By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
Solid showings in the AdmiralBet ABA League created a big market for Fatts Russell. Securing the services of the rookie coming out of Maryland is Galatasaray Nef.
The Basketball Champions League outfit reached an agreement with the explosive point guard and will pay a buy-out to complete the transfer, according to Eurohoops sources. The newcomer will sign a contract for the rest of the season.
Russell, 24, averaged a league-high 27.6 points per game over 14 appearances with Mornar-Barsko zlato in the 2022-23 edition of ABA. In an immediate eruption to launch his professional career overseas, he tallied a total of 88 points in the first two showings in the regional league. Besides shooting 40.5% from the field for the team based in Bar, the Philadelphia-born guard also produced 7.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per contest.
Heading to the next stage the BCL minus Dee Bost, the Lions were seeking a suitable replacement for the experienced guard, a newcomer for Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participant LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. Fitting the bill, Russell will take over from the continental level to Turkey’s BSL. The team coached by Andreas Pistiolis will take on Unicaja, AEK, and Limoges CSP in the Champions League Group K Round of 16 while aiming to improve the current W-L tally of 7-8 in the domestic league.
Fatts goes from Philadelphia to the Basketball Champions League
The BCL, organized by FIBA, is the place to be for youngsters eager to showcase their talents in a competitive environment. At the very beginning of his professional career, Russell has already made a strong case, attracting the attention of multiple clubs spread across the continent. Enter the Champions League and the extensive list of graduates to the NBA or EuroLeague, more of the same from Montenegro will certainly propel his career to the next level.
Rewinding to his NCAA run, playing for Rhode Island sparked multiple individual accolades, including being named in the 2019-20 Atlantic 10 First Team All-Conference and All-Defensive teams. He transferred to Maryland for the 2021-22 season before moving his talents to Europe and now to the Champions League.
He adopted the name “Fatts” over Daron, as nicknamed by his mother while growing up in Philadelphia.
Photo Credit: ABA-Liga.com