Basket rumors

Anadolu Efes-Igor Kokoskov is a done deal

Defined strategy for Anadolu Efes. After the closure of the relationship with Luca Banchi, the Turkish club has long had an agreement with Igor Kokoskov.

In the past few hours, sporting director Ismail Senol has harshly denied the rumours about a contact with Xavi Pascual. According to Sportando, Igor Kokoskov has already signed.

Valencia reportedly frontrunners to sign Neal Sako

Valencia is leading the race to sign Neal Sako, sources told BasketNews. The French big man made a major impact in his rookie EuroLeague campaign with ASVEL.

He averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds on 68% shooting, ranking 7th in total rebounds and 2nd in offensive boards. He also recorded five double-doubles.

At 2.11 meters tall, Sako would bring strong rebounding and inside presence to Valencia’s frontcourt as they aim to strengthen their roster.

Source: BasketNews

Marcus Foster reportedly close to signing with Alvark Tokyo

Marcus Foster is set for a move to Alvark Tokyo, per BasketNews. The 30-year-old was a key piece in Hapoel Tel Aviv’s EuroCup title run, averaging 13.6 points on elite shooting splits.

He shined in the playoffs, dropping 20 and 22 points vs. Valencia, and sealed the semifinal with a game-winner. Hapoel went on to win the EuroCup and reach the EuroLeague.

Alvark is assembling a strong roster, with Brandon Davies also close to joining, in a bid to become a top-tier team in Asia.

Source: BasketNews

Peppe Poeta is reportedly on a shortlist for the Baskonia’s head coach role

Obviously, the contact between Ettore Messina and Peppe Poeta to bring the vice-Italian champion coach back to Olimpia Milano keeps the headlines in the newspapers.

This is what Daniele Ardenghi says in the Giornale di Brescia: “Rumours are swirling that Olimpia Milano is ready to offer him a contract as Ettore Messina’s assistant for next season, to then make him head coach from the 2026-2027 season.

Members of Olimpia’s ownership were present at PalaLeonessa the other night. There is also Baskonia, a Spanish club from Vitoria-Gasteiz. Peppe is on a shortlist for the head coach role’.

Report: Darius Thompson Expected to Part Ways with Anadolu Efes

Out of Turkey comes news of a potential split between Darius Thompson and Anadolu Efes.

According to Yagız Sabuncuoğlu, a well-connected reporter covering Turkish basketball powerhouses, the point guard is expected to leave Efes despite having one more year left on his contract, worth approximately €2.3 million.

Thompson has previously been linked to Olimpia Milano, in part due to his potential eligibility to play for the Italian national team.

The 30-year-old floor general averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 assists in 26 minutes per game in the EuroLeague this season, shooting 50% from the field, 44% from three, and 79% from the free-throw line.

Xavi Pascual Nearing EuroLeague Return as Efes and Barcelona Show Interest

Just hours after his departure from Zenit was made official, coach Xavi Pascual appears to be closing in on a high-profile return to the EuroLeague, with Anadolu Efes and Barcelona reportedly in the mix to secure his services.

According to BackdoorPodcast, the Turkish club has made a lucrative three-year offer to Pascual, while Barcelona is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Both teams seemed to have their coaching situations already settled — with Igor Kokoskov strongly linked to Efes, and Joan Peñarroya publicly backed by Juan Carlos Navarro at Barça.

However, the sudden availability of a coach with Pascual’s pedigree appears to have shifted the dynamics.

Virtus Bologna reportedly to sign Zachary Seljaas

Zachary Seljaas has an agreement with Virtus Bologna. The news, launched yesterday by Eurohoops after an anticipation by Eurodevotion some time ago, was confirmed today in many Italian newspapers.

A 1997 class winger, the Byu product averaged 17.7 points in the last BCL with Wuerzburg with 6.5 rebounds. With Derthona on 26 March he finished with 18 points and 5 rebounds.

Tensions in Israel Freeze Basketball Market: Oturu, Bryant and U19 Team in Limbo

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has brought professional basketball activities in Israel to a standstill. The domestic league was cut short without declaring a champion, and all teams—except Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv—have frozen their market operations.

Two high-profile names, Daniel Oturu and Elijah Bryant, are currently under contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv. Despite speculation, neither has requested a contract termination, and both agreements remain active. However, several EuroLeague clubs are monitoring the situation, hoping to make a move if either player becomes available. Still, precedent shows it’s not easy to break a deal under these conditions—as seen last year when Jonathan Motley attempted to leave Hapoel but was ultimately forced to stay.

Meanwhile, Israel’s U19 national team is facing uncertainty ahead of the FIBA World Cup in Switzerland. The FIBA has issued a 24-hour ultimatum, requesting an official document confirming Israel’s participation. With the nation’s airspace restricted, it’s unclear whether the team will be able to travel at all.

Virtus Bologna’s roster shake-up begins after title win

With a reported €9 million gross budget, Virtus Bologna is heading into a cost-conscious offseason. So far, Niang is the only confirmed addition, while high-paid center Ante Zizic may be on his way out. Pajola, Hackett, Diouf, and Akele are all under contract and likely to stay.

Jordan Morgan is set to be retained, while Clyburn’s departure would require a €500k buyout. Tyrique Taylor may stay due to his strong finish, though concerns remain about his size at EuroLeague level. Procida appears more like a dream than a target.

The biggest loss will be Tornike Shengelia. Derrick Alston is the identified replacement, but competition is fierce. Virtus is also monitoring Zachary Selijas (Wurzburg) as it searches for EuroLeague-experienced players at manageable costs.

The club’s market strategy will also depend on finding new sponsorships or outside investors, as President Zanetti hopes to ease the financial burden ahead of a key season.

Source: Corriere dello Sport

Trapani Shark’s president on Jasmin Repesa: Agreement to extend our relationship by one more year

Valerio Antonini, president of Trapani Shark, speaks about an extension for Jasmin Repesa until June 30, 2027.

“An agreement to extend our relationship by one more year, until June 2027, to make Trapani a club with clear ambitions and an increasingly well-defined future. We will build a great team, even with European ambitions.”

Reyer Venezia considering Yago Dos Santos as point guard option

In search of a new floor general, Reyer Venezia continues to negotiate with Zavier Simpson, the recent MVP of the Romanian league.

However, with Zalgiris Kaunas and other EuroLeague teams showing interest, the deal is far from done.

As a backup plan, the club is now also looking at Yago Dos Santos, the Brazilian national team playmaker born in 1999, currently set to leave Crvena Zvezda.

Reyer still needs to sign both a point guard and a shooting guard to complete its roster for the 2025/26 season after Tyler Ennis’ departure.

Source: La Nuova Venezia

Olimpia Milano and Fenerbahce Reportedly Interested in Jaime Pradilla

According to Encestando, Olimpia Milano and Fenerbahce are among the EuroLeague teams showing strong interest in Jaime Pradilla, the Spanish forward currently under contract with Valencia.

The 24-year-old has the option to leave his current club paying a buyout clause reportedly set at around €700,000.

Pradilla just completed his fifth season with Valencia, averaging 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across ACB and EuroCup competition.

However, the Taronja have no intention of letting him go easily and are reportedly preparing a new contract offer to keep him in Valencia.

Just days ago, the club secured Jean Montero with a multi-year deal worth €2 million per season.

Crvena Zvezda heading for full rebuild, PG changes likely

Crvena Zvezda is preparing for a complete overhaul. Following failures in both ABA and KLS leagues, coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos called for a “stronger, better team”.

Only five Serbian players are certain to stay. Petrušev might renew, while Bolomboj’s future depends on recovery. Others, like Dos Santos, Daum and Gedraitis, are expected to leave.

Most notably, the entire point guard rotation could be replaced, including Canaan and Miller-McIntyre. A new identity is in the making for the Serbian giants.

Source: Telesport

Olympiacos monitoring Vasilije Micic, but won’t enter bidding wars

Olympiacos has made low-key contact with Micic’s camp, as Phoenix Suns hold a cut-off option until June 29. If waived, Micic will be free to negotiate a new contract.

The Serbian guard aims to be the highest-paid in Europe, with initial demands of €6M dropping to €5M. Olympiacos is interested, but won’t compete in a financial bidding war.

Half of Europe is waiting: Hapoel Tel Aviv, Fenerbahce, Efes, Monaco and Crvena Zvezda are among the contenders. Olympiacos is seeking a top-tier guard, and Micic tops the list.

Source: SPORT24

Baskonia confirms interest in Matteo Spagnolo

Sporting director Felix Fernandez took stock of Baskonia’s summer market, between new targets and important confirmations.

Fernandez admitted concrete interest in Matteo Spagnolo and Clement Frisch, saying they could soon join the team. “We cannot confirm anything now, but there could be news in the coming days. They are two players with promising prospects,’ he said.

