By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A veteran of 28 appearances between three teams in the Basketball Champions League is back for more.
Troy Caupain was announced as the latest newcomer for UCAM Murcia Thursday. Previous experience in the BCL spreads from Darussfaka in 2021-22 to Filou Oostende and UNET Holon in 2019-20. Spending the 2022-23 campaign in Italy saw him average 10.3 points per contest over 21 appearances with Germani Brescia. As for the Universitarios, his new side already added Simon Birgander, Moussa Diagne, and Dylan Ennis, while David Jelinek, Thad McFadden, Nemanja Radovic, Jordan Sakho, and head coach Sito Alonso all signed contract extensions.
Elsewhere in the Champions League Regular Season, Lenono Tenerife and Fran Guerra extended their contract until the end of the 2025-26 season adding an option for one more season. Sticking around as well are Elgin Cook, Aaron Doornekamp, Sasu Salin, Joan Sastre, and Giorgi Shermadini. Dusan Ristic is the lone newcomer so far for the team guided by Txus Vidorreta.
The latest move for Tofas was keeping 28-year-old forward Tevfik Akdamar for a second season. The Bursa club previously welcomed foreign players Luke Maye, Zeljko Sakic, Omar Prewitt, Caleb Homesley, and J.J. O’Brien.
Prepping for the Qualifiers, Monbus Obradoiro picked up Dominican guard Rigoberto Mendoza.
Young blood
Promising upstart Nicholas Errica inked a five-year contract with Bertram Derthona Tortona. The young guard is projected to play for the senior squad next season. The recent arrivals of Kyle Weems and Tommaso Baldasso provided huge boosts to the debut European campaign. Other newcomers are Chris Dowe, Arturs Strautins, and Andrea Zerini. Also, Mike Daum re-signed.
JDA Dijon tabbed youngsters Mathys Kangudia, Hugo Marin, and Nathan Vincennes to combine youth and senior competitions through the 2022-23 season.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old German forward Dominykas Pleta inked a multiyear contract with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League