By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Addressing injuries shortening the rotation for head coach Erdem Can, Anadolu Efes completed the signing of Mike Daum.
Daum, 28, penned a contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 season with an option for the next season, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague outfit reached out to Bertram Derthona Tortona to buy out the contract of the former South Dakota State standout. The Italian side, a Basketball Champions League participant, confirmed his departure as well.
“It was not easy to make this decision,” confessed team president Marco Picchi, “Mike is a boy who in these three years has been able to transmit his energy on and off the pitch, always putting his enormous talent at the service of the team and his teammates. We don’t hide: it’s a great loss for us, giving up Daum is painful and today’s state of mind of our fans is shared by the owners, management and technical staff. At the same time, we felt it was our duty to satisfy Mike’s desire and ambition, giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest European level wearing the vest of one of the most prestigious clubs on the continental scene, with the pride of having contributed to his growth and I hope to see him excel again.”
After spending the first two years of his professional career with Monbus Obradoiro, Daum landed in Tortona as the team was preparing for the first-ever campaign in the top-tier division of Italy. Contributing to massive success led to the individual and team debut at the continental level through the 2023-24 edition of the Champions League. From there to Efes and the EuroLeague.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League