Basket rumors

France keep Collet, Garnier at helm of national teams through Tokyo Olympics

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.

 

Adelaide 36ers sign Daniel Johnson to three-year contract extension

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“.

Nijal Pearson agreed to terms with Chorale Roanne

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.

Adrian Banks turns down extension with Brindisi, unlikely to return

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.

Nick Kay opts out of contract with Perth Wildcats

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.

Shawn Long agrees to deal with Mobis Phoebus

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.

Alex Campbell signs with Lahti Basketball

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.

Matt Hodgson opts out of deal with Brisbane Bullets

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.

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