By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
After testing the European waters in 13 games with Hapoel Jerusalem, Jamaican Samardo Samuels returns to Europe with a two-year deal as the new center of EA7 Milano. The former player of Cleveland has the chance to make his Euroleague debut and establish himself as one of the best big man in the old continent.
Panathinaikos finally confirmed the deal with Ping Shang and Budivelnyk Kiev added Euroleague experience in its roster by adding Ricky Minard, a journeyman who played last season for Besiktas.
Minard’s old team, Turkish club Besiktas which will compete in Eurocup next season, signed local forward Caner Topaloglu who was a member of Karsiyaka last season. Also in Eurocup, Gravelines inked Souleymane Diabate, an exploding point guard from Nancy, while Union Olimpja gave a chance to big man Alex Stephenson who returns to the courts after one year absence due to knee injury.