Basket rumors

9 May 2023

09/05/2023 19:55

Sam Dekker and Josh Sharma sign multi-year extensions with London Lions

The London Lions have agreed to contract extensions with Sam Dekker through the 2026 season and Josh Sharma through the 2025 season.

Lions Captain Sam Dekker inked an extension following a stellar 2022-23 season, which saw the 6’9” Forward lead the Club to a BBL Regular Season Championship, Cup Title, and a selection to the 7Days EuroCup Second Team.

The Wisconsin native averaged 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals during the BBL regular season. Dekker also finished his EuroCup campaign averaging 18.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, all while finishing second in PPG and PIR.

Sharma, recently named to the BBL’s Molten Defensive Team of the Year, finished the BBL regular season averaging 9.4 points, 1.9 blocks, and 5.3 rebounds whilst shooting 59.8% attempts from the floor. The 7-foot big man finished his 7Days EuroCup regular season campaign third in blocks per game. Sharma was selected to the Molten BBL All-British Team after debuting for the Great Britain National Team this past February.

 

9 May 2023

6 May 2023

5 May 2023

05/05/2023 09:09

Reyer Venezia reportedly in talks with Amar Alibegovic. His agency denied

Reyer Venezia has reached an agreement with Amar Alibegovic for next season. The news, first reported by La Nuova. His agency denied.

A champion with Virtus Bologna, Alibegovic left the team in the summer and signed with Cedevita Ljubljana, where he averaged 11.8 points and 5 rebounds per game during the season.

Bosnian with an Italian passport, according to La Nuova, he will take Jeff Brooks’ spot on the gold-and-maroon roster.

3 May 2023

03/05/2023 19:55

Braian Angola reportedly agrees to a deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv for next season

According to Arale Weisberg, Maccabi Tel Aviv has reached an agreement with Braian Angola for next season.

The 29-year-old Colombian swingman is having an excellent year with Pinar Karsiyaka, scoring 18 points with 5 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2 steals per game in BSL.

Angola was just named April’s best player in the Turkish league.

2 May 2023

02/05/2023 20:30

Joe Thomasson signs with Granada

Granada announced the signing of Joe Thomasson on a contract until the end of the season.

The guard this year has already defended the colors of Zenit and Promitheas (14.1 PPG in Eurocup).

 

1 May 2023

01/05/2023 19:50

Bayern, Pablo Laso reportedly agree to 3-year deal

Spanish outlet Marca reports that former Real Madrid coach Pablo Laso has agreed to a 3-year deal to coach Bayern Munich starting next season. It will be Laso’s first experience after parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of 2021/22.

Two-time Euroleague winner Laso has received, reportedly, interest from Panathinaikos, Anadolu Efes and Israel NT in recent months.

Fonte: Marca.

30 April 2023

30/04/2023 09:08

Shannon Scott signs two-year deal with Brisbane Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets are excited to announce the signing of American point guard Shannon Scott on a two-year deal.

Scott brings a wealth of international experience playing in the G-League for the Long Island Nets and Raptors 905 and also in Germany, Greece, Lithuania and Venezuela throughout his career.

The defensive-minded, high IQ point guard also has experience playing in the NBL. He spent a season with the Cairns Taipans in the 2022/23 season where he averaged 10 points, 5.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.

29 April 2023

29 April 2023

27 April 2023

26 April 2023

25 April 2023

25 April 2023

25/04/2023 16:50

Virtus Bologna reportedly in advanced talks with Nikola Milutinov

Virtus Bologna is looking to make a major move to shake up the power dynamics in the LBA playoffs. According to TRC, the italian club is in talks with Nikola Milutinov.

Serbian big man, represented by Octagon Europe, has played 33 games with CSKA this season, averaging 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds.

According to Luca Muleo, Virtus Bologna offered a multi-year contract starting from next season, and the parties are said to be close to an agreement. Milutinov signed a three-year deal with CSKA in the summer of 2020.

However, as mentioned, the desire of chairman Massimo Zanetti is to make the player available to Sergio Scariolo for the current LBA playoffs.

Due to its exclusion from European competitions, the VTB is already well advanced in its schedule. CSKA is currently tied 2-2 in the playoff semifinal series with Kuban.

Game 5 is scheduled for today, with the series being a best-of-seven contest. A CSKA qualification to the finals, starting on May 6, would complicate matters, as the Italian playoffs begin on May 13, with the transfer market closing included.

24 April 2023

24/04/2023 12:36

Bayern Munich reportedly in advanced talks with Pablo Laso

Former Real Madrid coach, Pablo Laso, appears increasingly likely to say yes to Bayern Munich, according to the website Relevo. After a tumultuous departure from the Madrid club, Laso decided to take a break without rushing his return to activity. During this time, numerous Euroleague teams have expressed interest in him.

Among the offers received, that of Bayern Munich seems to be the most enticing for the former Real Madrid coach. The Bavarian club is determined to make a strong push in the basketball section, with the goal of establishing itself among the Euroleague’s best, and believes Laso is the key figure for their project.

Bayern aims to strengthen its basketball division and build one of the most ambitious projects in Europe. The first step involves a change of venue, moving from the 6,000-seat Audi Dome to the SAP Garden with a capacity of 12,000 spectators.

Therefore, the signing of Pablo Laso is imminent.

23 April 2023

23/04/2023 16:13

Dylan Osetkowski reportedly agreed to two-year extension with Unicaja Malaga

Unicaja Malaga continues to lock up the key players of this season, which has already seen the Andalusian team win the Copa del Rey and qualify for the BCL Final Four.

According to Emilio Fernandez, the club has finalized the two-year contract extension of Dylan Osetkowski.

The big man is producing 9.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18 minutes per game between ACB and BCL.

23 April 2023

23/04/2023 12:17

Facundo Campazzo reportedly to join Real Madrid next season

Facundo Campazzo to join Real Madrid next season

The long-anticipated news that Facundo Campazzo will be playing for Real Madrid in the upcoming season has been confirmed.

Relevo reveal that a pivotal meeting took place on March 17th in Barcelona, when Crvena Zvezda faced Sarunas Jasikevicius’ team in the EuroLeague.

Present at the event were Juan Carlos Sanchez and Alberto Herreros, the two key figures of the Madrid basketball section.

23 April 2023

23/04/2023 11:21

Reyer Venezia targets Kenneth Faried for the Italian playoffs

Breaking news for Reyer Venezia: Coach Neven Spahija’s team is on the hunt for a big man to bolster their presence under the basket ahead of the Italian playoffs. According to reports from Sportando, a profile that might pique their interest is that of Kenneth Faried, who has spent this season playing in Mexico with Soles de Mexicali.

“Manimal” is a heavy-hitting name with a significant NBA history, primarily with the Denver Nuggets where he played from 2011-2018, followed by stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets. A brief appearance with CSKA Moscow in 2021, before returning to the States in the development league with Grand Rapids Gold and Austin Spurs.

22 April 2023

22/04/2023 11:57

ASVEL reportedly interested in Sylvain Francisco

According to SDNA, Sylvain Francisco’s performance with Peristeri has reportedly attracted the interest of several Euroleague teams, including ASVEL.

The French national team’s point guard could be one of the new additions to Tony Parker’s club for the next season.

Francisco stood out both in the BCL and in the Greek league with several excellent performances for the team led by coach Spanoulis. In 30 games between the two competitions he has put together averages of 12.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 28 minutes.

21 April 2023

21 April 2023

21/04/2023 15:04

FC Barcelona basketball director: The hope is that Saras will continue

FC Barcelona basketball director Josep Cubells openly discussed head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius’ future: «The hope is that Saras will continue – Cubells told Jijantes – We believe he is a coach who could make an era at the club».

 

20 April 2023

20/04/2023 15:34

Segafredo Virtus Bologna reportedly in talks with Akil Mitchell

From Greece, several news about the negotiations between Segafredo Virtus Bologna and Aek Athens big man Akil Mitchell.

Christos Tsaltas reports on the negotiations, while according to Christos Harpidis, the parties are close to an agreement.

Virtus Bologna would like to sign the player immediately, while the Greek team hopes to convince him to stay for the championship playoffs.

This year Mitchell recorded averages of 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 54% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line in 36 games between Greece and the BCL.

19 April 2023

19/04/2023 17:14

Misko Raznatovic on Ataman’s future: He wants a real basketball challenge

Ergin Ataman, Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s head coach, may join Panathinaikos Athens. Misko Raznatovic, specialist’s agent, stated.

The most important European basketball agent spoke to SDNA’s Georgios Zakkas on the Greek team’s potential deal with the Turkish coach.

«As you know, the administration of Panathinaikos is full of emotions, it has passion, just like Ataman. I think the two sides are a good match, and if it happens, it will bring excitement to Greek and European basketball. I don’t know whether it will happen but we’ll find out soon».

«[He’s looking for] a challenge. Of course, jumping from the 10th floor is also a challenge. I don’t mean that. He wants a real basketball challenge that gives him ground to try and achieve what he did in Efes again. This means taking a team from the bottom to the top of the Euroleague».

«I’ve heard many rumors but I’ll be honest with you. I don’t want to talk to any owner about players if I don’t know who the head coach is going to be».

«If Ataman is the coach, I will recommend 7-8 players from my list, which I know Ataman will like and suit him. If the coach is [Sarunas] Jasikevicius, the players will be different. If it is [Pablo] Laso, it will probably be different. Some of them may be in all three debates,” Raznatovic said. “I haven’t mentioned a single name to him».

