Basket rumors

Skyler Bowlin signs with Iraklis BC

Skyler Bowlin has signed with Iraklis BC of the Greek A1 and Basketball Champions League qualifiers.

Bowlin spent the last two seasons in Germany with s.Oliver Würzburg. He averaged 11.2 points and 3.8 assists per game in the Bundesliga in 2019-20.

Chris Goulding signs three-year contract extension with Melbourne United

Melbourne United have announced that star guard Chris Goulding has re-signed with the club on a three-year deal.

The highly sought-after Goulding was often referred to as this free agency period’s hottest property. Asked about the importance of resigning the superstar, Head Coach Dean Vickerman did not hesitate to emphasise Goulding’s value.

“We all know what kind of player Chris is, and just how good he can be – he is a player of elite calibre both in the NBL and Australian basketball.” Vickerman said.

“He is a huge part of our team and it was a priority for us this off-season to get Chris to come back. He is a key piece in our core group, and that key group of players returning is not only important for us as coaching staff, but also for our fans.”

“Chris had other opportunities in front of him, so we’re happy he’s made the choice to stay with the club. To see that is really encouraging – these guys are on a journey together with us and it really shows unity within our core group.”

“Chris Goulding is not only a key part of Melbourne United, but our league and our country and he has played a huge role in the success and development of our club. To have him re-sign for 3 years is really exciting, and I have no doubt he will continue to drive our club forward as well as help develop the team and club culture around him.”

Chris Goulding has enjoyed an incredible career with the Melbourne franchise, since returning to the NBL in 2015.

Goulding’s leadership and on-court abilities were particularly highlighted by his efforts in achieving Finals MVP while leading Melbourne United to its maiden NBL Championship in 2017/18.

Goulding had weighed up his options as free agent, but spoke about his affection for his adopted city as a key driver in his decision to re-sign.

“I’m really excited – I love this city, I love the fans here and I really enjoy putting on the Melbourne United jersey and running out in front of a pack Melbourne United Arena.” Goulding said.

“It was a really interesting time to be discussing a new contract, as this pandemic has affected everyone is so many different ways. However, I was really encouraged by the journey we have been on as a club, and I want to be a part of it going forward into hopefully another championship campaign.”

“I want all of the fans, members, sponsors and key partners to know that I am standing United with them – I’m eager to continue on this journey with them all. I am really looking forward to getting back out on court and helping this club achieve another championship.”

Goulding joins Mitch McCarron, Jack White, Jo Lual-Acuil, Shea Ili, Casey Prather and Sam Short (DP).

Fonte: NBL.

Sydney Kings sign guard Dejan Vasiljevic

The Sydney Kings have announced the signing of sharpshooting guard Dejan ‘DJ’ Vasiljevic on a three-year deal.

The talented young guard just completed four-years at the University of Miami where he averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his senior year.

Making a name for himself for his impressive shooting from beyond the arc, Vasiljevic had a decorated college career finishing 17th in ACC history and 2nd among Hurricanes in career made 3-pointers.

Vasiljevic expressed excitement in getting his professional career underway in Sydney.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Sydney Kings”. “I haven’t played in front of Australian fans or my parents for the past four years so I’m looking forward to being home and joining a successful Club with a great coaching staff, and a good bunch of blokes on the team” Vasiljevic shared.

A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, Vasiljevic represented the green and gold at FIBA events from 2013 to 2019. In 2014 he won a silver medal at the FIBA U-17 World Championships and was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

He was a member of the 2017 Emerging Boomers side to attend the World University Games alongside fellow Kings Craig Moller and Xavier Cooks, and again in 2019 (with Kings Assistant Coach Adam Forde) who went on to win a bronze medal.

At just 23, the rising star was highly sought after by a number of teams within the NBL before landing on Sydney as his preferred destination. He adds depth and firepower to the Kings scoring line-up heading into NBL21.

