By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A huge signing in the form of Simon Birgander was officially completed by UCAM Murcia Saturday.
Birgander, 25, signed a two-year contract and joined Dylan Ennis on the list of newcomers, confirming rumors expanding to fellow Sweden native Ludvig Hakanson en route to the Universitarios as well. Sweden’s power forward carrying the experience of four games played in the Basketball Champions League as a member of Divina Seguros Joventut back in 2017-18, will return to the league.
Besides the two newcomers for Murcia, contract extensions were distributed to David Jelinek, Thad McFadden, Nemanja Radovic, Jordan Sakho, and head coach Sito Alonso, earlier in the offseason.
Meanwhile, Pinar Karsiyaka officially added Furkan Haltali, confirming the recent report of Eurohoops. The 20-year-old Turkish center was loaned from Besiktas Emlakjet to Anadolu Efes last December. Launching his career, Banvit/Teksut Bandirma was his home from 2017 to 2020.
Tortona and Igokea add experience
A newcomer to BCL, Bertram Derthona Tortona tabbed 34-year-old forward/center Andrea Zerini. With plenty more arrivals expected over the next few weeks, the effort to strengthen the squad already landed Chris Dowe. Also, South Dakota State product Mike Daum inked a two-year contract extension.
Another direct entry to the Regular Season, Igokea m:tel picked up 31-year-old Serbian guard Marko Jeremic, following the conclusion of his stint with Cedevita Olimpija. Other new players are Dusan Makitan, Zoran Nikolic, Edin Atic, and Stefan Moody, while captain Marko Josilo, Nikola Maric, and Haris Delalic all signed contract extensions.
On the most recent moves of teams preparing for the Qualifiers, Openjobmetis Varese secured the services of former North Dakota State standout Vinnie Shahid and Czechia’s NBL champions Opava re-upped 33-year-old Martin Gniadek for one more season.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL