RETAbet Bilbao Basket big man Ondrej Balvin has signed a contract extension for the 2020-21 season, as first reported by Chema de Lucas.
The Czech center averaged 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season in the Spanish Liga ACB.
Fonte: Chema de Lucas.
Former Arizona State point guard Jahii Carson has signed a contract with Thor Thorl of Iceland’s Dominos League.
Carson had a brief stint with APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus this past season.
Fonte: hafnarfrettir.is.
Ratiopharm Ulm point guard and projected NBA top-10 pick Killian Hayes will not play in the 10-team tournament that the German BBL plans to hold in June to finish its season, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Hayes is currently in his hometown of Lakeland, Florida, and is preparing for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Fonte: ESPN.
USF has landed Texas Tech transfer big man Russell Tchewa.
Russell Tchewa ended this season with Texas Tech with 1.7 points in 5.1 minutes.
USF has landed Texas Tech transfer big man Russell Tchewa, per source.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 8, 2020
France have announced that Vincent Collet and Valerie Garnier will remain in charge of the men’s and women’s national teams, respectively, until the end of the Tokyo Olympics.
The two were supposed to lead the French teams at the Summer Games this year but the Olympics were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be staged from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
Both coaches will start to work in a full-time capacity as national team coaches in June.
[OFFICIEL] Vincent Collet et Valérie Garnier confirmés jusqu'en 2⃣0⃣2⃣1⃣
➕ d'infos : https://t.co/8N7XeNt4rE pic.twitter.com/ZIeZlPucat— Equipes de France de Basket ⛹️♂️⛹️♀️ (@FRABasketball) May 7, 2020
Fonte: FIBA.
The agreement between Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv and Center Jalen Reynolds expired this week. The club informed the player that his contract would not be extended this season and thanked him for his efforts and contribution.
Fonte: Maccabi Tel Aviv.
According to BeBasket, Kevin Harley decided not to activate its exit clause and thus will remain another year with Boulazac.
This year Harley averaged 6.8 points and 2.5 assist over 18 Jeep Elite Games.
Fonte: BeBasket.
The Adelaide 36ers have signed Daniel Johnson to a new three-year deal, which will see the star centre remain in Adelaide until the end of the 2022-23 season.
Johnson led the Sixers in rebounding for the 2019-20 season, averaging 8.25 rebounds, 18 points and 2.18 assists per game in his tenth season with the club.
The 32-year-old Western Australian has played 300 NBL games, picked up seven All-NBL team members and has been awarded the NBL’s Most Improved Player.
Daniel Johnson is grateful to have his career extended at the 36ers.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club over my 10 seasons and Adelaide has become home. I look forward to Coach Henry’s arrival and working towards bringing a championship to the city of Adelaide,” Johnson said.
New Head Coach Conner Henry is excited to be working with Johnson who is considered to be a franchise centre piece and one of the best big men in the NBL.
“I couldn’t be more excited to know Daniel will be part of owner Grant Kelley and GM Jeff Van Groningen’s vision of the club going forward. Having DJ part of the next chapter for the club, embracing his teammates and the community will help us to build the roster and reach our goals for the future. Congrats DJ!” Henry said.
Adelaide 36ers General Manager of Basketball Jeff Van Groningen said Johnson was due to come out of contract at the end of the coming season so retaining their front court star was a priority.
“Our absolute priority this off-season was to ensure we kept DJ in an Adelaide 36er jersey, not just for the coming season but beyond. We are so pleased that although he had the chance to ‘opt-out’ D.J. in fact opted-in, and extended his contract. He’s with us and we’re with him. There are some exciting days ahead and much of what we do will revolve around #21“.
Fonte: Adelaide 36ers.
Veteran Spanish center Fran Vazquez is reportedly expected to announce his retirement from basketball on the upcoming days, as reported by Encestando.
Vazquez has played the last two seasons with Casademont Zaragoza and while he has contract for next season is expected to call it a career also for the frequent injuries suffered in the recent years.
Fonte: Encestando.
Limoges CSP wants to keep Nicolas Lang and Hugo Invernizzi on the roster for next season, Le Populaire reports.
Last year Lang averaged 9 points and 1.5 assist between Jeep Elite and Eurocup, while Invernizzi recorded 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assist.
Fonte: Le Populaire.
Sun Belt player of the year Nijal Pearson agreed to terms with Chorale Roanne, a source told @Sportando.
