By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ekene Ibekwe makes his way back to the Basketball Champions League by inking a contract with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez, the French team informed via press release. The 34-year-old forward/center was acquired to cover for injured Nicolas De Jong who suffered a knee injury.
The American-Nigerian big was born in Los Angeles and represents Nigeria in FIBA international competitions. Following his NCAA tenure with Maryland played in Israel, Germany, Spain, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic and France, also had stints in Australia and Puerto Rico.
Apart from returning to Jeep Elite Pro A with Elan Bearnais, Ibekwe will make his BCL comeback as well. He previously took part in eight games of FIBA’s premier club competition during the inagural 2016-17 season between Usak Sportif and the Fraport Skyliners.
The well-experienced forward/center last appeared in France with Metropolitans 92 averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per 2018-19 Jeep Elite Pro A match.