By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Defensive ace Howard Sant-Roos will join Panathinaikos OPAP, according to Eurohoops sources. The Greens moved rapidly setting themselves up to complete a major signing and boost their wing ahead of the 2020-21 season. The deal is expected to land Sant-Roos a one-year contract.
CSKA Moscow was considering retaining him but ultimately opted out of his contract, the Russian team announced on Sunday. His brief stay was enough to convince Dimitris Itoudis but became surplus to requirements with Will Clyburn returning to action after being sidelined due to injury and recent roster additions combined with the financial impact stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was just another business decision,” explained CSKA president Andrey Vatutin, “We tried hard to find financial support to keep Howard on the roster, because in short period here he proved to be a valuable player and excellent teammate. Unfortunately, due to the budget cut and economical problem caused by the pandemic, we have no room to maneuver, currently we cannot allow ourselves extra spendings. We let Sant-Roos go with regret and gratitude for the help in the past season. We sincerely wish Howard the best of luck.”
Sant-Roos will remain in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after debuting in Europe’s premier club competition with CSKA. The Cuban swingman joined the Russian powerhouse midway through the 2019-20 season after his contract with AEK was bought out. In response, he put in 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per EuroLeague match.
The 2018 7DAYS EuroCup champion with Darussafaka launched his 2019-20 campaign in Greece starting his second season with the Queen and is set for his return to southeastern Europe approximately seven months later. Highlights of his first run in the country include the 2019 FIBA Intercontinental title.
Over 10 early appearances in the previous edition of the Basketball Champions League, he banked 12.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals expressing his all-around contribution.
Back in Greece shortly after enjoying a breakout start to the 2019-20 season that eventually led him to the EuroLeague, Sant-Roos carries his strong defense and multiple offensive weapons to Panathinaikos.
Already in for the team coached by Giorgos Vovoras are Marcus Foster and Nemanja Nedovic. Zach Auguste and Sant-Roos are expected to become the next additions.