By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
A few months after reuniting with Cazoo Baskonia for a second stint at the team based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pierria Henry is dealing with muscular discomfort in his right calf, according to the team.
Henry, 30, sat out the last four outings between the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa. The team coached by Joan Penarroya went 1-3 in the stretch without the explosive guard, in the process slipping away from the top of the standings in both continental and domestic competitions.
Rumors regarding a serious injury have surfaced in recent days. Adding to the speculation, Baskonia is preparing to part ways with Henry and scanning the market for a replacement, according to Javier Lekuona.
“When we have something to announce and everything is clear, we will make an announcement,” team sports director Felix Fernandez reacted to the rumors following Monday’s draw of the 2023 Copa del Rey, “Right now, we must focus on the team and players available to break out of the slump.”
Seemingly indicating Henry is not considered an ‘available’ player, shedding light on the status of the American-born naturalized Senegalese point guard was not the case nor did head coach Penarroya after the ACB Regular Season Round 17 loss to Monbus Obradoiro Sunday.
“We started the season without him and more or less played well. I don’t have much more to say. It’s up to the club to make an official announcement when there is something to add,” said the Catalonian tactician.
Early contribution
Before rejoining Baskonia, he inked a deal with the Houston Rockets but was waived before the start of the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season. Back overseas and in familiar territory, Henry recorded 13 appearances in EuroLeague tallying 9.9 points, 6.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. Also, he put in 7.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game in Spain’s Liga Endesa.
Up next for Baskonia is back-to-back EuroLeague champion visiting Fernando Buesa Arena in Round 21 of EuroLeague’s Regular Season on Friday. Staying on the road for Round 18 of the ACB Regular Season, it will face UCAM Murcia Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net