By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Looking to adjust his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague career midway through the 2022-23 Regular Season, Achille Polonara can be heading to Kaunas.
Polonara, 31, is nearing a deal with Zalgiris. Basketnews reported the latest development regarding the transfer status of the Italian forward/center.
Since parting ways with Fenerbahce Beko and switching to crosstown rival Anadolu Efes, Polonara is unhappy with his limited role, as confirmed by the play-caller of the reigning back-to-back champions, Ergin Ataman. In recent weeks, he was linked to both Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet but interest in his services lacked offers for various reasons.
Scanning the market following the season-ending injury of Keenan Evans, Zalgiris picked up Isaiah Taylor earlier Friday. With Tyler Cavanaugh dealing with an uncertain return from a recent back injury, DeShaun Thomas emerged as an option up to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan clarifying intentions on keeping the experienced forward on the roster of Ettore Messina. In contrast, the Istanbul outfit is keen on moving on from Polonara, especially after reuniting with Chris Singleton.
Logging 15 appearances in the ongoing Regular Season of Europe’s premier club continental competition, the Italian big tallied 2.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 0.3 assists, and 0.1 steals per contest. Prior to moving his talents to Turkey in 2021, he logged two EuroLeague campaigns in his first experience abroad as a member of Kirolbet/TD Systems Baskonia, currently named Cazoo Baskonia.
Representing Italy at the senior international level, Polonara was part of the roster in the 2015 and 2022 editions of EuroBasket. Additional caps were registered through the 2020 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade plus World Cup and EuroBasket Qualifiers.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net