Basket rumors

14 February 2024

14/02/2024 20:12

Egidijus Mockevicius leaves Carpegna Pesaro

Carpegna Prosciutto Basket Pesaro announces that player Egidijus Mockevicius has exercised the clause to opt out of the previously signed contract.

The Lithuanian big man produced 4 points and 5 rebounds in 13  minutes per game with the Italian team.

14 February 2024

14/02/2024 09:35

Janis Strelnieks to sign with Obradoiro

Janis Strelnieks’ future is in Spain. Having left Givova Scafati, the player will sign with Obradoiro.

The Latvian class of 1989, who arrived during the current season, played his last game with the Campania team on 11 February, 19′ with 0/5 from 3 against Virtus Bologna.

Strelnieks has played 9 LBA games with 10.7 points average, and 3 assists, in 20.8′ on the court.

13 February 2024

13/02/2024 18:33

Joventut Badalona announced the extension of Andres Felix

Joventut Badalona announced the extension of Andres Felix’s contract until 2026.

The Dominican point guard, in his third season with the Spanish club, is producing over 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game between ACB and Eurocup.

Feliz is known for his ability to take the team in hand in the decisive moments; this season he has already scored three baskets at the buzzer.

13 February 2024

13/02/2024 09:42

Janis Strelnieks in talks with Givova Scafati to part ways

Negotiations are underway between Givova Scafati and Janis Strelnieks to terminate his contract.

The Latvian class of 1989, who arrived during the current season, may have played his last game with the Campania team on February 11, 19′ with 0/5 from 3 against Virtus Bologna.

According to what Sportando has learned in these minutes, the parties are working on the exit agreement: it is expected to be closed by the evening.

Strelnieks has played 9 LBA games with an average of 10.7 points, and 3 assists, in 20.8′ of usage.

13 February 2024

13/02/2024 09:25

Pallacanestro Varese reportedly in talks with Michael Gilmore

Italian newpaper LA Prealpina reports that Openjobmetis Varese is on the market to find a replacement for forward James Young. Two names emerge as main candidates: Michael Gilmore and Nuni Omot.

Gilmore, a 29-year-old wing-pivot with Belgian passport, currently with Paok, is the first choice of the Varese.

In the BCL he produced an average of 7.1 points with 5.9 rebounds in nine games.

Omot, a 28-year-old South Sudanese forward, is considered as an alternative, despite a less fortunate recent experience in France with Roanne. He averaged 9.3 points in four games.

The negotiation for Gilmore seems to be the most advanced, with the player still having to resolve his contract with Paok before.

11 February 2024

11/02/2024 22:32

Detroit Pistons sign Tosan Evbuomwan

The Detroit Pistons sign Tosan Evbuomwan to a 10-day contract.

Evbuomwan – a wing from Princeton – recently completed a 10-day stint with Memphis.

He averaged 15 points this season with the Motor City Cruise in the G League.

11 February 2024

11/02/2024 17:09

Jahlil Okafor signs with Capitanos de Arecibo

The Capitanos de Arecibo have announced the signing of Jahlil Okafor.

At the beginning of the season, after a brief experience in Zaragoza, the former Duke big man accepted an offer from Zhejiang Guangsha.

In CBA Okafor put together averages of 12 points and 6 rebounds in 17 minutes per game.

Now the BSN in Puerto Rico, the third continent in a few months for the second overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft.

11 February 2024

10 February 2024

9 February 2024

09/02/2024 15:11

Ostoja Mijalovic: I confirm that Željko Obradović have my support

Partizan on Thursday night cashed in their third EuroLeague loss in a row, but Zeljko Obradovic’s position is not in question.

The club’s president, Ostoja Mijalovic wrote on X: “Since many are interested in a topic today and I have not responded to anyone in particular, I confirm that Željko Obradović, the players and all the club’s employees have my support.

“There are no rumours, the only truth is that we are in a results crisis. But it is important for everyone to know that the club is stable and functioning well. We are all one Bianconeri family both when we win and when we lose.”.

In Aba-Liga la squadra è terza in classifica dietro a Stella Rossa e Buducnost.

8 February 2024

08/02/2024 19:25

Royce O’Neale and David Roddy traded to the Suns

The Brooklyn Nets have agreed on a trade sending 3 and D forward Royce O’Neale to the Phoenix Suns for salaries and 3 second-round pick, Shams Charania reports.

Phoenix is acquiring also David Roddy from the Memphis Grizzles in the three-team deal.

7 February 2024

7 February 2024

07/02/2024 08:13

Trapani Shark in talks with Milos Teodosic?

Trapani Shark in talks with Milos Teodosic? Valerio Antonini, president of Trapani Shark, makes a surprising statement to Corriere dello Sport about the upcoming season. The title of the interview, of which we will propose more sentences later, is this: ‘Trapani, I’ll take you to A and I’ll take Teodosic’.

It starts with this sentence: ‘We would not like to find ourselves unprepared. We already have an agreement with two very strong players. And negotiations are underway with a Serbian who is playing in his homeland and has been in Italy’.

