Basket rumors

02/04/202509:56

Rick Pitino visits Reggio Emilia to scout Imran Suljanovic

Rick Pitino, legendary St. John’s coach, arrived in Reggio Emilia last night to observe promising forward Imran Suljanovic (class of 2006).

The young talent is drawing attention from multiple NCAA programs ahead of next season. The visit, captured by journalist Francesco Pioppi, confirms Suljanovic as one of Europe’s rising prospects.

02/04/202509:08

Bryant University is showing strong interest in Jamion Christian

Bryant University is reportedly showing strong interest in Jamion Christian as a potential candidate to lead its men’s basketball program next season.

Christian, currently in his second year coaching in Italy with Pallacanestro Trieste, has guided the club from promotion out of Serie A2 to a competitive campaign in Italy’s top-tier LBA, where Trieste is now firmly in the playoff race.

The opening at Bryant comes after a historic season under Phil Martelli Jr., who led the Bulldogs to 23 wins and America East title. Bryant shattered program records for points scored, rebounds, and field goals made in a single season, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Their March Madness run ended in the first round against Michigan State. Martelli is set to take over at VCU next year.

While Christian’s name has surfaced prominently in early coaching rumors, sources close to the coach suggest he remains fully focused on Trieste’s playoff push in Italy.

02/04/202509:04

Virtus Bologna President Set to Address Media: Dusko Ivanovic Confirmation Expected

Virtus Bologna president Massimo Zanetti is scheduled to hold a press conference today, with key developments surrounding the club expected to be addressed. Among the most anticipated topics is the likely announcement of Dusko Ivanovic’s confirmation as head coach for the upcoming season.

Ivanovic, a seasoned tactician with a wealth of European experience, took over the Virtus bench in December, replacing Luca Banchi.

Should the confirmation be made official, it would signal the club’s commitment to continuity and long-term planning under Ivanovic’s leadership.

More updates to follow following the press conference.

01/04/202521:02

EuroLeague market: crazy race for TJ Shorts. At least 10 teams interested?

The EuroLeague market is starting to take shape: after the announcement of Kevin Punter’s re-signing with Barcelona, rumors about Paris Basketball point guard TJ Shorts are coming in. According to Sport24, a Greek website, at least 10 teams in the competition are interested in signing him this summer. Reportedly, the two favorites to land the player starting next season would be Fenerbahce and Monaco.

In the 2024-2025 EuroLeague regular season, TJ Shorts is averaging 18.8 points, 7.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.

01/04/202515:30

Kevin Punter officially signs three-year extension with Barcelona

Kevin Punter has signed a three-year deal with Barcelona, worth €12 million gross, per Eurohoops. Barca Basket announced.

The 32-year-old guard, enjoying a career-best season with 17.1 PPG, is shooting 41% from deep and 93.6% from the line. With injuries to Laprovittola and Núñez, Punter has stepped up as both scorer and playmaker.

He is now locked in until 2028, likely finishing his EuroLeague career in Catalunya.

Barca press release

Barça Basketball and Kevin Punter Reach Agreement on Contract Extension Until 2028

FC Barcelona’s basketball team and Kevin Punter have reached an agreement to extend the contract of the American shooting guard, who also holds a Serbian passport, until 2028. The Blaugrana number 0 joined Barcelona this past summer on a one-year deal, and following the agreement between both parties, he will now remain for three more seasons.

In just a few months in Barcelona, Punter has become one of Joan Peñarroya’s key players and a fan favorite at the Palau Blaugrana, where his exceptional shooting and relentless effort are on full display every game.

Tremendous Offensive Potential

His numbers speak for themselves. In the EuroLeague, he is the team’s top offensive performer, averaging:

  • 17.1 points
  • 3.1 assists
  • 1.2 steals
  • 16.7 performance index rating (PIR) across 30 games.

From beyond the arc, he’s shooting 40.9%, with 20 consecutive games hitting at least one three-pointer, and scoring from deep in 28 of the last 29 contests. He is also third in the EuroLeague in steals per game and seventh in scoring.

In the Spanish Liga Endesa, he has played 23 games, averaging:

  • 12 points
  • 11.1 PIR
  • Three-point shooting at 46.8%.

In a full interview with Barça One, also available on Spotify, Kevin Punter reflects on his childhood in the Bronx and the long road that brought him to Barcelona — a place where he has felt deeply appreciated from day one, and where he will continue to represent the Blaugrana badge for the next three seasons.

31/03/202511:58

Real Madrid restructures basketball section with Sergio Rodríguez and Felipe Reyes in key roles

A new era begins for Real Madrid basketball: Sergio Rodríguez, who retired last summer, becomes the right-hand man of Juan Carlos Sánchez, while Felipe Reyes will gain a more prominent sporting role.

The changes come as Madrid positions itself for the future, especially amid growing interest from the NBA’s European league project, expected in 2026.

