Day: August 30, 2024

Valletta sign Mifsud Bonnici as Savaya stays

Valletta Basketball Club have been a busy club this summer, as they push to make inroads into Division One and after the statement signings of Piotr Stelmach and Nikola Vasovic in July, the capital club announced on Friday former Athleta guard Francesco Mifsud Bonnici to their roster for the coming season.

“We are thrilled to announce Francesco Mifsud Bonnici as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” a club statement read.

“Cesco brings a huge experience with his portfolio.  He has won the under-19, under-23, three Second Division titles and a bunch of First Division cups.

“Francesco was also nominated Most Valuable Player in the under-19 category and next season will be his 10th season in the highest division. He also represented Malta in various FIBA competitions, including winning a gold medal with the under 16 and also a historic participation in the under 20 FIBA Division B.”

Mifsud Bonnici was part of the Athleta squad that proved itself to be the dark horses of the Division One Championship under coach Christos Kousidis.

The 25-year-old started 18 out of 20 games played with Athleta in all competitions last season. He averaged 4.6 points and 4.8 assists, with close to two steals per game as Athleta made it to the playoffs as the league’s third seed.

Savaya back in charge

Now Mifsud Bonnici joins a Valletta side that no longer looks like a team in need of direction after a shaky debut last season. The Citizens have since then rebranded and made significant additions to their squad in order to hit the ground running this time around. 

Earlier this week, the club reconfirmed technical director Harry Savaya to his role at the club where he will be taking on not only the men’s teams but also the newly introduced women’s team.

“We are thrilled to introduce the driving force behind Valletta Basketball Club — our Technical Director, Harry Savaya!” Valletta said in a statement.

“Harry brings with him a wealth of international experience and a history of top achievements. Among many successes in his career, he was crowned Jordan Cup winner, and during the South East Asian Games, he led the Cambodian national teams to gold and silver victories. With a remarkable career as a national team and First Division head coach, Harry has also earned the prestigious Coach of the Year title in four different countries. 

“With his unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the game, Harry will be leading both our senior teams in the upcoming coming season.”

Starlites announce Mortensen signing

It’s been a summer of introductions for Starlites as title-holders have so far welcomed no less than five players into their squad. On Thursday, they announced their fifth signing of the window when they named American forward Kolten Mortensen to their roster.

“Welcome to the Starlites community, Kolten Mortensen! Coming off a positive season playing in Germany, Mortensen will form part of the VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Men squad this season,” a club statement read.

The Utah native joins the team after a season in the German ProB with BBC Coburg where he averaged 11.7 points and 27.5 minutes in 27 games played. Shooting 62.1% from close range and 75% from the freethrow line, Starlites will be hoping Mortensen can keep up his accuracy coming into the new season, and more importantly their debut in the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers next month.

On defence, the 6’7 American 5.6 rebounds and close to a steal per game last season in Germany, having joined after his college basketball experience with the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers in the NCAA Division Two.

He now heads to Malta to join a Starlites team that will be defending all the trophies available in the local basketball league. 

“I’m pumped for the opportunity to join the Starlites organisation, and looking forward to getting out there and helping the team to continue having success,” Mortensen told the club’s socials.

Mortensen is the fourth import signing of the summer after the club announced fellow American Trevon Reddish-Rhone, Canadian Joe Davis, and most recently American Max Curran. Together with the confirmation of former Depiro player Andrew Aquilina, Starlites have now filled the void left by backcourt duo Alec Felice Pace – who departed to play in Germany – and Matt Attard, as well as import trio Kurt James – who moved to Athleta – Davonte Craven, and Christian Hinckson.

Starlites make their first appearance in the FIBA Europe Cup later on in September when they face Anorthosis Famagusta in the qualifying stage.