By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Preparing for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and domestic competitions in Spain, FC Barcelona presented the summer signings in the Auditori 1899 at Spotify Camp Nou on Friday.
Besides switching back to jersey number 0, Kevin Punter was arguably the biggest offseason move for the Catalonia giant. “I was impressed with the atmosphere and now I want to become the team’s top scorer,” he described his arrival and revealed part of his ambitions during the press conference.
Punter, 31, is a veteran of 124 EuroLeague games. Fellow summer signings, Youssoupha Fall, Justin Anderson, and Juan Nunez also carry experience in Europe’s premier club continental competition. In contrast, Chimezie Metu will debut after 263 NBA appearances.
“I can only be happy at having this chance,” the 27-year-old center previewed his first challenge in Europe, “A lot of defense, intensity and the desire to win trophies.”
Under the guidance of new head coach Joan Penarroya, a training camp was launched on Thursday.
“Barca is a multi-sport club where basketball is one of the most important sections. They are five players who will form part of a team that the fans will fall in love with once again,” mentioned team president Joan Laporta.
Before focusing on the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa, the 2024-25 campaign starts with Supercopa Endesa in Murcia. Barcelona collides with archrival Real Madrid in the Semifinals. Host UCAM Murcia faces Unicaja in the second matchup on September 21. The Final will be held on September 22.