By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Long-term contract extensions emerge as the theme for Unicaja heading to the Basketball Champions League Playoffs.
The Malaga outfit recently reached an agreement with head coach Ibon Navarro to extend his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. Following up in a similar fashion were players Tyler Kalinoski Wednesday and Kendrick Perry Thursday.
Kalinoski, 30, penned a three-year contract extension. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per BCL game. Packing 8.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.6 rebounds per contest in Spain’s Liga Endesa add to a solid campaign through the 2022-23 season.
Per the press release: “Unicaja and Tyler Kalinoski have reached an agreement to continue the relationship between both parties for the next 3 seasons. In his first year in Málaga, Kalinoski has confirmed all the good things he had pointed out before his arrival: he’s an accomplished shooter, an excellent defender and a player available to the team game. He is an insurance on the outside line that will keep being an important part of the Unicaja project, which will continue under the direction of Ibon Navarro on the bench.”
Perry, 30, instead signed a 2+1 contract extension. The explosive point guard chipped in 11.2 points, 4.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per contest as the Malaga outfit reached the Quarterfinals of the Champions League. He also averaged 11.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per contest at the domestic level.
Per the press release: “Unicaja and Kendrick Perry have reached an agreement to continue the relationship between both parties for the next 2 seasons plus an optional one. In his first season in Málaga, the American point guard with a Montenegrin passport has become one of the pillars of the team both on and off the court, putting together outstanding performances and being a very close player with the fans.”
Since winning the Copa del Rey for the second time in team history last February, Unicaja sealed a ticket in the Quarterfinals of the BCL, one step before the Final Four. A 15-9 record in Liga Endesa is currently good enough to rank fifth overall.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League