By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Heading to his debut in the Basketball Champions League, Daniel Hamilton was the latest addition for VEF Riga.
The Latvia champions secured the services of the 27-year-old American swingman for the next season. The former Connecticut standout was selected 56th overall in the 2016 NBA draft. He played in 25 NBA games as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks before switching to overseas options the last few seasons. Other players confirmed by the team based in the Latvian capital are Artis Ate, Rihards Berkolds, Roberts Berzins, Gerry Blakes, Nysier Brooks, Alberts Putans, and Vitaliy Zotov.
Ready for more experience in the BCL, Mario Nakic signed a three-year contract to join Igokea m:tel. On loan from Real Madrid, he made his way to five Champions League games with Filou Oostende, before moving to MoraBanc Andorra last season. Previous arrivals for the Bosnia champions were Bryant Crawford, Haris Delalic, Kendrick Ray, and Dusan Tanaskovic, while Stefan Djordjevic, Kosta Kondic, James Robinson, Deshawn Stephens, and Nikola Tanaskovic all penned contract extensions.
Toronto-born Kassius Robertson emerged as a newcomer for UnaHotels Reggio Emilia. A veteran of 15 games played in the Champions League with medi Bayreuth in the 2018-19 season, he signed a one-year contract to follow Sacar Anim, Nate Reuvers, Gabe Stefanini, and Michele Vitali on the list of summer additions. Also, Andrea Cinciarini and Mikael Hopkins both extended their stay, and Martin Krampelj and Mirko Gloria inked training camp deals.
Coming in as an injury replacement for Simeon Carter, rookie forward Theo John joined Finland champion Karhu. After splitting his NCAA career between Duke and Marquette, he is set to play in the Qualifying Rounds of the Champions League. Shaping the remaining roster are Jaye Crockett, Daniel Dolenc, Joona Hakamaa, Eero Innamaa, Cameron Jones, Henri Kantonen, Severi Kaukiainen, Kuany Kuany, Miikka Marttinen, Manny Patterson, Lee Skinner, and Teemu Suokas.
Fresno State product Terrell Carter II returned to Portugal to strengthen the Qualifiers bid of Benfica. The second new player after 36-year-old Toney Douglas turned heads by signing a two-year contract. Also, Ivan Almeida and Makrem Ben Romdhane both extended respective contracts.