Day: September 16, 2024

Kurt Xuereb re-signs with Starlites

Malta title-holders Starlites have re-signed forward Kurt Xuereb, the club has confirmed.

“It’s a great honour to announce that Maltese national team captain Kurt Xuereb has re-signed with the Starlites organisation,” Starlites said in a statement. 

“Xuereb, who was assigned the role of co-captain of the squad for the upcoming season, needs no introduction in the local scene, winning several youth leagues through his career, as well as being a 2x MVP in the U23 category. 

“On a senior level, he has formed part of our championship-winning squads in the past 3 years, while also winning several medals with the national team, including the gold medal in 2018. We are sure that Kurt will once again play a vital part in his new role within our Senior Men squad.”

Coach Paul Ferrante had confirmed in July that Xuereb would co-captain the side with Ian Felice Pace after the departure of Alec Felice Pace to Germany to join CityBasket Recklinghausen.

“(I’m) Looking forward to an exciting season ahead with new opportunities, especially as we compete in the Europe Cup for the first time,” Xuereb told the club’s socials. 

“It’s certainly a great challenge, but one we feel fully prepared for. Our primary focus remains on replicating the success of previous seasons and defending both the league title and other domestic cups. 

“On a personal note, being named co-captain alongside Ian is a tremendous honour and responsibility. I am committed to giving 100% every day as part of the Starlites family, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to our collective success.”

Last season, Xuereb missed most of the season due to injury after suffering an awkward fall during the John Tabone Shield. However, he returned at the business end of the campaign to help the side take the last of four trophies lifted in an incredible quadruple season.

He then linked up with the National Team to play under coach Duncan Fenech as the team reached the final of the FIBA Small Countries Championships.

Valletta sign 6’3 Taissia Nikishina as transfer coup continues

Milica Stefanovic, Nicole Montalvo, Maria Momcilovic join Capital Club

Valletta BC women have announced more signings these past few days as the Capital club confirmed Russian centre Taissia Nikishina, Milica Stefanovic, together with former Fusion Quest duo Maria Momcilovic and Nicole Montalvo.

Nikishina is believed to be the team’s hottest prospect this coming season, bringing height to the roster which has already shown its intentions with further signings like Sabrina Abugrin Alexia Parnis, Sara Kakaras, and Maria Mifsud. 

Sources have told Malta Basketball, that the Capital club believes the 6’3 youngster has a lot of potential and they are looking forward to her debut at Ta’ Qali in November.

“We are proud to announce Taissia Nikishina as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta said in a statement.

“Taissia is the youngest player of our club but is considered a fantastic prospect. She is a very hardworking player and a bright future awaits her.

“The 190cm centre is returning to the game she loves after having a successful time in athletics.”

Meanwhile, the club also brought in former Athleta women’s team player Stefanovic. The Serbian was on the books of the Gzira-based club during their last experience in the MAPFRE Women’s League before a hiatus that ended this summer as the team returned to the league yet again.

“We are thrilled to announce Milica Tasman Stefanovic as a Lioness,” a club statement read.

“Milica has been playing basketball since she was 6 and amongst the teams she played for, she played for BIP Basketball Club, Vozdovac Basketball Club and Radnicki Belgrade.

“She has achieved a lot of titles throughout her career and her experience is definitely a huge asset for the Capital’s team.”

Later in the week, Valletta added another two players to their squad, with Nicole Montalvo and Maria Momcilovic joining fellow former Fusion Quest players Alexia Parnis and Sarah Kankaras at the Capital club.

Valletta confirm Stelmach report as Farrugia stays

Citizens sign Andre Attard, Jonathan Camilleri

Valletta BC confirmed Malta Basketball’s July report on Monday after announcing the signing of former Athleta centre Piotr Stelmach while continuing to upgrade their roster for the coming season with the extension of Maltese centre Matthew Farrugia, as well as two new local signings for the senior men’s team. 

Stelmach was one of the highlights of last season with Athleta and this will be a boost in value to the Capital Club’s roster as the former NCAA SEC champion was back in Malta for preseason with coach Harry Savaya and his team.

“We are excited to announce Piotr Stelmach as a Valletta Player,” a statement read.

“Graduated from Mississippi State University a D1 college, competed in SEC and won it. Stelmach played 11 years pro in Poland at the highest level and competed in EuroCup and VTB – (he) won the Polish Championship, won a bronze medal in Poland, won the Polish Cup.”

Valletta Fighters sign Stelmach from Athleta

Through announcements made by the club throughout the last few days, the Citizens also re-confirmed Farrugia after having been a big part of their debut season in Division One last season. Before that, the club showcased the signing of former Luxol youth player Andre Attard and former Depiro player Jonathan Camilleri. 

“We are pleased to confirm Matthew Farrugia as a Valletta Player,” a club statement read. 

“Matthew started playing with Loyola Basketball Club and attended several international basketball camps in Europe. He also represented Malta at the 2010 & 2011, U16 European Championship Men Division C and other smaller competitions with the national team

“After a break, the Two-meter centre returned to play with Valletta Basketball club.” 

Last season under coach Harry Savaya, Farrugia played 18 games, starting 12 across all competitions. He averaged 3.4 points and 3.7 rebounds a game in a season where Valletta looked to be in their experimental stage, putting a challenge for the rest of the teams but struggling to keep up in the final stages of games, an issue attributed to the lack of experience as a team within the division. 

New Valletta signings

Meanwhile, the Capital Club have brought on Attard for his senior debut after having played for Luxol’s youth teams in the past.

“We are pleased to announce Andre Attard as part of our club for the upcoming season,” Valletta said in a separate statement.

“After 10 years experience with Luxol with 2 titles won, he is joining us for his first experience at the highest level.”

Finally, the club has also signed veteran player Camilleri, whose past experience at Depiro and Qormi is said to be an asset to the team’s efforts.

“We are happy to announce Jonathan Camilleri as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta announced.

“Jonathan is not a new face within the local basketball scene, having started his basketball career with Qormi Basketball Club and eventually also joining Depiro Basketball Club in recent years.

“Jonathan has played in the senior and junior teams within both Qormi and Depiro and will surely bring in experience and grit for this year’s team in searching for success.”