Basket rumors

From France: Jordan Loyd could leave Maccabi Tel Aviv. Are Virtus Bologna and Monaco interested?

An incredible rumour has emerged from France: Jordan Loyd could be on his way out of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, the club that signed him last summer. The news comes from the well-known French website BeBasket, which also confirms that Maccabi have Saben Lee in their sights as a replacement for Jordan Loyd in the Israeli squad.

According to BeBasket, there are a number of teams interested in the American’s signature: the most likely option for his future seems to be a return to Monaco, where coach Obradovic is looking for reinforcements following the injuries to Nick Calathes and Furkan Korkmaz, but the Monaco have also been linked with Antonio Blakeney. There is also talk in France of Virtus Bologna’s interest in Jordan Loyd.

Frank Mason joins Fujian Sturgeons

After a brief stint with Givova Scafati, Frank Mason heads to China to play with the Fujian Sturgeons.

The former Kansas point guard last year averaged over 15 points and 5 assist per game in BetClic Elite with Nancy.

Sasa Obradovic: I think we should go on the market

Sasa Obradovic commented on Monaco’s clear success over Olimpia Milano in the first round of the EuroLeague: ‘We are still working, not only to find the physical condition, but also tactically. Somehow today we worked on both aspects. We were very physical and also tactically we were very good. I would say that we are satisfied with this victory.’

‘It is the first win, but there is still a long way to go. Congratulations to all my players, everyone made a great contribution, but as I said, we are only at the beginning. We definitely need some players in the rotation. We will also see what will happen with Furkan (Korkmaz, ed) after he leaves the court.’

‘How will we manage the forces we need? I think we need some additions, I’m pretty sure of that. Calathes will come back, and Mike will improve his condition, but we have to be cautious. I think we should go on the market. What are we looking for? I cannot say exactly, but it is obvious what we are missing and what we are looking for.

Rawle Alkins joins Aris BC

Aris BC strengthens the roster with the arrival of Rawle Alkins.

The former Arizona man signed a contract until the end of the season.

Alkins spent last year in Israel with Ironi Nes Ziona, producing averages of 15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

Partizan’s Duane Washington Jr. heads to the USA for NBA trade

Duane Washington Jr., guard for Partizan Mozzart Bet, has traveled to the United States to undergo medical examinations and sign a contract with the Charlotte Hornets as part of a complex NBA trade. Washington is included in the deal that sees Karl-Anthony Towns move to the New York Knicks. This transaction will bring a significant financial compensation to Partizan, estimated at around one million dollars.

Due to this temporary transfer, Washington will miss the upcoming games for Partizan, including the EuroLeague opener against Baskonia and the second round of the ABA League against Cibona. His return is expected on October 12th, when Partizan faces Studentski centar.

After completing the trade, Washington will be released by the Hornets and will return to Belgrade to sign a new contract with the Serbian club.

Source: Mozzart Sport

Not up to expectations and tensions with the veterans: Rathan-Mayes bids farewell to Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s start to the season has not been as good as they had hoped, losing to Unicaja Malaga in the final of the Spanish Supercup and then to La Liga in their La Liga ACB debut. Xavier Rathan-Mayes’ adventure at the Madrid club also seems to have come to an end, with the midfielder failing to impress. According to Mundo Deportivo, the possibility of a parting of the ways is also increased by the fact that the Canadian has reportedly clashed with some of the club’s most representative players in training.

Real Madrid are said to be seriously considering terminating the player’s contract, which would allow the Madrid club to free up a spot for a non-EU player. Rathan-Mayes scored 2 against Unicaja Malaga and 0 against La Liga, an unusual record for a player who came to Madrid as a prolific scorer.

Goran Filipovic inks a two-month deal with Valencia Basket

Valencia Basket has reached an agreement to sign Croatian international point guard Goran Filipovic (1.80m, Split, 11/26/1996, 27 years old) with a temporary two-month contract due to the physical problems that our men’s first team has accumulated in the playmaker position.

The player, who was a free agent, is a fast playmaker who will bring rhythm, defensive activity, and a three-point shooting threat. In recent seasons, he has established himself as a regular member of the Croatian national team. Notably, in the summer of 2024, he was included in the final roster for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, where he made a significant contribution against Slovenia with 21 points on 6/7 shooting from three-point range and 28 PIR.

