By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
UnaHotels Reggio Emilia signed Mateusz Ponitka for the next three months with the contract including an option for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, the team announced Wednesday.
Ponitka, 28, currently projected to play for Poland in the 2022 EuroBasket, has been a free agent since parting ways with Zenit in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulting in the ongoing war. Back in action and the Basketball Champions League following the 35 appearances between Iberostar Tenerife and Pinar Karsiyaka in 2017-18 and 2016-17, respectively. Excellent fit in a strong squad consisting of Sacar Anim, Andrea Cinciarini, Mikael Hopkins, Martin Krampelj, Mirko Gloria, Nate Reuvers, Kassius Robertson, Gabe Stefanini, and Michele Vitali.
Meanwhile, AEK confirmed veteran center Dimitris Mavroeidis for the next season, his seventh overall and fourth in a row since rejoining the Queen in 2019. Alongside returning Panagiotis Filippakos, Dimitris Flionis, Antonis Koniaris, Giannis Kouzeloglou, Andreas Petropoulos, and new teammates, Alexander Madsen, Cameron McGriff, Akil Mitchell, Nikos Persidis, Janis Strelnieks, and Kenny Williams, they will play under new head coach Ilias Kantzouris.
Young upstart and product of the FC Barcelona youth teams Teodor Simic was picked up by Igokea m:tel. The 18-year-old center joined Bryant Crawford, Haris Delalic, Mario Nakic, Kendrick Ray, and Dusan Tanaskovic on the list of summer arrivals. The Bosnia champions also re-signed Stefan Djordjevic, Kosta Kondic, James Robinson, Deshawn Stephens, and Nikola Tanaskovic.
British guard Evan Walshe returned to the Leicester Riders for the next season. The BBL champions have also confirmed Jubril Adekoya, Blake Bowman, Zach Jackson, Marc Loving, Kimbal Mackenzie, Darien Nelson-Henry, Mo Walker, Conner Washington, and Patrick Whelan on the 2022-23 squad.
Experienced forward James Ellisor signing a two-year contract became the latest addition for another Qualifiers outfit Benfica. The Portugal champions previously added Terrell Carter II and Toney Douglas and retained both Ivan Almeida and Makrem Ben Romdhane.