By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Neal Sako is upgraded to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, after competing in the Basketball Champions League and the FIBA Europe Cup with Cholet, and in the 7DAYS EuroCup with Metropolitans 92.
Sako, 25, penned a two-year contract to join LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, his new team announced on Thursday.
“I am very happy and grateful to join LDLC ASVEL, a historic club in the French league,” noted the first summer signing for the team located in Villeurbanne, “I am determined to help the team achieve the various goals set for the next season!”.
In 2023-24, his second year at Cholet, Sako averaged 10.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.5 steals per contest over 17 appearances in the Champions League. His side reached the Round of 16 but fell on the wrong end of a three-way tie with Tofas and SIG Strasbourg in the hunt for a berth in the Quarterfinals.
In 37 games played in France’s Betclic Elite, he put up 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. Making the Playoffs as the seventh seed, Cholet was knocked out by Paris in the Quarterfinals.
“I am very happy Neal is joining us,” commented head coach Pierric Poupet, “He makes steady progress every year thanks to his great work ethic. A mobile player in the paint with a solid reach, he will be a valuable player in our defense. He will help us with his professionalism and desire to improve.”
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League