According to some sources, Rodríguez was in New York last week, at the press conference of commissioner Adam Silver, where the NBA’s interest in a stable and competitive European project was made official.

Source: Encestando.es

28/03/202512:44

Willard: “This will be a family decision” as Villanova interest looms

After Maryland’s Sweet 16 loss, Kevin Willard admitted uncertainty about his future: “I don’t know what I’m gonna do… this is going to be a family decision.” Willard’s family reportedly isn’t settled in Maryland, and Villanova may offer a return to the Big East. Despite a $5M offer from Maryland, Willard’s concerns about NIL funding and leadership changes cloud his next move.

Fonte: NJ Advance Media

25/03/202519:43

Ethan Esposito signs multi-year deal with Pallacanestro Varese

Pallacanestro Varese has announced the arrival of Ethan Esposito on a multi-year deal.

Esposito moves to LBA after a good first part of the season with Verona in A2, where he was averaging  12 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The player will be at the disposal of coach Kastritis as early as tomorrow.

25/03/202509:38

Virtus Bologna reportedly eyes Anthony Cowan

In the midst of a deep technical and internal crisis, Virtus Bologna is once again considering Anthony Cowan as a priority target, reports Corriere di Bologna. The 1997-born point guard (183 cm) is averaging 17 points and 5.6 assists in Lithuania’s LKL and 16.3 points with 6 assists in the EuroCup with Wolves.

Cowan, already linked to Virtus in December, recently dropped 30 points in 37 minutes against Juventus on March 23, showing no signs of slowing down. His agency is BDA Sports.

The club is also working to extend Justin Holiday beyond April, a sign that Virtus, despite budget constraints and an ongoing capital increase, intends to remain competitive.

24/03/202515:00

AEK reportedly pushing to sign Rayjon Tucker from Virtus Bologna

AEK Athens is going all-in to land Rayjon Tucker, aiming to make a splash signing that could elevate their Basketball Champions League title hopes. The explosive American guard/forward currently plays for Virtus Bologna, but his future with the Italian side appears uncertain.

According to Sport24, AEK sees Tucker as the ideal fit to boost their backcourt rotation, bringing energy and scoring to the team coached by Dragan Sakota, which has already impressed in both the Greek League and BCL.

Tucker has averaged 3.4 points in 9.9 minutes over 23 EuroLeague games this season, and 5.3 points in 12.6 minutes in the Italian League. After a standout 2023-24 season with Reyer Venezia (14.7 PPG), the move to Bologna hasn’t delivered the expected results.

24/03/202514:31

Iowa to hire Drake’s Ben McCollum as next head coach

The University of Iowa has reached an agreement to hire Ben McCollum as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. McCollum just wrapped up a historic 31-4 season at Drake, leading the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Tournament win since 1971.

Prior to Drake, McCollum spent 15 seasons at Northwest Missouri State, where he built a Division II powerhouse, winning four national championships.

He replaces Fran McCaffrey, who was let go after 15 seasons at Iowa. The Hawkeyes haven’t advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 1999.

24/03/202511:03

Real Madrid reportedly targets Dario Saric

According to Encestando, Real Madrid are evaluating a move for Croatian forward Dario Saric, who has been offered to several EuroLeague teams as his NBA stint nears its end. Saric, now with the Denver Nuggets, has barely played since mid-January and is open to returning to Europe.

The Spanish giants, already working on signing Kramer and in talks with Maledon, are looking for a stretch big who can complement Tavares, Garuba or Bruno Fernando. Saric, who turns 31 in April, fits the profile with solid shooting skills, despite a dip this season (26% from three).

With a contract cut option available this summer, Real Madrid see Saric as a real possibility, especially in light of their struggles from beyond the arc this year.

20/03/202511:38

Will Wade to leave McNeese for NC State head coaching job

Will Wade has agreed to take over as the NC State head coach, sources told ESPN. The McNeese coach, who led his team to the Southland Conference regular-season and tournament titles, will face Clemson in the NCAA tournament before making the move official.

Wade, formerly at LSU, acknowledged the discussions, stating, “There’s no need to hide it, the guys see it on social media.”

The coach has had success at VCU, Chattanooga, and LSU, but also faced NCAA violations during his tenure with the Tigers.

Source: ESPN

15/03/202510:40

Michal Sokolowski set to leave Dinamo Sassari?

The future of Michal Sokolowski with Dinamo Sassari appears to be coming to an end. The player and his family left the city on Thursday evening, yet the club has not released any official statement regarding his contract status. For now, Sokolowski remains under contract, but his departure seems inevitable.

Massimo Bulleri’s team, already struggling with multiple injuries, will also be without Sokolowski in their crucial matchup against Treviso, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:15.

Source: L’Unione Sarda

12/03/202519:10

Jonah Radebaugh signs new one-year deal with UCAM Murcia

Jonah Radebaugh has extended his contract with UCAM Murcia until 2026, as announced by the Spanish club.

The 27-year-old guard leads the ACB with 1.8 steals per game, as well as 8.2 points and 2.3 assists in 21 minutes.

