Basket rumors

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

 

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).

 

Joel Embiid could undergo radical knee procedures

The situation surrounding Joel Embiid continues to get more complicated. According to the Philly Inquirer, the Philadelphia 76ers center could undergo one of the following surgical procedures to address his ongoing knee issues:

  • Meniscus replacement
  • Low-dose radiation therapy
  • Osteotomy, a procedure where doctors break a bone in the hip to realign the joint and alleviate pressure

A source described these procedures as “radical,” considering the initial injury was supposed to be routine. However, something has gone terribly wrong in his recovery.

Meanwhile, if Embiid is not with the Sixers next season, the Toronto Raptors are the favorites to land him, according to Bovada (+1500), followed by the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets (+1800) and the Phoenix Suns (+2500).

Source: Philly Inquirer

Claudio Coldebella on Maccabi’s rumors: In Reggio I’m fine

Claudio Coldebella, GM of Pallacanestro Reggiana, commented in Il Carlino and the Gazzetta di Reggio the rumors about an interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv.

‘The work of managers always has a beginning and an end, in Reggio however I’m fine, we have a fantastic ownership and the president Veronica Bartoli for me has a crucial role on the continuity of this club and the vision: everything starts from her. I was lucky enough to be chosen and I don’t see why I should ‘ruin’ everything…’.

And also on the future of Dimitris Priftis, no doubts: ‘I’ve already said that this is the period of rumours… Priftis is a Euroleague-level coach, but he’s doing great in Reggio and he’ll be here next year too. There’s a perfect environment here, his work is appreciated and he’s supported by the environment. Like the people of Reggio Emilia, he is a tireless worker and is very stubborn, almost stubborn, in the best sense of the word’.

Vasilije Micic: I am focused on this chapter of my career in the NBA

Vasilije Micic discussed his NBA future, stating his desire to continue in the United States while not ruling out a possible return to Europe, with Barcelona among the options.

“Honestly, I never considered returning to Europe as long as I have a contract in the NBA. The reason I came here was my personal challenge, to step out of my comfort zone.”

“I believe I have done enough to prove that I can play. Obviously, many things are beyond my control, but I feel I have done what was necessary to showcase my value.”

“I don’t feel any pressure regarding my expiring contract. I have been very tough on myself in terms of expectations, but at the end of the season, I will see what the best situation for me is and accept it.”

“As for a possible return to Europe and Barcelona? Of course, every team is an option. There are a few European clubs I really like, but for now, I am focused on this chapter of my career in the NBA and want to finish the season strong. We will see in the summer.”

UNC to Hire NBA Agent Jim Tanner as General Manager

The University of North Carolina is set to appoint Jim Tanner as its new general manager, sources tell HoopsHype.

Tanner, a UNC alum and longtime NBA agent, has represented Hall of Famers such as Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, and Ray Allen as President of Tandem Sports & Entertainment.

African Big Man Paul Mbiya Considering College Route

Congolese center Paul Mbiya is weighing his options and could take the college path, per sources.

Standing 6’11” and 260 pounds with a 7’4″ wingspan, Mbiya is a raw but intriguing prospect, having played basketball for only three years. He developed at NBA Academy Africa before joining ASVEL in the EuroLeague, a club owned by Tony Parker.

According to reports, two Big Ten programs have already shown interest in recruiting him.

Armel Traoré reportedly on Baxi Manresa’s radar

Baxi Manresa is reportedly interested in signing Armel Traoré, a 6’9″ (205 cm), 22-year-old power forward currently with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Traoré has played 9 NBA games this season, averaging 7.9 minutes per contest, while excelling in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he posted 14.6 points and 9.1 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game over 13 appearances.

The Spanish club is evaluating the feasibility of the move.

Damien Jefferson joins NINERS Chemnitz

Damien Jefferson signed a contract until the end of the season with the NINERS Chemnitz, the German team announced.

The forward arrives from Pinar Karsiyaka, where he was producing 9.4 points (45 percent from three), 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists between BSL and BCL.

David DeJulius joins Bursaspor

David DeJulius moves from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Bursaspor on a contract until the end of the season.

For the point guard it’s the third team in 2024/25, after Aris and Maccabi.

DeJulius scored 4 points with one assist in 11 minutes per game in Euroleague.

Previously, with Aris, the former Cincinnati recorded 14.3 points per game in Eurocup and 20.2 in the Greek league.

Mets de Guaynabo sign former NBA players Derrick Williams and DeMarcus Cousins

The Mets de Guaynabo have signed a duo of former NBA players to bolster the roster under the boards.

They are Derrick Williams, a former second overall pick also seen several times in the Euroleague, and DeMarcus Cousins, a 4-time All Star center and 2016 Olympic champion with Team USA.

Cousins returned to the Mets in a trade with the Vaqueros de Bayamon, another Puerto Rican team that has decided to focus on players with significant NBA pasts (JaVale McGee and Danilo Gallinari).

 

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Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia among teams reportedly interested in David Kramer

Tenerife guard David Kramer has caught the attention of Spanish bigs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia thanks to his good performance this season.

Between ACB and BCL the 28-year-old the shooting guard of the German national team is scoring 12.4 points in 19 minutes, with an excellent 46% from long range on more than 6 attempts per game.

