By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Solid showings down the stretch of the 2023-24 season boost Jaleen Smith, from negotiating a contract extension with Partizan Mozzart Bet to representing Croatia in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece.
After starting the season with Virtus Segafredo Bologna, he switched to the Belgrade outfit in December. Far from an ideal start under legendary head coach Zeljko Obradovic, he overcome midseason struggles to earn an increased role in the later stages of the campaign. He ended up with 7.4 points per game over 25 appearances between the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and AdmiralBet ABA League.
“I noticed speculation about me having signed a new contract, but I can say that it is not done yet,” he talked to Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport about recent rumors of inking a contract extension with Partizan.
“We are currently negotiating,” explained the New Hampshire product, heading to the eighth year of his professional career, “It is all talks for now, but I would say the picture will become clearer over the next few weeks. We will see what happens, but I know they would like to have me back.”
“I am definitely interested. That is why we are negotiating,” underlined the 29-year-old combo guard.
A busy offseason expands to covering the naturalized slot on the roster of the senior national team of Croatia. In early July, his side will battle Greece, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, New Zealand, and Slovenia for a ticket to the Olympic Games.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net