The rookie forward became the all-time leading scorer at Texas State this year and finished the regular season as the conference scoring leader with 19.3 points per game.
Pearson added also 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a senior.
Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson signed with Donar. The point guard played last season for Kataja Basket and he had in Finland an average of 32.6 minutes, 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and threepointers 43.0%
Veteran guard Darius Washington has signed a contract with Brussels Basketball of the Belgian EuroMillions League, the team announced.
Washington is coming off a stint with Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexico.
He played in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007-08.
Fonte: Brussels Basketball.
Real Madrid and Zenit St. Petersburg are showing interest in AX Armani Exchange Milano center Arturas Gudaitis, according to Lithuanian reporter Donatas Urbonas.
Gudaitis is under contract with Milano until 2021 but he has a buyout clause that he can exercise this offseason.
Fonte: Donatas Urbonas.
Adrian Banks, who’s coming off an MVP-caliber season in the Italian Serie A, has turned down a contract extension with Happy Casa Brindisi, a source told Sportando. A return to Brindisi is highly unlikely.
Next season could be the last one for the 34-year-old Banks, who will try to monetize the terrific season he had, averaging 21.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Two-time championship-winning forward Nicholas Kay has exercised his right under the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association’s collective bargaining agreement to opt out of his contract with the Perth Wildcats.
The agreement saw players taking pay cuts of up to 50 per cent for the 2020/21 season, but allowed them until 4 May to opt out of their existing contracts.
Kay joined the Wildcats in 2018 and experienced immediate success, winning championships in both 2019 and 2020.
He became one of the NBL’s top players, named in the All-NBL First Team in both seasons, and represented Australia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
The 27-year-old said it was a difficult decision.
“What a journey the last two years has been. The pressure and expectation that comes with playing for the Wildcats and performing in front of Red Army is one that has enabled me to thrive and grow more than I could have hoped,” he said.
“Winning two championships has been the icing on top and I’m glad I could be a part of something so special with you all.
“Your support and passion is unquestionable and I truly hope that I get to do it again in the future.”
Kay had one season remaining on his three-year contract with the club, which means the Wildcats will hold his local rights should he choose to return to the NBL.
Wildcats management will continue discussions with Kay’s representation as he explores overseas options.
Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson thanked Kay for his contribution to the team.
“Nick is a star on the court but more importantly a quality person. We’ve been privileged to witness the growth of one of Australia’s top players,” he said.
“I believe Nick has the ability to be playing at the highest level so, while we’re extremely disappointed, I appreciate his desire to explore those opportunities.
“He’s a great teammate with a tremendous work-rate and is a joy to coach. He will always be welcome back at our club.”
The Perth Wildcats would like to thank Nick Kay for everything he’s contributed to the organisation, both on the court and in the community.
Fonte: Perth Wildcats.
The German easyCredit BBL is expected to make a decision on Monday on the location for the 10-team tournament that will crown the 2019-20 champion.
Bonn has applied as a potential location, joining Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt.
Fonte: Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Canadian rookie forward Jackson Rowe has agreed to a deal with with Chorale Roanne of the French Jeep Elite, a source told Sportando.
In his senior year at Cal State Fullerton, Rowe averaged 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 40.3 percent for three.
Davonte Lacy signed with Donar Groingen, the dutch team announced.
This year the guard out of Washington State played 11 games for MLP Academics Heidelberg (German Pro A), with averages of 18.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists, shooting 42% from the field, 39% from long range and 84% from the foul line.
Davonte Lacy naar Donar: https://t.co/M5HjpB0d81 pic.twitter.com/yAddGIs2AM
— Donar (@Donar_Official) May 2, 2020
Montenegrin guard Sead Šehović has agreed to a contract extension with KK Mornar Bar until 2022, the team announced.
Šehović averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game in the ABA Liga this season.
Fonte: KK Mornar Bar.
Former Philadelphia 76ers big man Shawn Long has agreed to a deal with Mobis Phoebus of the Korean Basketball League, a source told Sportando.
Long played in the Australian NBL this past season, averaging 18.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for Melbourne United.
French Jeep Elite team Chorale Roanne is seriously considering the addition of rookie forward Jackson Rowe, a source told Sportando.
In his senior year at Cal State Fullerton, Rowe averaged 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 40.3 percent for three.
