By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonathan Barreiro inked a three-year contract extension with Unicaja, the team announced on Friday. Like Melvin Ejim, Tyler Kalinoski, and Kameron Taylor earlier in the offseason, the Malaga outfit received a further commitment from the 27-year-old forward as well. Looking to add to his tally of 73 appearances in the Basketball Champions League, Barreiro is set to defend the title won in Belgrade last April.
Following David Efianayi, Ebuka Izundu, and James Palmer Jr., Galatasaray Ekmas also picked up Roberts Blumbergs. Penning a one-year contract, the Latvian swingman is set to debut in the Champions League. Competing in the 2023-24 installment of BKT EuroCup with Aris Midea, he averaged 6.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
Penning a two-year contract, 22-year-old German forward Roman Bedime became the latest signing for Niners Chemnitz on Thursday. Moving to the BCL as the FIBA Europe Cup champions, the German club previously confirmed Eddy Edigin Jr., Jeff Garrett, DeAndre Lansdowne, Jonas Richter, Nicholas Tischler, and Aher Uguak for the 2024-25 roster.
After six games in the Champions League with UnaHotels Reggio Emilia in 2022-23, Marquette product Sacar Anim is back, emerging as the latest addition for Igokea m:tel. Luka Galic, Vojin Ilic, Velibor Milovanovic, and Ognjen Radosic previously signed contracts and were placed on the squad for new head coach Nenad Stefanovic.
A familiar face, Guy Goodes was hired as head coach by Hapoel Holon. During his first stint, the 53-year-old Israeli tactician guided his side to the Israeli league championship in 2022, the second in team history.
Two huge signings for Petkimspor
Strengthening the bid to reach the Regular Season through the Qualification Round of the Champions League, Aliaga Petkimspor signed DeWayne Russell and Breein Tyree. The 30-year-old point guard carries the experience of 22 BCL games spread between EWE Baskets Oldenburg last season and NutriBullet Treviso in 2021-22. A total of 18 games played for 26-year-old Tyree, between Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari and Filou Oostende.
Meanwhile, Kalev/Cramo retained head coach Heiko Rannula, heading to the next season. The 40-year-old tactician was recently promoted to head coach of the senior national team of Estonia.
Also heading to the Qualifiers, Spartak Office Shoes completed the additions of Rasir Bolton, Kaza Kajami-Keane, Stefan Momirov, Danilo Nikolic, and Matej Rudan.
Promoted to captain of Trepca, 33-year-old forward Drilon Hajrizi also signed a contract extension with the team based in Mitrovice.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League