Mtarfa-side Betsson Depiro returned to the transfer market with import player Jensen Caretti said to be out long-term, and have now signed the signing of Rwandan-American guard Janai Crooms, the club announced on Saturday.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Janai Crooms to our Senior Women’s Team!” a Depiro statement read.
“Janai is a Providence College graduate and was part of the All-Big East tournament in her Senior Year. Janai also represented the Rwandan National Team, contributing to their best-ever third place finish. Welcome to Depiro, Janai!”
Crooms, originally born in the US but who has represented Rwanda in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, joins last season’s Knockout winners after a college career with the Providence Friars and a stint in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeras de Santurce.
Crooms played two seasons with the Friars from 2021-23. During her career at Providence, she was an All-BIG EAST Honourable Mention selection (2021-22), a Preseason All-BIG EAST pick (2022-23) and a five-time BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll selection.
She finished her collegiate career averaging a team-best 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Crooms joins coach Julian Naudi’s team as they look to overcome their previous defeat to Caffe Moak Luxol, which ended their John Tabone Shield campaign. This was their first defeat since Sophie Abela’s departure to CD Isla Bonita and Caretti’s injury, which came in their competition opener against Hibernians – their only other Shield loss. Caretti, who joined the team over the summer, is set to continue rehabilitating after an awkward landing from a challenge during the game in October.
While Crooms will be an immediate replacement for the two players, sources tell Malta Basketball that the club is also awaiting the next local player transfer window to sign veteran forward Joselle Cardona, a former Malta international who will return to the game after last playing for Luxol.