Canadian guard Alex Campbell has signed a contract with Lahti Basketball of the Finnish Korisliiga, the team announced.
Campbell played for the Island Storm in Canada’s NBL this past season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
Fonte: Lahti Basketball.
Former Michigan State and St. John’s forward Marvin Clark has re-signed with Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen for the 2020-21 season, the Belgian team announced.
Clark averaged 12.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in his rookie season in Belgium.
Fonte: Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen.
Australian big man Matt Hodgson has decided to opt out of his deal with the Brisbane Bullets, the team announced.
In light of the recent agreement between the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players’Association which saw pay cuts of up to 50 percent for the 2020-21 season, a deadline of May 4 was set for players to declare their intention to explore opportunities outside of the NBL.
The Bullets will still hold Hodgson’s rights should he choose to return to the NBL.
Fonte: Brisbane Bullets.
Australian forward Xavier Cooks has decided to opt out of his deal with the Sydney Kings, the team announced.
In light of the recent agreement between the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association which saw pay cuts of up to 50 percent for the 2020-21 season, a deadline of May 4 was set for players to declare their intention to explore opportunities outside of the NBL.
The Kings will still hold Cooks’ rights should he choose to return to the NBL.
Fonte: Sydney Kings.
In an interview with Greek radio ERA Sport, former Panathinaikos legend Mike Batiste has dismissed the rumor linking to a return to his former team as coach, stating his intention to fulfil his contract as part of Orlando Magic coaching staff.
“No one has contacted me, these are rumours. I have a two-year contract and I will honor it, when I’m done with that I don’t know what will happen. But I’m fine where I am now, next to people I haven’t been t for 13-14 years”, Batiste said.
Fonte: ERA Sport.
French Jeep Elite side Levallois Boulogne is considering Simone Pianigiani and Vincent Collet for the head coaching job, a source told Sportando.
Pianigiani’s 8-year EuroLeague experience includes coaching stints with Siena, Fenerbahce, and Olimpia Milano.
Collet, the current head coach of the French national team, recently parted ways with SIG Strasbourg after a 9-year tenure.
Fenerbahce players have not been paid since December 30, 2019, according to Greek website SDNA.
The players reported the situation to the EuroLeague Players Association, SDNA reports.
ELPA declined to comment when contacted by Sportando.
Fonte: SDNA.
Khimki Moscow Region guard Alexey Shved told how he spends his time in quarantine:
How long have you been home because of quarantine? How has your daily routine changed?
Now most of the time we stay at home and try to get out as little as possible. It all started when all
the VTB and Euroleague matches were suspended, from there I started to come out less and less.
Every now and then I take the dog for a walk near the house or I go to the shops near the house.
Do you miss basketball?
Of course I miss it. Now in the world there is such a situation that it is better to stay at home.
Quarantine will pass and everyone will return to normal life to work. Now the most important thing
is to stay as little as possible on the street and try not to get sick.
If it were possible to change something in your career, what would you change?
I never thought about it, because nothing can be changed. I love everything that’s happening and it’s
happened in my career.
If you weren’t a basketball player, what profession would you choose?
In fact I do not know, when I moved to Moscow from Belgorod and started playing professionally I
thought only about basketball.
Playing in the NBA was your childhood dream, it came true. Can you say you live without a
dream now? Or do you have another one?
Every basketball player dreams of playing in the NBA, I’m glad I did. I don’t want to talk about
‘dreams’, you have to set goals that you want to get close to and everything has to be done in order
to reach them.
What would you like to learn?
Now I don’t have time to learn new things. Maybe I will after my career.
Basketball has given you everything you have now. What are you going to do after your career
ends?
Most likely, not basketball gave me everything, but my parents. My family helped me and it was
always there. Wife, sisters and brothers, all this is to their credit.
If you could have dinner with someone present or past, who would you choose?
Anyone, Julius Caesar, Stalin or Gagarin, but, I could list many more.
Did you become a star when the first successes occurred?
No, you always have to stay yourself. You didn’t always play somewhere, before you became
someone I had to go a long way with a lot of people. We must never forget what we went through,
who we were and what we became.
How many years would you like to play professionally?
Another 5 or 6 years for sure
How did you accept the postponement of the Olympics? Japan is one of your favorite states, you
were there last summer. What did you like the most?
I loved Japan. When there is a chance, I would like to go there for a few weeks to visit the country. I
like the culture, the food and the relationships between Japanese people