The translation in English is reported by Basketnews.

 

19 April 2023

19/04/2023 16:36

Panathinaikos reportedly in talks with Ataman’s agent soon. Mitrou-Long is a target

Panathinaikos is in talks with Ergin Ataman as two-times EuroLeague champion head coach confirmed today to Greek newspaper Live Sports.

In this context, the trip of his agent, Misko Raznatovic, to Athens at the end of the week can hardly be considered random as reported Sport24.

At this point, things seem quite clear regarding Panathinaikos and Ergin Ataman. A proven contact point exists. What remains is to find the framework that will lead both sides to the “marriage” and collaboration with a long-term contract in the background.

At the same time, some of the names dominating Raznatovic’s client list will be put on the table. Among them is Naz Mitrou-Long, who is expected to secure a Greek passport in the coming weeks (as Thomas Walkup). A development that simplifies any interest from Panathinaikos’ side, given that from the next season, Canadian point guard can be considered as a native player in the Greek Basket League.

Naz Mitrou-Long signed a two-year contract last summer with Olimpia Milano, but has had a difficult season and, as reported by the website realolimpiamilano.com, is not part of Armani’s rotation for the Italian championship playoffs.

19 April 2023

19/04/2023 14:18

Ergin Ataman on Panathinaikos: It is true that we are talking

Ergin Ataman of Anadolu Efes Istanbul says he’s in talks with Panathinaikos Athens.

Previously confirming talks with Panathinaikos, the 57-year-old will become a free agent this summer. Ataman told Live Sports that talks are going well (source basketnews).

“It is true that we are talking, and all I can tell you is that I have a good feeling,” Ataman told Sotiris Vetakis from Live Sport. “From our frank discussions, I dare say the feeling is positive.”

“If I leave Efes, Panathinaikos is my first choice. “I’ll respond to the proposal soon,” Ataman said.

“The president told me he wants to return Panathinaikos where it belongs, and that suits me,” Ataman said. I want us to win titles and succeed. I want to be Panathinaikos’ Zeljko if I join.”

18 April 2023

18/04/2023 20:46

Luke Travers signs multi-year deal with Melbourne United

Melbourne United have struck another massive deal in NBL Free Agency, and have signed emerging talent Luke Travers to a three-year contract.

The signing of Travers follows the announcement of the re-signing of former NBL MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr last week.

Travers – who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2022 NBA Draft and was a finalist for the NBL’s inaugural Next Generation Award last season – will arrive at United after four seasons and 100 games at his hometown Perth Wildcats.

After initially joining Perth as a development player the 21-year-old became a crucial part of the Wildcats’ rotation under former head coach Scott Morrison in NBL22, which lead to him being drafted by the Cavaliers.

After playing the NBA Summer League with Cleveland ahead of NBL23, Travers experienced a massive jump in both responsibility and statistics under John Rillie.

Last season he averaged 9.8 points on 50 per cent shooting (40.5 per cent from three), 5.6 rebounds and three assists across 27 regular season appearances.

 

15 April 2023

15/04/2023 20:38

Bonzie Colson reportedly agreed to two-year extension with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Bonzie Colson has extended his agreement with Maccabi Tel Aviv until the end of the 24/25 season.

The only exit clause will be for the NBA next summer, according to Omri Manhime.

The Notre Dame product is one of the key players for the Israeli team, which will compete in the Euroleague playoffs against AS Monaco for a spot in the Final Four.

Colson ended the regular season with averages of 10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals, shooting 51% from the field, 38% from three and 77% from the free throw line.

 

15 April 2023

15/04/2023 16:13

Danilo Nikolic joins UCAM Murcia

Danilo Nikolic is a new UCAM Murcia player, as announced by the Spanish team.

The Montenegrin forward comes from Avtodor Saratov, where he averaged 12.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in the VTB League.

 

 

15 April 2023

15/04/2023 09:00

Virtus Bologna reportedly targets Akil Mitchell

Virtus Bologna targets Akil Mitchell. Corriere dello Sport reports this in today’s edition.

The 1992-born center, who played in Italy in the 2019-2020 season averaging 9.5 points and 7 rebounds in 21 games with Trieste, is currently in Greece, where he has produced an average of 15.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in the BCL.

14 April 2023

14/04/2023 16:57

Facundo Campazzo: I’m not thinking about my future at the moment

Facundo Campazzo, Crvena Zvezda pointguard, will inevitably be one of the big protagonists of the European market this summer. Interviewed by the Greek website Sdna, the player focuses on the present.

“I’m not thinking about my future at the moment. This requires a lot of energy and adds pressure. I want to concentrate my forces on individual and team growth. I want to help my team win everything it’s competing for. The Aba League, the Serbian championship, everything we have ahead of us. Nothing else. I want to put my energy there without thinking about the future. I will have time to think about the future sooner or later.”