Basket rumors

Aaron White moving to Crvena Zvezda

Aaron White is moving to Crvena Zvezda, as announced in a tricky way by his agent Misko Raznatovic.

White spent the season in Greece with Panathinaikos averaging more than 7 points in EuroLeague and 5 in Greek league.

The news was first reported by Telesport.rs.

Cairns Taipans name Adam Forde head coach

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans welcome new Head Coach Adam Forde to the Far North, who joins the organisation on a two-year contract.

Originally from Western Australia, Forde has extensive experience in the NBL since joining the Wildcats in 2011 as an assistant. He was part of four championships with Perth – 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019 before taking his talents to Sydney.

In 2020, Forde helped the Kings to the minor premiership and their first Grand Final appearance since 2008, before being elevated to the head coach position in 2021.

The 39-year-old is well-regarded throughout Australian basketball for his calculated coaching, meticulous approach to scouting, strong player relationships and unrivalled work ethic.

Taipans President Troy Stone said that Forde was the outstanding candidate in a comprehensive selection process, which included multiple interviews and in-depth analysis.

“We are really pleased to welcome Adam to the Taipans. The interview process and recruitment for this role has been lengthy and detailed, with a number of talented and qualified coaches. Adam proved at every stage that he is the best candidate for us.

“He has worked extremely hard in this league for over a decade, and his time is now.

I think the addition of Adam, the playing group we’ve retained, and a return to the Cairns Convention Centre will put us in a position for success this season.”

Forde has also been the head coach of several WA state league and NZNBL teams, as well as an assistant with the Emerging Boomers at an international level.

He joins the Taipans for his 11th year in the NBL and said he was ecstatic about the job, the organisation and team he is set to lead.

“I’d like to thank Troy Stone, Mark Beecroft and the Taipans Board for this opportunity. I really appreciate the process that they implemented to ensure that this was absolutely the right situation for everyone involved,” he said.

“I’ve respected what the Taipans have achieved over the years and how they’ve carved out such a strong and significant presence in the community.

“I think I’ll be able to complement this organisation as we share the same core values and ambition to see this team win a championship. I can’t wait to get to Cairns and be part of the Taipans family.”

Forde is currently interim Head Coach of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the NZNBL and will move to Queensland with his partner Kylie and son Carter later next month.

Olimpia Milano reportedly in advanced talks with Jerian Grant

Olimpia Milano is in advanced talks with Jerian Grant as reported by SDNA . A source confirm to Sportando and Fabrizio Lorenzi.

Jerian Grant, brother of Jerami, borned 1992, played this season for Promitheas.

As reported by SDNA also Zalgiris, Kuban, Virtus Bologna and Cska target Jerian Grant, but Olimpia Milano is the frontrunner.

Cameron Krutwig in talks with Antwerp Giants

Former Loyola Chicago big man Cameron Krutwig is in talks on a potential deal with Belgium’s Antwerp Giants, sources told Sportando.

Krutwig has had a very productive college career as he played an important role in the Ramblers’ NCAA tourney runs to the Final Four in 2018 and Sweet 16 in 2021. He was named the MVC Player of the Year in his final season after averaging 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game.

DEAC offers a deal to Xavier Thames

Hungarian club DEAC extended an offer to former NBA second-round pick Xavier Thames, Sportando has learned.

The San Diego State alum played for Egis Kormend this season, averaging around 15 points and five rebounds per game.

Mario Hezonja: My heart is green. This team is my home and my family

Mario Hezonja talked about his future with Giorgios Kyriakidis’ basketnews.com: «My heart is green. This is the team I’ve loved since I was young; it’s been almost 15 years. Where else would I rather be? This team is my home and my family. I’m not the guy that came to play for money; I came for free. I don’t know what’s going to happen with all the contractual stuff, but I feel that this is my family, my home, my color, my heart. Everything is here».

