By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Experienced big man Alex Tyus is back in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Tyus, 34, penned a contract for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, the team announced Thursday. A few days ago, the two sides were reported in advanced negotiations.
“After the injury to Joffrey [Lauvergne], we had to react quickly and find the best solution to strengthen our big positions,” explained ASVEL head coach T.J. Parker, “Alex will bring us his athletic abilities, especially in defense and rebounds, carrying plenty of experience and understanding of the game which will be extremely useful for us.”
Lauvergne, 31, was recently sidelined with a torn ACL. His injury forced the hand of the French outfit in securing the services of an additional player.
Tyus is a former EuroLeague champion, going all the way with Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv in the 2013-14 season. From his 196 appearances over eight campaigns, he registered 112 games played and four seasons as a member of the Israel powerhouse. Other former teams are Real Madrid, Galatasaray Odeabank, Anadolu Efes, and Mapooro Cantu.
He last played at Pinar Karsiyaka splitting the 2021-22 season between the Basketball Champions League and Turkey’s BSL. Over 33 appearances, he averaged 8.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per contest.
Looking to snap a three-game losing streak across all competitions, ASVEL will host Cazoo Baskonia Friday and SLUC Nancy Monday aiming to improve to 2-3 in EuroLeague and 4-3 in France’s Betclic Elite LNB Pro A, respectively.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League