 

Filipovic is familiar with Spanish basketball after spending the 2022-23 season with Leyma Coruña in LEB Oro, but his definitive consolidation came last season.

After excelling in the Polish league with Arriva Polski Cukier Torun (15.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists for 16.7 PIR), he finished the 2023-24 season with Igokea in Bosnia. In the Adriatic League, he averaged 14.6 points with 51.5% shooting from three-point range, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists for 12.6 PIR, closing the competition with 28 points against Partizan on 6/9 shooting from three.

In the Bosnian national league, he helped Igokea retain the title with averages of 12.6 points on 40.7% shooting from three, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists for 13.6 PIR

Tyler Cook signs with Merkezefendi

Tyler Cook is a new player of Merkezefendi, as announced by the Turkish club.

The 27-year-old power forward spent 2023/24 between Spain (Joventut Badalona) and Australia (South East Melbourne).

Crvena Zvedza reportedly interested in Oshae Brissett

According to Serbian website Sportske.net, Crvena Zvedza continues to scour the market for a power forward, and has reportedly identified reigning NBA champion Oshae Brissett as the alternative to the return of Filip Petrusev.

The 26-year-old Canadian forward has not exercised the Player Option included in his previous contract with the Boston Celtics, but he is still without a team when we are now on the eve of Training Camp.

Last year Brissett produced 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11 minutes per game with the NBA champions.

Billy Baron reportedly joining Shanghai Sharks

Billy Baron has reached an agreement with the Shanghai Sharks.
The 33-year-old guard spent a two-year stint with Olimpia Milano (just 5 games in 2023/24 due to an elbow injury)
The news was reported by Basketnews.

In his first season with Olimpia Baron put together averages of 11.3 points and 2.3 assists between LBA and Euroleague, shooting 42% from long distance.

Virtus Bologna targets Jordan Bell

Virtus Bologna is actively searching for a big man to complete their roster, while awaiting Cacok’s recovery. Several names are on the list, including Jordan Bell.

Coach Luca Banchi confirmed that the club is looking for additional reinforcements to tackle the challenges in both the domestic league and EuroLeague. The team is already well-equipped, but one more addition under the basket is needed to fully balance the squad and tactical choices.

Source: Corriere dello Sport, Bologna.

Isaiah Taylor signs with Dubai

Dubai strengthens the backcourt with the signing of Isaiah Taylor.

The point guard spent last season in the CBA with the Ningbo Rockets.

 

Coach Golemac’s comment: “Isaiah is another addition to our roster who brings valuable experience from both the NBA and Euroleague. His basketball IQ enhance our backcourt options and adds an extra level of aggressiveness on the perimeter.”

Aek Athens reportedly in advanced talks with Dewan Hernandez

Aek Athens is close to finalizing the signing of Dewan Hernandez to strengthen the frontcourt, according to Christos Tsaltsas.

The 27-year-old big man has recovered from an injury that forced him to miss last season.

Hernandez played in China (10.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG in 16 MPG with Ningbo Rockets), Korea (14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds with Wonju Dongbu Promy) and Puerto Rico (15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds with the Cangrejeros de Santurce) in the 2022-23 season.

Javon Freeman-Liberty joins Manisa

Javon Freeman-Liberty, a 24-year-old scorer who can play both backcourt positions, is a new player of Manisa.

Freeman-Liberty last season shined in G-League with the Raptors 905, scoring 24.2 points with 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

The former Depaul also played 22 games in the NBA (7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists).

 

 

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Justin Simon returns to MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg

MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg announced the return of Justin Simon.

The former St. John’s swingman last year helped Paris Basketball win the Eurocup (7.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG).

Simon previously defended the German club’s colors in the 2021-22 season, also winning the BBL Defender of the Year award.

Edmond Sumner joins Sichuan Blue Whales

Edmond Sumner is a new player of the Sichuan Blue Whales, as announced by the Chinese club.

The guard last year made his debut in Europe after six seasons in the NBA.

Sumner put together averages of 8.3 points and 2.3 assists in the 52 games he played with Zalgiris Kaunas between LKL and Euroleague.

