By Aris Barkas/ barkas@Eurohoops.net
Following the news of Simone Fontecchio heading to the NBA and Utah Jazz, Cazoo Baskonia keeps scanning the market looking for possible upgrades as the 2022-23 season approaches. The team located in Vitoria-Gasteiz is showing strong interest in Darius Thompson, as confirmed by Eurohoops.
Thompson, 27, possibly strengthening the backcourt would lift him to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The former player of Tennessee, Virginia, and Western Kentucky in the NCAA, displayed his talents in the Netherlands and Italy, before debuting in the 7DAYS EuroCup as a member of Lokomotiv Kuban last season. He previously logged 25 Basketball Champions League appearances as a member of Happy Casa Brindisi and 16 FIBA Europe Cup appearances in his rookie season with ZZ Leiden.
Up to Loko’s participation withdrawn and his own departure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulting in the ongoing war in the country of Eastern Europe, Thompson appeared in 12 EuroCup contests. He tallied 13.2 points, 5.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game for the team based in Krasnodar. The 9.8 points, 5.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest in the VTB United League completed the picture of the 2021-22 campaign.
Besides hiring Joan Penarroya as the new head coach, the Basque Country outfit recently began adding firepower to the 2022-23 roster. Similar to Thompson, both lacking previous EuroLeague experience, Daulton Hommes and Markus Howard were confirmed additions on two-year contracts.
Thompson being linked to Baskonia was first reported by Diario de Noticias de Alava.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net