By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Valencia skipped the option and therefore cut Louis Labeyrie the team announced Friday confirming an earlier report on parting ways with the French forward/center.
Per the press release: “Valencia Basket has not executed the team option for one more season extension in Louis Labeyrie’s contract, so the French international power forward ends his time at Valencia Basket after four seasons as a taronja. Labeyrie was part of the squad that won the 7DAYS EuroCup title in the 2018-19 season and has featured in a total of 239 games as a Taronja player.
The Club would like to thank the professionalism, dedication and work carried out by Louis Labeyrie during the time he has defended the Taronja jersey and wishes him the best in his future, both professionally and personally.”
Labeyrie, 30, concluded the four-year run by producing 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game in the 7DAYS EuroCup. His side was knocked out by Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the Semifinals. The Italian outfit went on to capture the title and a berth in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The Oranges got a Wildcard to follow in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
Shifting to Spain’s Liga Endesa, Labeyrie put up 5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per ACB game in the 2021-22 season. Valencia ranked third in the Regular Season behind powerhouses FC Barcelona and Real Madrid but fell short in the best-of-three series of the Quarterfinals opposite Bitci Baskonia.
Valencia previously parted ways with Mike Tobey and Oliver Hanlan but extended the contract of Klemen Prepelic. Other offseason moves include Alex Mumbru taking over the head coaching responsibilities from Joan Penarroya.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net