Jiangsu Dragons sign Terquavion Smith and James Thompson IV

The Jiangsu Dragons have finalized the signings of guard Terquavion Smith and center James Thompson IV.

As a rookie, Smith was a two-way player for the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring an average of 3.2 points in 16 games.

The former NC State also played 36 games in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats (22.2 points, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals pg).

Thompson IV spent 2023/24 in VTB League with Samara (9.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG in 24 minutes).

The details of the sensational deal between Boban Marjanovic and Fenerbahce

Boban Marjanovic will be a Fenerbahce player. The Serbian centre-back returns to Europe after leaving Red Star in the summer of 2015.

This is a major coup for the media, and one that could enrich a squad that a few days ago received another important announcement, that of Khem Birch. Sanli Sertac and, of course, Nicolò Melli are also in the midfield.

From the United States, Marc Stein has also been confirmed. The one-year contract includes a release clause in December should he be called up by the NBA..

Monaco reportedly to signs Paris Lee from Asvel

Monaco is about to bring back Paris Lee, paying a buy-out to ASVEL. A significant move at the highest level of the French league.

The playmaker, already starring with the Monaco club in the 2021-2022 season, will leave ASVEL to return to the Principality.

A player with an excellent defensive impact, Paris Lee comes from an 11.1-point average season in the league, with 4.8 assists, and 11.5 points in the EuroLeague, with 5.5 assists.

Source: BeBasket

Montrezl Harrell reportedly joining Adelaide 36ers

After a lost season due to a serious knee injury, Montrezl Harrell is back on track and has agreed to a deal with the Adelaide 36ers.

The news was reported by Olgun Uluc of ESPN.

The former Louisville big man signed a short-term contract to replace the injured Jarell Martin, with an option to remain until the end of the NBL season.

Before the injury, Harrell played 8 seasons in the NBA, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2020 with the Los Angeles Clippers (18.6 points and 7 rebounds per game).

Fenerbahcehce issues statement on Samanic and awaits Birch

Mystery over the future of Luka Samanic, who only signed a contract with Fenerbahce on 5 August.

According to a statement issued by Fenerbahce yesterday, the player was granted permission to leave the team and return to his country (Croatia, ed.) on 6 September, due to personal reasons.

The club says it will closely monitor the situation and provide further updates in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in the coming minutes Fenerbahce will announce a new player, credibly former Olympiacos centre Khem Birch.

AS Monaco, John Brown III part ways

AS Monaco has announced the departure of John Brown III after two seasons.

The veteran power forward will continue to work with the Monaco club’s medical staff to recover from the shoulder injury that will keep him off the court until at least January 2025.

President Aleksej Fedoricsev’s words:

“John Brown III is a true gentleman with a big heart, who gives his all in every single minute spent on the court. His dedication to the Roca Team was evident as he overcame injuries, including his remarkable sacrifice in the fifth game of the playoffs against Fener.. JB is an integral part of our family and we express our deepest gratitude to him for his contributions. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him return to the court stronger than ever. ”

 

 

Svetislav Pesic reportedly to leave Serbian NT bench

Svetislav Pešić is no longer the head coach of the Serbian national basketball team, according to Sport Klub.

This announcement comes less than a month after Pešić led Serbia to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Despite the possibility that Pešić would continue his role, including preparations for next year’s European Championship qualifiers, the collaboration has now ended.

Pešić’s departure coincides with changes in the leadership of the Serbian Basketball Federation, as Predrag Danilović has resigned as president, with three months remaining in his term. Marko Kešelj is currently considered a leading candidate to succeed him.

Fenerbahce reportedly to release Samanic to sign Birch

Movements at Fenerbahce. According to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the Turkish club are about to release Luka Samanic and sign Kehm Birch.

Luka Samanic, a foward born in 2000, arrived in Istanbul in the summer after a 43-game season in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. According to the latest information, the parties are already negotiating the termination of the one-year contract announced on 5 August.

Meanwhile, full agreement has been reached with Khem Birch. The former Olympiacos big man, who has played just over six seasons in the NBA with the Magic, Raptors and Spurs, finished last season in Spain with Girona, averaging 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in ACB.