“I’ve been speaking to Will Weaver and Adam [Forde] on a daily basis and Will just wants me to come in and develop my game to the highest level so I can make that jump to the NBA in the coming years. He wants me to do what I do best and that’s shoot threes and score, but also help me in the areas that I still need improvement on” Vasiljevic said.

“Over the last few years at College I picked up the nickname ‘Three-J’ because I shoot a lot of threes. I’m a scorer and quite versatile but I’ve also worked on becoming a solid defender and rebounder over the years. I’m trying to put the whole package together and I’m looking forward to developing on that at the Kings.”

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass was thrilled to be welcoming Vasiljevic to Sydney on a long-term deal.

“DJ is an extremely talented player and impressive young man. Following a distinguished collegiate career, we are excited to have him join the Club and build towards a successful NBL21 campaign” Pongrass shared.

“A gifted offensive threat, DJ’s range and shooting ability are welcomed additions to our arsenal. He is a tough, gritty player, who will fit seamlessly with our group”.

“The development of our young core is always a point of emphasis for us; we look forward to helping him grow within the Club’s culture in hopes of playing at the highest level” said Pongrass.

Vasiljevic becomes the seventh contracted player for the Sydney Kings joining Xavier Cooks, Brad Newley, Craig Moller, Shaun Bruce, Jordan Hunter and Didi Louzada for the upcoming season.

Fonte: NBL.

Keanu Pinder Signs With Adelaide 36ers

The Adelaide 36ers have announced the signing of Australian power forward Keanu Pinder on a one-year deal.

Pinder has been plying his trade in Poland for the past two seasons following a Collegiate career at the highly regarded University of Arizona.

Last season in Poland, Pinder averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He’ll join a stacked Sixers front court that including Daniel Johnson, Obi Kyei and new signing Isaac Humphries.

Pinder said he was excited to work under new head coach Conner Henry in NBL21.

“I feel like I am going to be able to shine under Coach Conner. I know that Adelaide will be a great fit for me with the coaching staff and my new teammates. I can’t wait to come and grind with this team!” Keanu said.

Henry pointed to Pinder’s motor and athletic ability as key attributes for the 25 year-old.

“Keanu’s athleticism and energy are two things that our roster has been lacking, and it’s going to be exciting to see him grow as a player. He has only scratched the surface, and we think he is going to be a great addition to our big men of Daniel Johnson and Isaac Humphries. Welcome to the club, Keanu!” Coach Henry concluded.

36ers Chairman Grant Kelley said, “Keanu Pinder was a highly sought-after player in free agency, and we are thrilled he chose to join the 36ers. Together with Daniel Johnson and Isaac Humphries he will bring great athleticism and competitiveness to our team, and strengthen our offensive capability, which we promised our fans would be a priority for the upcoming season.”

Keanu is the son of former NBL player Kendal ‘Tiny’ Pinder who played 220 games in his career with the Sydney Supersonics, Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks.

The Adelaide 36ers roster for NBL21 now includes Pinder, Isaac Humphries, Josh Giddey, Daniel Dillon, Brendan Teys, Obi Kyei, Daniel Johnson, Alex Mudronja and Jack McVeigh.

Fonte: NBL.

Corey Manigault signs with BC Balkan

Rookie power forward Corey Manigault has signed his first professional deal with Bulgarian team BC Balkan.

Manigault comes from New Mexico where he averaged 12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in his senior year.

BC Balkan competes not only in the national league but will also play in the qualification round of the Basketball Champions League.

Fonte: BC Balkan.

Trey McKinney-Jones agrees to deal with Gunma Crane Thunders

Former Indiana Pacers guard Trey McKinney-Jones is signing a deal to play in Japan with the Gunma Crane Thunders, sources told Sportando.

McKinney-Jones previously played in Japan with the Chiba Jets in 2018-19. He spent the 2019-20 season with German club Telekom Baskets Bonn, averaging 7.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 34 games in the Bundesliga and Basketball Champions League.