“If Holiday leaves, we’ll continue with 11 players. We’ve already promoted Corsi from our youth ranks. He’s highly appreciated by coach Ivanovic, and we fully consider him part of the senior squad.”
Rick Pitino, legendary St. John’s coach, arrived in Reggio Emilia last night to observe promising forward Imran Suljanovic (class of 2006).
The young talent is drawing attention from multiple NCAA programs ahead of next season. The visit, captured by journalist Francesco Pioppi, confirms Suljanovic as one of Europe’s rising prospects.
Rick Pitino questa sera era a Reggio Emilia per seguire da vicino Imran Suljanovic. L’ala classe 2006 l’anno prossimo giocherà per St. John’s e ha già visitato il campus (qui il coach a colloquio con Marco Rossetti, allenatore Under 19) pic.twitter.com/BJWJbTV2q5
— Francesco Pioppi (@FrancescoPioppi) April 1, 2025
Bryant University is reportedly showing strong interest in Jamion Christian as a potential candidate to lead its men’s basketball program next season.
Christian, currently in his second year coaching in Italy with Pallacanestro Trieste, has guided the club from promotion out of Serie A2 to a competitive campaign in Italy’s top-tier LBA, where Trieste is now firmly in the playoff race.
The opening at Bryant comes after a historic season under Phil Martelli Jr., who led the Bulldogs to 23 wins and America East title. Bryant shattered program records for points scored, rebounds, and field goals made in a single season, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Their March Madness run ended in the first round against Michigan State. Martelli is set to take over at VCU next year.
While Christian’s name has surfaced prominently in early coaching rumors, sources close to the coach suggest he remains fully focused on Trieste’s playoff push in Italy.
Virtus Bologna president Massimo Zanetti is scheduled to hold a press conference today, with key developments surrounding the club expected to be addressed. Among the most anticipated topics is the likely announcement of Dusko Ivanovic’s confirmation as head coach for the upcoming season.
Ivanovic, a seasoned tactician with a wealth of European experience, took over the Virtus bench in December, replacing Luca Banchi.
Should the confirmation be made official, it would signal the club’s commitment to continuity and long-term planning under Ivanovic’s leadership.
More updates to follow following the press conference.
The EuroLeague market is starting to take shape: after the announcement of Kevin Punter’s re-signing with Barcelona, rumors about Paris Basketball point guard TJ Shorts are coming in. According to Sport24, a Greek website, at least 10 teams in the competition are interested in signing him this summer. Reportedly, the two favorites to land the player starting next season would be Fenerbahce and Monaco.
In the 2024-2025 EuroLeague regular season, TJ Shorts is averaging 18.8 points, 7.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Kevin Punter has signed a three-year deal with Barcelona, worth €12 million gross, per Eurohoops. Barca Basket announced.
The 32-year-old guard, enjoying a career-best season with 17.1 PPG, is shooting 41% from deep and 93.6% from the line. With injuries to Laprovittola and Núñez, Punter has stepped up as both scorer and playmaker.
He is now locked in until 2028, likely finishing his EuroLeague career in Catalunya.
✅ El Club s’assegura la continuïtat de l’escorta nord-americà per a les properes tres temporades
Tots els detalls de la renovació, aquí 👇https://t.co/32nuAOwDxF
— Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) April 1, 2025
Barça Basketball and Kevin Punter Reach Agreement on Contract Extension Until 2028
FC Barcelona’s basketball team and Kevin Punter have reached an agreement to extend the contract of the American shooting guard, who also holds a Serbian passport, until 2028. The Blaugrana number 0 joined Barcelona this past summer on a one-year deal, and following the agreement between both parties, he will now remain for three more seasons.
In just a few months in Barcelona, Punter has become one of Joan Peñarroya’s key players and a fan favorite at the Palau Blaugrana, where his exceptional shooting and relentless effort are on full display every game.
His numbers speak for themselves. In the EuroLeague, he is the team’s top offensive performer, averaging:
From beyond the arc, he’s shooting 40.9%, with 20 consecutive games hitting at least one three-pointer, and scoring from deep in 28 of the last 29 contests. He is also third in the EuroLeague in steals per game and seventh in scoring.
In the Spanish Liga Endesa, he has played 23 games, averaging:
In a full interview with Barça One, also available on Spotify, Kevin Punter reflects on his childhood in the Bronx and the long road that brought him to Barcelona — a place where he has felt deeply appreciated from day one, and where he will continue to represent the Blaugrana badge for the next three seasons.
A new era begins for Real Madrid basketball: Sergio Rodríguez, who retired last summer, becomes the right-hand man of Juan Carlos Sánchez, while Felipe Reyes will gain a more prominent sporting role.
The changes come as Madrid positions itself for the future, especially amid growing interest from the NBA’s European league project, expected in 2026.
According to some sources, Rodríguez was in New York last week, at the press conference of commissioner Adam Silver, where the NBA’s interest in a stable and competitive European project was made official.
After Maryland’s Sweet 16 loss, Kevin Willard admitted uncertainty about his future: “I don’t know what I’m gonna do… this is going to be a family decision.” Willard’s family reportedly isn’t settled in Maryland, and Villanova may offer a return to the Big East. Despite a $5M offer from Maryland, Willard’s concerns about NIL funding and leadership changes cloud his next move.
Fonte: NJ Advance Media
Kevin Willard on his future:
“I don’t know what I’m gonna do, I’ll just be honest with you… My biggest concern, right now… I don’t know who my boss is gonna be. And that worries me, I’m just being honest… I love Maryland. But I have to take everything into consideration” pic.twitter.com/VJTxNEXPCm
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 28, 2025
Rayjon Tucker is leaving Virtus Bologna to close the season in Greece in the ranks of Aek Athens.
According to Hellenic reporter Christos Tsaltas, the swingman has already signed with the new club.
Tucker never managed to find enough consistency with Bologna, where he averaged 4.4 points (36% FG, 29% 3p) in 45 games between LBA and Euroleague.
