By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Naz Mitrou-Long is expected to join Zalgiris ahead of the 2023-24 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Mitrou-Long, 29, penning a two-year contract with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan last June carries the initial commitment into the next season. However, the Italian club is willing to let him go, thus clearing the path to Zalgiris, as gathered via Eurohoops sources.
The former Iowa State standout introduced himself to EuroLeague averaging 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.4 steals per contest over 21 appearances through the 2022-23 season. Steadily falling out of favor at the team coached by Ettore Messina deeper in the campaign, the limited participation at the domestic level translates into 7.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game over 15 appearances.
Confirming recent rumors, Basketnews first reported on the explosive combo guard and Kaunas outfit nearing an agreement.
Prior to moving his talents to Europe and the breakout season as a member of Germani Brescia, Mitrou-Long logged 20 appearances split between three NBA seasons and stints at the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers. Despite missing the cut for the 2017 draft, productive showings in the G League earned him a couple of two-way contracts in 2017 and 2019.
Pending necessary paperwork driven by his mother being Greek-Canadian, the Canada native is likely to soon become eligible to play for Greece’s senior national team.
His brother, Elijah Mitrou-Long is also a professional basketball player. The 26-year-old combo guard last played for Aris in Greece.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net