Radebaugh returned to Spain during last season after a brief stint with Galatasaray.

12/03/202507:32

Dusko Ivanovic to stay with Virtus Bologna next season

Virtus Bologna has decided to extend Dusko Ivanovic’s contract even if the team does not win the Italian championship.

The club recently removed the contract clause that tied his future to a league title, securing continuity on the bench.

The move was led by president Massimo Zanetti, along with CEO Marco Comellini and GM Paolo Ronci.

The final confirmation will come once minority shareholder Carlo Gherardi gives his approval.

Source: La Repubblica Bologna

07/03/202510:42

Keifer Sykes to sign with Legia Kosz

Keifer Sykes will end the season in Poland, at Legia Kosz. The news, anticipated by Prealpina on newsstands today, has been confirmed to Sportando. The announcement is expected in these hours.

Sykes officially terminated his contract with Varese Basketball a few minutes ago. The Chicago point guard played only 6 games in the LBA with an average of 6.8 points and 4.7 assists.

06/03/202520:02

Kansas State lands 2025 three-star PG Exavier Wilson

Kansas State has secured a commitment from Exavier Wilson, a three-star point guard from Father Tolton High School (Columbia, MO) in the 2025 class.

The 6’1″ senior received an offer from Jerome Tang and his staff less than a week ago and took an official visit over the weekend before making his decision. Wilson chose K-State over offers from West Virginia, Saint Louis, Murray State, and others.

Source

06/03/202519:54

Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen hired as Utah’s next head coach

The University of Utah has officially hired Alex Jensen as its next head coach, bringing back one of its former star players.

Jensen, currently an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks, has over a decade of NBA coaching experience, including a stint as head coach of the Canton Charge in the G League. Now, he returns to lead Utah’s basketball program, aiming to build on its rich tradition.

06/03/202512:35

Miami hires Duke’s Jai Lucas as next head coach

The University of Miami has named Jai Lucas as its new head coach, signaling a fresh direction for the program.

Lucas, 36, has built a strong coaching résumé with Duke, Kentucky under John Calipari, and Texas, where he also played. Known for his player development skills, Lucas is a rising coaching talent. Miami is betting on his energy and experience to elevate the program in the highly competitive ACC.

Source: On3Sports

05/03/202516:49

Real Madrid reportedly close to signing David Kramer

Real Madrid has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with David Kramer, currently playing for La Laguna Tenerife, for next season.

After attracting interest from several top Spanish clubs, including Barcelona and Valencia, Kramer has reportedly chosen Real Madrid as his next destination.

The 28-year-old German guard is having a standout season, averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 43.1% from three.

His performances, including 30 points against Andorra and 43 for Germany against Sweden, have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the European market.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

04/03/202511:44

Selom Mawugbe reportedly to re-sign with Aquila Trento

Selom Mawugbe has reached an agreement with Trento to continue his adventure with the bianconero club. The American centre of Ghanaian origins is having an excellent season, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 stoppages per game, making him the best stopper in the LBA.

His defensive growth has attracted the attention of several clubs, but the excellent relationship with the coaching staff and Trento’s project have convinced the player to stay.

With this confirmation, Aquila Basket puts an important building block for the future, already having Bayehe, Pecchia, Ellis and Cale under contract for next season.

Source: L’Adige

03/03/202511:22

Hapoel Tel Aviv in talks with Vasilije Micic: “Ready to make him Europe’s highest-paid player”

Hapoel Tel Aviv is making a bold move to sign Vasilije Micic for next season. In an appearance on the Pini & Friends at All-In podcast, hosted by Pini Gershon and Arale Weisberg, club owner Ofer Yannay revealed that he has been pursuing Micic for a month and a half.

The Phoenix Suns guard is reportedly tired of the NBA routine and intrigued by Hapoel’s vision. “I told him I’d make him the highest-paid player in Europe. No one else will offer him $5 million, but I’m ready,” Yannay stated.

Source: Podcast Pini & Friends at All-In

01/03/202520:38

Panathinaikos reportedly offered rich multi-year extension to Kendrick Nunn

Panathinaikos is working to extend the contract of Kendrick Nunn, guard and leader of the team that won last Euroleague.

According to a Shot Vetakis report, President Dimitris Giannakopoulos has already offered the player a three-year deal worth about 11 million total.

Nunn this season is scoring 20.7 points with 3.8 assists per game in Euroleague -top scorer in the competition-, shooting 55 percent from 2, 41 percent from 3 and 84 percent at the free.

His intentions are not yet clear, but after two seasons at an excellent level he may wait until the start of NBA Free Agency to evaluate all options before deciding.

 

26/02/202520:04

Marcus Zegarowski joins Legia Kosz

Marcus Zegarowski is a new player of Legia Kosz, as announced by the Polish club.

The former Crieghton guard spent last year in Italy with Cremona (10.4 points, 2.3 assists, 42% from three).

 

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