By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the player himself via social media, Virtus Segafredo Bologna confirmed the addition of Semi Ojeleye.
Ojeleye, 27, inked a two-year contract, the team announced Thursday. The team based in Bologna will be his first step in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
After splitting his NCAA years between Duke and SMU, the Kansas-born combo forward was drafted by the Boston Celtics. He was the 37th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
His career in the NBA produced 322 games played, including 292 with the Celtics through the first four seasons as a professional player. In 2021-22, he tallied 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.
Emerging as the player to guard the most dangerous opponent throughout his NBA career, he fit in nicely completing the search of the Italian side for an upgrade on the forward positions. Ojeleye was brought in as the fourth summer signing for the team coached by Sergio Scariolo. Ismael Bako, Gabriel Iffe Lundberg, and Jordan Mickey were already confirmed as new players by Virtus Bologna.
Earlier Thursday, Kevin Hervey was officially released. The UT Arlington product was among the 2021 newcomers but will not be part of the 2022-23 squad. Producing 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks per contest helped in capturing the 7DAYS EuroCup title and thus clinching a berth in the EuroLeague. The storied club will be back in Europe’s premier club continental competition after 14 years.
Photo Credit: YouTube