Despite the upcoming changes, Trent Forrest and Nikos Rogkavopoulos are expected to stay. “I hope Trent will continue with us. On Nikos, I count on him staying even though there are various interests, including Panathinaikos,’ Fernandez concluded.

Source: Eurohoops

George Hinas: Vasa Micic’s case is not closed. Not at all

George Hinas, general manager of Hapoel Tel Aviv, talked about Vasa Micic in an interview with basketballsphere.

“He’s a great player, a EuroLeague legend, and one of the best ever. We spoke with him in late March and early April. We didn’t reach an agreement then, but we stayed in touch with him and his agent. What the Spanish media reported — that he rejected us because of the war — isn’t true. We continued talking. Mr. Yannay even met with him in Abu Dhabi. Nothing is concrete yet. He’s one of the players we’re interested in, but so are other clubs. That’s how the offseason works — he talks to many clubs, and we talk to many players. His case is not closed. Not at all.”

Barça stuck by salaries: Hernangómez refuses to leave

FC Barcelona faces a financial bottleneck heading into the offseason. With a tight budget and a second trophyless year, the club’s front office is cornered: no major moves are possible without salary cuts.

The biggest issue is Willy Hernangómez, who earns the highest salary in the team despite a limited role. Barça explored a buyout, but he wants to stay. Two EuroLeague clubs have shown interest, but Hernangómez is not open to leaving.

Jabari Parker could depart due to foreign player limits and market demand. Álex Abrines might even retire. Until something gives, Barça remains stuck.

Source: Diario AS

Fenerbahce Reportedly Monitoring Rokas Jokubaitis’ Situation at Maccabi Tel Aviv

According to Israelhayom, Fenerbahce is closely monitoring the situation between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Rokas Jokubaitis, the Lithuanian point guard who previously played under coach Sarunas Jasikevicius at both Barcelona and Zalgiris Kaunas.

The 24-year-old averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 54% from the field in EuroLeague play. He is currently under contract with Maccabi, but the recent escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel could push him to seek a move elsewhere.

In a separate article, Israelhayom also reports that several Israeli teams who have already signed players for next season fear potential changes of heart or new demands from those players—alongside the looming possibility of clubs from other countries trying to take advantage of the unstable situation.

Anadolu Efes and Coach Luca Banchi Part Ways

Anadolu Efes has officially announced the departure of head coach Luca Banchi.

Since arriving in Turkey, the Italian coach led the team to 12 wins in 20 EuroLeague games and 17 victories in 24 BSL contests.

Banchi had already hinted at his exit following Efes’ season-ending loss to Besiktas, making a heartfelt statement in the post-game press conference:

“There is of course great disappointment due to this result. Our team put up a great fight despite the mistakes that are inherent in a difficult and intense season and series. Unfortunately, we could not take advantage of some small details that could have turned the game in our favor, especially in the last minutes.

We also had problems due to some injuries; I believe that Elijah’s injury seriously affected our potential. On the other hand, we must also accept that the opponent deserved the victory, and our team fought until the end.

From my perspective, this match was my last match with Anadolu Efes. I would like to thank everyone—first of all for giving me this opportunity, and then for the warm welcome I received during this short time in Istanbul. I truly felt at home. Everyone, especially the technical staff, did their best to help me do my job in the best possible way. This was a factor that accelerated the whole process, not only from a basketball standpoint.

My only regret is that we could not achieve the success we dreamed of. But once again, I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart and wish the Anadolu Efes basketball community all the best in the future.”

 

Igor Kokoskov to sign as new Anadolu Efes head coach

Anadolu Efes is starting a new chapter by appointing Igor Kokoskov as head coach, marking his return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The Serbian tactician replaces Luca Banchi.

Kokoskov most recently worked alongside Quin Snyder as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, but he brings deep European credentials to the job. He led Slovenia to a historic EuroBasket 2017 title, has coached the national teams of Georgia and Serbia, and was the first non-American to serve as an NBA head coach (Phoenix Suns, 2018-19).

A EuroLeague return for Kokoskov signals Efes’ renewed ambition after falling short of the BSL Finals and missing the EuroLeague Final Four. With a championship pedigree and vast international experience, Kokoskov is seen as the ideal figure to lead Efes back to the top.

Source Eurohoops

JL Bourg Signs Darius McGhee

JL Bourg has announced the signing of Darius McGhee, the team’s first American reinforcement for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old guard out of Liberty made a strong impression during his debut year in Europe with Telekom Baskets Bonn, averaging 16.2 points and 4.1 assists in 26 minutes per game across both the BBL and BCL.

