By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Experienced Canadian forward Melvin Ejim is set to stay in Malaga through the 2023-24 season.
Ejim, 32, signed a one-year contract extension with an option for an additional season with Unicaja, the team announced Monday.
Per the press release: “Melvin Ejim has also renewed his relationship with Unicaja for next season, with the option to extend it for another one. The international forward with Canada is one of the most versatile players in Ibon Navarro’s roster, with highly valued work on both sides of the court. An “all-road” player who is fundamental for the correct dynamics of the team.”
The list of late-season contract extensions stretched from head coach Ibon Navarro to players Nihad Djedovic, Tyler Kalinoski, and Kendrick Perry over recent weeks. The 2023 Copa del Rey champions look determined to keep the squad intact heading to the 2023-24 season, even before wrapping up the ongoing 2022-23 season with plenty more success on the cards.
The Malaga outfit is up 1-0 in the best-of-three series versus ACB rival UCAM Murcia, just one win away from clinching a berth in the Basketball Champions League Final Four. From continental competition to the domestic level, carrying a 17-9 W-L tally in Spain’s Liga Endesa is currently good enough for fifth in the standings.
Ejim returned to Unicaja for a second stint last July. Besides averaging 2.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game over 15 appearances in the Champions League, and 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per ACB contest, his on-court contributions extend way beyond his stats.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League