Kramer last summer signed a 1+1 contract with Tenerife.

The news was reported by Olga Lorente.

 

Tomas Dimsa joins Casademont Zaragoza

Casademont Zaragoza announced the arrival of Tomas Dimsa to strengthen the backcourt.

The Lithuanian shooter arrives on loan from Zalgiris Kaunas until the end of the season, with an option for next season.

Dimsa in the Euroleague was scoring 6.4 points with 1.7 assists per game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Targets Coldebella, but Reggio Emilia Shuts the Door

Reports from Israel suggest that Maccabi Tel Aviv is eyeing Claudio Coldebella, the general manager of Pallacanestro Reggiana, as a candidate for their sporting director position. However, the Italian club has firmly denied any possibility of an exit.

Coldebella signed a three-year contract with Reggio Emilia in May 2023, which reportedly does not include an escape clause. Additionally, he is fully focused on the final stretch of the season, with Unahotels competing in both the Italian league and the Basketball Champions League.

The team will return to action on March 1 against Sassari, followed by a crucial March 5 matchup against Baxi Manresa, which could determine their Champions League playoff fate.

While Maccabi’s interest is real, Reggio Emilia has no intention of parting ways with its key executive at this stage.

Source: Gazzetta di Reggio

Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly interested in Claudio Coldebella for the role of new sporting director

Maccabi Tel Aviv has set its sights on Claudio Coldebella, according to One.co.il the ‘leading candidate’ to become the new sporting director of the historic Israeli team.

Coldebella is currently in his second season as the general manager of UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia.

After a 5th place finish and Final Eight semifinal last year, this season the Italian team is in sixth place with 12 wins in 19 games.

Serge Ibaka Might Leave Real Madrid Before Season’s End

Real Madrid’s loss to Unicaja Malaga in the Copa del Rey final has triggered major uncertainty within the club. Along with halted contract talks for Dzanan Musa and Dennis Smith Jr.’s likely departure, Serge Ibaka is also reconsidering his future.

According to Marca, the 35-year-old center is frustrated with his limited playing time, averaging less than 13 minutes per game in both ACB and EuroLeague. His 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in Europe are a stark contrast to his 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 25 minutes last season with Bayern Munich.

The arrival of Bruno Fernando has only deepened Ibaka’s discontent, with reports suggesting he is considering leaving before the season ends. A decision could come soon.

Source: Marca

Real Madrid Considering Patrick Beverley as Dennis Smith Jr.’s Replacement

Real Madrid is reportedly targeting Patrick Beverley to replace Dennis Smith Jr., who is no longer in the team’s plans. The former NBA veteran, recently released by Hapoel Tel Aviv after a heated dispute with Dimitris Itoudis, could provide an experienced presence in Madrid’s backcourt. The club has until February 27 to finalize the signing.

After losing the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid sits at 11th place in the EuroLeague, struggling to secure a play-in spot after a disappointing summer transfer window. Smith Jr., signed in January, has failed to make an impact, averaging just 4 points in EuroLeague. With rumors of an NBA return, Madrid is now weighing whether Beverley is the right gamble to turn the season around.

Source: Mozzart Sport

Hapoel Jerusalem, Dereck Ogbeide on the Market: Exit Imminent

Hapoel Jerusalem has officially granted Derek Ogbeide permission to seek a new team. The Nigerian center, already sidelined after the return of Austin Wiley and Justin Smith, was not even dressed for Israel’s Cup Week, a clear indication that the club is ready to part ways with him.

Ogbeide has drawn interest from several teams, and his departure seems imminent. Meanwhile, Hapoel is considering adding a new foreign guard to bolster the roster ahead of the crucial stretch of the season. However, the club can only make moves for the Winner League, as the EuroCup registration deadline has already passed.

Source: Walla Sport

Trapani Shark reportedly in talks with Alba Berlin for Matteo Spagnolo

Trapani Shark in search of a playmaker for this season finale. The Giornale di Sicilia puts forward the resounding names of Matteo Spagnolo and Marco Spissu.

Spagnolo has a contract with Alba also for next season. Spissu the Sardinian player, who wants to continue his adventure in Zaragoza.

The Giornale di Sicilia on Spagnolo: ‘The parties are at work, with the profile of the young Blue player appealing to the Granata, who are aiming at the market to try and get back on track, after the championship defeats against Trento and Cremona, as well as the recent exit from the Final Eight of the Italian Cup, with the defeat against Trieste.

Quinn Cook signs with Fujian Sturgeons in China

Former NBA guard Quinn Cook has agreed to a deal with the Fujian Sturgeons in the CBA for the rest of the season, according to his agent Zac Benalloul, who confirmed the move to HoopsHype.

Cook, a two-time NBA champion, played five seasons in the league, averaging 6.4 points while shooting 40.8% from three-point range. After stints in the G League and overseas, the veteran guard is now set to continue his career in China.

Source: HoopsHype

Ioannis Kastritis close to sign with Pallacanestro Varese

Ioannis Kastritis is the hottest name for the Varese Basketball bench, set to succeed Herman Mandole. This is what appears to VareseNoi and Sportando.

The 42-year-old Greek coach is said to be one step away from signing, although the official announcement is still missing. His last experience on the bench was with Aris Thessaloniki.

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