McGhee showcased his scoring ability by knocking down 36% of his nine three-pointers attempted per game.

 

Red Star Reportedly Reaches Agreement with Tyson Carter

According to multiple media outlets, Red Star Belgrade has reportedly reached an agreement with Tyson Carter, who is leaving Unicaja Malaga after three seasons.

Chema de Lucas was the first to report on the negotiations between the two sides, while Telesport later added that the deal is expected to be a two-year contract worth $1.6 million.

This season, Carter averaged 11.1 points and 3.6 assists in 20 minutes per game across both the ACB and BCL, where he was named Final Four MVP.

The former Mississippi State guard is set to return to EuroLeague action after a brief stint with Zenit.

Red Star is working to assemble a younger and more athletic roster, with Carter joining recent signings Semi Ojeleye and Ebuka Izundu.

What future for Jabari Parker? Fenerbahce observes the situation

What future for Jabari Parker? According to journalist Marc Mundet, the player’s fate at Barcelona is uncertain despite another year on his contract.

We read: ‘Jabari Parker’s continuity is not guaranteed, even though he is under contract. Several scenarios have been discussed: the possible arrival of a winger -Myles Cale- and an American five. With two non-EU players, it would be necessary to move a player. And Parker has a market’.

According to Sportando, Fenerbahce are monitoring the situation, looking for a post Nigel Hayes-Davis. Olimpia Milano is also interested after the departure of Nikola Mirotic.

What future for Filip Petrusev? Olympiacos makes a first price

What future for Filip Petrusev? The Serbian centre has a one-million-euro contract for one more season with Olympiacos, but this year he moved on loan to Red Star.

Coach Bartzokas complained to Sport24 about the player’s “disrespectful behaviour” before moving to Belgrade, and his confirmation in Piraeus would have very strict rules: ‘He has to prove that he wants to come to Olympiacos, that’s the rule. Whoever wants to be part of our team will be there’.

According to reports in Sportando at the moment, the Greek club would place a very high buyout for Filip Petrusev, around one million euros. Red Star is watching the situation.

Bartzokas on Mike James: “He’s a fantastic player, but we won’t talk to him while under contract”

Nel corso della trasmissione BIG 4 di SPORT24, Georgios Bartzokas ha chiarito la posizione dell’Olympiacos sul presunto interesse per Mike James.

“È vero che in passato c’è stato un contatto. Voleva venire da noi e anche noi eravamo interessati, ma per vari motivi non si è concretizzato”, ha ammesso Bartzokas.

Ora però la situazione è diversa. “Ha un contratto con il Monaco per altri due anni e non abbiamo alcuna intenzione di parlare con lui. Non è etico contattare un giocatore sotto contratto. Quando sarà libero, allora si potrà aprire un discorso. Ma adesso no”.

Il coach ha comunque voluto sottolineare l’apprezzamento tecnico: “Mi piace tantissimo, è un giocatore straordinario”.

Zavier Simpson emerges as Reyer Venezia’s top choice to replace Ennis

Zavier Simpson is now the primary target for Reyer Venezia as they look to replace Tyler Ennis, who signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The 1997-born point guard starred for Cluj-Napoca in the EuroCup, averaging 17.8 points and 8 assists per game. Known as “Captain Hook” for his trademark hook shot, Simpson is also attracting attention from Zalgiris Kaunas, but Reyer hopes to move swiftly.

Source: La Nuova

Pallacanestro Reggiana reportedly targets Troy Caupain

Troy Caupain has emerged as the top candidate to lead Unahotels Reggio Emilia at point guard next season. The 29-year-old New Yorker just finished a strong season with Strasbourg, averaging 14.5 points and 4 assists while shooting 37% from three.

Reggio’s management sees him as the perfect fit to replace Cassius Winston, offering more structure and leadership despite being less flashy offensively.

Source: Il Carlino

Nick Weiler-Babb reportedly exptected to sign with Anadolu Efes

Nick Weiler-Babb has made up his mind. According to reports from Eurohoops, and confirmed to Sportando, the best defender of the last EuroLeague has an agreement with Anadolu Efes.

American handler with German passport, Nick Weiler-Babb will leave Bayern Munich after five seasons, the last one averaging 8.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.5 steals.

Olympiacos and Olimpia Milano were also interested in the player.

 

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