After an impressive season at Starlites, where he helped the team secure a quadruple after joining in November just after the Super Cup and the John Tabone Shield victories, American big man Kurt James has moved to Division One rivals Athleta, Malta Basketball can confirm.
James was one of the highest-performing players in the Maltese top division, averaging 24.7 points per game across all competitions. Throughout the 19 games played, 14 of which he was a starter for Starlites, James hit 50.2% from the field, 44.7% from three-point range, and 71.8% from the freethrow line.
On defence, James’ height and strength gave him a boost and eventually, the American power forward averaged 12.1 rebounds with 0.6 blocks and 3.0 steals per game.
He was instrumental to Paul Ferrante’s clan but it seems both parties have opted to go their separate ways nonetheless with James now joining new coach Sandro Farrugia at Athleta as the Maroons aim to maintain their momentum after a third-place regular season finish last season.
The Maroons confirmed Malta Basketball reports with an official announcement on Saturday welcoming him to the club.
“We’re proud to welcome Kurt James to our club. Kurt James played professionally two times in Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and Malta. This will be his second season in Malta after playing with Starlites last season,” a club statement read.
Speaking to the club’s socials James sounded his enthusiasm to towards the challenge.
“I’m very happy to be a part of Athleta Basketball Club this season,” James said.
“Thank you Joe Galea, Peter Farrugia, Sandro Farrugia, and the rest of the Athleta committee for giving me an opportunity to continue playing the game that I love at a high level. I look forward to representing the club in the best way to the fullest of my abilities.
“I’m excited for the challenge of competing in the 1st league with a relatively young team. I look forward to meeting my teammates and the rest of the Athleta family.”
James is the club’s third new signing of the summer after the club confirmed former Mellieha Libertas duo Isaac Bonnett and Robert Vitale. With this new trio, the Gzira-based club have also replaced the departing Piotr Stelmach, Matthew Gouder, and Luca Stefanovic who have all left for Valletta Fighters, Hibernians, and Depiro respectively this summer.
The 6’5 29-year-old had joined Starlites as a replacement for Malik Lorquet after stints in Argentina, Portugal, and in the LEB Silver, Spain’s third tier, with Madrid side Zentro Basket.