Blazers name Chauncey Billups head coach

The Portland Trail Blazers have named Chauncey Billups as the team’s head coach, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. Billups becomes the 15th head coach to lead the Trail Blazers.

“Chauncey is a proven leader with an elite basketball IQ that has won everywhere he has been,” said Olshey. “He is prepared for the challenge of developing the Championship habits and strategic approach we need to achieve the expectations and goals for our franchise.”

The Trail Blazers conducted a thorough and equitable search and Billups is the right choice to lead the organization to the playoffs and beyond.

Billups joins the Trail Blazers after spending the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers. As a part of head coach Tyronn Lue’s staff, Billups helped coach the Clippers to a regular season record of 47-25 (.653) and a playoff run that currently has the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. Billups is a proven leader, a mentor with the ability to grow and develop players and has a knowledge of the game that is unparalleled.

“I’m very excited and humbled to be the next coach of the Trail Blazers,” said Billups. “Portland is a special place and a unique franchise. As a player I always loved playing here because the passion and knowledge of the fans brought out the very best in me as a competitor. Now I’m looking forward to being on the other side of that energy and engaging with the Portland community on a whole other level.”

“I want to thank Jody Allen, Bert Kolde and Neil Olshey for their trust and for giving me this incredible opportunity,” continued Billups. “And, most importantly, I want to say to the fans that I know what this team means to you, and I promise to pour every ounce into continuing to make you proud of what the Trail Blazers stand for.”

Billups, 44, played 17 seasons in the NBA for Boston, Toronto, Denver, Minnesota, Detroit, New York and the Clippers. In 2004 he was named the NBA Finals MVP after leading Detroit to an NBA Championship. A five-time All-Star, Billups was named All-NBA Second Team in 2006 and All-NBA Third Team in 2007 and 2009. He also received NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2005 and 2006. In addition to his playing accolades, Billups was awarded the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2008, the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2009, and the inaugural Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in 2013. Billups’ No. 1 jersey was retired by the Pistons in 2016. For his career, Billups averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 1,043 games.

“Chauncey is a proven and consistent winner with NBA championship experience as an All-NBA player,” said Jody Allen, Portland Trail Blazers Chair. “He has demonstrated throughout his career, first as a player, and currently as an Assistant Coach a unique ability to lead. We are very happy to welcome him to Portland.”

Billups has demonstrated both his commitment to mentorship on and off the court though his work with at-risk youth and his dedication to helping prevent homelessness.

After retiring as a player following the 2013-14 season, Billups worked as a studio analyst and game analyst for ESPN. During the 2019-20 season, Billups served as the game analyst for Los Angeles Clippers broadcasts on FOX Sports Prime Ticket.

A Denver native, Billups attended the University of Colorado (1995-97) where he was a consensus second-team All-American in his second season. He and his wife Piper have three daughters.

San Pablo Burgos reportedly has opted out of Omar Cook’s contract

San Pablo Burgos has opted out of Omar Cook’s contract.

American point guarda averaged 5.1 points, 5.6 assists in ACB.

Tarkus Ferguson signs with UBSC Graz

Former Illinois-Chicago guard Tarkus Ferguson has signed a contract with UBSC Graz in Austria, a source told Sportando.

Ferguson was a four-year starter at UIC and a two-time All-Horizon League Second Team in 2018-19 and 2019-20. In his senior year, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

Lavrio reportedly close to sign Hasahn French

According to Christos Tsaltas, Lavrio is close to defining the arrival of Hasahn French.

The forward averaged 10 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks during his career at Saint Louis.

French is currently in Chicago along with other rookies from his agency working in front of NBA insiders.

Last year Lavrio made it to the final in the Greek championship, led by two talented rookies like Tyson Carter and Alpha Diallo.

 

Start Lublin keeps Tweety Carter

Tweety Carter signed a new contract with Start Lublin, as announced by the polish team.
Last year the veteran pointguard out of Baylor averaged over 14 points and 6 assists per game in the Energa Basket Liga.

 

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