Day: August 22, 2024

Sharpshooter Jandric returns to Luxol

Close to two months after Malta Basketball reported his possible return, Serbian forward Vukasin Jandric is back at Luxol after the Violets confirmed his move from Mellieha Libertas on Wednesday.

In a statement, the club showed its enthusiasm, welcoming Jandric back home. 

“Vule Jandric Rejoins Luxol Basketball Club!” The statement read. 

“We are thrilled to announce that Vule Jandric is returning to Luxol Basketball Club for the upcoming season! Vule has been a key player in past seasons, and his return marks an exciting chapter for our team. Vule will also be coaching both our U14 boys teams. 

“We look forward to seeing him in action and contributing to what promises to be a thrilling season. Welcome back, Vule! Let’s make this season one to remember.” 

Jandric makes his Luxol comeback after three seasons in Mellieha where he was part of the squad that won the club’s only-ever senior trophy under former coach Christian Narciso.

However, with the Northern club officially disbanded at senior level due to lack of support, the club’s players were back on the market as free agents. Since then, the team’s imports headed back home, David Bugeja moved to Depiro, Isaac Bonnett and Robert Vitale joined Athleta, and now Jandric is going back to join coach Duncan Fenech as an exciting addition to the roster.

Last season, Jandric started 20 of the 21 games he played under coach Ian Terribile at Mellieha, missing out on the final stages of the BOV Division One’s regular season through injury. Nevertheless, he averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in all competitions.

Now he joins a Luxol side that has seemingly grown stronger throughout the summer with the contract extension of Malta guard Nathan Xuereb, and the signing of two American import players – Darron Howard and Caleb Jones-McCrary. This indicates that while the in previous season, focus was given mainly to expanding the club’s youth core, the club is looking for a better run in its senior ranks.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that Luxol’s summer business could yet involve another new signing as Depiro forward Nenad Bukva has also been linked with the Violets with an official confirmation yet to be made.

Valletta Basketball Club to introduce women’s team

After the announcement that Athleta will introduce a women’s team this coming season, Valletta Fighters, who have recently rebranded as Valletta Basketball Club seem to have followed suit and the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League is now set to have no less than two new teams as part of the league’s lineup, Malta Basketball has learnt.

After the club’s debut in the men’s two divisions last season, the Valletta project will expand with their women’s team set to form with players joining the team over the summer break. 

The club teased this introduction on their socials where they showed both the men’s and women’s teams going through pre-season physical training around Valletta.

While there has been no official confirmation of the players taking the court for the Citizens yet, Malta Basketball can confirm that the team will be led by coaches Harry Savaya and Daniel Bugeja just like the men’s team.

Sources said the team is currently comprised of returning players after having recently departed the game. However, recruiting has also included a few players from around the local league – including what is said to be two players from Fusion Quest, who opted out of next season – as well as a professional import player to complement the team.