The journalist, Fabrizio Fabbri, asks if he is Milos Teodosic: ‘You said it, journalist’s nose’.

6 February 2024

06/02/2024 17:00

PAOK BC reportedly signs Michal Michalak, parts ways with Andrew Harrison

According to Polish reporter Karol Wasiek, Michal Michalak will leave Czarni Slupsk to sign with PAOK BC.

Michalak was producing over 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game in the Polish league.

PAOK meanwhile announced the departure of Andrew Harrison ( 12.4 points and 3 assists average between Esake and BCL).

 

6 February 2024

06/02/2024 15:58

Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly in advanced talks with Joe Thomasson

According to Israelhayom, Maccabi Tel Aviv is working on the final details for the signing of Joe Thomasson.

The guard is under contract with Granada, but has an exit clause for the Euroleague.

The Israeli team is reportedly concerned about Lorenzo Brown’s physical condition, hence the need to strengthen the backcourt.

Thomasson is scoring 14 points with 3.4 assists and one steal per game in ACB .

6 February 2024

06/02/2024 15:31

Zalgiris brings back Karolis Lukosiunas

Zalgiris Kaunas has added a new player for the rest of the season. Karolis Lukosiunas, who played here last year, returns to the roster of Lithuanian champions. The 26-year-old sniper has been signed until the end of the season.

Lukosiunas has already played for Zalgiris Kaunas from 2018 to 2023, and last summer he left for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League.

He played five games in the G-League, averaging 3.8 points (35.7% three-point accuracy).

With the deadline for new player registrations in the EuroLeague closing, Zalgiris head coach Andrea Trinchieri stressed the need for a kind of insurance policy.

“Zalgiris is always on the market, but sometimes you have to focus on what you already have at home. Right now we have a team with great chemistry. They give 110% in every game, but at the same time, both in the locker room and on the court, we feel that we need to preserve this group of players. Given the workload and the schedule, we have decided to bring in a player who can help us to rest our guys,” said Trinchieri.

According to Zalgiris Kaunas Director Paulus Jankunas, the return of the sniper seemed like a proven option at the moment.

“He is a player who has been with our club for a long time and can play specific roles and contribute in certain situations. The coaches had a need for such a player at the moment, and Karolis fits that description. His adaptation should not take long and the team gets a proven player,” said Jankunas about the newcomer.

Lukosiunas has already become Lithuanian champion three times and won the King Mindaugas Cup four times.

6 February 2024

06/02/2024 10:03

Ricky Rubio reportedly close to signing with FC Barcelona

Ricky Rubio is close to signing with FC Barcelona: an imminent decision is expected within the next few hours. The EuroLeague transfer market closes on Wednesday 7 February, and Barça seem not to want to wait until the last moment to announce the player’s return.

Sources at Mundo Deportivo suggest that the official announcement could happen as early as today. Although Rubio has yet to be ready to play, his registration is necessary to participate in the continental competition this season.

Barça intends not to rush Rubio’s return to the court, leaving the player free to decide the timing of his return. Since Rubio announced his intention to return to play, training with Barça, the reception has been extremely positive, both from the club and the player himself, who immediately felt at home.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta also publicly expressed his desire to see Rubio at Barça, emphasising the importance of his signing for the club’s basketball project.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

5 February 2024

3 February 2024

03/02/2024 20:10

Khem Birch to join Basquet Girona

Khem Birch has reached an agreement with Basquet Girona, Chema De Lucas reports.

The Canadian big man returns to Europe after 6 seasons in the NBA (5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 52% FG, 70% FT) between Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors.

Early in his career Birch played in Turkey with Usak Sportlif and in Greece with Olympiacos.

2 February 2024

02/02/2024 15:21

Dubai reportedly to make a monster offer to Walter Tavares

The future of Walter Tavares, EuroLeague’s most dominant player, is under discussion. According to the Relevo website, Dubai is ready to make the Cape Verde centre the backbone of the team that should make its debut in the continent’s top competition, and in the ABA-Liga, next season.

On the table is 8 million euros gross per year, almost double the 3.6 million euros that Tavares currently collects in what is his last year of contract with Real Madrid.

There has been much talk about the player in recent weeks, including interest from Panathinaikos and Monaco.

2 February 2024

02/02/2024 15:11

Partizan denies an offer to Dzanan Musa. Agent clarifies contract duration

Misko Raznatovic, Dzanan Musa’s agent, commented on the rumours that would have the Real Madrid player heading to Partizan next season: ‘Dzanan Musa’s contract with Real Madrid, excluding the option to go to the NBA, expires after the 2024/25 season.

Partizan itself also denied the rumours in a lengthy statement: ‘In the middle of the season, news appears regarding Dzanan Musa, one of Real Madrid’s best players, and an offer from Partizan (…) this news is not true’.

Partizan, in short, has not come forward with either Musa or his agent: ‘This news in itself would not deserve so much attention if it were not yet another case in which fabulous offers from Partizan emerge during the course of the season. The club therefore expresses the doubt that these facts do not happen by chance’.

The news of an offer from Partizan to Musa, moreover protagonist of the clamorous brawl in game 2 of the last playoffs in Madrid, was published in recent days by Defensa Central, a portal historically close to Real.

The report spoke of a contract expiring in 2024 (an aspect denied, as said, by BeoBasket), and of a three-year maxi-proposal of 2 million euros net per season. Currently, according to Defensa Central, Musa earns €1 million net.

Partizan, in recent weeks, had denied the rumor of a 2.5 million euro per season offer to Nicolò Melli, captain of Olimpia Milano.

1 February 2024

01/02/2024 21:45

Croatian prospect Michael Ruzic signs five-year contract extension with Joventut Badalona

Joventut Badalona announced that 17-year-old Croatian forward Michael Ruzic has signed a five-year contract extension.

Ruzic is playing 17 minutes per game between Spain and Eurocup, with averages of 5.7 points with 2.8 rebounds and 0.5 blocks.

In Eurocup the promising forward scored a season-high of 17 points with 21 rating against Paris Basketball.

 

1 February 2024

01/02/2024 13:11

Anadolu Efes reportedly targets also Yakup Sekizkok

Rumours about the Anadolu Efes bench are growing after the news of Erdem Can’s dismissal.

Sergio Scariolo and Dimitris Itoudis are confirmed for the succession, but there would be another hot name.
According to the Greek journalist Vetakis, the quotations of Yakup Sekizkok are growing.

Born in 1980 like Can, Sekizkok has a long career as an assistant, which started in 2007 at Banvit. In 2010 he moved to Besiktas, then Galatasaray and since December 2017 he has been at Efes, where he won two EuroLeagues with Ergin Atman.

Sekizkok left the club in the summer upon Ataman’s departure, and took over the Darussafaka bench for the first time as head coach. Currently with the green club he is sixth in the BSL with nine wins and nine losses.

His name is also being mentioned at the moment by Galatasaray, who dismissed Zvezdan Mitrovic on Wednesday.

1 February 2024

01/02/2024 12:07

Givova Scafati reportedly to sign Gerry Blakes

Givova Scafati, in the midst of the ‘Logan case’, doesn’t sit idly by and gets its hands on Gerry Blakes. It was announced by Pianeta Basket Tv, the Campania basketball web TV.

According to the media, “Starting today, at coach Boniciolli’s disposal is the player who had produced 6.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in Tuscany, shooting 57% from 2-point range and 21% from 3-point range.

Gerry Blakes has just been released by Estra Pistoia.

1 February 2024

01/02/2024 10:57

Anadolu Efes changes coach: the first two names to succeed Can

Anadolu Efes part ways with Erdem Can, EuroLeague bench number 8 in the 2023-2024 season.

After the change between Scariolo and Banchi at the helm of Virtus Bologna before the start of the season, here are the other changes:

Fenerbahce: from Dimitris Itoudis to Sarunas Jasikevicius

Baskonia: from Joan Penarroya to Dusko Ivanovic

Red Star: from Dusko Ivanovic to Ioannis Sfairopoulos

Zalgiris Kaunas: from Kazys Masksvytis to Andrea Trinchieri

Asvel: from TJ Paker to Gianmarco Pozzecco to Pierric Poupet

Erdem Can, born in Ankara in 1980, arrived at Efes in the summer after the departure of Ergin Ataman, the club’s two EuroLeague coaches. For nine years assistant to Zeljko Obradovic on the Fenerbahce bench, he is on the Turkish national team staff and also worked for a year in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.

Last season he was EuroCup coach of the year with Turk, which he took all the way to the final of the competition.

For the succession the basketfaul website mentions the names of Sergio Scariolo and Dimitris Itoudis. The former, coach of Spain, is still under contract with Virtus Bologna. The second was recently exonerated by the hated rivals Fenerbahce.

But at the moment it all seems rather premature. In the meantime, tomorrow the team is expected to play in the EuroLeague against Olimpia Milano.

31 January 2024

31 January 2024

31/01/2024 11:25

Galatasaray reportedly fires Zvezdan Mitrovic after a quarrel with some fans

Galatasaray has reportedly decided to relieve coach Zvezdan Mitrovic. This was announced by journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The Montenegrin coach was dismissed after a quarrel with some fans. Last night the Turkish team lost to Dijon in BCL.

30 January 2024

30/01/2024 15:22

Kaleb Wesson joins Elan Chalon

Elan Chalon announced the signing of Kaleb Wesson on a contract until the end of the season.

The former Ohio State big man started the season in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia (15.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG).

 

29 January 2024

28 January 2024

28/01/2024 15:24

Nike Sibande signs with Merkezefendi

Merkezefendi announced the signing of Nike Sibande.

The Pittsburgh product arrives from Joensuun Kataja, where he was voted MVP of the FIBA Europe Cup preliminary round (20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 41% from three).

Sibande, in his first professional season, was also scoring over 22 points with 8 rebounds per game in the Finnish league.